Dell Latitude E Series (E4200, E4300) - Announcement Coming?

It would appear that we will soon be seeing full information (and release dates) for the Dell Latitude E series - the Latitude E4200 and Latitude E4300. This, according to an official appearance of the “Laitude E-Family Laptops!” on Dell.com.

The E4300 will probably have a 13.3-inch display and possibly be a replacement for the Latitude D430 (which, while the D430 has a smaller display, the e4300 actually weighs less).

The E4200 will probably have a 12.1-inch widescreen display, start at 2.2 pounds (1kg) weight-wise), and could be the high-end version of this series (with the E4300 being a reasonably-priced version of the D430).

Both should have DisplayPort (an upgrade for video connections), eSATA, and should be based on Intel’s Centrino 2 platform.

Engadget believes that based on the appearance at Dell.com, that there will be an official announcement sometime in the next five weeks .
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Windows XP and End of Life

Just a reminder, Windows XP is reaching End-Of-Life (EOL) status for many laptops (and desktops) in the next week or so (June 30, 2008 to be precise).

This affects both OEM and Retail License sales. While some companies such as Dell are extending their sales of Windows XP almost all the way up to that point, most have already dropped it (but Dell will not be offering it after June 26, 2008).

This doesn’t affect Windows XP on netbooks / sub-notebooks - for the time being, Microsoft will continue to offer Windows XP on this class of devices (provided they meet certain criteria Microsoft has laid out, such as no touchscreens although that seems to be up in the air, etc.).

It’s possible that Windows XP will be available for netbooks up until the release of Windows 7 - Windows 7 looks like it can scale down to low-power devices a lot better than Vista, so it makes sense to drop XP then.

Read:
- Microsoft - Life Cycle Policy
- Dell.com

Dell E and E Slim

Looks like the Dell Mini Inspiron ummmm make that “Dell E” is going to be priced incredibly cheap - starting at $299.

Engadget got the scoop tonight, and Dell won’t just be offering an 8.9-inch device, they’ll also be rolling out the 12.1-inch “E Slim”. The Dell E should be available in August, while the E Slim will be available in August - September, with sequels slated for the second quarter of 2009.

Dell E Classic
- 8.9-inch Display
- Low-end
- $299

Dell E Video and E Video +
- 8.9-inch Display
- More ram than E Classic
- Larger SSD than E Classic
- Webcam
- Bluetooth (possibly + model only)

Dell E Slim
- Maybe the same as the Latitude E4200
- 12.1-inch Display
- 0.8 inches thick

Also, Linux and Windows XP will run on all models, with a possible “BlackTop” version of Linux meant for instant-on access.

My take: Interesting that they are throwing a 12.1″ into the mix - this could be targeted towards business users or others (or as Engadget points out, the MacBook Air / ThinkPad X300 crowd, given how thin it is). I like the starting price, but would like to know more about the other options.

I also don’t care for the name - too close to the Asus Eee PC line. C’mon Dell, I know you had already planned on a Latitude E line - and maybe the Dell Latitude E4200 is the same as the E Slim, but Mini Inspiron sounded better (or Inspiron Mini), given that it will be compared to the Asus lineup.

Read: Engadget

Michael Dell on Mini Inspiron

Last week, Dell invited thirteen journalists from various Asian countries to Dell’s headquarters in Round Rock, Texas.

Among the things discussed, brief mentions were made towards the end of the gathering by Michael Dell concerning Dell’s Mini Inspiron. The Mini Inspiron is Dell’s 8.9-inch entry into the netbook market. I think from the comments made by Michael, and based on what we saw at Computex last week (as far as the introduction of new models from other companies as well as information coming out about Intel’s Atom), that Dell will push the Mini Inspiron quite a bit (hopefully it will be aggressively priced).

When asked what type products from Dell would serve the next billion people coming online, Michael made the point that these new users don’t think in terms of the type of the device they will use—instead, they think about connecting to the Internet. We’re focused on developing products in emerging countries like the Dell 500 laptop for China and India and beyond and the upcoming mini laptop. He also said that more products coming in the second half of the year.

When Michael was asked about the mobile phone space, he suggested that would be a better question for next year. Before then, Dell will focus on big growth opportunities like consumer and commercial laptop and desktop sales—both through retail and the channel. He also mentioned that there’s opportunity for a range of smaller devices between 9-inch ones like the upcoming mini notebook, and smaller ones.

Read: Direct2Dell Blog

Dell Mini Inspiron Release Date, Keyboard Details

Some good (and interesting) news about the Dell Mini Inspiron . David Flynn (APC Magazine) has been visiting Dell in Austin, Texas, and has come up some information in regards to the Dell Mini Inspiron’s launch.

In regards to a launch date, Alex Gruzen, Dell’s Consumer Product Group Senior Vice President, said “We’ll be launching later this summer”.

The reason for the delay? “The reason we were later to the market is we’ve been working on getting the right keyboard……..The keypad design accommodates as best as possible the best user experience for this class of products.”

He also mentioned the interest sparked by the Mini Inspiron:

During a packed two day international media briefing at Dell’s headquarters in Austin, Texas, the single product which attracted the most attention was the company’s forthcoming mini-note.

The pre-production model seen in Austin were slightly different from the Mini Inspiron seen recently being carried by Michael Dell. The one seen in Austin was glossy black (versus candy red), and the keyboard labeling was different.

Highilghts:
- Due by August (outside chance of July)
- Inspiron Mini mentioned as a name
- Shortcuts for standby mode, volume, screen brightness, media playback, wireless, external display toggle
- Possibly four status LEDs
- Manufactured by OEM Compal
- Display mounted directly on a hinge
- Various colors (similar to current Dell laptop lines)
- Target customers: Students, emerging markets, “travel companion”

Read: APC Magazine

Dell Mini Inspiron - Pictures, Teaser

Yesterday, Gizmodo got a scoop on the 8.9-inch Dell Mini Inspiron netbook / sub-notebook that Michael Dell was seen carrying around. Today, the “Your Blog” section of the Direct2Dell Blog had an entry from Anne Camden referencing the Dell Mini Inspiron (albeit a bit cryptic).

While she didn’t directly call it the Dell Mini Inspiron, the names of the images on the Dell site include the words “Mini Inspiron”. Obviously they are wanting to focus on the education / student market (hence the pencils) and as Anne points out, Michael positioned it as the perfect device for the next billion internet users.

Read: Direct2Dell
More at Small-Laptops.com:
- Dell Mini Inspiron Gallery
- Dell Mini Inspiron Page

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