Continue reading Dell ultra-slim laptop gets Cougar Point tease, Sandy Bridge Inspirons next week

Dell ultra-slim laptop gets Cougar Point tease, Sandy Bridge Inspirons next week originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell unveiled a mighty business laptop lineup this morning, but only a few stood out — like this Dell Latitude XT3 convertible tablet PC with a quad-core Intel Sandy Bridge processor inside. Yes, it seems Dell’s decided to forgo the incredible battery life of its predecessor for potent performance instead, with this particular unit packing a 2.5GHz Core i5-2520M CPU and 2GB of RAM underneath that swiveling 13-inch display. While the prototype XT3′s screen seemed a little washed-out and viewing angles left something to be desired, we have to admire its matte dual-digitizer display, which takes multitouch input from at least three fingers simultaneously and also recognizes a pop-out stylus pen (the former responsive enough to navigate Windows 7 by touch alone, and the latter beyond our can’t-draw-a-straight-stick-figure ability to easily test). That sunlight-readable screen isn’t just for traveling artists, though, as Dell was quick to inform us that the XT3 is the company’s attempt to make a convertible tablet that corporate IT will accept as one of its own, thanks to the same magnesium frame and universal docking port as the rest of the new Latitude lineup. We can’t lie: we’d be pretty excited about the potential for awesome here, if we had any notion of release dates or price. Find some pictures below, and mosey past the break for a hands-on video.

Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

Continue reading Dell Latitude XT3 convertible tablet, hands-on (video)

Dell Latitude XT3 convertible tablet, hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I must say it looked like a toy a first glance however after having a play with it the whole kit is a well balanced machine.

You notice there are no exhuast holes anywhere so if you manage to put the laptop on water or other type of moisture you are sure not to get it wet inside.

Rubber in all the right places and utilizing a touch screen the LatitudeTm 2100 was something I can see being used in a school.

The touch screen was responsive and unlucky for me only manage to play the physic game, so I’m not sure how it will perform on the network.

The keyboard was nice to use and I didn’t feel like I had to change my comfort zone just to type something, unlike the Dell Mini 9.

Now these are not final pricing however just a quick quote it was gestimated around $600.00 AUD for basic model which includes 1GB Ram no webcam and 1 year warranty from memory.

Moving up to 2gb RAM, webcam and extended warranty probably around $800.00 AUD – Please don’t quote me.

We couldn’t get a price on the managed trolley so as soon as I hear what we are looking at I’ll post something up.

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Cheers

Phil

Received an email this morning with news I am pretty excited about!

We use a darlek metal trolleys in our college so this new dell unit is looking pretty Shmick.

Running Altiris with this bad boy trolley and entourouge will make life a lot easier; just waiting on the price :S

Dell delivers industry’s firsts with 10.1 inch netbook designed for education

· DellTM believes every child should have access to the world of knowledge beyond the classroom

· The new LatitudeTM 2100 is influenced by the needs of K-12 students – ‘student rugged’ design offered in five colors with wireless connectivity that can be monitored by educators with a network activity light

· Optional touchscreen is a first for education netbooks

· The Latitude 2100 will also appeal to other public-sector and enterprise customers looking for a netbook for uses from employee training to order fulfillment, or wanting secondary systems for their workforce

· Backed by Dell’s award-winning business-class service and support – including standard onsite services

SYDNEY, Australia and AUCKLAND, NZ, May 19, 2009 – Dell believes every child should have the opportunity and tools to learn the skills necessary to succeed in the digital world. Critical to this is the availability of technology designed for the unique needs of K-12 students, teachers and school administrators. Today, Dell set a new standard in education technology with the launch of a netbook influenced by the needs of K-12 students, the Latitude 2100. The Latitude 2100 is also ideal for any business or public institution that needs an affordable, durable Internet-ready device for email and collaboration.

Inspired by close cooperation with hundreds of students, teachers, parents and administrators, Dell designers created a purpose-built education netbook that focuses on what’s most important – learning. The Latitude 2100 is part of Dell’s connected classroom ? innovative technology products, services, software and training that make learning in the digital age a reality. With the Latitude 2100, students can access enhanced learning resources and digital content on a school network or via the Internet. As a result, the Latitude 2100 blends into student life, from lesson plans to homework, increasing time spent learning versus managing technology.

The Latitude 2100 has unique features for schools like bright primary colors and a more rugged, ‘rubberised’ design that is easier for children to carry and use safely. It also offers wireless connectivity that can be monitored by the teacher with a Network Activity Light on the netbook lid. An optional touchscreen is a first for an education netbook and makes the Latitude 2100 a perfect choice for enhanced student interaction, assessment, and for special education teaching. The Latitude 2100 also offers administrators a range of services making it easier to deploy and manage.

Additional options include: solid-state drives, quick-connect handles and shoulder straps for carrying, and a webcam. The Latitude 2100 is backed by Dell’s award winning business service and support.

The Latitude 2100 extends Dell’s Latitude range and joins the Latitude XT tablet and semi-rugged Latitude ATG as systems designed to meet the exacting needs of customers across a range of private and public-sector organisations with specific mobile computing requirements. Enterprises and public -sector customers looking for a business-class netbook will be attracted to the Latitude 2100 for activities ranging from employee training to order fulfillment or when a secondary system is required by their workforce.

The News:

· The “student-rugged” Latitude 2100 is designed to absorb the daily bumps and bruises of a crowded playground or backpack. Offered in five colors – School Bus Gold, Chalkboard Black, Ball Field Green, Blue Ribbon and Schoolhouse Red– the Latitude 2100 comes with a 10.1-inch screen and a unique “four-square-ball-style” rubber casing, making it easy for little hands to grip the netbook.

· The system is available with a personalised window on the back of the battery pack where the school logo or name can be displayed, allowing schools to personalise or easily identify systems.

Equipped with a wireless communication suite and optional webcam, the Latitude 2100 enables productive days filled with collaboration, exploration and easy uploading of assignments. A Network Activity Light on the lid helps teachers monitor network use and identify students who may be surfing the Internet.

· The Latitude 2100 also includes:

o Choice of XP Home, Vista Home Basic and Linux Ubuntu

o Intel Atom processor N270

o 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity coupled with a full suite of wireless communication options

o 2.91lb* (1.32kg) starting at weight with 3-cell battery

o Hard or solid state drives for increased durability

o Three-cell or six-cell battery

o Three-in-one Media Card Reader

o Optional External DVD+/-RW via USB

o VGA port

o Clean bottom is vent-free to avoid any intrusion from spills

o Options: webcam

· Key management features can allow IT administrators to lower overall ownership cost and speed up deployment:

o More durable design that means a longer product life

o Remote management for easier administration

Quotes:

“The Latitude 2100 shows that Dell thinks about, cares about, and designs products with education in mind,” said Paul Bell, president of Dell’s global public sector division. “This system is an extension of our efforts to support educators as they transform technology access in classrooms worldwide. We will continue to respond quickly to their needs and work with governments to deliver technology that modernizes education, excites students and arms them with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age.”

“Dell is setting a new standard for netbooks with the Latitude 2100.” said Jeff Morris, Dell’s Sydney-based APJ director of Commercial Client products. “The Latitude 2100 is a purpose-designed netbook for students. In addition to being popular with education institutions, we also expect the business-class design features of the Latitude 2100 to interest other public institutions and private enterprises as it delivers a unique offering to the netbook market.”

The system is available from 20 May in ANZ. More information is available at www.dell.com/latitude.

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