Dell's 12.1-inch Vostro 1220 gets official in Japan, packs few surprises
We'd already come to grips with the fact that a Vostro 1220 was indeed on the way, and now Dell's own Japanese branch has confirmed it. Over in the Land of the Rising Sun, the 12.1-inch business laptop has gone legit, bringing with it Intel processor options (a 2.20GHz Celeron or 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, namely), 1GB or 2GB of RAM, a WXGA (1,200 x 800) glossy display, 4-cell battery (a 6-cell is available), WiFi, three USB 2. sockets, FireWire, gigabit Ethernet, VGA output, ExpressCard slot, a multicard reader and a 1.3 megapixel webcam. The unit should start shipping soon in various configurations, with a lower-end build tagged at ¥79,980 ($837); needless to say, we're expecting a US announcement to follow in short order.
[Via Impress]
Update: And now it's a go in North America. Check the local press release after the break.
DELL VOSTRO 1220 PACKS FULL-SIZE FEATURES INTO AN ULTRAPORTABLE PACKAGE
· Latest Vostro is compact, stylish with mainstream performance, state-of-the-art security and backed by small business-dedicated service and support
· By popular demand, Dell expands Vostro laptop line to include 12.1-inch model designed exclusively for small businesses
ROUND ROCK, Texas
June 30, 2009
Dell today announced the latest addition to its expanding line of Vostro laptops, the 12.1-inch Vostro 1220. This stylish, ultraportable laptop was designed exclusively for business travelers who are unwilling to compromise on performance, battery life and security for a thin and lightweight design.
Available in Obsidian Black or Deep Cherry Red, the Vostro 1220 starts at a mere 3.36 lbs, is equipped with the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processors and features up to 9 hours of battery life¹, making it an ideal travelling companion for on-the-go, global entrepreneurs.
According to IDC², worldwide commercial shipments of 12-inch widescreen laptops are expected to grow almost 35 percent from 2008 to 2009. "This trend supports what Dell has been hearing from our customers," said Sam Burd, global vice president, Dell Small and Medium Business. "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."
Vostro 1220: Productivity, Security and Connectivity
· Only Dell offers pre-installed videoconferencing software, Dell Video Chat, which along with the purchase of optional integrated webcam and microphone gives customers a complete videoconferencing solution.3
· More security options than similar Acer, HP and Lenovo small-business systems4 including mobility solid state drives for three times the reliability of traditional hard drives5, fingerprint readers with easy-to-use software, and multi-factor authentication and encrypted hard drives with Wave Systems software that can easily encrypt data without impacting system performance.
· 802.11 draft-n wireless LAN or optional Mobile Broadband external solution for optimal connectivity anywhere your business takes you.
Backed by dedicated and specially trained small-business sales and support experts, Dell Vostro laptops come with a 30-day worry-free return policy6, are available with Dell CompleteCare7 Accidental Damage Service and Dell ProSupport8services that give customers the ability to customize and tailor services to fit their technical expertise and business needs.
Starting at $799, the Vostro 1220 is available worldwide today. For additional information on the Vostro 1220, visit www.dell.com/vostro.
