EARLIER TODAY VODAFONE and Dell announced that the Inspiron Mini 9 will be sold with built-in broadband.

Available from later on this month the Inspiron Mini 9 will feature mobile broadband from Vodafone which will be available from Vodafone stores and online as well as directly from Dell in key European markets.

The package will mean that users get a mobile internet service, built-in without the need for an additional modem.

"The recent acceleration in the take up of mobile broadband has demonstrated just how hungry consumers are for internet access," said Vodafone's Andrew Sangster.

"Building on our long relationship with Dell, the availability of the Inspiron Mini 9 will further enhance what a customer can achieve with mobile broadband whilst on the move."

Sangster believes that moves such as this will enable millions more to have readily available internet access.

Dell says it is committed to providing consumers with leading technology that allows them to connect any place, any time with mobile broadband – and with a little help from Vodafone it looks like its commitment has paid off.

This is an interesting idea, although it's not really an original one, as companies such as the Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and mobile service 3 already offering similar packages.

You’ll just have to wait a couple of weeks now for further details on pricing and availability. µ