Dell Unveils Thin, High-End, PC

In the world of personal computers, thin is in.

 

Dell this week launched its latest, ultra-thin personal computer for businesses. The Latitude Z laptop, which features a 16-inch screen and weighs 4.5 pounds, is less than 1 inch thick.

 

It’s the ultimate in high-end laptops for users that don’t want to lug around a heavy PC. But there’s a slight catch.

 

The Latitude Z, shown below, starts at $1,999. The company is targeting the PC at so-called "impression makers," including entrepreneurs, lawyers, creative professionals, salespeople and higher education faculty with the new device.

 

The laptop features an “always-on” function that gives users instant access to e-mail and the Internet. In addition, the device can be charged without a power cord. Users can place the laptop into a docking station.

 

In addition, the Latitude Z includes a touch screen interface that lets users interact with commonly used applications and media controls.

 

“Dell (News - Alert) is introducing ground-breaking innovations that mark many industry firsts,” said Steve Lalla, vice president and general manager, business client product group, Dell, Inc., in a statement “We’re delivering robust solutions to solve real customer needs. We are committed to our core business and expanding our product line to meet the needs of our customers when they are ready to refresh or add to their existing infrastructure.”

 

With the Latitude Z, Dell is ramping up its business to meet consumer demand for lighter, more portable laptops. The latest device follows Dell’s release earlier this year the Adamo laptop. Like the Latitude Z, the Adamo is priced at $2,000. It includes a high-definition edge-to-edge glass display and is fully connected with WiFi (News - Alert),  Bluetooth and optional integrated mobile broadband.

 

The new product comes as Dell recently announced it was extending its retail presence. The company’s is now available to consumers more than 30,000 stores, including its stores that opened recently in 83 Media World Stores in Italy.

 

As TMCnet reported, Wal-Mart has recently awarded Dell its Electronic Supplier of the Year award for 2008, and Best Buy bestowed its Bravo award of excellence. Dell has been consistently lauded by its industry partners for its superior technology, integrity, partnering synergies and efficient supply chain systems.

 

Earlier this year, Dell announced a move to target younger consumers with a netbook just for kids. The company unveiled the multi-colored Latitude 2100, which features a 10-inch screen, a keyboard and comes with touch screen capability. The netbook can run on Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP and Vista operating systems and the Ubuntu (News - Alert) version of Linux. Users can also add a Web camera.