To address the needs of budget-conscious organizations and schools, Dell (News - Alert) has released an inexpensive version of Windows 8 tablet Latitude 10. Labeled Latitude 10 Essentials Configuration, it offers the first full-featured, enterprise-ready Windows 8 tablet experience at a price below $500.

According to Dell, Latitude 10 Essentials Configuration offers a secure, manageable and

durable enterprise-ready tablet option  to budget-conscious customers. In fact, the manufacturer believes the new configuration offers outstanding value with essential

productivity and collaboration features, and a full-featured Windows 8 tablet experience.

In a statement, commented Neil Hand, vice president, Dell end user computing products, “Dell’s heritage is rooted in meeting the needs of our customers with cost effective, tailored solutions that empower them to reach their potential be it in the office, classroom or hospital.”

“This legacy,” he said, “combined with our portfolio of new enterprise services and product offerings, such as the Latitude 10, enables our customers to deploy the latest technology while balancing IT control and end-user productivity.”

Dell said the new tablet snaps easily and securely into existing IT environments to help improve IT efficiency and decrease total cost-of-ownership. It does not require new mobile device management or software licensing, supports new and legacy Windows applications, is compatible with Adobe (News - Alert) Flash, and connects with existing peripherals to allow end users to work and play the way they always have.

In addition, the new Latitude 10 enables the seamless sharing of one device among multiple users for an affordable, safe and consistent touch computing experience.

Like the predecessor, the new tablet version is framed in magnesium alloy and covered with soft-touch paint for enhanced durability and a good grip. Corning (News - Alert) Gorilla Glass delivers a responsive touch experience and vivid graphics display, and stands up to the test of busy and active users.

For unexpected hardware and software remote troubleshooting, an expert engineer is available 24/7 online or by phone. It offers an optional productivity dock for in-office productivity with a traditional keyboard and mouse for desktop content creation activities.

The full-size USB port provides connectivity to existing equipment as well, and an SD card reader enables easy file transfer plus backup when Internet access is not feasible, said Dell.

Powered by Intel’s (News - Alert) Atom system-on-a-chip (SoC) and Windows 8 Snap Mode, the Latitude 10 essentials configuration 64 GB is available starting at $579 and the 32 GB will be available in the coming months at $499. 

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.