Summer vacation may be around the corner, but Dell has its eye on going back to school. Its new Latitude 2100 netbook was designed with elementary and junior-high classrooms in mind, and consequently it features such options as a rubber exterior and an antimicrobial keyboard, as well as a soon-to-arrive rolling media cart, for managing a classroom’s worth of devices. Aiming for such a specialized niche may prove a smart move for Dell, as the Obama administration puts a new emphasis on education and educational funding, and Dell competitors such as Acer, Lenovo and MSI all have new netbooks on the market.
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A First Look at the School-Minded Dell Latitude 2100 Netbook
by Michelle Maisto
Dell designed the newest addition to its Latitude line, the 2100 netbook, with classrooms in mind. The rubberized exterior, which feels like a kickball or four-square ball, makes it easy to grip and is available in five colors: green, red, blue, yellow and black.
The Latitude 2100 is ruggedized—though not rugged—and can be carried using a shoulder strap clicked into two Kensington lock slots. (Photo courtesy of Dell)
Dell will soon also be offering the Mobile Computing Station—a rolling cart that can lock 24 netbooks inside. Once they’re clicked into place, the netbooks in the Station can be charged and remotely managed with just one power and Ethernet cord. (Photo courtesy of Dell)
Geared toward young users, the 2100 is available with a microbial keyboard, Webcam and touch-screen. To avoid damage from spills, it was designed without a vent on its underside. (Photo courtesy of Dell)
According to Dell spokespeople, in addition to schools, many companies that offer employee training sessions are also showing interest in the 2100 netbooks and the Mobile Computing Station cart. (Photo courtesy of Dell)
The Latitude 2100 measures less than an inch thick and weighs 2.91 pounds with the 3-cell battery option, making it feel substantial in the hand and not easily knocked over. A Dell spokesperson said its expected lifecycle is three years.
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Summer vacation may be around the corner, but Dell has its eye on going back to school. Its new Latitude 2100 netbook was designed with elementary and junior-high classrooms in mind, and consequently it features such options as a rubber exterior and an antimicrobial keyboard, as well as a soon-to-arrive rolling media cart, for managing a classroom’s worth of devices. Aiming for such a specialized niche may prove a smart move for Dell, as the Obama administration puts a new emphasis on education and educational funding, and Dell competitors such as Acer, Lenovo and MSI all have new netbooks on the market.