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September 8, 2009 8:43 AM PDT

Dell's two new thin laptops: Inspiron 14z and 15z

by Dan Ackerman
  • 11 comments

Dell's new Inspiron 15z.

Dell's ubiquitous Inspiron line of laptops is getting a few new additions today, with the announcement of the Inspiron 14z and 15z. According to Dell, the "Z" designation for these new systems indicates, "thinner, lighter bodies, and long-lasting power-sipping batteries."

They also both feature 16:9 1,366x768 widescreen displays, and Intel's Core 2 Solo processors -- which offer much of the battery saving advantages found in low-power chips such as Intel's Atom, but with better performance more suited for a mainstream system.

Specs, according to Dell, include:

  • Both 14-inch (14z) and 15.6-inch (15z) models are about one-inch thick
  • Choice of Intel Core 2 Solo ultra-low voltage Core 2 and Core 2 Duo processors
  • Up to 500 GB, 7,200 RPM hard drives
  • Included DVD drive
  • Up to 8GB DDR3, 1,066MHz
  • Standard Wi-Fi and optional Mobile Broadband
  • Choice of 4-cell (4-hour), 6-cell (8-hour) batteries
  • Express Charge (4- and 6-cell batteries) are 80% recharged in 60 minutes

Both new models are available starting today in black or cherry red, and start at $599.

May 28, 2009 8:26 AM PDT

Dell sneaks in new Studio 14z laptop

by Dan Ackerman
  • 3 comments
(Credit: Dell)

Targeted largely at students, Dell's new Studio 14z laptop was quietly announced this morning. Part of the upscale but affordable Studio line, which brings in design elements from Dell's high-end XPS laptops, the Studio 14z is thin and light for a 14-inch system, starting at 4.5 pounds and from .76-1.2-inches thick (the body is slightly tapered). Helping it shave away the extra millimeters is an LED display and the lack of an internal optical drive. Dell calls it, "a homework-busting system by day and an entertainment powerhouse by night."

In a press release, Dell says the 14z is good for consumers who, "want a slim, easy-to-carry laptop and like the choice of a larger hard drive over an optical drive," making an obvious distinction between this model, with drives up to 500GB, and smaller Netbook, CULV, and super-slim 13-inch models that usually have relatively small hard drives.

(Credit: Dell)

Also new is a LoJack-like service called Failsafe Theft Protection, where victims of a laptop snatching can track their machine when it goes online, and even order files to be deleted remotely. Facial recognition login software is also included.

We're more excited about Nvidia's GeForce 9400 GPU, the same as found in current 13-inch MacBooks, and our favorite low-cost way to get decent gaming performance and smooth 1080p HD video playback in a laptop.

Available colors are Black Chain Link, Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Plum Purple, Ruby Red and Promise Pink, and the system is available now, starting at $649.

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