Lenovo has been generating some noise in the enterprise sector with their famous ThinkPad line (formally an IBM brand), but Dell is a bit tired of going unnoticed. The company’s last generation of Latitude business notebooks made us questions who exactly was in control of the horrendous design, but with this latest series refresh – we are impressed.
This week the company unveiled their new Latitude 7000 series, 5000 series, and 3000 series machines. The most exciting of the three series is the 7000, with its new Ultrabook build that dell says “builds on the XPS line and Latitude 6430u”.
The Latitude 7000 comes in both 12.5 inch and 14 inch form factors. The unit starts at $1,049 and can be configured all the way up to an Intel Core i3 CPU – wait, that’s the least powerful Intel Core series chip. Well, at least Dell got the design right.
One of our favorite parts of the new 7000 series is that it can be purchased alongside an optional wireless docking station. The dock can establish a wireless connection with your mouse, monitor, keyboard, and other peripherals simply by placing the notebook next to it.
The 5000 and 3000 series pack a bit more punch than the 700 series, but you will have to forgo the light and thin Ultrabook form factor.
All three models are constructed from brushed aluminum, magnesium alloy, and woven carbon fiber. Each model also includes a spill resistant keyboard and optional Corning Gorilla Glass touch display.
For those of you looking for power in a business Ultrabook, stick with ThinkPad X1 Carbon or ThinkPad T430u, but at least Dell is getting their design on track.
If you really want to get your hands on the new Latitude series - the 3000 and 7000 units will be available September 15th, while the 5000 series will be available this October.
Source: The Fire House
