Dell Mini 10 to include Skyhook location features

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

Dell Mini 10 Netbook computers about to go on sale will include location and positioning services from Skyhook Wireless, Boston-based Skyhook Wireless said.

Skyhook Wireless offers XPS, a hybrid positioning system that uses both GPS and cell-tower triangulation to pinpoint a device's location.

Thanks to XPS, Dell Mini 10 users will be able to get turn-by-turn driving directions, locate the nearest Starbucks or Thai restaurant, display local weather or news, or find friends who are nearby, Skyhook Wireless said.

Skyhook Wireless said it is already powering location features on Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

The photo that appears with this post was taken from Dell's website.