Dell Latitude Z: photos
Dell has been working hard to dispel its stodgy image in recent times, and the ultra-thin Latitude Z certainly doesn't look much like a regular Dell Latitude. With a 16in., 1,600-by-900 resolution screen, the 2.5cm-thick, 2.04kg Latitude Z is intended as a premium platform to showcase Dell's innovative technology.
The chassis is a new dark 'Black Cherry' colour, with brushed aluminium panels giving it a hint of luxury.
Photo Dell
The Latitude Z's most notable feature is the touch-sensitive EdgeTouch area on the screen surround (top) that lets you control a number of features, including multimedia playback and the integrated 2-megapixel webcam. The latter is unusual in having an application that lets you scan business cards or entire documents to PDF (bottom).
Photo Dell
The Latitude Z's keyboard is optionally plastic, rubber or backlit, while the touchpad is multitouch-capable.
Other innovations include a Wireless USB docking station and a wireless inductive battery charger. There's also a novel LatitudeOn button that boots to a separate embedded Linux-based OS for email, internet and (eventually) VPN access.
Photo Dell
Inside, there's nothing too unusual about the Latitude Z. It's powered by either a 1.4GHz or 1.6GHz Intel ULV Core 2 Duo processor with 2GB or 4GB of RAM and integrated Intel X4500 graphics. Storage is SSD-only, with twin 128GB drives supported. I/O ports include USB, e-SATA and DisplayPort. The 4- or 6-cell batteries are removable (4-8 hours autonomy claimed), but stick out of the back a couple of centimetres.
Other standard features include a fingerprint reader, contactless (NFC) smartcard reader plus all the usual manageability features of the Latitude range.
The Latitude Z is available now starting at £1,319 (ex. VAT).