Dell Latitude Ultrabook and Tablet Revealed
The Dell Latitude business PC family grows with two new slim and portable designs, an ultrabook and Windows tablet.
Dell is ringing in the arrival of Windows 8 by adding two new form-factors to the Latitude business PC lineup, a business ultrabook and a 10-inch tablet. Both systems are outfitted with Windows 8 Professional and feature the same durable designs and business-friendly features seen in existing Latitude systems.
The Dell Latitude 6430U is the first ultrabook to be a part of the Latitude family, and features the same business-rugged construction seen in the full-size Latitude E6430. The slim E6430U is built to MilSpec 18G standards for withstanding vibration, shock, and variations in temperature and altitude. The same Tri-Metal construction used on the is present here, with an aluminum laminate lid, steel hinges, and magnesium-alloy frame. Despite the heavy-duty construction, the 6430U is less than 0.79 inch thick thick and weighs just under 3.7 pounds.
The Dell Latitude E6430U comes with Windows 8 Professional (64-bit) preinstalled, as well as Intel vPro for enhanced security and manageability. Unlike many ultrabooks, the Latitude E6430U has a user serviceable battery, which can be swapped out for a spare for extra battery life. You likely won't need it, however, as Dell claims that The Latitude E6430U offers 10 hours of battery life during continuous use. Dell is also making it simpler to use the ultrabook in and out of the office with wireless docking technology.
Announced alongside the ultrabook is another new form factor for the Latitude line, the Dell Latitude 10, a 10-inch tablet running Windows 8 Professional. For expanded use in an office environment, the Latitude 10 will be available with a standalone desktop dock, which adds AC power and charging, as well as additional full-size USB ports, Ethernet, and an SD card slot. The Latitude 10 is also equipped with a user-serviceable battery, and Dell claims that the tablet will get battery life in the 18-hour range.
Pricing and availability of the Latitude E6430U ultrabook and Latitude 10 tablet have not yet been announced.