Dell outs ultra-portable Latitudes for the suits: e4200 / e4300
Actually Dell is outing seven new Latitude models on the live press conference we’re virtually attending. We’ll get the skinny on all of them, but wanted to call attention to the e4200 and e4300. These are Dell’s "ultra-portables" for business and are 12.1- and 13.3-inch displays respectively. These look pretty light: starting at 1 kg or 2.2 pounds thanks to the magnesium alloy chassis. As far as thinness: width: 11.4"/291mm, depth: 8.0"/204mm, and height: 0.79"/19.95mm.
Dell went with the Ultra-Low Voltage flavor of Intel Core 2 Duo under the hood and the smaller model is SSD only: your choice of a high-performance 64 GB or a slower 128 GB. They took an interesting approach on the RAM: there’s a gig on-board and you can drop up to another 4 GB in the open slot. Windows XP Professional is an option as are most of the various Vista editions. The real kicker for some will be the battery options. Dell is offering a 9-cell battery plus a slice battery that, when combined, will net you 19 hours of run-time. Even if they’re overly optimistic on the 19 hours, I’d bet you can get at least 15 of real-world use.
There’s more see and hear, but I’m going back to the press conference… for now, you can catch more specs and info right on Dell’s site. We’ll chime in later with more info and thoughts.
Update: here’s a much better pic of this e4200. Also, these units will get a new feature in a few months: Dell Latitude ON. You’ll have access to e-mail, contacts, calendar, attachments and the web without having to boot up. Sounds like a Linux approach that we’ve seen on other devices. Nice.
OK so did Microsoft really kill XP Pro or did they just mulch it with a lawn mower and fertilize it with concrete blocks ala kudzu?
Netbook, netbook, where is the netbook? Missing from this press event which focused strictly on business. A lot of the “innovation” that Dell was touting throughout this event is stuff we’ve seen already from Lenovo and HP. I do like this 12-inch device, though.
Exactly James, is the 12 inch considered Dells 12 inch E Slim? If so its going to be way too expensive. I was hoping for a 1000h but in a 12 inch body frame, and under 600 bucks.
I couldn’t wait anymore, i need something affordable and now, 1000h got me.
It looks like trackpad only which is a shame. I know the trackpad has many fans but I really prefer the nipple.
Anyway, I think I’m going to hold out for an X200 tablet.
It looks like trackpad only which is a shame. I know the trackpad has many fans but I really prefer the nipple.
Anyway, I think I’m going to hold out for an X200 tablet.
How much do they weigh? I couldn’t find that on the site. I’d love a sub-3lb puter with a 12-in screen.
JKK,
Does the E4300 have Displayport?
Thanks!
looking at the spec sheets and pics, theres no Displayport or HDMI or DVI
heres to waiting for an updated u110 and tz…
The e4200 weights 2.2 lbs “starting weight” which means without the battery.
So the rumored netbook is still in hiding?
Yes, it’s in hiding. It’s waiting for the $299 price to be feasible.
Oh, I missed the 2.2 lb. stat in the article–sorry! I like the sound of this one. Very light, but with a nice sized screen. I’ll be interested to see what kind of price tag we’re talking about.
I’m also interested in the netbooks, but I hope they don’t wait too long. They’d probably do better to get it out the door at 350 or so than wait until 2009 when the field is much more crowded.
Latitude is Dell’s primary line of business computers positioned against the Lenovo X-series. These are “thin & light” laptops, not netbooks.
Based on the images at Dell’s site both new models have VGA connectors. They are also supposed to have Display Port.
The 2.2 pound 12″ model is 0.6″-0.8″ thick and features a touchpad, SSD (no HDD option), and no internal optical drive. The 3.3 pound 13″ version is 1.0″-1.1″ thick and has both a touchpad and touch stick, HDD or SSD, internal optical drive, and optional 1440×900 WXGA+ display.
Too bad the 4300 is not equipped with Blu Ray or Display Port (James could you please confirm that there is no Display Port on the 4300?) early specs on engadget had DisplayPort.
e4200 has Displayport! confirmed in picture below:
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49298530-3,00.htm
CNET misinterpreted the image.
check the closeup from the press release gallery (right tab)
combo USB/eSATA
There’s a brochure on the Dell site that provides more detailed specs on the E4200 and E4300: http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/latit/en/Global_English_Dell_Latitude_E4200_E4300_Spec_Sheet.pdf
PROCESSORS
E4200: Intel C2D ULV up to SU9400 (1.40GHz, 3MB L2 Cache)
E4300: Intel C2D Standard Voltage up to SP9400 (2.4GHz, 6MB L2 Cache)
GRAPHICS
Intel GMA 4500MHD
SLOTS
Expresscard 34, SD/MMC
PORTS
1394, 1x USB 2.0 with USB PowerShare, 1x eSATA/USB Combo, VGA, RJ-45, headphone/speaker out, mic, docking connector
Display Ports are provided on the docking stations.
The E4200 and E4300 will also be available with embedded GPS + broadband cards (EVD0 or HSDPA/HSUPA).