Dell laptops now run on Intel’s Sandy Bridge

Soon after Intel announced the availability of its second generation core processors (codenamed Sandy Bridge), which boast of built-in graphics power, top PC brands began incorporating these powerful and energy-efficient processors into their products.

Dell, the second biggest PC maker in the world, recently introduced its Sandy Bridge enterprise laptops for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), as well as entertainment/multimedia devices for the general public.

The Latitude E-Series is the cream of Dell’s enterprise-grade laptops, featuring design improvements and solutions for business needs.

The Latitude E5420 and E5520 laptops are intended for professionals looking for affordable business laptops, while the Latitude E6220, E6320, E6420, E6520 and E6420 ATG are rugged business laptops that feature MIL-STD tested tri-metal casing and durable displays.

As business laptops, the new Latitudes feature data protection, remote data delete, free-fall sensor (protection against accidental drops), and support for pre-integrated Citrix and VMware remote desktop clients (for remote networking).

All Latitude models share common features such as docking system, battery, and keyboard footprint, which allows IT people to easily manage them. They’re also part of that rare breed of business laptops equipped with backlit keyboards.

Ricky Lopez, country manager of Dell Philippines for medium and large enterprise, said the Latitude laptops can be customized to accommodate the needs of a company.

Dell likewise made improvements on its Vostro 3000 series, which are business laptops catering for small to medium enteprises (SMEs). The sleek and slim laptops come in 13-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch screen sizes.

Battery life of Vostro 3000 laptops can now last up to 12 hours in some models. This particular device is also equipped with a full HD Web camera, and a digital array microphone that reduces ambient noise.

The new models have preinstalled Skype and a customizable dashboard button for launching VoIP or video conferencing application.

Also, the new Vostro’s ports are now located on the side, while the rear has been reserved for battery use.

The new laptops also has a USB 3.0 port and Bluetooth 3.0. It features a chiclet keyboard and standard fingerprint reader for security purposes.

Another interesting addition is the AMD PowerXpress 4.0 switchable graphics that allows automatic switching between Intel’s onboard graphics and AMD’s graphics to save on power.

As for regular consumers, Dell is offering the Inspiron R Series. Like a designer laptop, the Inspiron features a lid or cover that can be popped out easily to be replaced with another stylish lid that can be snapped in place. The user can choose from any of 25 unique designs from Switch by Design Studio (Designs may cost up to P2,500 apiece).

The Sandy Bridge powered Inspiron may also come with a 9-cell battery and USB 3.0 for faster transfer of photos and other multimedia files.

The Inspiron 14R (Switch by Design Studio model with black lid) retails for P31,000, while the Inspiron 15R (SWITCH by Design Studio model with black lid) retails for P32,000.

At less than an inch thick, the XPS 15z is Dell’s thinnest full productivity laptop housed in aluminum casing.

The XPS 15z offers 2nd-generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, optional 15.6-inch full HD (1080p) display, backlit keyboard, NVIDIA graphics with 3DTV capabilities, USB 3.0, Bluetooth 3.0, and up to eight hours of battery life.