Dell has added a few new options when it comes to the operating system on the Inspiron Mini 12. Previously the Mini 12 was available only with Windows Vista. Now, users can now also choose between Ubuntu 8.04.1 or Windows XP. As for pricing, the Ubuntu based model begins at $499, and the Windows XP more »

This is for the folks who had their hearts set on grabbing an Inspiron Mini 9 or Mini 12 netbook from Dell, but were not really feeling the black or white options. Rest easy, because Dell has announced some new design options as well as the pink and red colors for both the Mini 9 and Mini 12.

The new colors are officially being called “Cherry Red” and “Pretty Pink” and sadly they are both coming with a $25 premium. Hopefully, Dell will have a change of heart on that added cost. If you remember back, the Apline White originally had that same premium, but it was quickly removed.

As for the artwork options, there are five designs available, all of which are from artist Tristan Eaton. As for that extra cost involved with the artwork, these designs add an additional $50 to the purchase price. Keep reading to check out some images of the five available artwork designs…

Dell has officially made their latest Inspiron Mini available in the US. Customers can now visit Dell and purchase the Inspiron Mini 12, but sadly the configurations seem a little limited and may not be ideal for everyone.

Dell is offering the Inspiron Mini 12 in three configurations, which begin at $549 and go up as high as $649. The main drawbacks are that (at least for now) the maximum amount of RAM that you can add is 1GB, and the only option for an operating system is Vista Home Basic. Personally, I would like to have seen some more RAM as 2GB is becoming more and more of a standard nowadays, but more important is that the only OS available is Vista Home Basic and that is sure to turn some sales away from all those Vista haters.