Dell introduces world smallest rugged multi-touch Tablet PC

By: Piotr Mazurkiewicz

Latitude XT2 XFR is now available for ordering

Dell has recently introduced a new member of its armoured XFR-series, Latitude XT2 XFR. The new tablet has 12.1 inch DLV outdoor-readable screen with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution. Moreover, it also has Dual Touch (multi-touch) option, which at its size makes the new ‘tank’ a class on its own. The new Latitude is 38mm thick (thin?) and only weights 2.45kg (with a 4 cell battery).

Performance-wise, it is equipped with reasonably powerful hardware. Intel Core 2 Duo ULV SU9600 clocked at 1.6GHz and up to 5GB of fast, DDR3 1066MHz RAM memory is enough to handle GIS mapping and various other high-end applications that are useful in the field.

As a hard drive option we get both SSDs in 64 and 128GB capacity or 160GB hard disk with free-fall sensor. For graphics core we get Intel GMA 4500MHD which is the best balance between battery life and performance at this form factor (considering this laptop wasn’t intended for gaming).  Six and nine cell batteries are also available; however we must remember that these always add more bulk to the package. With Latitude XT2 XFR we get an option for various editions of Windows 7 as well as Vista.

The Latitude XT2 XFR has raft of features to ensure it can operate in tough conditions such as a QuadCool Thermal Management System that enables the device to be use in temperatures from -23 degree to 60 degrees Celsius while the screen is impact resistant and sunlight viewable too as well as compression-sealed and rugged I/O doors and keyboard, and IP54 Ingress Protection.

Latitude XT2 XFR is available now in Europe and the US, but it doesn’t come cheap. Cheapest package starts at GBP1997 excluding VAT and shipping charges.