Dell Launches 13.3" XPS M1330, Inspiron Notebooks

Customization is king with Dell's new line of Santa Rosa notebooks

Although Dell's XPS M1330 was leaked to the press earlier this month, today marks the official launch of the new 13.3" Santa Rosa-based notebook. Dell's follow-up to the XPS M1210 measures 12.5" x 9.4" x 1.43" and weighs in at under four pounds.

The XPS M1330 is powered by Core 2 Duo processors and backs its 13.3" TrueLife display (LED backlighting is optional) with a 1280x800 screen resolution. The standard graphics solution on the notebook is Intel's X3100 integrated GPU. Paying extra will get you an NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS dedicated graphics card.

When it comes to connectivity, Dell provides a wealth of options. There are no less than three WiFi solutions offered (802.11b/g, 802.11a/b/g and 802.11n). Dell also offers an optional broadband modem for Sprint/Verizon (EVDO Rev A) or AT&T (HSDPA). Hardwire connections include two USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire port and HDMI-out.

Other niceties include a slot-loading DVD burner, an 8-in-1 media reader, integrated webcam with dual microphones, consumer IR remote (stores within the ExpressCard slot), optional 32GB solid state disk (SSD) and an optional fingerprint reader.

The Dell XPS M1330 starts at $1,299 and will come with a one-year XPS limited warranty, one year of LoJack Theft Protection Service and 10GB of storage with Dell Online Backup. Customers will be able to choose from three lid colors as well with the XPS M1330 (Tuxedo Black, Pearl White or Crimson Red).

Dell has also revamped its popular Inspiron notebook family. 14", 15.4" and 17" notebooks now fall under the Inspiron 1420, 1520 and 1720 nomenclature for Intel Santa Rosa-based notebooks and Inspiron 1521 and 1721 for AMD Turion 64 X2-based notebooks.

The new range of Inspiron notebooks are available with a dizzying array of options including RAID 0,1 support (1721 only), 3G wireless, 2.0MP webcam and a Blu-ray drive (Intel models).

Dell once again plays up the customization bit with the new Inspirons. Each will be available in Jet Black (matte finish), Alpine White (gloss finish), Espresso Brown, Flamingo Pink, Midnight Blue, Ruby Red, Spring Green or Sunshine Yellow.

Weight for the Inspirons range from 5.39 pounds for the 1420 to 7.67 pounds for the 1721. Starting prices begin at $799 for the 1420 and creep up to $999 for the 1720.

Reference:Brandon Hill,dailytech