After much anticipation, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has finally decided to launch its ultra-thin portable computer system, known as the Adamo, which is meant to meet the needs of tech fashionistas, as it combines an ultra-sleek design with the basic in computing performance. Starting at US$1,999, the new Dell laptop will likely compete with Apple's lightweight MacBook Air or HP's Voodoo Envy, both systems targeted towards users looking for an ultra-portable, lightweight personal computer.

 

"Great design needs to be timeless and evoke emotion in people", said Alex Gruzen, senior vice president of Dell's consumer products. "While a premium computing experience was assumed for Adamo, the intent was for people to see, touch and explore Adamo and be rewarded by the select materials and craftsmanship you would expect in a fine watch.

 

With the release, we finally have some details on the specifications of Dell's pride and joy, the Adamo. The basic model will be powered by a 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo U9300 processor and will be equipped with 2GB of memory and a 128GB solid state drive. The 13.4-inch display will be powered by Intel's integrated X4500 graphics chip. On the outside, the laptop is featured with two USB ports, one USB/eSATA port and a display port. The Adamo weighs 4 pounds, a pound more than Apple's MacBook Air, and comes at a hefty price tag of US$1,999. A more expensive model will set you back at least US$2,700.

 

The fellows over at CNET managed to score an early sample of Dell's highly anticipated Adamo, which came in a black version. The company is expected to provide its customers with a 'pearl' version, in addition to the black model, which the company calls 'onyx'. According to CNET, the Adamo is about 0.65-inches thick. Dell is claiming the machine to be worthy of the title “world's thinnest laptop.”

 

The Adamo has the potential to compete with Apple's MacBook Air, but the recently updated MacBook Air has some advantages. For starters, the Adamo is equipped with Intel's integrated graphics, while Apple decided to go for one of those NVIDIA GeForce graphics chips. In addition, the base model of the MacBook Air is offered with a slightly faster Intel Core 2 Duo processor, running at 1.6GHz. There's also a matter of pricing, as the base model of Apple's system comes at $1,799, a good $200 less than the Adamo.

 

On the other hand, there are some similarities between the two, especially if you consider that for both systems users will be required to pack an extra optical drive.