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Dell Delivers Its First 10.1inch Netbook for Education |
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Written by Dragana Dimitrijevic
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Tuesday, 19 May 2009 |
Today, Dell set a new standard in education technology with the launch of a netbook influenced by the needs of K-12 students, the Latitude 2100. The Latitude 2100 is also ideal for any business or public institution that needs affordable, durable, Internet-ready devices for e-mail and collaboration.
The Latitude 2100 extends Dell’s Latitude range and joins the Latitude XT tablet and fully rugged Latitude E6400 XFR as systems designed to meet the exacting needs of customers across a range of private and public-sector organizations with specific mobile computing requirements. Enterprises and public-sector customers looking for a business-class netbook will be attracted to the Latitude 2100 for activities ranging from employee training to order fulfillment or when a secondary system is required by their workforce.
 The “student-rugged” Latitude 2100 is designed to absorb the daily bumps and bruises of a crowded playground or backpack. Offered in five colors – School Bus Gold, Chalkboard Black, Ball Field Green, Blue Ribbon and Schoolhouse Red– the Latitude 2100 comes with a 10.1-inch screen and a unique “four-square-ball-style” rubber casing, making it easy for little hands to grip the netbook. Additional options include: a keyboard featuring antimicrobial protection (U.S. only), solid-state drives, quick-connect handles and shoulder straps for carrying, and a webcam. The Latitude 2100 is backed by Dell’s business service and support.
The system is available with a personalized window on the back of the battery pack where the school logo or name can be displayed, allowing schools to personalize or easily identify systems. There is also a Network Activity Light on the lid that helps teachers monitor network use and identify students who may be surfing the Internet.
The Latitude 2100 also includes:
• Choice of XP Home, Vista Home Basic and Linux Ubuntu
• Intel Atom processor N270
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity coupled with a full suite of wireless communication options
• 2.91lb (1.32kg) starting at weight with 3-cell battery
• Hard or solid state drives for increased durability
• Three-cell or six-cell battery
• Three-in-one Media Card Reader
• Optional External DVD+/-RW via USB
• VGA port
• Clean bottom is vent-free to avoid any intrusion from spills
• Options: webcam and a keyboard featuring antimicrobial protection (U.S. only)
Key management features can allow IT administrators to lower overall ownership cost and speed up deployment:
− More durable design that means a longer product life
− Remote management for easier administration
− Dell ImageDirect where systems can be delivered with pre-installed software and the school’s specific network image (U.S. only)
− Hardware Customization helps reduce deployment time by configuring software straight from the factory (U.S. only). This reduces the need for the administrator to physically touch the system and speeds up getting it in the hands of the students.
Coming soon in the U.S., the Latitude 2100 is available with a Mobile Computing Station that equips classrooms with a cart to store securely, manage and network up to 24 netbooks with one Ethernet and power cord.The system is available today, and starts at $369.
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