latitude
Latest
Google Latitude finally makes it over to iPhone, as a web app
The iPhone has finally caught up with its BlackBerry, Windows Mobile 5.0, and S60 competition, at least as far as Google Latitude is concerned. The stalker-centric program is now available for Apple's smartphone, but instead of coming as an App Store-approved download, it's actually just a web-hosted app that grabs your location through Safari -- a new trick care of iPhone OS 3.0. As to why, the Official Google Blog explains Apple had some concern that people would confuse it for the native Maps app. We still don't get why it couldn't simply be added to Maps itself, but we're not the multibillion dollar company, here. Go ahead, let your privacy cares away and direct your iPhone to the link below to see what all the fuss is about. Now it's time to wait (im)patiently for Google Voice.Read - Google LatitudeRead - Official Google Mobile Blog
Dell Latitude Z series laptop leaked, sized up in pictures
With nary another word in terms of specs or details, one lucky forum goer at NotebookReview has posted what looks to be pics of a new, as of yet unannounced Dell Latitude Z Series laptop. Not much to say at the moment, aside from the obvious Adamo influence, but we did spot a biometric fingerprint scanner, an oddly-placed ethernet port in the back, and Windows / Intel Centrino stickers. Earlier in the thread another person, albeit lacking any physical proof of owning one, chimed in to say it'd have a 15-inch matte screen, Core 2 Duo processor, webcam with facial recognition, and DisplayPort, with a scheduled release a week from today. Judging by the ports in the pics, it's definitely a thin one -- could we be seeing Dell finally dip its toes into the CULV market? With any luck, we'll be hearing more about this soon. [Thanks, Krzysiek]
Dell's Latitude 2100 reviewed: smart, but a bit heavy for afterschool use
We won't deny it -- a stroke of envy took us by storm when Dell introduced its durable, colorful new line of Latitude netbooks for the education market. Not only were we stuck with aged textbooks and school machines that were chained to a desk, but we never even had the chance to read up on the latest tech news while glossing over a summary of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Reminiscing aside, Laptop Mag has evidently found the 2100 to be a solid rig for the segment for which it is intended, though its bulk may turn some GED-toting consumers off. 'Course, the thin layer of armor is perfect for those who tend to bump and bang their machines around, and with internals much the same as in the Inspiron Mini, well -- you can pretty much imagine the performance. Hit up the read link for the full writeup and a bevy of hands-on shots; just keep Junior far, far away unless you're fine with nagging and pleading.
Dell targets school crowd with Latitude 2100 Welch laptop?
Looks like Dell's going for the back-to-school crowd, if this leak is to be believed. According to Gizmodo, the Latitude 2100 "Welch" is a 10.1-inch netbook with a 1.6GHz Atom processor, up to 2GB RAM, and an optional SSD drive, all under three pounds. It's also reportedly equipped with three USB ports, SD/MMC slot, 802.11 a/g/n, Bluetooth, an ethernet port, options for three and six cell batteries, and maybe touchscreen. The best part? Color options include School Bus Orange, Blue Ribbon, Red Apple, and what we can only assume is Chalkboard Black. If the report pans out, look for these around May 2009, just in time for summer vacation.
Dell Latitude XT2 multi-touch tablet now shipping... April 9th
It's here (almost) -- the "smooth as butter" multi-touch Latitude XT2 with 12.1-inch LED backlit, capacitive touchscreen is up for grabs on Dell's retail site. Prices start at $2,399. For that you get a 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo SU9300 processor, 1GB DDR3 memory, 80GB disk spinning at 5,400RPM, Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics, and a 4-cell battery. The price quickly shoots to $3,783 when configured with a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo SU9400 CPU, 3GB of memory, 128GB SSD, 802.11n WiFi, WWAN data card, Bluetooth, and optional XT2 Slice battery for up to 10 hours of untethered power. Consider it, that's how we'd roll. Now the catch: while Dell's teaser page says that the XT2 is available for "free 3-5 Day shipping," you're greeted with a "preliminary ship date" of April 9th once you click through. Oh Dell.[Thanks, Ron M.]
Dell Latitude XT2 multi-touch tablet with 11-hour battery now official (starts at $2,399)
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/hardware/Dell_XT2_multitouch_tablet_official_11_hours_battery_life'; The machine translation is pretty weak, but Dell's 12.1-inch (1,280 x 800 pixel) Latitude XT2 looks to have just made its first tentative steps in a global launch. The video posted after the break comes courtesy of Korean site, AVING, where the convertible tablet was apparently just released. Pinch to zoom and two-fingers swipes... yup, it's in there. 11-hours of battery (6-cell plus battery slice) and DDR3 memory (max of 5GB!) too in a chassis just 2.5-cm (0.98-inches) thick. Click through for the video while we track down the official specifications that already seem to be aligning with the unofficial specs leaked earlier.Update: Official Dell Japan press release now out. We've got specs: up to 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ULV SU9400 processor with Montevina chipset Intel integrated GMA 4500MHD graphics Windows Vista Ultimate on down 12.1-inch LED backlit capacitive touch-screen with EM Digitizer pen up to 5GB of DDR3 1066MHz (1x1GB, 1x4GB DIMM) up to 120GB 5400RPM SATA disk or 128GB SSD 802.11a/g/n WiFi and gigabit Ethernet SATA ODD 3.78-pounds (1.72-kg) with 6-cell battery eSATA, 2x USB 2.0, firewire, and ExpressCard 54 slot Update 2: Just announced for US with prices starting at $2,399.%Gallery-44261%[Via AVING]
Dell XT2 specs and availability leaked, launching on Weds?
It's been a long, long time since the first information about Dell's update to the venerable XT convertible tablet snuck out of Texas, and while we got some choice morsels of information last month, we were still missing any semblance of a release date (that original November 2008 target proved to be a bit optimistic). Now we have what could be the official spec sheet for the series and a date to boot, confirming much of what we'd heard before, like your choice of 1.2GHz SU9300 or 1.4GHz SU9400 Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, a 12.1-inch multitouch display, up to 5GB of DDR3 memory, and either 80GB worth of platters or 64GB of SSD. Base weight is 3.62 pounds, just over the 3.5 pound target the company had been aiming for, and if this source is correct the machine will be getting an official unveiling on February 11 -- close enough that we'd advise holding off on any other tablet purchases for a few days.[Thanks, Sam]
Snow Leopard gets hip to CoreLocation and multitouch
We're in the Q1 2009, folks, and while we'd love to believe that the release of Snow Leopard is imminent, it looks like all we'll have to be sustained by is rumors and innuendo for the time being. According to "insiders" at, well, Apple Insider, the eagerly awaited operating system will be taking some cues from the iPhone, adding both CoreLocation and opening up the multitouch trackpad to third-party developers. Since MacBooks don't currently have GPS, we're guessing CoreLocation will be powered by Skyhook's WiFi-positioning service, but anything can happen down the line. With all the buzz over Google Latitude making its way onto all manner of devices, including the G1, select Blackberrys, and (someday!) the iPhone and iPod touch. With Mac sales being particularly laptop-heavy lately, it looks like location awareness is shaping up to be the must-have functionality of the coming year. Fabulous, darling. Fabulous.
Google will have your latitude and longitude
Google has launched new location-based social software which is available to many smartphone users today. Latitude will share your location with others and allow you to to view your friends' locations as well.You can then contact them using text messaging, instant message or a phone call. The service is opt-in, so you won't be found if you don't want to be.Initially, the system was available to Windows Mobile phones, most color Blackberry phones, Symbian S60 phones and Android phones with Google Maps 3.0 and above. Current G1 phones don't have version 3.0 yet, but it is coming in a system wide update.How about the iPhone? Google says it is coming soon for both the iPhone and the iPod touch. There is no cost for the application, but people without unlimited data plans will see data charges. Use of the application will require a Google account. The service is available in 27 countries. Google says it is sensitive about privacy, and Latitude users can, for example, let family members see exactly where they are, or let friends only know what city they are in. Alternatively, your location can be completely hidden from everyone (you sly dog).Google is also offering a desktop version which allows you to input your location or determine it with wi-fi, and, of course, you can track your friends who are out and about.The iPhone already has Loopt [App Store link] which has similar features, but Google is such a heavyweight in the web space that many people may sign up. Apple will have to update the Google Maps application on the iPhone to make it all work.
Google Latitude coming to other devices, iPhone included
T-Mobile's decision to bundle Google's Latitude location-tracking service into the RC33 G1 update may have gotten all the attention this morning, but if you've got a BlackBerry, Window Mobile or S60 device, you can start oversharing right away -- Latitude is built into the newest version of the Google Maps app. Not only that, but it looks like iPhone owners will be able to get in on the fun soon -- Google says it's working on a Latitude app that will "hopefully" be available shortly. We're guessing that means El Goog is tied up in App Store approval shenanigans -- it's certainly been naughty before -- but what we're really wondering is if the next rev of Apple's Maps app will include Latitude, since it's basically just a really nice Gmaps implementation. We're guessing the developers of Loopt and Whrrl are equally eager to find out -- "duplication of functionality," anyone?
T-Mobile G1's RC33 update includes Google Latitude
Keeping frighteningly close tabs on the current locations of your friends, enemies, ex-lovers, bookies, and dealers is one of the hotter trends in the mobile space these days with products like Loopt, Whrrl, and Helio's Buddy Beacon making location-based contact tracking a breeze. Now that Google's getting into the game, though, that business model might start to dry up for everyone else -- especially considering that its so-called Latitude tech will be built into Android going forward and available for every other platform that supports Google Maps. T-Mobile has announced that Latitude will be built into the G1 starting with the RC33 maintenance release that's getting rolled out to customers this week -- and yes, granted, it's not Cupcake, but at least we have some new functionality to toy around with. And yes, we promise we won't mention virtual keyboards in this post... er, dangit. Video of Latitude in action after the break.
Dell's Latitude E6400 reviewed: lovely, save for minor annoyances
If your Latitude D630 is growing a bit long in the tooth, it sounds like the Latitude E6400 is the perfect replacement. Critics over at NotebookReview had no qualms mentioning the unit's strengths, from the rugged chassis to the excellent port assortment to the remarkable 19-hour battery life. Of course, it did point the majority of the review at business-minded users, but it's not like you're really looking at the Latitude line to run Crysis, anyway. Overall, reviewers couldn't find any "major reason" to dislike the E6400, though it couldn't help but mention a smattering of "minor annoyances." Like, you ask? Frustrating ControlPoint software, a less-than-awesome trackpoint / touchpoint and a general build quality that made the unit "feel less durable than it really [was]." If you can overlook those gripes, however, you could be staring at a winner.
Dell's One-Touch Privacy filter keeps your Latitude E6400 screen undercover
We're a bit miffed as to why Dell's keeping its new One-Touch Privacy system exclusive to the Latitude E6400, but whatever the story is there, it'll definitely keep straying eyes from seeing too much confidential information. Interestingly, this here filter isn't hardware based; rather, it's a software-driven application that "creates a pixel-based pattern on the screen, reducing the side viewing angles of people seated next to the user." Dell assures us that it has "minimal impact on display brightness" and that it can be activated with a single touch key, but we're still wondering how it landed on the seemingly sky-high $139 price. Talk about paying for the privilege.[Via T3]
Dell Latitude E4200 / E4300 now on sale
Lookie, lookie -- Dell has placed its sparkling new Latitude E4200 and (slightly larger) E4300 on sale today, just as promised. The 12.1-incher gets going at just over two large, while the 13.3-inch sibling starts up at around $1,750. 'Course, those figures can head far north if you start speccing 'em out, so, um, why not hit the read links and start doing just that?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - Latitude E4200 order pageRead - Latitude E4300 order page
Dell's E4300 and E4200 Latitude laptops available this Tuesday
Hey, remember those totally slick Latitude E4300 and E4200 13.3- or 12.1-inch laptops we told you about last month? Well if you've been itching to get your hands on one, they're going to be available very, very soon (September 16th, that is). If you'll recall, these little dudes boast Dell's new Latitude ON feature, the SplashTop-esque, instant-on desktop that gives you quick access to Firefox and a handful of other Linux-based apps. They also happen to tread that fine line between geek-lust design and hard-nose business machine guts. The systems will be available with Core 2 Duo CPUs, DDR3 RAM up to 8GB, hard drives up to 250GB (or a 64GB SSD), WiFi, and sport 1280 x 800 widescreen displays. Hit the read link for more details, and make sure to double check your account balances.[Thanks, Filip]
Dell fails to distract anyone
We know Dell felt left out of all the fun today, but rehashing that months-old MacBook Air manila envelope commercial with the Latitude E4200 just isn't the way to snake attention from Apple -- especially not when everyone's focused on new iPods, not Macs. Plus, Lenovo played this riff a hundred times better with the X300 back in April, for crying out loud -- and worst of all, the envelope is noticeably bulging and crappy because the E4200 is way thicker than the Air. Seriously, don't you think it would've been much more effective to leak details about that Zing-based music initiative, or hell, even announce that rumored Dell-branded cellphone? You can't steal the narrative if you're not telling the same story, guys. Video after the break.
Dell's Latitude E6400 ATG gets acquired, previewed
Merely weeks after Dell offered its long-awaited Latitude E6400 ATG up for sale, one of said units has been procured, unboxed and briefly tested by the laptop lovers over at NotebookReview. Initial impressions are that it's quite heavy (expected for a tough cookie such as this), built Ford tough and made to be used in broad daylight. The keyboard showed slight flex and a somewhat disheartening layout, though the touchpad was "very smooth" and the buttons had "excellent action." We won't spoil the first batch of benchmark results for you, so you'll have to wander on down to the read link for that and a handful of other pics.
Dell Precision and Latitude E series hands-on
Tons of pics of Dell's new Precision and Latitude E series machines? You got 'em, including shots of the crazy-small E4200, which really takes us back to the days of the hot little Samsung-built X1. Hit the gallery below, marvel at some of the machines your IT department may be rolling out in the next 6-18 months.%Gallery-29505%
Dell announces new Latitude E series
Dell's dropping a ton of new laptops on us today, and first up are the new Latitudes. Just like we'd heard, the E series is replacing the Ds, with seven new models total. As you no doubt remember from our Week o' Dell Scoops, the E6500, E6400, E5500, and E5400 are the traditional models with 15.4 and 14.1-inch displays, while the E4400 and E4200 are ultraportables and the previously-leaked E6400 ATG is a ruggedized edition. The 12-inch E4200 is the lightest corporate laptop Dell's ever made, at just 2.2 pounds, while the 13.3-inch E4200 comes in a 3.4 pounds. Both feature Latitude ON, which allows you to access data without fully booting the machine -- sounds a lot like SplashTop to us. Dell's claiming that the batteries on the larger machines can last for up to 19 hours, which sounds great, but we'll believe it when we see it. The new models also have an available backlit keyboard, and can be outfitted with dual pointing devices, fingerprint readers, and WWAN options including WiMAX.Update: Dell just told us that Latitude ON is not based on SplashTop, but is a different embedded Linux solution. %Gallery-29507%
Dell's rugged Latitude E6400 ATG laptop now available to order
Though we expected Dell's ruggedized Latitude E6400 ATG to have already launched by now, we suppose late is superior to never. As of this very moment, said laptop is available to order from the outfit's Small & Medium Business division, and the baseline machine comes with a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 CPU, Vista Home Basic, a 3-year warranty, 14.1-inch WXGA LED-backlit (and outdoor viewable, too) display, Intel's GMA 4500MHD graphics, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, an 80GB 5,400RPM hard drive, 802.11b/g and a built-in combo drive. The machine we just described can be ordered up for $2,399, but those with a higher spending limit can opt for integrated WWAN, a 64GB SSD, a respectable amount of memory and a 2.8GHz T9600 processor. Sadly, the estimated ship date is September 29th, but you can feel free to get in line before that figure slips well into Q4.[Thanks, Anthony]
