Dell introduced its ultimate notebook for traveling professionals, the Latitude X1. Starting at 2.5 pounds(b), the Latitude X1 is designed for mobile users who demand the lightest possible weight without sacrificing performance or durability.

In delivering the Latitude X1, "Dell is responding to the demands of our most frequently traveling business customers," said Alex Gruzen, senior vice president of Dell's Product Group. "While lighter than any other Dell notebook, the Latitude X1 combines the latest mobile processors, wide screen displays, optimal for viewing for the multiple windows found in the latest productivity applications, and an outstanding keyboard that focuses on usability."

The Latitude X1 is designed and built for the rigors of life on the road and meets the full scope of Dell's quality and reliability testing. The LCD back is reinforced to counter the pressure of an overstuffed bag placed under seat or in an overhead bin. The keyboard is sealed to protect against spills.

The 12.1-inch, wide-aspect display has shorter height than traditional screens and fits easily in tight spaces, including tray tables pinched by fully reclined seats. For the lightest travel weight possible, the Latitude X1 comes with an extremely small power adapter that is almost 50 percent smaller than the typical Latitude power adapter. When configured with the optional six-cell battery ($129), users can expect up to six hours of battery life(c) while adding only 0.3 pound.

According to a recent research study by Gartner, Inc. across all countries/markets, the first reason for purchasing mobile PCs (by large businesses) was "increasing number of traveling/field workers(d)."

"The new class of ultralight notebooks offers mainstream performance in an impressive form factor that will appeal to business travelers for whom size and weight are the primary decision criteria," said Leslie Fiering, Research Vice President, Gartner, Inc.

Starting at $1,699, the Latitude X1 is powered by Intel's Centrino Mobile(R) Technology, featuring the Pentium(R) M Ultra-Low Voltage processor 733 (1.1GHz). Customers can stay connected with integrated Wi-Fi(TM) 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth(R) 2.0+EDR wireless capability and Gigabit(e) Ethernet. Like other Latitude notebooks, the X1 features the Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.1) for generating and storing onboard encryption keys.

Bundled Services Enhance Latitude X1 Customer Experience

The Latitude X1 comes standard with industry-leading service offerings including three-year limited warranty(f) and, if necessary, Next Business Day Onsite service(g). Customers can get next business day, on-site service and support in the United States. Additionally, customers traveling overseas can have their systems serviced or repaired abroad with Dell's International Travelers warranty(h).

Technical Features of the Latitude X1 include:

-- Intel Pentium M processor 733 (1.1GHz ULV) combined with the Intel 915GMS chipset
-- 12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 768) display
-- 256MB to 1.28GB of DDR2 400MHz shared(i) SDRAM
-- Choice of 30GB or 60GB hard drives(j)
-- Standard internal Intel PRO wireless 2200 802.11b/g and Dell Wireless Bluetooth 350
-- Choice of optional 8X DVD-ROM, 24X CD-RW/DVD combination and 8X DVD+/-RW(k) optical drives, floppy disk drive, and 40GB second hard drive
-- Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit(e) Ethernet and 56K(l) V92 modem
-- Ports include: two USB 2.0, VGA, headphone and microphone, SD/IO, CompactFlash, IEEE 1394
-- Optional 6-cell, 53WHr Smart Lithium Ion Battery
-- Choice of Windows(R) XP Home or Windows XP Professional Operating System
-- Three Years Next Business Day On-site Service(g)
-- Dimensions: 0.98-inch high, 11.26-inches wide, 7.7-inches deep; 25.0mm high, 286mm wide, 196.8mm deep