Windows 7 on the Dell Mini 9
Having tested Ubuntu Netbook Remix on my Mini 9, I decided it was worthwhile giving Microsoft's latest Windows incarnation a go. I had previously run XP on the machine, and it ran reasonably well. However, Windows 7 takes up considerably more space on the 8 gig SSD, and thus I had to undertake some install-slimming measures to get it down to a reasonable footprint.
I utilized Rick's thorough howto guide for installing and using vLite, as well as the Microsoft WAIK (Windows Automated Install Kit). This cut out a significant chunk of uselessness: language support, Windows Help, etc.
I have a usable amount of space remaining of my 8 gigs, with Windows 7 installed, and all the (my) necessary applications.
As far as performance goes, I'd rank the machine's speed with Aero enabled and most of 7's bells and whistles turned on as well above XP. It boots up quickly, applications are snappy, and is generally exactly what Vista should have been.
