Professor Geek

I bought a Dell Mini 9 right before Christmas.  As soon as it arrived, I started customizing it and have documented everything I have done so far.  When the configuration (and documentation) is complete, I will post it here.  In the meantime, here is a brief description of what I wanted to do:

1.  Increase RAM from the default (and maximum available from Dell) 1 gb to 2 gb, which the system will physically handle.
2. Start with a triple boot system, leaving the original Dell install intact (I selected the Ubuntu system) and adding Windows XP Pro and Ubuntu 8.10.  Eventually, I will probably get rid of the Dell Ubuntu install, leave XP on its small (8 gb) partition, and give the rest to Intrepid Ibex (8.10).
3. I wanted the maximum drive space, so I opted for the 32 gb drive.  My intent was to initially reduce Ubuntu 8.04 (the Dell install) to 8 gb, give 8 more gb to XP and the remainder to 8.10.
4. I wanted to use it with Skype, Elluminate, etc., so I needed the webcam.  I opted for the higher resolution model.

The system is designed to be my portable connectivity.  It’s small and light enough (and easy enough on batteries) to take about anywhere you might need a quick Internet connection.  Here’s what it will NOT be used for:

1. Development (my regular desktop system is set up for that and has plenty of horsepower for it)
2. Video (I have an Archos player that I love for portable video)
3. Media creation (again, my desktop or my Dell XPS laptop work great for that)
4. Writing (the keyboard on the mini is just too small for this.  When I need to write somewhere away from the office or home, I use the XPS laptop … great screen and keyboard, lots of RAM, lots of HD space)
5. Running local applications like spreadsheets, etc.
6. Network troubleshooting (I have an old Inspiron notebook dedicated to that)

What I will use it for:

1. Portable web surfing
2. Checking email
3. Remote access to my other computers, when needed (I use Logmein for this)
4. PowerPoint presentations (the portability is great for that)
5. Online conversations (Elluminate, Skype, etc.)
6. Airplane use (it actually fits on the tray, unlike even my XPS 15 inch, which is a tad too large … and too heavy … and too hard on batteries for a whole flight)

With that in mind, I set out to do the configuration.  So far, everything has worked like a charm.  It triple boots and I have started adding the applications.  I’ll post more here when complete, including all of the “how-to” details for anyone who might want to duplicate the effort.

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