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The new E series covers seven models in all, starting with the 12.1in E4200 which tips the scales at a feather-like 1kg, and sports an Intel Core 2 Duo, running at 1.4GHz, integrated graphics, 5GB of RAM and either a 64GB or 128GB SSD.

At the other end of the scale, Dell's flagship E6500 features a 15.4in screen, a 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, and the potential for a 256MB Nvidia graphics card, 8GB of RAM and a choice of storage up to 250GB.

The most immediate change across the line is the styling, which has seen Dell drop its staid grey case for a variety of understated colours including regal red and brushed aluminium. This

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is complemented by a backlit keyboard and metal hinge and latch.

Perhaps the biggest selling point, however, is the purported 19 hour battery life, with the laptops eking nine hours from the nine cell battery, and another ten from the battery slice which covers the underside of the laptop.

Alongside this, Dell is also touting its Express Charge feature: a smartphone-sized powerpack which the company claims can charge your laptop to 80% capacity in around an hour.

The Latitude will also allow users to charge their devices, such as MP3 players, through the USB ports even when the laptop is switched off, which is another nice touch.

Following in Asus's footsteps, the PC maker also intends to introduce "Instant On", which allows users to access their email and internet without having to wait for the laptop to boot into the operating system. The feature will initially ship with the ultraportable E4200 and E4300 models.

Prices start at £469, with the first laptops arriving in September.

Check out our exclusive preview of Dell's first ruggedised E6400.