As with every other PC maker, Dell is preparing for next month's Windows 8 launch with a slew of touch-enabled devices, including a new business-oriented tablet. At first glance, the Latitude 10 appears to be just another black rectangle, but Dell has incorporated many enterprise features, including a user-swappable battery, a dock for improved productivity and Dell Data Protection Encryption (DDPE) for drive security.
The 10.1-incher carries an Intel Clover Trail SoC, 2GB of RAM, up to 128GB of flash storage and a 30WHr battery. Although some folks will be disappointed by the Latitude 10's 1366x768 display, Dell has at least opted for a Gorilla Glass-protected IPS panel with wide viewing angles as well as a decent brightness, according to some hands-on accounts. The device also supports 10-point multitouch and an optional Wacom stylus.
Other features include a 720p webcam up front, an 8-megapixel camera in back, one full-size USB port, a Micro-USB charging port, a Mini-HDMI port, a headphone/microphone jack, a proprietary docking port, a Micro-SIM slot and a card reader to expand on the integrated storage. The dock/stand provides the Latitude with desktop-like functionality via four USB 2.0 ports, gigabit Ethernet, as well as HDMI and audio outputs.
The device measures 0.4 inches thick and weighs about 1.5 pounds with the stock 30WHr battery, though Dell will also offer a 60WHr unit. As mentioned, the battery is changeable and it seems easy enough to accomplish, requiring users to slide a small latch on the back, much like a laptop. Naturally, Dell plans to ship the Latitude 10 alongside Windows 8 in October, but the company hasn't disclosed pricing yet.