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Dell Computer announced a pair of Intel-based “Centrino”-class notebooks designed for the $1,200 value market.
The Latitude D500 and the Inspiron 500m both feature Intels Pentium M processor, but also include several wireless options. Intel notebooks can only include the “Centrino” label if they include a processor, chipset, and wireless component from Intel.
The $1,199 Inspiron 500m features either 1.3-, 1.4-, 1.5-, or 1.6-GHz Pentium-M processors, a 14.1-inch LCD XGA or SXGA+ (1,400 x 1,050-pixel) display, and up to a gigabyte of PC266 DDR SDRAM. Hard drive options range from 20 to 60 Gbytes.
The Inspiron 500m notebook includes a pair of USB ports, an S-video connection, and a PC Card slot. Wireless options include either an 802.11b, 802.11b/g, or 802.11a/b/g card. A 10/100 Ethernet port is included. Dell has included a six-cell 48 watt-hour lithium ion battery.
Software options include the DellPicture Studio and the Dell Jukebox, as well as either Windows XP Home or Pro, with an option for office suites from either Microsoft or Corel.
Beginning at $1,199, the Latitude D500 includes a single processor option, the 1.3-GHz Pentium M running in conjunction with the Intel 855GM chipset powering a 14.1-inch XGA LCD display. The notebook may be configured with between 128-Mbytes and 1-Gbyte of DDR 266 memory. Storage options range from 20 to 40 Gbytes.
A Latitude D500 buyer also has the choice between an 802.11b standard WiFi 802.11b card, or the 802.11b/g option. The notebook comes with a 10/100 Ethernet port, two USB ports, an S-Video connection, and either a six-cell 48 watt-hour battery or a four-cell 32 watt-hour smart Li-ion battery. Users have a docking bay to install either an optical drive or extra battery, as well. Dell said the D500 weighs 4.79 pounds in its lightest configuration.