Dell intros Windows 7 tablet, eight new business-focused Latitude laptops (updated)

Dubbed as "one of the largest-ever introductions in the company’s history," Dell has trotted out a staggering 24 new business computing solutions, including eight new notebooks.

All of the new Latitude laptops host second generation Intel Core processors and enhanced security features such as free fall sensors to protect data against drops.

For businesses on a budget, the E5420 (pictured above) and E5520 starts at $859. Both are outfitted with a brushed aluminum, Tri-Metal casing as well as a protective LCD seal and 360 degree bumper. Customized specs include Windows 7 and Vista OS choices, Intel HD Graphics 3000, up to 500GB of HDD space, plus WiMax and GPS options.

The E5520 has been stepped up with a magnesium alloy internal frame, steel hinges and zinc alloy latches. It also gets a 15.7-inch HD WLED display while the E5420 is resigned to a 14-inch panel of the same making.

Making up the bulk of the lot are the rugged Latitude E6000 series additions (E6220, E6320, E6420, E6520 and E6420 ATG), all of which are equipped with MIL-STD tested Tri-Metal casing and durable displays. The E6000 computers are quite similar to the E5000 notebooks, such as the maximum 500GB of hard drives space, Windows OS options, etc. Some of the specs have been improved upon, including the addition of USB 3.0, anti-glare displays and 4/6 cell ExpressCharge battery options. The E6420 ATG would be the most portable and rugged of them all with an optional handle, a spill-resistant keyboard and port covers.

Lastly, Dell is gearing up to launch Latitude XT3 convertible tablet and an unnamed 10-inch tablet PC. Details are sparse on the XT3 except for the ones already noted across the spectrum such as the Intel Core 2nd-gen CPUs, support for pre-integrated Citrix and VMware remote desktop clients, and security protections. Even less is known about the tablet, except that it will run on Windows 7 and it will be intended "IT organizations that demand control, security, manageability and integration with existing infrastructure investments."

Availability for all of these computers along with pricing for the E6000 notebooks and XT3 will be revealed "in the coming weeks."

UPDATE: Dell has released a photo of the Windows 7 tablet prototype. It's small (within the photo), but it's worth a look.