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Dell's new Latitude XT2 XFR is a ruggedized version of the company's previously released, "civilian" Latitude XT2 (right), a convertible tablet whose claim to fame was its inclusion of a multi-touch screen. Like the XT2 before it, the XT2 XFR uses N-trig DuoSense digitizer technology, allowing use of either a pen or fingers, with "natural gestures for zooming, panning, rotating, and more."Compared to the XT2, however, the XT2 XFR has put on more than two pounds in weight (5.4 pounds, vs. a former 3.62 pounds), and grown from 11.7 x 8.6 x 1 inches to 12.1 x 9.4 x 1.5 inches. The extra bulk is purely in the interest of ruggedness: According to Dell, the tablet now meets IP54 standards from resistance to dust and liquids, and survives multiple drops from a height of three feet.
Dell says the XT2 XFR also offers a wide operating range of -10 to 140 deg. F (-40 to 0 deg. C). Protective features include rugged hinges, sealing I/O doors, a thermal management system, shock-mounted hard drives or optional SSDs, and a sealed keyboard (with optional backlighting), the company adds.
In addition, the XT2 XFR is said to be available with an optional "hot-swappable" two-megapixel camera and with a GPS receiver, two options we didn't find listed for the standard XT2. Otherwise, the device's capabilities appear to be much as before.
According to Dell, the XT2 XFR comes with 1GB of DDR2 RAM soldered onto its motherboard, plus a slot that can accept an additional 4GB. Mass storage is provided by either a 160GB, 5400rpm hard disk drive, or a SSD in 64GB and 128GB capacities. the company says.
The device's 12.1-inch touchscreen is said to be outdoor-readable, and to provide a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. DirectX 10-compatible integrated graphics is provided by Intel's GS45 northbridge, while the XT2 XFR also employs the chipmaker's 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo ULV SU9600 processor and ICH-9M southbridge, says Dell.
Featuring a gigabit Ethernet port, the XT2 XFR is also fitted with wireless networking, Dell offering a choice of 802.11b/g or 802.11a/g/n modules manufactured either by itself or by Intel. A Bluetooth module is available, as are several cellular modems (apparently PCI Express Mini Card-based). Other options include a fingerprint reader, a Smart Card reader, and a TPM (trusted platform module), according to Dell.
Available with four- or six-cell batteries, the XT2 XFR includes three USB ports, an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port, audio I/O, and a VGA port. The device also offers SD and ExpressCard 54 slots, Dell says.
Features and specifications listed by Dell for the Latitude XT2 XFR include the following:
The Latitude XT2 XFR being drop-tested and drenched
Source: Dell
(click to play)
The Latitude XT2 XFR is available now, with prices starting at approximately $3,600, according to Dell. Initially listed as running Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista Business, the device will also likely be available with Windows 7, which would provide enhanced support for its multi-touch capabilities.
More information on the Latitude XT2 XFR may be found on Dell's website, here.
