Dell announced the Inspiron
13z and Inspiron 14z notebooks, extending the company's emphasis on thin
computing, and broadening the "z" distinction to Inspiron, Dell's
consumer notebooks brand. The company also introduced the Vostro V131, an addition
to the Vostro laptop line designed specifically for small business customers.
The Vostro V131 is available
via the company’s Website starting at $449, while the Inspiron 14z is available
for $599.99 and in select geographic regions worldwide. The Inspiron 13z is
launching in select countries in Asia.
A removable six-cell battery
with 2nd generation Intel Core processors, both available as an option, will
deliver up to 9.5 hours of battery life on the V131, and the notebook offers a variety
of options, including WWAN, WiMax and LTE (Long-Term Evolution) (in the U.S.
only), WLAN and Bluetooth 3.0. The standard fingerprint reader and Absolute
LoJack security software provide security, and a full HD camera, SRS Premium
Voice Pro, digital array mics and built-in Skype. In addition, the laptop
offers two USB 3.0 ports, a chiclet keyboard with a backlit option and quick
launch keys.
Beginning in September, all
Vostro V131 systems in the U.S. will include solutions specifically tailored to
small businesses. My Business Toolkit, available Sept. 1, is a suite of
software and services designed to provide small-business customers with some
additional tools. Vostro customers will receive free Website hosting from
Web.com, and Ruby Receptionists will provide 30 days of virtual reception or
100 receptionist minutes, whichever comes first. Trend Micro Worry-Free
Business Security Services will provide 15 months of anti-virus protection, and
Dell DataSafe will provide automatic data back-ups.
"We designed the Vostro
V131 to deliver fast, uninterrupted multi-tasking for today's business
challenges," said Sam Burd, vice president of Dell's consumer and SMB
product group. "The result is a feature-rich laptop for mobile
professionals who want full performance to support their technology demands
without sacrificing design and portability. In addition, the V131 offers
services and software solutions that improve productivity and data
security."
Inspiron z models are
available with 2nd generation Intel Core i processors, Microsoft Windows 7 operating
system, and on-processor graphics allowing for long battery life. A built-in
media card reader, WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0 and the newest USB 3.0 technology for
faster content transfers are also available as standard. The notebooks are
available in standard Diamond Black or optional Fire Red LCD back and matching
palm rest, full-size chiclet-style keyboard and HD Web cam.
The Inspiron 13z comes with
a 13.3-inch widescreen HD (1366-768dpi) display. Other optional features
include up to 8GB of memory, a choice of a 320GB or 500GB hard drive or 128GB
of solid-state storage. The Inspiron 14z is equipped with a 14-inch widescreen
HD (1366-768dpi) display, and optional features including up to 8GB memory; the
choice of a 500GB, 640GB or 750GB hard drive; along with an internal tray-load
DVD combo for playing and recording DVDs/CDs.
"The new Inspiron 13z
and 14z are two of the most powerful, ultra-thin Inspiron laptops we've ever
offered," said Burd. "Today's 'on-the-go' lifestyle demands
portability and power, so your favorite content is always at your fingertips."