latitude

Dell, HP blanket notebook lines with Penryn chips

Intel's newest Core 2 Duo processor has finally found its way into most models in the world's two largest PC makers' notebook lines.

With some exceptions. Hewlett-Packard (HP) will offer the 45-nanometer Penryn processor for the first time in its 8700 performance line in the next two weeks.

Intel's 45nm Core 2 Duo Penryn processor was announced back in January as a significant upgrade from the previous "Merom" 65nm processors. Penryn boasts improved power saving features and generally better (though not phenomenally) performance at the same clock speed due, among other things, to a larger … Read more

Dell gets rugged to pump up sales

The Latitude XFR D630 from Dell is not sexy.

But that's not the point. The PC maker's first ruggedized notebook isn't having a New York coming-out party with runway models a la the colorful Inspiron and XPS laptops from last summer. But the company does hope that an option for a tough exterior whets the appetites of some of its most loyal customers, large IT departments.

The Latitude XFR D630 is basically a Latitude D630 in full body armor built to withstand extreme temperatures, falls, moisture, dust, and more.

Dell isn't really breaking any new ground … Read more

Dell launching Penryn-based Inspiron, XPS notebooks

Dell is in the process of updating its notebook line with Intel's newest 45-nanometer mobile processors. As reported earlier this week, Dell indicated it would refresh its lineup with Intel "Penryn" processors.

This comes as Dell moves much of its AMD-based lineup to retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Staples.

Dell will offer the Penryn processors in its Inspiron and XPS lines, according to a Dell spokesperson. One of the first U.S. models is already available online. The XPS M1330 can be configured with a Core 2 Duo T9500 (2.6GHz, 6MB cache), 2GB of memory, … Read more

Dell's E-series Latitude leaks

While Dell has made great strides in the past year with its consumer laptop lines (you know, those nifty Inspironand XPSsystems), the company's business line, known as Latitude, has remained pretty uninspiring.

All that's about to change, according to the latest from the rumor mill. Engadget kicks it off with reports of upcoming 12-, 13-, 14-, and 15-inch models, all with LED backlit displays. It appears to be clad in a brushed metal chassis. Other purported parts include eSATA and DisplayPort connections.

No price or availability details just yet, but we'll keep you posted.

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Dell tries tablets with Latitude XT

Tablet computing is a very small pond, and it's now home to a very big fish: Dell.

The Round Rock, Texas-based PC maker on Tuesday is introducing the Latitude XT Tablet PC, its first product in the category.

Though it's just one notebook, Dell's entry is sure to cause a stir. It's a modest niche of computing that hasn't really gotten off the ground yet. And the interest of the second-largest PC maker in the world can't help but have an impact on the market.

"It puts the product in limelight," said … Read more

Dell gets rugged

As a CNET employee, I am often harassed by friends and family about "what to buy and where to buy it." I often tell them to visit our Web site, not me. Recently, folks have been asking me about my thoughts on rugged notebooks. The first brand that comes to mind is Panasonic and its "ToughBook" line of notebooks. Recently, Dell (yes, Dell) has gotten into the mix by offering its first rugged notebook, the Latitude ATG D620. It's a rugged version of its popular Latitude D620 notebooks, offering new casing, a shock-mounted hard drive, … Read more