Dell Latitude Z is the Ultimate Business Laptop

By Jane McEntegart
published

Dell's Latitude Z has a nice spec list and is over all, a really hot looking laptop but there are a few features in there that set it apart from your average notebook.

Aesthetics is a must these days for laptop makers. If you can't make it look pretty, you're doomed. Dell is no stranger to this, offering its laptops in an array of different colors and even giving the customer the opportunity to add custom artist designs. However, if you think the Latitude Z is just another dressed up notebook aimed at attracting the less tech savvy, you'd be wrong.

First of all, Dell has designed a very stylish looking laptopstand (a feat in itself if you ask me) that uses induction to charge your laptop. Those of you skeptical about charge times can rest easy, Dell says it should take the amount of time to charge from the stand as it does with the wall charger.

Second, the company has incorporated what they're calling the "edge-touch LCD sensor" on the bezel of the display, just to the right of the screen. The sensor lets you scroll through pages and select applications without pressing any buttons. This nifty little feature is in addition to the machine's multi-touch trackpad.

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Induction charging and swooshy bezels aside, you've also got a 2MP webcam that also scans and copies. Then you have the optional wireless dock that allows you to wirelessly dock your laptop for use with an external keyboard and monitor, without taking it out of your briefcase. The Latitude Z600 also includes Latitude ON, a sort of always-on functionality that uses an ARM processor to boot quickly and give users limited access to their machine (email, web browsing, etc.), while the machine uses Intel's Core 2 Duo to run the OS.

Specs-wise you're looking at a 16-inch HD display, Intel's Core 2 Duo (1.4GHz to 1.6GHz) with an ARM processor for Latitude ON, support for up to 4GB of RAM, the option for up to 512GB of SSD storage, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/g/n, USB, Ethernet, eSATA, DisplayPort, and mobile broadband connectivity through 3G or WiMax networks.

The Latitude Z is available today and starts at just under $2,000. Check out the video below to see Dell's new baby in action.

Jane McEntegart
23 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Regulas
    The best multi touch track pad I have seen is by Apple. It works great.
    Reply
  • El_Capitan
    Ultimate it is not. Nifty, yes.
    Reply
  • LaughALot
    Very nice, any hint of them moving this to a smaller format?
    Reply
  • cadder
    Induction charging sounds neat, wireless docking sounds neat. I can see where a business exec. would like these features.
    Reply
  • i think the webcam that functions as a scanner and copier is the coolest feature out of all of them.
    Reply
  • ssalim
    njkid3i think the webcam that functions as a scanner and copier is the coolest feature out of all of them.I agree. They (all of them) should have these sooner!
    Reply
  • aracheb
    RegulasThe best multi touch track pad I have seen is by Apple. It works great.

    This is a business laptop not a cute toy for a uptight showoff.
    Reply
  • They didn't mention battery life.
    Reply
  • doomtomb
    This is coming from a Dell Latitude owner: Ultimate business laptops = mainstream consumer laptops.

    These specs are pathetic:
    Specs-wise you're looking at a 16-inch HD display, Intel's Core 2 Duo (1.4GHz to 1.6GHz) with an ARM processor for Latitude ON, support for up to 4GB of RAM
    Reply
  • godwhomismike
    doomtombThis is coming from a Dell Latitude owner: Ultimate business laptops = mainstream consumer laptops.These specs are pathetic:
    Agreed. I'd push a PO through if it came with a Core i7 Mobile CPU, since my laptop is plugged in most of the day. The portability is that I transport the machine back and forth from work and home. I am not sitting on a plane with my notebook, nor to I use the battery much.
    Reply