Dell is preparing to launch a new version of the Inspiron Mini 10 netbook. The Dell Inspiron Mini 10v is virtually identical to Dell’s original 10 inch netbook in all respects but one: It has a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU. Earlier models came with a choice of a 1.33GHz Atom Z520 or a 1.6GHz Z530 CPU. While the Z series chips are a bit easier on the battery than the N series, the N270 offers overall better performance.

Oh, and the Inspiron Mini 10 currently starts at $399, but it looks like the Inspiron Mini 10v will have a starting price (or a sale price) of $299. It also has a slightly smaller hard drive. The Mini 10 ships with a 160GB HDD, while the Mini 10v has just 120GB.The folks at Engadget also reported that Dell was starting to offer 32GB or 64GB SSD options for the Dell Inspiron Mini 10. But I just checked Dell’s product page and it looks like those options are no longer available.

No word on when we’ll start seeing the integrated TV tuner or GPS options that Dell promised back in January.

You can find the info on the Dell Inspiron Mini 10v in Dell’s May catalog (PDF link).

Update: It looks like Dell is also now offering a version of the Inspiron Mini 10 with Ubuntu 8.0.4 Linux with a starting price of $369.