Dell launches colorful new Inspiron R laptops, including pink and red models

Some time ago, Dell figured out that competing on specs for laptops priced under $1,000 was becoming increasingly difficult as more players got into the notebook game. Along with HP, the computer giant has been trying to differentiate its portable offerings through aesthetics, including custom case graphics from contemporary artists. As back-to-school shopping approaches, it's now introducing the new Inspiron R lineup with some bright color choices, along with updated Intel mobile processors.

One of the four color options isn't the standard silver you see everywhere -- Dell has limited the metallic touches to chrome edges -- and one isn't the once-trendy white. Instead, the line comes in black, blue, red, and pink hues -- the latter an obvious nod toward female collegians. For those interested in specs as much as color choices, the R series comes in 14-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch varieties, packing Intel Core i3 and i5 processors and offering options like ATI Radeon discrete graphics cards and Intel Wireless Display technology to stream video from the laptop to an HDTV without any cables (with an additional Wireless Display TV adapter).

Gizmodo has posted Dell's announcement of the new Inspirons that's slated to run tomorrow, when the systems should begin selling on the company's Web site starting at $449. In addition, you'll be able to purchase the laptops at Fry's Electronics, a mostly West Coast chain that will have the new Dells in stock starting June 25.

[Image: Gizmodo]