Announced: Dell Inspiron 13

Dell Inspiron 13 Today, alongside the Dell Studio Hybrid (a very small low-power desktop), Dell has announced the Dell Inspiron 13.

The 4.5-pound (2.04kg) Dell Inspiron 13 is a low-cost 13.3-inch laptop designed for budget-minded consumers and students. In fact, it’ll be available for purchase starting next week at Wal-Mart stores, for $699 (with limited options) – specifically August 3rd.

If you want to customize it, it’ll be available in the latter part of August at the official Dell.com online store, with various options (Wi-Fi options, Bluetooth, etc.).

This represents a new model in the Inspiron lineup, and even breaks from tradition with a redesigned hinge (easily seen at the link above).

Among some of the interesting and new features:
– Slot-loading optical drive (a feature it shares with the 13.3-inch Apple MacBook)
– Touch-sensitive controls for media (volume, etc.)
– 8-in-1 memory card reader

No word on what the CPU and graphics chipsets will be. If I were to take a guess, I’d say Intel. Details are sparse right now. I’ll post updates as I receive them.

Update: Full Dell Press Release