Dell Confirms the Inspiron 11z, US$399 CULV Ultraportable

Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has recently updated its line of portable computer systems with the introduction of the new Inspiron 11z, which has been designed to provide users with yet another CULV-based laptop. Boasting a small 11.6-inch display, the new machine is placed somewhere between a netbook and an ultraportable laptop. Given its technical specifications, the new ultraportable system could provide netbook fans with an alternative for a higher-performance laptop that combines something from both the netbook and ultraportable system specs.

At first glance, the Inspiron 11z looks like an alternative for users who were planning on getting a new Inspiron Mini 12, which the PC vendor has recently discontinued. However, in a recent post on the company's blog pages, Dell claims that this new system is basically its first foray into the CULV market, boasting the performance and features of Intel's much-hyped platform for ultraportable and thin laptops.

The internal specifications of the Inspiron 11z include a low-power 1.2GHz Celeron processor, coupled with 2GB of memory, a 250GB hard drive and an HD (1366x768) 11.6-inch display. Additional features include the built-in WiFi networking, the 1.3MP webcam and a 28WHr battery pack that is said to be capable of providing end-users with as much as 3 hours of runtime. The system ships with a Windows Vista operating system, accompanied by a free upgrade kit to the much-anticipated Windows 7 OS.

More configurations are expected from Dell, as the company plans to expand its presence in the fast-growing market for ultraportable laptops that are powered by Intel's CULV platform. For the time being, users will have to make do with this new 11.6-inch Inspiron 11z, which comes at a starting price of just US$399, which places it in the affordable PC segment of netbooks.