Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0

Can you blame Dell for deciding its laptops needed a makeover? After suffering some serious market share losses and earning a reputation for bland designs and questionable customer service, we can see why the company would be keen on revamping its lineup as a way of distancing itself from its not-so-sunny rap. That seems to be precisely what the outfit’s doing with the Inspiron 13z and 14z, which Dell unveiled today. Both laptops move to aluminum lids and palm rests, available in a small (and fairly toned-down) color selection, with black and red being your only choices. The two have also whittled to under an inch thick, with the beefier 14z leaving enough room for an optical drive. Not surprisingly, the resolution’s 1366 x 768 — precisely what you’d expect in a $600 laptop. Also predictable: this generation of Inspirons offers USB 3.0 and Sandy Bridge, with a choice of Core i3 and Core i5 processors. Both models start at $599.99, with the 14z available in the states today, and the 13z launching in “select” Asian countries. Curious? We’ve got a handful of hands-on shots below and the full PR after the break. Gallery: Dell Inspiron 13z / 14z hands-on Continue reading Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0 Dell intros slimmed-down Inspiron 13z and 14z laptops with aluminum lids, USB 3.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink

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