Dell's New Inspiron Mini Nickelodeon Edition to Compete with the Disney Netpal

Round Rock, Texas-based Dell, one of the world's leading manufacturers of personal computer systems, has recently announced the introduction of its new small-sized, low-power portable computer system, dubbed Inspiron Mini Nickelodeon Edition. Part of the company's growing line of netbooks, the new model has been designed specifically for children and is based on the 10-inch Inspiron Mini 10 netbook. The system boasts

Nickelodeon's trademark green slime design and comes loaded with a range of entertaining and educational content that is said to appeal to both children and their parents.

“Moms insisted that we deliver on three things when it comes to a computer for their children,” said Michael Tatelman, vice president, Dell Global Consumer Sales and Marketing. “First, help provide a safe computing experience. Second, provide superior educational content as well as a world-class entertainment experience. Third, partner with trusted brands. The Dell Inspiron Mini Nickelodeon Edition passes with flying colors on all counts.”

The new netbook is likely to boast the same Intel Atom N270 processor, coupled with 1GB of RAM, a 1.3MP webcam, integrated graphics and a 10.1-inch display, which are available on the majority of similar products on the market. However, trying to draw the attention of children, the new system has been featured with a series of applications that are targeted at this specific market segment. As such, it packs a 15-month trial version of McAfee, educational applications and exclusive early access to certain Nickelodeon episodes, before they air.

With the launch of the new laptop and the collaboration between Dell and Nickelodeon, the PC vendor is basically trying to compete with one of the world's netbook pioneers, ASUS, which has teamed up with Disney and launched the Disney Netpal, an Eee PC-based netbook specifically designed for kids.

Unfortunately, we have no details on pricing and availability of the new ultraportable solution, but it should become available with a price tag somewhere in the proximity of US$300.

Dell Officially Retires the Inspiron Mini 12

Following reports on the Internet that surfaced this weekend, Round Rock, Texas-based PC vendor Dell has officially confirmed that it will no longer be producing its Atom-powered Inspiron Mini 12, the company's only 12-inch netbook. According to Dell, the reason behind the decision is that customers are more likely to be interested in 10-inch netbooks than in larger and less portable 12-inch systems. The company stated that it would

now focus on the 10-inch form factor and would continue to provide its customers with the two 10-inch Inspiron netbooks and the Latitude 2100 models it had in its current portfolio.

In a recent post on the company's community blog pages, Dell's Lionel Menchaca stated, “So, should you read anything into this as far as Dell’s commitment to the netbook space? Nope. It really boils down to this: for a lot of customers, 10-inch displays are the sweet spot for netbooks. That’s why we offer two different 10-inch Inspiron netbooks for Mini 10 and the Mini 10v. And on the Latitude side, the Latitude 2100 netbook is finding a home in schools all over the place. Portability is one of the key points for netbook customers. Larger notebooks require a little more horsepower to be really useful. More to come from Dell on that later.”

Both the Inspiron Mini 10 and the Inspiron Mini 12 have been designed to take advantage of the low-power specifications of Intel's Atom processors. The larger, 12-inch model could provide users with a better viewing experience, while the former could be a choice for those looking for an ultraportable PC.

There are some questions regarding Dell's decision, as the PC vendor could have been guided by Intel's pricing policy for the Atom processors, which is related to the form factor of the device that will be powered by said Atom processor. For netbooks with displays larger than 10-inches, Intel is charging PC vendors more for the same Atom processor.

Dell Silently Intros New LCD Monitors

Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has reportedly updated its product portfolio with the introduction of a couple of new displays, designed for both the large public and for the professional market segment. According to available details, these new displays are yet to be officially announced by Dell, but they have already surfaced on a couple of the company's web pages. There are three new consumer-grade displays, featuring resolutions of 20, 22 and 23 inches, as well as a new 24-inch monitor that packs an IPS panel.

According to available details, the Dell UltraSharp U2410 display has just surfaced on the company's website, packing a large 24-inch form factor and coming with an integrated IPS panel. The new monitor looks to provide users with a series of interesting features, being a worthy alternative for a number of computer users. The UltraSharp U2410 comes with a native resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels, featuring a 6ms response time, a maximum brightness of 400 cd/m2 and a contrast ratio of 1000:1 (80000:1 DCR). The display has a 178/178 degree viewing angle and comes with four USB 2.0 ports and D-Sub, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort connectors.
In addition, it looks like the company has also introduced thee mainstream displays, namely the 20-inch E2010H, the 22-inch E2210H and the 23-inch ST2310, all of which are already available for order. As far as specifications go, the first comes with a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels, while the second one offers support for a Full HD native resolution. The more interesting 23-inch ST2310 delivers support for a Full HD resolution and boasts a widescreen panel, a sleek design, DVI/VGA/HDMI connectors, 250 nits of brightness, 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5ms response time and audio in/out ports.
As far as pricing goes, the UltraSharp U2410 is set to become available for about US$760, while the E2010H, E2210H and ST2310 are available for US$139, US$199 and US$229, respectively.

Rumor Mill: Dell and Intel Collaborating on Tablet/E-Book Reader

According to recent reports, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell and the world's leading chip maker Intel are currently collaborating on a project to announce the introduction of a new tablet/e-book reader device that is to give Amazon's Kindle a run for its money. With features like touchscreen display, said device is slated for launch early next year. One of the tablet's biggest features is that it will be made available as a

subscription-based e-reader, enabling users to view newspapers, magazines and other media.

The fellows over at Wired.com have received word from a “well-connected industry executive” that two of the industry's biggest players, Intel and Dell, are currently collaborating on the development of a new touchscreen tablet that is due out later this year. There are few details available at this time, but it looks like Dell's upcoming tablet will measure about 5-inches, making it slightly larger than Apple's iPhone, although smaller than one of its potential competitors, the Amazon Kindle. Intel's part in the venture is obviously related to the hardware specifications of said device, which could be powered by a low-power Atom processor.

Interestingly enough, it looks like Dell has also come up with a way to better compete with the Amazon Kindle, providing users with the choice of getting said tablet for free, granted that they sign one or several subscriptions to digital newspapers or magazines. What this basically means is that the device could be free to those users who will sign up for enough subscriptions.

There aren't many details to go on for the time being, but it looks like the tablet market is starting to grow, with ongoing rumors of Apple also planning its own tablet device. The Cupertino, California-based company could see itself competing with the likes of Dell, Sony and many others for a place in the increasingly popular market segment.

AMD-Powered Inspiron 546 Is Selling Well

Sunnyvale, California-based Advanced Micro Devices might have a tough time competing with its main rival, Intel, in the high-performance market segment, but the chip maker has a pretty established position in the mainstream segment. Proof of that is a computer system that has been designed by Dell and which incorporates AMD's products, including a triple-core Phenom processor. The Inspiron 546 is apparently one of the top-selling products for the Round Rock, Texas-based PC vendor, which hasn't been exactly promoting AMD's products for quite some time.

“Today's digital lifestyle revolves around video, music, photos and the capability to share those personal experiences,” said John Terwilliger, Dell's director of consumer desktops, for the statesman.com. “AMD technology helps us deliver a great multimedia experience at a great price.”
As it turns out, AMD's products have managed to draw the attention of many computer buyers who are looking for a rig that can deliver support for office, multimedia and basic computing experience. For US$798, at Wal-Mart, you can get said desktop featuring and AMD Phenom X3 8450 processor, coupled with an impressive 8GB of RAM, a 640GB HDD and a large, 24-inch Dell S2409W LCD monitor. That's clearly a desktop worth considering, for any mainstream user.
As far as AMD is concerned, the popularity of the Inspiron 546 desktop is good for business, as Dell, one of the world's leading vendors of PCs, has acknowledged the performances and features of the chip maker's products. The combination of multi-core AMD processors with ATI graphics can provide end-users with a high-quality, affordable computing experience.
Dell's move, to promote an AMD-powered desktop on its website has been easily noticed by users, given the company's “tradition” to offer mostly Intel-based products, a situation that has been going around for about 18 months.

Dell Prepares Another Strike at the MacBook Air with Latitude Z

Earlier this year, Dell announced the introduction of the much-hyped Adamo laptop, an ultraportable PC designed to become a competitor for Apple's successful MacBook Air. Just recently, the Round Rock, Texas-based PC vendor has reduced the prices on said laptop, in order to better compete with the MacBook Air. On that note, it appears that Dell is preparing another assault on Apple's pride and joy, with the introduction of recently rumored Latitude Z-series, an ultraportable laptop that will be designed for professionals.

Just recently, an article on said laptop has surfaced on the Register Hardware website, providing details on Dell's upcoming ultraportable PC. Unfortunately, the article appears to have been pulled down, probably due to an NDA with the PC vendor. However, the fellows over at Fast Company have been quick with snatching the juicy details and even photos of said laptop.

According to them, the Latitude Z will be powered by Intel's CULV platform, featuring an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, clocked at 1.6GHz with 2GB or 4GB of RAM and a high-capacity 256GB solid-state drive. The system also comes with a fingerprint and RFID reader, a 2MP webcam and a 1,600 by 900-pixel widescreen. It will run on a choice of Windows Vista or Windows 7, when the latter launches, but will also be featured with a special Linux install, dubbed Latitude On. This could be an instant-on solution for Dell's upcoming Latitude laptop, providing users with quick access to Internet, Mail and multimedia applications.

Unfortunately the system could be launched by late August or early September, according to available details, as it looks like Dell is taking its time with it. As far as pricing goes, don't expect anything too cheap, although the system is based on Intel's CULV platform. Apparently, you'll have to dig deep in your pockets for this one, as Dell is expected to charge you for about US$2,400.

Dell Reduces Prices of Its Adamo Laptop

Early this year, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell, one of the world's leading vendors of portable computer systems, announced the introduction of the much-anticipated Adamo laptop, an ultra-portable computer system that has been designed to compete with the likes of Apple's MacBook Air or HP's Voodoo Envy. Featuring an ultra-thin and stylish design, the new laptop was to be made available in two different configurations,

both of which were based on Intel's low-power processor platform. One of the main drawbacks of said system, despite its appealing design, was that it came priced at relatively restrictive price points. However, it looks like Dell learned from its mistakes and has recently reduced the prices on both models.

The much-hyped Dell Adamo portable computer system has now been made available for as little as US$1,499 for the 1.2GHz-powered model. This is a good US$500 price reduction over the company's launch price of US$1,999, for the same model. The higher-end model, which boasts an SSD storage solution and the 1.4GHz processor, will now be available for as “little” as US$2,299, down from the initial price of US$2,700. The company appears to continue to show love to Intel, and has not changed anything about the system's configuration.

While these price reductions are more than welcomed, there are still way over the buying power of most notebook consumers. The new pricing scheme better positions Dell's stylish Adamo notebook to Apple's basic MacBook Air model, which comes priced at US$1,499 and features a 1.86GHz processor, 2GB of memory and 120GB hard drive space. However, the highest-performance MacBook Air is priced at US$1,799 and boasts a speedier 2.13GHz processor, 2 GB of memory and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics solution.

It will be interesting to see whether the Adamo will continue to see further price reductions, which could make it a better competitor for the aforementioned MacBook Air and Voodoo Envy.

Dell Vostro 1220 Officially Lands in the US

Following a number of leaked reports that recently surfaced the Internet, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has just announced the debut of its new Vostro 1220 portable computer system, a 12.1-inch ultraportable PC that offers a number of configuration options to business users. Designed as a stylish alternative for the aforementioned customer class, the new laptop is available in a number of color options and is said to provide end-users with an impressive battery life of up to 9 hours, a feature that is likely to appeal to said segment.

“This trend supports what Dell has been hearing from our customers,” said Sam Burd, global vice president, Dell Small and Medium Business, referring to a recent report from IDC that claimed shipments of 12-inch widescreen laptops were expected to grow almost 35 percent this year. “Today’s globe-trotting entrepreneurs need a laptop that is powerful and long-lasting. That used to mean carrying around an ungainly device, the Vostro 1220 combines performance, built-in security and long battery life with useful features like videoconferencing to be the ideal weapon of choice for any road warrior.”

The new Dell Vostro laptop can be configured with the user's choice for a Celeron 900 or Core 2 Duo processor, with the basic model featuring a 2.2GHz Celeron, coupled with 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner, WiFi b/g and a 6-cell battery pack. A higher-priced configuration will provide you with a Core 2 Duo processor, 8GB of RAM, a Blu-ray/DVD combo drive, up to 500GB of storage space on a 7200RPM HDD or an optional 128GB SSD.
Prices start at just US$799 and the system is expected to provide users with optional upgrades for a wireless 802.11 b/g/n solution, WiMAX card and Bluetooth. Available in Obsidian Black or Deep Cherry Red color options, the new laptop is said to provide up to 9 hours of battery life on a 6-cell battery pack.

Dell Intros Its First Vostro All In One Desktop PC

Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has recently announced the introduction of a new Vostro desktop computer system, designed to address the issue of cramped spaces and overcrowded desks with an all-in-one design. Part of the PC vendor's Vostro family of computer systems, the new model comes as the company's first all-in-one PC designed exclusively for the small business segment. Offering plenty of customizable features and

an Intel-based platform, the Vostro All in One PC is already available in China and Japan.
“Small businesses are waking up to the fact that saving space is a critical requirement for their desktops and the Vostro All In One is the first-of-its-kind solution for small businesses wanting a cleaner, more productive workspace at an amazing value,” said Sam Burd, global vice president, Dell Small and Medium Business. “This is a perfect example of how Dell is expanding the Vostro line to bring customers innovative design and productivity based on their unique needs and business environments.”
For those familiar with Dell's latest product offering, the Vostro All In One is clearly built on the company's previously announced Studio One 19, another all-in-one PC from Dell, designed for the consumer market. The new system will provide users with a 19-inch display, a choice for a Core 2 Duo or Pentium dual-core processors, 2GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, all within the base configuration. It can be installed using either the standard built-in kickstand or the optional VESA mount, providing users with a few more options for clearing up desk space.
Dell announced that the new all-in-one desktop was already available for the company's customers in Japan and China, while users in the US would have a chance at purchasing one of these new systems sometime after August 11. Price wise, the system is available in Japan and China for a starting price of about US$629.

Dell Makes $2 Million with Twitter

Social media may be the latest trend for businesses but few are actually making money, and even the service providers themselves are struggling to monetize their enormous user base. YouTube has been losing huge amounts of money for years and other social networks aren't doing great either. Twitter, the rising star of late, isn't making any money yet either but its founders aren't too worried about that, presumably because

of the huge chunks of investor money they've been getting. But there is at least one big corporation earning a profit with social media, namely Dell. The computer giant has recently announced it has made over $2 million in sales solely from its Twitter account.
Sure $2 million is small change for a company with a reported revenue of $12.3 billion just in the first quarter of this year but it still is $2 million more than what most other businesses are making. “We’ve surpassed $2 million in revenue in terms of Dell Outlet sales, but we’re also seeing that it’s driving interest in new product as well. We’re seeing people come from @DellOutlet on Twitter into the Dell.com/outlet site, and then ultimately decide to purchase a new system from elsewhere on Dell.com. If we factor those new system purchases that come from @DellOutlet, we’re actually eclipsed $3 million in overall sales,” wrote Stefanie N. on a Dell blog.
The computer maker offers Twitter exclusive deals and discounts through its Twitter account and has gained over 620,000 followers. An important aspect of how Dell is making money with the online networking site may be the fact that it is using the tool properly with a system specifically designed for the micro-blogging service.
But while a success story from one company may inspire others to do the same there is an even bigger number of companies that have failed to understand and properly use social networks. What's more, while the companies using the service may be making money, Twitter itself isn't seeing any of it and while it is thinking about introducing new, paid tools for businesses, for now it is still not making any profit.

Dell Launches Studio 14z for Students

Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has decided to announce a new addition to its line of Studio portable computer systems, with the introduction of its new Studio 14z laptop. Featuring a 14-inch display and available in a wide variety of colors, Dell's new Studio

laptop has been designed for students and provides them with a portable computing solution that combines a sleek design with the latest in computing technology.
“Young people have grown up with the Internet and can find almost everything they need online.” said Michael Tatelman, vice president of Dell’s global consumer sales and marketing. “They want a slim, easy-to-carry laptop and like the choice of a larger hard drive over an optical drive. The Studio 14z has the storage and speed that most people need, and it comes with color options that let them truly express who they are.”
Among some of the features that have been enabled on the Studio 14z, we need to highlight the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics chip, the same graphics processor that is currently powering a number of Apple's MacBook systems. In addition, the system runs on a choice for an Intel Pentium Dual Core or Core 2 Duo processor, which can be combined with up to 500GB of storage space and 3GB of DDR3 memory.
Additional features include a 1.3MP webcam with face recognition software, HDMI, eSATA, 8-in-1 card reader, WiFI and Bluetooth, and integrated optical drive. Users will be able to choose from either a 6-cell or an 8-cell battery pack for up to 6:46 hours of battery life, according to Dell. Available in 6 colors, including Black Chain Link, Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Plum Purple, Ruby Red and Promise Pink (U.S. only), the new Studio laptop from Dell will be priced at US$649.