Latitude On: Dell Enters Smartphone Space, But Not Like You'd Expect

In a marketing move, it seems that Dell is viewing smartphones as a threat to its full-fledged notebook line--note: that reads laptop, not netbook--and is bringing some smartphone features to thwart that threat. In its new 16-inch Latitude Z notebook, the computer maker, once a Windows Mobile manufacturer, is bringing wireless charging to the notebook once docked, a similar feature found on the Palm Pre's Touchstone charging base. Additionally, with a feature called Latitude On, Dell is offering an instant on capability to its Latitude series, making it easier to access email and information so you don't have to rely on your Windows phone or smartphone.

The move made by Dell is perhaps Dell's implicit admittance of how important the smartphone space is. Since the company has exited the traditional PDA market with its Windows Mobile Axim line of handhelds, there has been constant rumors of Dell entering the smartphone space, but the company has yet to release a smartphone. The Latitude On feature actually makes use of another processor--a smartphone-like processor--that is built into the notebook to offer low-power, instant-on, long battery life capability to check calendar, contacts, and emails. Hit the break for the videos--the second one details the Latitude On feature.





(via: Engadget)