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770

Put some attitude into the Latitude

770 points posted to Advertising and Marketing, Latitude products, Laptops by jervis961 05/04/07

Dell needs a new Latitude model for people who need a stylish notebook for work but want it to be capable of play activities also. It should have a LED back lit 13.3 inch high resolution/contrast ratio trans reflective screen that swivels like a tablet but without the touch screen (touchscreen could be an upgrade). The option of a non-glossy screen would be available.

Media buttons on the monitor would be helpful for times when the screen is turned around and wouldn't be accidentally pushed when resting the notebook on your lap. A good example would be when you're on a plane watching a movie, the notebook would fit better in this configuration allowing you to see the screen easier.

Dell should use a design like in this leaked photo of an upcoming ultraportable.



It needs to have options like Dual core processor (Quad core when available for mobile), DVD burner, fingerprint reader, SSD, 5-1 card reader(with a cover so the card doesn't fall out), HDMI, Dolby Certified sound as well as a video card that is DX10 with at least 256mb of RAM(perhaps use cards from the Precision line for things like video editing) . It needs to be dual hard drive capable, 2 headphone jacks, built in microphone and the option of a built in camera 2MP or better. A WiFi hot spot finder would be helpful. Don't forget the docking port and gigabit Ethernet. Please, Please, Please do not skimp on bandwidth, only the newest technology please.

A LED light that can illuminate the keyboard in dark rooms and media connect must be standard. I would actually recommend using a black light over the keyboard as the white letters would pop without using a very bright light.



Vista Sideshow could be an option as well. At least a small monochrome screen with basic information so you don't have to power up the system.


I think there would be a large market for this type of system.

The advertising would be a great boost to Dell's image. Showing how your "new L-attitude" has changed your life. I've always looked at the Apple VS PC ads and wondered why can't I have both. I think Dell can supply the notebook that finally brings work and play together in a stylish but professional looking package.

What other options do you think should be added?

jervis961
05/04/07
I thought it was catchy. The advertising possablilities are endless with the Attitude theme.
jervis961
05/05/07
I don't know, Dell would have to find out. Attitude is a commonly used word so I doubt it.
lektronimo
05/06/07
Fingerprint reader should be standard on ALL laptops, but this one as well. And a 5-1 card reader with CF slot would be killer, and make most of your original ideas optional, so you can pick whatever you want in your personal computer. Oooh, make personal computer personal again! Wait... HP did that one.
reg
05/06/07
again with the biometrics!

Good luck to all you shmoes when your fingerprints get copied and used elsewhere,
let me know how things go after cutting off your fingers because your identity got 'Jacked.

lektronimo
05/08/07
What if your laptop gets nicked? At least the dumb criminal will have no clue how to brake into it, and beats remebering passwords for all forums/sites anyway. I can only see around .00000068% of biometric owners getting their bits cut off so for rest of the 99.99999932% wont give a shit.
reg
05/09/07
anybody know what a 'key logger' is?

finger scans - same concept, almost the same hardware...
foxconnians4life
05/09/07
My SSD will stay with me.
foxconnians4life
05/09/07
Mine's got hotswapAC/DC too.
lektronimo
05/10/07
Reg uses linux. He has a 48 bit encrypted password for his hotmail account. But I agree on fingerprint readers - make them optional.
reg
05/11/07
Fingerprint readers are a horrible terrible bad idea, like 4 character passwords - sure you could use them,
but the company should protect the user from their own ignorance...

Like asking people not to stick a post-it note on the bank computer monitor:

"Password is: SECRET"
foxconnians4life
05/13/07
I realize that this is probably not the right catagory to post this idea in, but I am so excited about the Dell Idea Storm phenomenon. My contributions for review would sometimes be vector graphic wiring and cabling diagrams in jpeg format. How can I insert them along with progress reports? And can I specify "For Whose Eyes Only"?
crysalidzzz
05/15/07
The Latitute D620 and 420 are jewels in the Dell notebook crown. They need to be consumerized with color options,camera and possibly the screen above. The 13 inch screen would be nice. I would buy as long as the screen is non-glossy.
jervis961
05/15/07
Added it, thanks for the input.
jervis961
05/18/07
I saw the new tablet Dell will be releasing but it still doesn't have enough Attitude.
jervis961
05/29/07
I added the ECC memory and Dolby Certified sound as options.
jervis961
06/04/07
Getting close hopefully they will do something like this in the Latitude. http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/67963
dell_admin10
07/24/07
Changed status to **UNDER REVIEW**.
jervis961
07/24/07
At least you didn't merge this on me. :)
dell_admin10
07/24/07
'Attitude into Latitude' does stick in your mind
jervis961
07/24/07
Yeah it would be a great slogan but Dell would need to actually improve the options like I said to really be able to use it properly.
jervis961
08/06/07
Business week thinks business laptops need a better graphics card too. http://news.yahoo.com/s/bw/20070806/bs_bw/aug2007tc2007081108723
premcv
08/08/07
Hehehe!
msdestynie
09/26/07
This idea is great! <3
diytuner
09/26/07
the built in led lighting would be great
davmcn
09/26/07
it would DELL TAKE NOTES!!!!!
diytuner
09/26/07
so if you use the slogan, I think jervis961 should get some kind of royalty... or at least a free XPS out of it
jervis961
09/26/07
Forget XPS if they make it I want this Latitude. I keep holding on to hope that they will make it. It had a status tag of under review but I lost it when I edited a typo or something. It's a great idea lost in the sea of dupes...
davmcn
09/26/07
that sucks...happened to me also...
dell_admin1
10/17/07
@jervis961- In terms of your idea about the Latitude... you'll note that the line hasn't had any new additions since early May... that means it's in a refresh cycle.
jervis961
11/03/07
Updated to add the Vista Sideshow option.
petzymathuram
11/03/07
Jervis can that slide show idea be implented for some of the Laptops as well? to view the email alerts etc..etc...? for our Dell Laptops?
jervis961
11/05/07
I'm sure it can be used for a plug in display maybe.
sternmusik
12/05/07
Excellent idea. I've got a latitude D830, and while it's ok for work it clearly is the least sexy notebook out there. Plus the multimedia capabilities are horrbile. I mean, the sound....!!! Terrible. I can hardly bear listening. The screen definitely needs improving, too. It's got to be much brighter, and better contrast. Maybe it's just me, but I find things hard to read (everything is so small and not very sharp).

Dell, please listen! Can we please have some fun with a business laptop?
jervis961
12/05/07
Thanks for the feedback sternmusik. These are the reason's I have never owned a Latitude. I've always wanted one but couldn't bring myself to spend the money on a product that is almost unusable at home.
cfuselier
12/11/07
13.3" with the described features sounds great. Add a docking port and gigabit ethernet (please) and I'd buy them for my small business.

Small size + big horsepower == Good machine for mobile professionals.
jervis961
12/11/07
thanks for the input cfuselier, I'll add that into the idea. With the announcement of the new Dell tablet being so wimpy spec wise combined with it's $2500 price tag my idea seems to be more in line with market demand than what they decided to provide.
jervis961
12/11/07
UPDATED for the above options
smotchberry
Jan 30
Your idea encompases the just about every bit of the direction I feel that Dell should take with their Latitude line. Some of these ideas would even fell right at home back in the XPS line.
jervis961
Jan 30
Exacly smotchberry, Dell needs to be foreward thinking and get back in the game.
jervis961
Feb 19
Merged Idea originally posted Jan 3
Step it up Dell: Lenovo announces the IdeaPad notebooks

Features

An integrated 1.3 megapixel camera combined with Lenovo's VeriFace face recognition software can help control access to your notebook by recognizing when you are sitting at the keyboard. It can even lock the system if it determines you've stepped away!

The Dolby® Home Theater™ premium audio system gives amazing, theater-style sound. And the best gets even better thanks to four speakers and a sub-woofer.

The Multimedia Control Center offers a one-stop, total entertainment environment, with a convenient Shuttle Key that puts volume and equalizer controls within easy reach.

There's also integrated Wireless LAN, up to 250 GB hard drive, a 6-in-1 card reader and a CD/DVD writer.

Concerned about environmental quality? Key components of the IdeaPad Y510 are lead-free. In addition, it is Energy Star 4.0 compliant and meets the European Union's Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards
------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Dell should be doing some of this stuff in their notebooks.
anji
Feb 19
Merged Comment originally posted Jan 6
I like the idea of the face recognition software... It's a positive step up from the existing user identifying software of some models that uses a scanned photo of the fingerprint. If you cut your finger you're not passing the scan.
jervis961
Feb 19
Merged Comment originally posted Jan 6
I think I read somewhere it was fooled by a picture though.
anji
Feb 19
Merged Comment originally posted Jan 7
That would not be secure, then, and not such a good idea. Maybe voice recognition?
zanlok
Mar 21
I definitely like the LED light for the kb in here, jerv.
Sideshow, though? Not so much on that one.
jervis961
Mar 21
OPTIONAL. :D
sgogeta4
Mar 23
Security measures aren't foolproof but act as a deterrent to make theft less likely. Fingerprint readers can easily be hacked with clear paper and a printer, the face recognition can be fooled by a picture, and locks can be picked by a bic pen (google those if you want). I really want spill-resistant keyboards though and a Dolby certified sound system would be nice too! I think the Latitudes are ES compliant, have WLAN, card reader, DVD writer (for 14.1"+ models) and all that. Also, comparing that IdeaPad laptop, it is 15.4", so it can have more

http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/76155/Some_details_for_a_better_travell...
jervis961
May 8
Option to Purchase

Dell shall have the exclusive option to purchase from you and acquire all right, title and interest, including, without limitation, any copyrights and other intellectual property law in and to the Materials you submit, which rights shall include, without limitation, the irrevocable right to reproduce, prepare derivative works, combine with other works, alter, translate, distribute copies, display, perform, license and apply for copyright registration for any or all of the Materials, and all rights therein, in the name of Dell, or its designees throughout the universe in perpetuity in any and all media now or hereafter known. The option shall be exercisable by us from the date you submit the Materials until 1 year from that date. If we exercise the option, you agree to accept payment in the amount of $1000 USD or value in kind at Dell’s discretion, and you agree to execute, acknowledge and deliver such other instruments consistent with an assignment of the intellectual property as may be reasonably necessary to carry out or effectuate the purposes or intent of the assignment of the Materials.

I guess my year is up so I own the "attitude" in the "Latitude" IP again. Woo hoo.
jervis961
May 30
Oh well looks like this won't be implimented this year. http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/05/30/dell-latitude-2008-2009-roadmap/
Better processors are still reserved for the 14" and 15" Latitudes.
sgogeta4
May 31
this is kinda old. engadget had this posted along with specifications for the latitude E series.
jervis961
May 31
There were a few things added in the new article. Not much different though.
jervis961
Jun 28
11 months under review
sgogeta4
Jun 29
I guess we'll see how much they reviewed when the Latitude E comes out...

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/29/dells-new-e-series-gets-first-official-men...

If not I guess we can look forward to the Latitude F... lol
jervis961
Jun 29
From what I've seen of the E-series it doesn't include much from this idea. I'll have to wait n see.
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