Dell refreshes Latitude, OptiPlex ranges

Dell's business clients — Latitude notebooks and OptiPlex desktops — got a refresh yesterday, and the new models (along with a number of other products currently under embargo) were on show at Dell's Technology Camp showcase at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Like a number of manufacturers, Dell is adapting to today's more flexible IT landscape by introducing more 'consumer' features into its business products (so they can be used after work time) and making sure its consumer products can be safely be brought to work if necessary. The new consumer products will be unveiled later this month.

Photos: Charles McLellan/ZDNet UK

Latitude E6x30
The heart of Dell's new business notebook portfolio is the E6x30 series — the 12.5in. E6230, 13.3in. E6330, 14in. E6440 and (not shown here) the 15.6in. E6530.

The general look and feel is little changed from the existing lineup, but internally there are improvements in the shape of better hard disk protection, longer battery life and quicker recharge time, enhanced vPro manageability (iAMT 8.x with Dell extensions for remote BIOS management and hard drive wiping), more encryption options, USB 3.0 support, optional LTE mobile broadband and, of course, Intel's third-generation 'Ivy Bridge' processors.

Latitude E6430 ATG
There second E6430 variant is the E6430 ATG, a ruggedised notebook with military-grade resistance to extreme temperature, vibration, dust and altitude. It includes features like a toughened 14in. display, port covers and an optional carrying handle.

Also new to the 2012 Latitude lineup are a pair of 'budget-friendly' systems, the 14in. E5430 and 15.6in. E5530. Dell has not yet released pricing or availability for any of the products announced on 31 May.

New features on the OptiPlex range include wireless connectivity options, Microsoft UC certification for videoconferencing and better multi-monitor support.