Nov 28, 2009 7:40 am

Dell has made available a customized download of Google's Chromium OS (the open-source version of Chrome OS), specifically for its popular Mini 10V netbook.

Google discussed its upcoming operating system (OS) at a recent press event, and released the source code. Since then various builds of Chromium have surfaced online.

Dell made the customized download available Friday, giving all Mini 10V owners the perfect weekend project. All you need to do in order to give Chromium OS a shot is a spare 8GB on a USB flash drive. Once downloaded, simply move the image onto the flash drive, plug it in-to your Mini 10V, and enjoy. It's worth noting that Dell's custom build is pre-beta and could be unstable.

Unfortunately early reports suggest that the Wi-Fi can act up; it may take up to 15 minutes to locate access points--ironic considering Chrome's Web-centric design. But as Google promised, the boot-up time is reportedly super fast, taking just under 12 seconds.

If you have given Google Chromium OS a try be sure to let us know in the comments!

direct download link...

http://linux.dell.com/files/cto/ChromiumOS_Mini10v_Nov25.img

Chris Brandrick

WarMouse, in collaboration with the OpenOffice.org community, revealed on Friday a new open-source mouse developed specifically for users of the OpenOffice suite.

The corded pointing device, memorably dubbed the OpenOfficeMouse, features an unconventional amount of buttons, and will undoubtedly be more than welcome in the lineup of the world's weirdest mice. The OpenOfficeMouse packs in a massive 18 programmable buttons, all of which can be double-clicked, in addition to a scrollwheel, 512KB of built-in flash memory, and support for over 60 separate configurations. With that many buttons, let's just hope the OpenOfficeMouse's target users are incredibly dexterous.

In addition to its OpenOffice uses, the mouse can may draw the interest of the gaming crowd. The OpenOfficeMouse can make light work of various gaming hits, including popular titles like World Of Warcraft and Call Of Duty. Mouse designer Theodore Beale said that "you can do far more with this mouse than most people are likely to realize at first".

Sadly, OpenOffice failed to detail when the confusing new point-and-click would be hitting stores, but we did learn that when the multi-button mouse does arrive it will set you back $74.99.