Dell's Windows 8 Lineup Includes Tablets, Laptops, Desktops

Dell's range of new tablets, laptops and PCs bring enhanced touch computing to consumer and business machines with their new Windows 8 operating systems.

Dell's latest Windows 8-equipped laptop, tablet and desktop computers for consumers and business users were unveiled Oct. 23 in preparation for the global launch of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system on Oct. 26.

The new machines, which are available for preorder immediately and will ship starting Oct. 26, are actually the third round of new Windows 8 machines unveiled by Dell since September.

Included in the latest releases from Dell are:

• The Inspiron 15z Ultrabook, which starts at $749, and includes a 15.6-inch display. The 15z is also available with an optional touch-screen display for $899.

• The XPS 10 tablet, starting at $499, designed for mobile professionals and other users. The XPS 10 features a high-definition multi-touch display with split-screen capabilities, the new Windows RT operating system and dual-core ARM architecture, according to Dell. Buyers can also purchase an optional mobile keyboard dock that includes a full-size keyboard, touch-pad, ports, stereo speakers and an extra battery for extended use.

• XPS 13 Ultrabook laptop business laptop, which starts at $999.

Also available from Dell are a new 23-inch S2340T multi-touch monitor and TP713 wireless touch-pad, which are designed for Windows 8 and its new touch-computing capabilities, according to Dell. The monitor, which starts at $699, stands on a multi-position, 90-degree articulating stand, while the wireless touch-pad, which starts at $69, allows users to swipe and scroll the controls easily.

The new devices join other recently announced Windows 8 machines from Dell.

On Oct. 12, the company unveiled its XPS 12 Convertible Touch Ultrabook laptop, which starts at $1,199, along with its XPS One 27 desktop all-in-one with touch, which starts at $1,599. Also announced was the Inspiron One 23 all-in-one touch.

The XPS 12 is billed as two devices in one: a fully featured, full-powered laptop that transforms into a fully featured touch-powered tablet by twisting its articulated flip hinge touch-screen.  The XPS One 27 all-in-one includes a high-resolution display and performance graphics, as well as an articulating stand that tilts the display to a 60-degree angle.

Dell's first Windows 8 machines were announced in September, when the company showed off the:

• Enterprise-class Latitude 6430u Ultrabook laptop, with a 14-inch screen and a 33 percent slimmer profile than previous versions. The 6430u is also 16 percent lighter than the current model and is designed to meet MIL-STD-810G durability testing, which is a U.S. military test standard where systems are subjected to the harshest conditions, according to Dell. The new machines start at $899.

• Latitude 10 tablet computer, which is a 10-inch model that allows the use of the latest touch-enabled applications for mobile enterprise workers. The Latitude 10, which starts at $649, supports existing Microsoft productivity applications and is compatible with existing IT management consoles, according to Dell. The Latitude 10 includes swappable battery capabilities and robust security options for encrypting all data from the hard drive to the USB port. In early 2013, the units will also be available with custom features for health care and government use, including optional fingerprint and smart card readers for two-factor authentication. The Latitude 10 also offers up to 18 hours of battery life and an optional productivity dock and active stylus.

• OptiPlex 9010, which starts at $1,199, and is a 23-inch all-in-one computer that preserves desk space while offering touch interfaces for business users. Available options include a multipoint touch-screen, a fixed or rotating camera and an articulating stand to better position the screen for users.

This is a busy couple of weeks for Microsoft, which will follow all of its Windows 8 hoopla with the launch of its new Windows Phone 8 operating system Oct. 29.