Dell Latitude E2100
Dell believes every child should have the opportunity and tools to learn the skills necessary to succeed in the digital world. Dell set a new standard in education technology with the launch of a NetBook influenced by the needs of K-12 students, the Latitude E2100. The Latitude 2100 is also ideal for any business or public institution that needs affordable, durable, Internet-ready devices for email and collaboration.
Dell has been launched Latitude E2100, focused on business and education which takes about as different a tack as it's possible for a NetBook to take. It’s large for a 10in NetBook, measuring 43mm thick, and weighs a little more than we'd like at 1.32kg. Yet despite all this it isn't an unattractive device. The lid features an embossed rubberized finish and is capped with a subtle white light, set into the front edge.
Open up the E2100, and though the matte-black plastic finish is far from luxurious it does display certain appropriateness. We can imagine it being used in a classroom and still looking good after a couple of terms. And that robust feel extends to the rest of the chassis.
Try to twist and poke the screen and you'll find remarkably little give, thanks to the flexible plastic backing and a thick, 2.5mm coating of solid rubber. Together they feel well up to the job of defensive the E2100's 10.1in 1,024 x 576 resolution panel. The base is covered with rubber as well, the hinges feel like they'll last, and the E2100's sturdiness extends to the keyboard, which has a very firm feel to it. For classroom use we'd like to have seen further strong features added - such as drop protection for the hard disk and a spill-resistant keyboard - but the Latitude E2100 is more robust than most NetBooks.
The keys feel too small, and the key action is a little too light for comfortable typing at speed. And we're none too keen on the proximity of the touchpad to the keyboard. We found ourselves constantly brushing it while typing.
There is an alternative to using the touchpad - the screen, which on review model was touch-enabled. It's fine for manipulating large buttons and icons, and we're sure kids will take to it straight away. However, with no stylus, selecting, clicking and navigating through Windows Vista Basic's menus and options screens can be a little fiddly.
SPECIFICATIONS:
o Choice of XP Home, Vista Home Basic and Linux Ubuntu
o 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor N270
o 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity coupled with a full suite of wireless communication options
o 2.91lb* (1.32kg) starting at weight with 3-cell battery
o Hard or solid state drives for increased durability
o Three-cell or six-cell battery
o Three-in-one Media Card Reader
o Optional External DVD+/-RW via USB
o VGA port
o Clean bottom is vent-free to avoid any intrusion from spills
o Options: webcam and a keyboard featuring antimicrobial protection (U.S. only)
Dell believes every child should have the opportunity and tools to learn the skills necessary to succeed in the digital world. Dell set a new standard in education technology with the launch of a NetBook influenced by the needs of K-12 students, the Latitude E2100. The Latitude 2100 is also ideal for any business or public institution that needs affordable, durable, Internet-ready devices for email and collaboration.
Dell has been launched Latitude E2100, focused on business and education which takes about as different a tack as it's possible for a NetBook to take. It’s large for a 10in NetBook, measuring 43mm thick, and weighs a little more than we'd like at 1.32kg. Yet despite all this it isn't an unattractive device. The lid features an embossed rubberized finish and is capped with a subtle white light, set into the front edge.
Open up the E2100, and though the matte-black plastic finish is far from luxurious it does display certain appropriateness. We can imagine it being used in a classroom and still looking good after a couple of terms. And that robust feel extends to the rest of the chassis.
Try to twist and poke the screen and you'll find remarkably little give, thanks to the flexible plastic backing and a thick, 2.5mm coating of solid rubber. Together they feel well up to the job of defensive the E2100's 10.1in 1,024 x 576 resolution panel. The base is covered with rubber as well, the hinges feel like they'll last, and the E2100's sturdiness extends to the keyboard, which has a very firm feel to it. For classroom use we'd like to have seen further strong features added - such as drop protection for the hard disk and a spill-resistant keyboard - but the Latitude E2100 is more robust than most NetBooks.
The keys feel too small, and the key action is a little too light for comfortable typing at speed. And we're none too keen on the proximity of the touchpad to the keyboard. We found ourselves constantly brushing it while typing.
There is an alternative to using the touchpad - the screen, which on review model was touch-enabled. It's fine for manipulating large buttons and icons, and we're sure kids will take to it straight away. However, with no stylus, selecting, clicking and navigating through Windows Vista Basic's menus and options screens can be a little fiddly.
SPECIFICATIONS:
o Choice of XP Home, Vista Home Basic and Linux Ubuntu
o 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor N270
o 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity coupled with a full suite of wireless communication options
o 2.91lb* (1.32kg) starting at weight with 3-cell battery
o Hard or solid state drives for increased durability
o Three-cell or six-cell battery
o Three-in-one Media Card Reader
o Optional External DVD+/-RW via USB
o VGA port
o Clean bottom is vent-free to avoid any intrusion from spills
o Options: webcam and a keyboard featuring antimicrobial protection (U.S. only)
Technologyb2b.com A Technology Center
