Following a number of leaked reports that recently surfaced the Internet, Round Rock, Texas-based Dell has just announced the debut of its new Vostro 1220 portable computer system, a 12.1-inch ultraportable PC that offers a number of configuration options to business users. Designed as a stylish alternative for the aforementioned customer class, the new laptop is available in a number of color options and is said to provide end-users with an impressive battery life of up to 9 hours, a feature that is likely to appeal to said segment.

“This trend supports what Dell has been hearing from our customers,” said Sam Burd, global vice president, Dell Small and Medium Business, referring to a recent report from IDC that claimed shipments of 12-inch widescreen laptops were expected to grow almost 35 percent this year. “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.”

The new Dell Vostro laptop can be configured with the user's choice for a Celeron 900 or Core 2 Duo processor, with the basic model featuring a 2.2GHz Celeron, coupled with 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner, WiFi b/g and a 6-cell battery pack. A higher-priced configuration will provide you with a Core 2 Duo processor, 8GB of RAM, a Blu-ray/DVD combo drive, up to 500GB of storage space on a 7200RPM HDD or an optional 128GB SSD.

Prices start at just US$799 and the system is expected to provide users with optional upgrades for a wireless 802.11 b/g/n solution, WiMAX card and Bluetooth. Available in Obsidian Black or Deep Cherry Red color options, the new laptop is said to provide up to 9 hours of battery life on a 6-cell battery pack.