Dell Launches D-Family Of Notebooks Featuring Centrino Technology

Dell Computer today announced a redesigned line of its Latitude notebooks and docking solutions, incorporating advancements derived from two years of customer feedback. The first two models, the Latitude D600 and D800, offer combinations of features and designs that include a Tri-Metal chassis and integrated wireless networking technology. Both can be paired with the new D/View stand, which uses the notebook's flat-panel display as its primary monitor, saving both space and money for corporate customers.

The new Latitude "D-Family" builds on the award-winning "C-Family" of Dell notebooks. Introduced in 1997, the Latitude C-Family has become one of the most popular selling notebooks worldwide. Dell will continue to sell C-Family notebooks this year during its transition to the D-Family products.

The moonlight silver colored notebooks feature design elements that will be featured across the new product line. An improved layout provides easy access to the side module bay, and the smart-port location simplifies cable management. Each D-family notebook will also ship with QuickSet, a customizable software application that allows users to easily control power management settings, monitor system status, enlarge icons for high-resolution displays, and more.

For desktop functionality and convenience, the D-family notebooks will utilize the D/Port advanced port replicator or D/Dock expansion station, as well as the new space-saving D/View notebook stand. This unique docking station takes advantage of the new bottom docking port, allowing users to elevate the notebook display to eye-level, making an external monitor optional.

The D/View notebook stand was developed in collaboration with customers, including a Fortune 500 company in the automotive industry. Over the past two years, Dell met with a variety of customers to gather feedback and demonstrate progress. End users and IT managers attended customer advisory councils at Dell's Round Rock, Texas, headquarters. Based on customer requirements for investment protection and "future-proofing," D-Family notebooks include integrated smart card and Gigabit Ethernet capability, dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless antennas and optional Bluetooth connectivity. Both the D600 and the D800 are equipped standard with Intel's Centrino Mobile Technology, featuring Intel's new Pentium M processor, which delivers high performance with lower power requirements, contributing to longer battery life, and also includes Intel's PRO wireless 2100 (802.11b). Customers can also choose Dell's TrueMobile 1300 (802.11b/g) or the TrueMobile 1400 (802.11a/b/g) wireless solution.

All D-Family notebooks will be backed by Dell's single point of accountability for image management and systems deployment, saving time and expense. Dell Custom Factory Integration services are designed to help customers achieve platform stability and consistency without compromising the level of control required for their specific business requirements.

The new Latitude D600 is designed for the user who needs full function in a thin and light package. With a weight of only 4.68 pounds and a starting price of $1,499 US, the D600 delivers a good combination of price, performance and portability.

Features of the D600 include:

. Intel Pentium M Processors running at 1.3GHz, 1.4GHz, or 1.6GHz combined with Intel 855PM chipset.

. Standard Wi-Fi capability with choice of integrated Dell TrueMobile 1300 wireless 802.11b/g or Intel PRO wireless 2100 802.11b miniPCI card

. Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 56K V.92 modem

. Up to 2GB DDR (266Mhz) system memory

. 14.1" displays with XGA (1024 x 768 resolution) and SXGA+ (1400x1050)

. ATI Mobility RADEON 9000 Video Graphics with 32MB of DDR dedicated memory

. Hard drives of 20GB, 30GB or 60GB, and a high-performance (5400 RPM) 40GB option

. Multiple module bay options, including choice of optical drives of 24X CD-ROM, 8X DVD, 24X CD-RW, or 24X CD-RW/DVD combination drive, floppy disk drive, 40GB 2nd hard drive, or 2nd six-cell 48 Watt Hour "Smart" Lithium Ion battery

. Integrated Smart Card reader

. Two USB 2.0 ports, one S-Video out port

. Six-cell 48 Watt Hour "Smart" Lithium Ion battery

. Three-Year limited warranty with next business day onsite service
option

The new Dell Latitude D800 is a step forward in performance notebooks. Starting at $1,699 US, the D800 utilizes the same docks and accessories as the D600, and offers several additional features for the power user, including: 15.4" wide aspect display, leading-edge graphics with up to 64MB of dedicated memory, and an IEEE 1394 port.

Features of the D800 include:

. IntelR Pentium M Processors running at 1.3GHz, 1.4GHz, or 1.6GHz combined with Intel 855PM chipset.

. Standard Wi-Fi capability with choice of integrated Dell TrueMobile 1300 wireless 802.11b/g or Intel PRO wireless 2100 802.11b miniPCI card

. Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 56K V.92 modem

. Up to 2GB DDR (266Mhz) system memory

. 15.4" UltraSharp Wide Aspect displays with WUXGA, (1920 x 1200
resolution) and WXGA (1280 x 800)

. NVIDIA GeForce4 4200 Go Video Graphics with 32MB or 64MB of DDR
dedicated memory

. Hard drives of 20GB, 30GB or 60GB, and a high-performance (5400 RPM) 40GB option

. Multiple module bay options, including choice of optical drives of 24X CD-ROM, 8X DVD, 24X CD-RW, or 24X CD-RW/DVD combination drive, floppy disk drive, 40GB 2nd hard drive, or 2nd six-cell 48 Watt Hour "Smart" Lithium Ion battery

. Integrated Smart Card reader

. Three USB 2.0 ports, one IEEE1394 port, one S-Video out port

. Nine-cell 72 Watt Hour "Smart" Lithium Ion battery

. Three Year limited warranty with next business day onsite service option