If you’re the sort of person who cares more about what a PC looks like on the inside than the outside, you typically have to wait for some eager hacker to buy one and rip it apart (or if you’re lucky, the FCC will publish some photos before the computer is even released). But while the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 isn’t expected to ship for a few more weeks, Dell has published a few photos of the device’s insides in its online service manual.
It looks like it should be pretty easy to upgrade the RAM, swap out the Intel SSD for a faster module, and switch out the SIM card if you get a model with a 3G modem. The manual also includes handy instructions for flashing the system BIOS, replacing the system coin-cell battery, and even replacing a bad power button board.
[via jkkmobile]
My feelings towards Dell are mixed, but one thing I can’t fault them on is their service manuals. I had to replace a broken power jack on my sister’s Inspiron notebook a couple of years ago. When it came to taking that electronic jigsaw apart and putting it all back together again in the right order, the service manual was invaluable.
I wonder if this means we won’t see the upgrade restrictions and threats of void warranties that we’re all too familiar with from other netbook manufacturers.
(Still waiting patiently for the S10 now that MSI no longer wants my custom.)