Dell has added muscle to its smallest business notebook, the Latitude X300, including a Pentium M and a variety of wireless options including one configuration that allows it to wear the Intel Centrino crown.Building on the success of its Latitude X200 ultraportable, Dell has responded to both user feedback and technology advances with a revamped version: the Latitude X300. With a new processor, chipset, and wireless technology, Dell's shiny Mini-Me and its bottom-mounted docking station look like they're good to go.
Upside: Thanks to a Pentium M processor and an Intel 855 chipset, the Latitude X300 should run faster and last longer than its predecessor. It also offers many Dell- or Intel-branded wireless-networking options, including 802.11b, 802.11b/g, and 802.11a/b/g standards. (Choosing the Intel Pro wireless adapter makes this an Intel Centrino notebook.) Finally, the Latitude X300 uses standard Latitude D-series external USB 2.0 storage modules instead of the less-convenient Latitude X200's proprietary external modules.
Downside: The Latitude X300 is slightly larger than its predecessor, though it still weighs 1.36kg (sans the AC adapter). The smallish 12.1-inch display, with a native resolution of 1,024x768 pixels, is a bit rough on aging eyes, but that's a price you pay with any notebook this small.
Outlook: The Latitude X300 is a significant improvement over the Latitude X200. Dell Australia estimates that the Latitude X300 will begin shipping from August 11. Check back soon for a full review.
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