Update: (12:03am, April 23)This may not be it – I was sent an e-mail from somebody who wishes to remain anonymous stating that the Dell 500 would have a larger footprint and would not be ultraportable. If we find out anything else, we’ll be sure to post it.
Not too many details as of yet. This was first mentioned on April 8/9, 2008. The name and a few more details were revealed on April 22, 2008 at a computer factory dedication in Sriperumbudur, India. Pricing starts at around $615 USD, 385 Euros, or 24,500 Rupees)
Falls into the netbook/subnotebook class of devices.
Name: Dell 500
Manufacturer: Dell
Announced: April 22, 2008
Market: India, China, other emerging countries
Other Markets (US/Canada, Europe, Japan, etc.,) : Unknown
Targets: SME, Education, public sector
Price: Starting at Rs 24,500 (Around $615 USD, 385 Euros)
Features:
– Separate multimedia playback buttons
CPU: Could be Intel Atom (see this article)
Connectivity: Multiple wireless options
Card Reader: 8-in-1
Operating Systems (OS): Microsoft Windows XP Home or Ubuntu Linux
Warranty: Onsite, next business day in around 600+ cities (May cost extra)
April 22, 2008:
EFYtimes.com reports that Dell dedicated a computer factory at Sriperumbudur, India, that will be producing laptops that are “easy-to-use, efficient and affordable”.
April 8/9 2008:
The Austin-American Statesman reported that in reference to Asus’ Eee PC 900 and HP’s Mini-Note, Dell CEO Michael Dell, while on a trip to Israel, mentioned that Dell would be producing a similar model sometime in the next three-six months running Linux.
April 8/9 2008:
San Jose Mercury News quoted Michael Dell: “We will introduce a similar laptop…We do see opportunities for very interesting products that are smaller and lighter and address the more mobile users in a very cost-effective way….Stay tuned……We will have some interesting products coming in that space over the next two quarters.”
April 8/9 2008:
Dow Jones Newswise/CNN Money report that Compal Electronics Inc. (Taiwan) will be producing low-cost notebook for Dell, that will be available as soon as June, and that they are looking at shipping 1-2 million of these notebooks for Dell in 2008. This looks like it will not be the case.