"Dell Reveals Touch-Based Inspiron Laptops"

Dell Inspiron R Series

Dell announced on CES that the company is giving its laptop category an overhaul as it introduces new models and features on both budget and mainstream Inspiron laptops. These new laptops come with new processors, thinner design, and an optional touch capability.

The value-price Inspiron line are being updated a new batch of thinner, lighter laptops. The three new models–namely Inspiron 14-3421, Inspiron 15-3521, and the Inspiron 17-3721 (the first two digits indicating its screen size)–now weigh under five pounds and are a little under an inch in thickness. Despite the smaller build, all of the features seen before in these notebooks are still there, including an optical drive, all encased in matte plastic.

The 17-inch Inspiron 17-3721 is also given a specs boost. Its screen resolution is now up to a clearer 1600 x 900; it also has a HD webcam that can record videos in 720p quality; as well as an Intel WiDi to let you stream HD video content wirelessly to your TV. All three budget notebooks also get updated Intel processors, your choice of NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M or AMD Radeon HD 8730M GPUs, and an optional touchscreen capability, perfect for Windows 8.

The touchscreen configurations give the new Dell laptops 10-finger tracking and enhanced gesture support. (And just to be clear, these devices do not convert into a tablet.)

Dell’s mainstream Inspiron laptops are also getting an upgrade. The new models of Dell Inspiron R series (pictured)–the Inspiron 14R-5421, Inspiron 15R-5521, and the Inspiron 17R-5721–come with updated processors, optional graphics chips, and optional touch configurations. The Inspiron R laptops are now dressed up with brushed aluminum casings in your choice of blue, dark gray, red, and pink, apart from the default unpainted light gray.

No word yet on when it will be available and at what cost.

Source: PC Magazine