Dell Latitude ST

Dell has released a business-oriented Windows 7 tablet, offering a 10.1-inch touchscreen that may be operated either via fingers or an included digital pen. The Latitude ST includes an Intel Atom Z670 processor, 2GB of RAM, up to 128GB of SSD (solid state disk) storage, an optional cellular/GPS module, and up to six hours of battery life, according to the company.

Dell’s newly unveiled Latitude ST is an original design, as far as we know, but it bears striking similarity to two previous Windows tablets: Fujitsu’s Stylistic Q550 and Motion Computing’s CL 900. All three devices use Intel’s “Oak Trail” Atom Z670 processor, but, more than that, all also combine their capacitive multitouch screens with N-Trig DuoSense technology.

As Dell explains, this allows the Latitude ST’s capacitive touchscreen to be manipulated either via the usual finger gestures, or via an active stylus — which in this case is bundled with the unit. Therefore, the tablet is particularly useful for tasks such as filling out forms or taking notes, the company says.

Like the Fujitsu tablet, Dell’s also emphasizes security, with an optional TPM (trusted platform module). Plus, the Latitude is in step with the others in offering an optional Mini PCI card-based celluar/GPS module, available in either HSPA+ or HSPA/EVDO (Qualcomm Gobi 3000) versions.

According to Dell, the Latitude ST features 2GB of “integrated” DDR2 memory and an SSD in either 64GB or 128GB sizes. A single USB 2.0 port accepts an optional read/write DVD drive, for optical media stalwarts, while an HDMI port can direct video to a connected TV.

Dell says the Latitude ST’s 10.1-inch screen has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. Rubberized bumpers on the tablet “help protect against accidental drops,” the company added, though no ruggedization specs were cited.

Equipped with a four-cell battery, the Latitude ST can work cordlessly for as long as six hours, claims Dell. Designed with a “digital pen garage” as part of its case, the device also includes a microphone/headphone jack and an SD slot, says the company.

Other features on the Latitude ST include a slot for a Kensington lock (a detail that many tablet manufacturers have forgotten) as well as a port for an optional docking station. Shown above, the latter accessory includes HDMI and audio interfaces of its own, plus a gigabit Ethernet port and three USB 2.0 ports, according to Dell.

Features and specifications listed by Dell for the Latitude ST include:

• Processor — Intel Atom Z670 clocked at 1.5GHz
• Chipset — SM35 Express
• Memory — 2GB of DDR2 RAM
• Storage — 64GB or 128GB SSD
• Display:
  • 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen, plus digitizer for pen operation
  • 1280 x 800 pixel resolution
  • sunlight-readable
• Camera — 5 megapixel (rear facing) and 720p video webcam (front facing)
• Expansion:
  • Mini PCI Express slot (dedicated to broadband options)
  • SD slot
  • SIM slot (broadband models)
  • docking port
• Wireless:
  • WLAN — 802.11a/b/g/n
  • WWAN — HSPA+ or HSPA/EVDO (Gobi 3000) cellular module (optional)
  • PAN — Bluetooth (4.0)
  • GPS — included with cellular modules
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x HDMI
  • audio — microphone/headphone combo jack
• Power — 4-cell battery provides up to six hours of operation
• Operating range — n/s
• Dimensions — 10.6 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Weight — 1.8 pounds without mobile broadband

Further information

Dell did not detail pricing for the Latitude ST, but said it will go on sale Nov. 1, with Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, or Windows 7 Ultimate operating system choices.