Dell increases Latitude

Dell aims to woo new markets with the introduction of three notebook models in 1999, but is wary of handhelds. For two years the direct vendor has stuck to one basic version for business users of its Latitude range. It now plans to get cheaper, higher-tech and lighter via three products, according to Infoworld Electronic. The less expensive model at around $1,500, with an Intel Mobile Celeron chip, is expected to be announced on 4 May. A high-end notebook containing a mobile Pentium III and 100MHz frontside bus follows in the Autumn. The third, ultra-light system -- weighing in at about three to four pounds -- will be Windows 2000 ready. No pricing or availability details were leaked to Infoworld. Tim Peters, Dell general manager of marketing for Latitude, said: "We have found a way to leverage our architectural investments in our current products and feel it is time to broaden our portfolio with offerings in a variety of price bands." But the Texas company remains reluctant to plough into the handheld, Windows CE sector. "We're still evaluating that market, and we'll wait until enough of our customers want them," said Peters. ®