Dell Launches New Vostro Range Of Laptops
Round Rock Texas based Dell has revamped its Vostro range of laptops with a 3000 series that provides far more computing and graphics power.
The new Vostro range is targeted primarily at small and medium enterprises and is powered by the latest Intel Core processors, and features display sizes ranging from 13-inches to 17-inches.
The new line of Vostro’s all come with webcams and microphones embedded that allows the user to collaborate through online video conferencing.
The 15 inch Vostro 3500 and 17 inch Vostro 3700 also come with high definition WLED screens as an option, with the larger model allowing the buyer to choose up to a 1 GB Nvidia GeForce discrete graphics card.
The new Vostro range offers wireless connectivity options of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G, and are being shipped with the latest version of Windows, supporting up to 6 GB of DDR3 system memory.
The Vostro 3000 series was launched on Tuesday in some parts of Asia, and North America, and will be launched by Dell Australia later in the month.
> > Click here to order online with Dell Australia
Dell’s Mini 5 Could Be Serious Rival To Apple iPad
According to a recently leaked document the upcoming Mini 5, a tablet device which was launched by Dell at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, will come in a variety of colours, and will be fully integrated with a number of services from online retailer Amazon.
The leaked document was originally posted on a website says the device will be powered by Google’s Android operating system, and will be offered in a number of “premium finishes.” And a range of colours and devices.
Beyond being able to personalise the device, the document failed to provide any further information on the features of the upcoming tablet. The document simply listed its features, one of which includes a front facing video camera, something Apple’s iPad does not offer. The device also comes with a video camera, a capacitive touch screen and dock connector.
The second page of the document however detailed a partnership that Dell may be entering into with online retailer Amazon, for content. The document suggests that the Mini 5 will be fully integrated with Amazon’s Kindle, MP3 and video service, including a Kindle reader app.
The partnership with Amazon will be seen by many as Dell making a move to compete with Apple’s upcoming tablet the iPad, which is fully compatible with iTunes and iBooks, and the deal with Amazon may help Dell bring an equally compelling option to the table.
The Mini 5 Will be launched in the US, with Dell Australia probably launching the product sometime after that
Click here to order online with Dell Australia
‘Mac’ to School with Apple Australia – Offer Ends 29-03-10
Apple Australia has created a sweet little tax deal if your thinking of purchasing a Mac computer and an iPod before the end of Monday 29th March 2010. If you’re a tertiary student, faculty, or staff member and purchase both items on the same receipt, you can get up to $268 inc GST back via mail-in rebate when you fill in the online form after purchase.
> > Click here to download Apple rebate form
You must send the completed form with UPC labels and proof of purchase to -
Apple Rebate Centre
PO Box A809
Sydney South NSW 1235
to apply for this fantastic tax saving. Apple computers are great systems for students to study on, whilst the iPod touch allows you to email, download hundreds of educational apps, and enjoy thousands of lectures and videos in one small handheld device. The perfect accompaniment to any student who wants to stay at the top of the class.
> > Click here to shop online with Apple Australia
Dell Explains Disappearance Of Adamo XPS
If you are wondering why you can’t find the Dell Adamo XPS at an online Dell Australia store, at the start of the week, the company provided an explanation behind the disappearance.
The Round Rock Texas based company said in a statement says the model is very similar to a limited edition product, and was never meant to function as a long term model. In its statement Dell said the Adamo XPS was an “engineering marvel” that was meant to showcase the ability of the company, but the product is now simply nearing the end of its run.
Dell noted that the Adamo XPS is still available at some online retail sites, but its statement contradicts how it positioned the product when it was launched, as recently as the end of last year.
The 13-inch model was given a rather conventional launch, and Dell never made the fact that it would only be available for a limited time widely known.
Many suggest that the reason for the disappearance is due to lukewarm demand resulting from its higher price compared with regular Adamo products, despite having no major advantage, focusing instead on its label as the world’s slimmest laptop at just 0.4 inches thick.
Dell failed to provide an update of its plans for the Adamo 13, which continues to be on sale but now retails for half the price it did a year ago.
The Adamo and the Adamo XPS were both conspicuously marketed by Dell as being alternatives to the MacBook Air, but both models were more expensive.
Click here to order online with Dell Australia
Lenovo Planning Full Scale Assault On Smart-Phone Market
Chinese computer manufacturing giant Lenovo, the world’s fourth largest PC maker, says it intends to develop more mobile internet enabled devices as it seeks to regain ground lost, following a late entry into the sizzling hot smart-phone market.
Lenovo finally entered the mobile phone segment late last year, after repurchasing the mobile phone unit it sold less than two years earlier.
The company shed the unit ostensibly to focus on its core laptop and PC business, but quickly decided to re-enter the market after recognizing the increasing convergence between PC’s and smart-phones.
In January, at the Consumer Electronic Show, Lenovo debuted a thin touch screen device that runs on Google’s android operating system.
In launching the phone, Lenovo joins a growing list of PC manufacturers rolling out handsets including Dell and Acer, that use Google’s Android as their operating system, and are seeking new opportunities in the fast growing smart-phone segment.
“We launched a number of mobile Internet products at CES and we’d like to be more productive in the segment,” Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing told reporters on the sidelines of the opening session of the annual Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference on Wednesday.
Mr. Yang says the company intends to grow its market share in its domestic Chinese market, where it currently controls approximately one third of all sales. The company wants to return to its tradition of being an emerging market specialist, following the diversion of the acquisition of IBM’s PC business.
“The Chinese market is growing very fast,” he said. “I’m confident we can grow our market share.” Mr. Yang said.
Click here to order online with Lenovo Australia
Dell Gets Serious About Recycling Technology Waste In India
In 2006 Dell launched a free recycling service in India, and though the company should have been lauded for its environmentally friendly stance towards the burgeoning problem of technology waste, the scheme itself was not a success.
Many Indian’s felt reticent to send their old unwanted computers to the company for no cash back.
To counter the problem, Dell has revised the scheme in India and is offering any Dell customer who sends in their old PC or laptop for recycling a Rs 1000 (Approx A$25) discount coupons for the purchase of any new Dell desktop or laptop.
Dell also extended the recycling program, and now accepts PC’s of any brand, so long as the customer also buys a computer from Dell to replace their old machine. Customers who send computers made by other manufacturers however will not be given discount coupons.
Dell says it will either refurbish the old computers, or if that proves impossible, then it will recycle the machines in an environmentally friendly manner.
Computers which have been refurbished will either be sold for a discount or provided for use in good causes as part of Dell’s corporate social responsibility program.
Click here to order online with Dell Australia
Dell Generates US$9 million In 2009 Social Network Sales
In 2009 computer manufacturing giant Dell said it had over 600,000 followers on the micro blogging social network site Twitter, less than six months ago Dell said Twitter had generated as much as US$3 million in sales.
Underlining just how important social networking has become in the space of a few short months, Dell’s followers have now jumped to more than 3.5 million and direct sales generated from social networks has leapt to US$ 9 million, with Dell increasingly using Facebook and Flickr.
Stephen Felice, president of Dell’s small and medium business group, speaking at a conference said it was important that small business develop a social media strategy, adding that sales are not the only reason for their use.
“We don’t just use them for generating sales. Social media gives you information that you can use in real time, and base decisions on. This is a really powerful tool for SMBs, who don’t have the marketing dollars for traditional advertising. Social media offers a cheap way to form a really personal relationship with customers.” Mr. Felice said.
According to Dell, the company generated $2 million in sales from Twitter in 2008 and the sales figure has leapt to $9 million during 2009 across all social networking platforms, suggesting that social network as a sales tool is a growing and extremely profitable trend. Dell Australia has not released any details of its social media sales figures.
Click here to order online with Dell Australia
Lenovo Launches Five New Models In Australia
Chinese computer manufacturing giant Lenovo has launched five new business desktops and laptops in Australia.
The models include the W701 and W701 ds workstation, the X201 laptop, X201 tablet and the X201 slimmed down laptop.
The X201 comes with a 12.1 inch screen and is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor which is fully customisable when purchased from Lenovo.
Lenovo says the X201 is a ‘featherweight fighter’, weighing in at less than 1.2 Kg and has a battery life of as many as 12 hours from a 9-cell battery.
The tablet version of the X201 is similar with a 12.1 inch screen, but also allows for touch screen capability and can be converted into a slate. The X201 tablet can use up to 8GB of RAM and provides Gigabit Ethernet and 3G reception.
- X201 from $2549
- X201 tablet from $384
- W701 from $6299
- W701ds from $7999
- X201s price on application
> > Click here to order online with Lenovo Australia
Dell’s Adamo XPS A Thing Of Beauty
Last year Dell set the computer world alight with the introduction of its super stylish and ultra-slim Adamo range. 
The newest offering from the Adamo product range continues in this vein, with the Adamo XPS measuring just 9.99 millimeters ( yes you heard that correct, just four tenths of an inch)
The Adamo product range really does set the standard for design, craftsmanship and engineering excellence.
The Adamo XPS is visually stunning; simply swiping a finger makes the keyboard appear magically from underneath the display, as the laptop opens.
The Adamo XPS includes the latest technology built into a compact space and features include:
- 4GB DDR3 800 memory;
- Intel Core 2 Duo (1.4Ghz) ultra-low voltage processor;
- Thin 128GB SSD for faster, cooler, quieter and more durable storage than traditional hard drives;
- 13.4-inch high-definition display
The Adamo XPS comes in jewellery box style packaging, that is as stunning as the notebook itself.
The word Adamo is a name that Dell derived from the Latin word which means “to fall in love,” and for us the only thing we could add to that definition, is the phrase “at first sight”
The range was specifically conceived to disrupt the high end super-slim laptop space, adding beautiful design aesthetics and much sought after technology.
The pencil-thin Adamo XPS weighs just over 3 pounds and measures 13.39 x 10.71 inches. The Adamo XPS should be launched by Dell Australia later in the year with Microsoft Windows 7 pre-installed.
A spokesperson for the company said “We think the Adamo XPS will inspire an emotional connection with anyone who sees it.”
We have to say, we certainly felt one.
> > Click here to order online with Dell Australia
Apple Tops Business Week Survey For Customer Satisfaction
Consumer electronics giant Apple has managed to grab the number three spot in the highly respected annual customer service survey conducted by Business Week, and is the top ranking computer manufacturer or even consumer electronics company.
The bronze medal given to Cupertino California based Apple, means that customers gave it A+ ratings for both quality of staff and the efficiency of service.
This year’s result is an almost ten per cent increase compared to its 2009 result. Apple was lauded in particular for its Genius Bar and checkout system.
66 per cent of those surveyed said that they would definitely recommend the brand, whilst 58 per cent say they would definitely purchase other Apple products.
The two companies that beat out Apple were retailer L.L. Bean and insurance and banking company USAA.
However, since Apple was 20 places above its nearest rival, Dell, we don’t feel the folks at the company have a whole lot to worry about.
Keep Up to Date with the Latest Offers
Enter your email address for members only special offers.
