Dell should discuss the rumored ultraportable with us

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Dell should discuss the rumored ultraportable with us

850 points posted to Latitude products, Laptops by jervis961 Jan 17

There has been much speculation about a leaked picture of a possible upcoming Dell ultraportable. Some say 13.3 inch others think it is 15" and some even speculate it is the 16" from the XPS they showed at CES. Upon magnification you can see it has the following visable: Slot load DVD, 2 USB, Ethernet and 2 other ports (display port and power?) on the left side. Also visable is built in web cam on the LED lit screen. It doesn't appear to have media buttons or a fingerprint reader.

The guys in marketing and developement must be getting sick of being scouped by Engadget and with all the flack they have gotten over the other recent releases (XT, M1330 and M1530). Why not create some good PR, scoup Engadget for once and find out some of the complaints while there is still time to tweak the system. Discuss this system Dell as it can only lead to a better product and greater buzz for it in the process.

piratehead Jan 17	Dell is becoming more open all time with its blogging and other outreach efforts. Please expand this to give your customer base some "future sight" as to what products are coming! I'm sure people would have useful input, and a computer with input from the community is more likely to be embraced by the community. As we say in Open Source development, release early, release often. It keeps people in the loop, allows contribution, builds community, and shows that you have nothing to hide.
jervis961 Jan 17	Well said piratehead.
champ Jan 18	FYI, When the pre-release leaks came out on Apple's new ultraportable, it was mentioned that 13 inch LED backlit displays were going to Apple, and 12 inch LED backlit displays were going to Dell. They were right with Apple, I'm going to assume it to be correct for Dell too. I'd expect to see a Dell Ultraportable using a 12 inch LED backlit display. It could also potentially go into a current product line like the current 12 inch Lattitude, or the 12 inch XPS, so I wouldn't put any money down on a completely new line built around the 12 inch LED backlit laptop display.
jervis961 Jan 19	I forgot about the monitor leak, thanks champ. Anyone figure out what that is on the front? It's not a latch control because there is no latch. It looks like a finger print reader but that is a crazy spot to put it. Some people would complain about having to lift the laptop each time they do a scan, unless it is meant only to do a thumb scan?
daryldeal Jan 21	wow, a beautiful machine, i hope its possible to install it a 8600GT video card
jervis961 Jan 22	Almost to the front page now, maybe we can get somewhere. Thanks for the votes all.
jervis961 Jan 22	Update received on the forums from Bill_B This is all we can say at this time. This is a high-performance notebook concept designed for digital content creation (video editing, music arrangement, photo editing) and CAD with aluminum extrusion and carbon fiber as part of the system. It is 20 millimeters thick with an LED black-lit http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=StormRoom&t...
redrubberpenguin Jan 22	It looks too big to be a 13.3" to me. The space between the keyboard and the sides is too big. Judging from wideness of the screen, and it's purpose for "video editing", I'm guessing it's the rumored 16". Unless that leaked photo is just to throw everyone off lol.
jervis961 Feb 1	More info leaked out today. http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/01/dell-latitude-e-series-leaked/ "We've got a bit of preliminary dirt on Dell's new, soon-to-be-announced Latitude E-series machines, and we're liking what we see. So far we know there will be a 4.25 pound / 14.1-inch and 5 pound / 15.4-inch version, both with WXGA and WXGA+ LED backlit displays, as well as a 12-inch (pictured above) and 13.3-inch version for road warrior types. Expect DisplayPort, eSATA, plenty of USB ports, and PC or ExpressCard slots in the larger models. More on these as we get it in."
aaron_h Feb 2	Doesn't look like the same system. Might be different concepts for the same system, I guess.
jervis961 Feb 2	Maybe but exciting none the less, finally some changes for the Latitudes.
aaron_h Feb 2	True. I have a theory about what really controls the lifecycle of the Latitude line.
jervis961 Feb 2	And that is??
aaron_h Feb 2	Hmm, well I could be wrong, in which case if I tell you then I look like a fool. And if I am right, maybe I am giving away a marketing secret that computer companies don't want everyone to know. >:) But what one item is common to all Latitudes?
jervis961 Feb 2	A keyboard? :D I know the new processors are coming but I think it was more than that this time. They really needed a new look and better specs like in my Attitude in the Latitude idea. I hope they took my advice.
aaron_h Feb 2	No, actually I think there are a couple of different keyboards used. It is the docking station. You have to have compatible docking stations across the entire line and companies would revolt if they had to repurchase docking stations every time there is a computer model change. This is one of the reasons Inspirons can change so quickly, no legacy docking stations to worry about.
jervis961 Feb 2	Well that was my second guess.
jwr200218 Feb 2	too bad they don't give us advance bits of info to keep us from leaving Dell...Sony is already ready, Hp is a step ahead...Dell, you need to WOW us like no other...Dell is no longer #1...show us what you've got!!! I literally can't wait!
ricky Feb 4	I am planning to buy a new computer since my X1 is a bit old. My priority is finding a laptop that is lighter than the X1. Have found some alternatives from Toshiba and Sony. It is though not necessary to include DVD/CD integrated since I do not use it so much. Will Dell launch some model that will be lighter than the X1 in the near future? Will the E-serie with 12 inch be lighter than the X1? I prefer to buy a Dell laptop but need to make a purchase decision soon. Any body that knows about this issue?
sgogeta4 Feb 5	Latitude E = massive droolage
iamxyj Feb 22	wow, that laptop looks AWESOME. Although personally, I still prefer silver (or white) keyboards like that on the XPS. In any case, this is one good looking lappy, about time Dell releases something good looking for the business fellas.
darkpeace Feb 26	Dell.. I know this is your business line, however graphics are a big part of business these days. I would like to see a beefy video card option on this machine. 14" LED LCD. We have 20+ d630's out there in the field.. Great machines, however the Video card option was a bit light. Why not put a 8600 gt or something similar in these bad boys. Please let the 14" version of this machine have a 8600 gt, WXGA+ (1440) resolution or high, HDMI, matt or glossy LED LCD.. Perferably Matt..
mandarinka Mar 6	Yeah, the design is awesome. Both of them. It is not the Apple-type, so some people might not like it. But Apple's way is old and dull, folks just don't have the right sense estetics to realize it!
texas1040 Mar 8	I am waiting on this one. I'm expecting it in June when Centrino 2 ships. Core requirements = Centrino 2 chipset, 13" matte LED LCD, 64 GB high performance SATA2 SSD, higher end dual core Penryn, thin and light, option for no discrete graphics card, fully and correctly drive 24" or 30" secondary monitor (spreadsheets, documents, etc.). I'd prefer the CD drive be external. Looked at a XPS 1330 at Best Buy the other day. Was really surprised - it looks like a kid's toy - cheap, shiny. Very dissapointed.
jervis961 Mar 20	Just a few months to go. Anyone know what a spindle is? http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/254854779/
aaron_h Mar 20	Spindle indicates how many rotating drives are in the computer. Before you ask, I cannot speculate on the 0-spindle but if you think about it you can probably figure out what it means.
jervis961 Mar 20	Interesting, thanks aaron_h. So I guess 2 spindle would be hard drive and media drive?
jervis961 Mar 21	http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/21/up-close-with-dells-latitude-e4300-and-e42...
jervis961 Mar 21	I'm disappointed with the multimedia options on the 13" E4300. 1280X800 display, integrated graphics and only 1 speaker??? Does Dell even listen to us? I started a new idea for people to post needed improvements. http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10079435/Dont_make_the_same_mistakes_De...
cestuila Mar 21	Is speakers really important on a professional laptop? Just plug stereo speakers to the stereo jack, no? Regarding the screen resolution of the E4300, Engadget mention WXGA+ (1440900) but the Excel file only says 1280800 :(
jervis961 Mar 22	Professionals travel don't they? Who wants to bring along bulky speakers to get stereo sound on the road? The idea is that Dell needs to realize that these computers are sometimes used for more than office work. They need to add some options for the road warrior who wants a professional looking system for the office but the functionality for personal use.
cestuila Mar 22	Headphones are great :)
jervis961 Mar 22	Info on the 14 and 15 inch models has been leaked. http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/22/dells-leaked-latitude-e6000-and-e5000-seri... Discrete graphics and 2 speakers at least, still no upgraded sound card.
cestuila Mar 22	Thx for that!
cestuila Mar 22	Regarding the E5400, Dell should communicate clearly about the chassis! With the Latitude D520-D530, we had the option of 14" and 15", but the laptop was actually the same, and you just had a smaller panel for the 14" version.. The question is: do the E5400 and E5500 have different chassis, or just different LCD panels (which would mean you don't save in size nor weight when choosing the 14" version)? PS: maybe this is not the right thread to post, but it has kindof become the Latitude E thread... so you might want to edit the title... when we can edit again! :p Btw, I guess I have the answer to my thread on docking solutions :( http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/102836/Latitude_E_retrocompatible_with_...
jervis961 Mar 24
jervis961 Apr 11	Merged Idea originally posted Mar 21 Don't make the same mistakes Dell: Improve the new E series Latitudes before release Dell is finally coming out with a new Latitude series in a few months but is making the same mistakes as always. Almost a year ago I submitted an idea to "put some attitude into the Latitude" notebooks. http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66820/Put_some_attitude_into_the_Latitude The idea has been "under review" for some time now. In January when information leaked out about a new Dell ultra portable came out I thought it might be in relation to my idea so I started a new idea. http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/76107/Dell_should_discuss_the_rumored_u... Dell decided they know the customers better that the customers know themselves and decided not to talk. Now there has been specs released on the new E series and I must say I'm disappointed in Dell's choices. http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/21/up-close-with-dells-latitude-e4300-and-e42... The E4300 13" will only be sporting a WXGA 1280X800 display, integrated Intel graphics and only 1 speaker. Dell stop making the same mistakes and improve the E-series to have options for a better display, improved graphics and sound as well as 2 speakers minimum. Feel free to add any thing else you find wrong with these in the comments of this idea and hopefully Dell will listen this time.
mandarinka Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Mar 21 Actually, that design is pretty impressive. I like it. Imho what latitude needs isn't attitude (still, this look is by no measures plain or boring, I would call it representative). Integrated graphic brings better battery life (and that counts), the audio is no prob, you really want to use headphones for music, or for any audio you want to sound okay, by the way.
cestuila Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Mar 21 Concerning the "attitude" part, I guess offering the choice of the colour of the lid is probably going that way... But option sounds like an Inspiron option, I don't want a rainbow colour on my Latitude, I want it to look smart. One thing I don't see is whether screens will be TrueLife or not. I TrueLy (lol) hope they will NOT be glossy!
jervis961 Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Mar 22 The attitude I was referring to was in terms of better graphics and sound than the normal office notebook. I love the look they have chosen, I just want better media options.
sgogeta4 Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Mar 23 As to your first link, the new latitudes do have LED screen and it will have the WXGA+ option (third link, last slide). I would also like a tablet out of this, but the tablet (XT2) will still be 12.1". Most transflective screens are CCFL though due to higher contrast ratios. It's an ultraportable and the new GMA X4500 is more than enough, no discrete video card needs to be implemented. At least it will have gigabit ethernet (like all Latitudes already actually). The keyboard will be backlit, but no webcam in the 13.3" version. My friends and I have seen (I haven't used it personally though) and while the model we have is only a pre-production model - it's impressive. While it might not be perfect, it IS a big improvement.
cestuila Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Mar 23 sgogeta, can I be one of your friends? :D
champ Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Mar 24 So far, I like it. but please, No True Life! You gotta have a Matte screen, or at least a matte option! I love the the goal for weight is 2.2 lbs. Notice that the E4200 doesn't have a eraser-head mouse - just a touch pad. While that makes me happy, it will anger a vocal minority. (E4300 has both BTW) The more I think about this, the more I think they're getting it right. The E4200 is for people like me who want the lightest weight laptop, and are willing to compromise on features to get that light wight. The E4300 has the larger, MacBook Air sized screen, and more bells and whistles. The E4300 has a "fixed internal media bay" aka internal optical drive, and the E4200 is external only. They're noticing that some people want small-ISH WITH bells and whistles, and others want small-EST WITHOUT bells and whistles.
champ Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Mar 24 As far as the video card goes. I think integrated Intel video is appropriate for this laptop. If you want want a gaming laptop, go with an XPS or an Alienware.
pjeff Apr 11	Merged Comment originally posted Apr 2 It appears to me that Dell has been listening with regards to led backlit screens and illuminated keyboards. Only disappointment for me is the lack of wsxga+ on the 6500. I just hope they've been listening in regards to screen quality. I will be placing an oder for the 6500 with led backlit wxga+ IF the screens prove to be grain free with half decent veiw angles. If screen quality has not improved its MBP time. Hope it doesn't come to that.

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