Dell's MacBook Air rival launched

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 17 Mar 2009 at 08:01

Dell has finally launched its widely-trailed rival to the MacBook Air.

Dubbed Adamo, the laptop lays claim to the Air's title of "world's thinnest laptop", measuring 0.65in at its thinnest point - although it is slightly thicker near the hinge.

Like the MacBook, the aluminium casing is constructed from a single piece of metal. The Adamo comes in two colours: "onyx" black and metallic "pearl".

The luxury system is unlikely to be competing for shelf space alongside the rest of the Dell models in Tescos. Gone are the carboard boxes, in comes a transparent perspex display case with separate compartments for the laptop and power supply - a sign that Dell is adopting Apple's approach to packaging as well as laptop design.

So what's inside the laptop itself? There's 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo U9300 processor, integrated Intel X4500 graphics, 2GB of DDR3 RAM and a 128GB SSD.

The display is a 13.4in 16:9 HD display with edge-to-edge glass, with Dell claiming "preliminary" battery life in excess of five hours. The Adamo also boasts 802.11n wireless and will include a 3G mobile broadband option.

There's no optical drive, although the company will offer an external DVD+/-RW or Blu-ray disc drive as part of its range of matching accessories.

It's hardly a cutting-edge spec, although it certainly has a top-end price: $1,999 in the US. UK pricing has yet to be announced, but it will be a huge surprise if it comes in any cheaper than £1,500.

The Adamo will go on sale worldwide from 26 March.