If the rumors are accurate, Dell will soon launch a new laptop to compete with ultra-thin models from Apple, Lenovo and others. So just how thin would this new “Adamo” laptop need to be to lure some of those premium buyers over to Dell? Here’s how the competition measures up:
Apple MacBook Air: 0.16 to 0.79 inches
Voodoo Envy 133: 0.70 inches
Lenovo ThinkPad X301: 0.73 inches
Toshiba Portege R500: 0.77 inches
Toshiba Portege R600: 0.79 inches
Sony VAIO Z series: 1.0 inches
Amazon Kindle: 0.70 inches
However, how Dell came up with the name "Adamo" remains a mystery. Adamo in Latin means to find love or pleasure, which points to Dell trying to invoke the lust factor for the product.The naming convention is interesting on another count.
Based on the competition, the Adamo will almost certainly measure 0.7 inches or less. But perhaps Dell will really try to shake things up with an aggressively tapered design like that of the MacBook Air. The problem with this approach is that while the MacBook Air doesn’t have an internal DVD drive, several of the Windows competitors do. So it will be interesting to see just how radical Dell is willing to get with this new model.
My guess is that Dell will give it a decent set of features (13.3-inch LED-backlit display, internal DVD) but skip the more esoteric stuff such as SSDs and instead come in at a lower price.
Dell earlier leaked out accessories available on its Web site for Adamo Thirteen, which it later deleted. Dell listed a 45-watt AC adapter, which is similar to the 45-watt MagSafe power adapter used in the MacBook Air.
Dell also leaked a DVD+/-RW slot drive. Few ultraportable laptops build in an optical drive because of size constraints, with one exception being Fujitsu's LifeBook P8020 laptop.
The company also listed a "DC to DC auto/air adapter" accessory, an external hard drive and Displayport HDMI and VGA video dongles for the Adamo Thirteen.
No details, specs, or prices were given (except that its design includes anodized aluminum and glass .... it will be avilable in two colors silver & black), but don't expect this one to be on Walmart's shelves any time soon, despite rumors that it is supposed to be a price-friendly competitor for Apple's Air.
Dell website:
Dell Adamo Video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyVCV_8K3bs
