With the new 12th Generation “Alder Lake” Intel processors steadily making their way into laptops, OEMs are prepping both new and established product lines to take full advantage of the extra processing power. The latest crop of next-gen products comes to us courtesy of Dell and includes updates to both its Latitude and Precision laptops, as well as new developments in its monitors and peripherals.
Business Laptops Keep Getting Smaller
Debuting in April as a laptop or 2-in-1 option and starting at $2,245, the Dell Latitude 9430 is positioned as the world’s smallest 14-inch 16:10 business laptop, designed for productivity, collaboration, and connectivity. Equipped with DDR5 RAM and Intel vPro, this Intel-based laptop offers 12th Generation Core processors up to a Core i7.
It’s quite a looker, too, featuring a 90% screen-to-body ratio, which means more room for its QHD+ (2,560-by-1,600 pixels) display to shine. Not to mention, it’s MIL-STD 810H tested, which means it’s built tough and can survive falls that would spell the end for other 14-inch machines.
But that’s not the only Latitude worth talking about—Dell also introduced the Latitude 7330, the newest entry in the 7000 series. Releasing in April and starting at $1,899, the ultralight laptop (also available in a 2-in-1 configuration) comes in magnesium, carbon fiber, and aluminum builds and weighs just 2.13 pounds. Improved thermals help it run up to 30% quieter than previous Latitudes while utilizing Intel vPro 12th Generation P-series processors.
These new Latitude models allow users to connect to two or more networks at once with ExpressConnect, which Dell says is the world’s first simultaneous, multi-network connection for faster video and data downloads. You’ll also find updates to the Dell Optimizer app, AI-based optimization software that is designed to automatically improve performance, battery life, audio, and privacy—all behind the scenes as you work.
Expect these software updates to also come to the Latitude 5000 series, which is getting a well-deserved refresh. Dell says that the ExpressConnect dual-network feature is hardware-dependent, and a list of compatible laptops will be released later this spring.
Precision Creation, Also in a Smaller Package
While Dell’s Latitude lineup gets a healthy refresh, Dell’s Precision lineup will also be enjoying an update with the Precision 5470, which according to Dell is the world’s smallest, thinnest, and most powerful 14-inch workstation.
Workstations are primarily about leveraging computing power for creative types, and the Precision 5470 does just that. Packed with Intel vPro processors up to a Core i9 and up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, the Precision 5470 is a multitasking dream, and its four-sided, 16:10 InfinityEdge touch display ensures the maximum screen space for the 14-inch QHD+ panel.
Four top-firing speakers, a large touchpad, and dual mics improve productivity and connectivity options, while the ISV certifications, MIL-STD 810H testing, and improved security features guarantee a stable work environment. The new addition to the Precision line will be available in April, though pricing is to be determined.
IPS Black Makes Its Way to UltraSharp Monitors
What’s a laptop suite without a couple of next-gen monitors and peripherals to go alongside? Leading the pack of optional additions are updated UltraSharp 27- and 32-inch 4K USB-C Hub Monitors, first announced at CES and available now starting at $724.99. Both monitors are among the first to use IPS Black technology, which improves picture quality by delivering a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.
The 4K resolution displays 1.07 billion colors across a wide color gamut that will deliver outstanding clarity, Dell says. Meanwhile, the new monitors also use ComfortView Plus, an always-on, built-in feature that reduces blue light to enhance eye comfort without loss of clarity. And thanks to InfinityEdge, the monitors are virtually borderless and can be daisy-chained to deliver an uncompromised quality picture, thanks to Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology.
But these displays are more than a pretty picture. Connectivity is at the heart of these monitors—just take a look at the plethora of ports along the backside. Everything you need in a modern office is here, and with none of the mess thanks to its small base and elegant cable management system that hides your excess cords.
Rounding out Dell’s spring launch are updated accessories like Dual Charge, Thunderbolt, and Universal Docks (starting at $368), which promise to improve connectivity options across Dell’s laptop lineup. There’s also a new Dell Premier Rechargeable Active Pen (starting at $109) with a battery that can last up to 40 days on one charge.
Finally, the Microsoft Teams-certified Dell Speakerphone (starting at $99) and Dell Conferencing Soundbar (starting at $79) will go on sale between now and the second quarter.
