Dell Launches New Enterprise-Grade Convertible Tablet PC

Latitude XT3 Notebook In late 2007, we announced the industry’s first multi-touch capable convertible tablet.  At the time, Engadget called it the “sexiest thing Dell had ever made.”  We then followed up in 2009 with the XT2. Fast forward to today and we’re now launching the third iteration of that design; the Latitude XT3 convertible tablet PC. To suggest there’s been an evolution in technology and functionality is an understatement.  

The Latitude XT3 is designed for mobile professionals that want to work without boundaries with all the productivity, power and functionality of a standard laptop combined with the flexibility and dynamic interface of a responsive touch-screen tablet.  The system allows people that are rarely tied to a desk, such as healthcare professionals, educators and service personnel, to work almost anywhere.

The first thing you might notice when comparing the XT3 to previous generations is the display size which we increased to a 13.3” HD LCD.  The picture-perfect clarity of the bigger landscape and wider viewing angles improves usability in both laptop and tablet mode.  Available as an option, the XT3 also offers an outdoor viewing screen for work in sunlight. 

Also new, the XT3 is powered by new Intel Core i processors.  This increased horsepower means the system can handle the toughest computing jobs.  Hard drive options include up to 320GB and optional SSD.  Depending on how it’s configured, the XT3 can deliver over 8 hours of battery life and with Latitude ExpressCharge the battery can re-charge 80% in about an hour.   Latitude XT3 Notebook

The Latitude XT3 truly conforms to how people work, including capacitive multi-touch (four-finger), pen, touchpad, full keyboard (optional backlit functionality) and mouse capabilities. 

The conversion between laptop and tablet modes is a simple twist of the LCD screen thanks to the new bi-directional hinge.  Combine these productivity features with enhanced durability, security and manageability IT professionals need and you’ve got a Latitude.

For those that have other Latitude E-Family laptops, the XT3 is compatible with its docking stations, power adapters, media modules and extended battery slices. 

In terms of security, the XT3 offers the same great data protection with Dell Data Protection, Remote Data Delete and Free Fall Sensor.  And on the outside, the system is protected with a strong magnesium alloy and highly durable powder coated base.  

Comments or questions on the new technology?  Let us know below.

About the Author: Kirk Schell

Kirk Schell is senior vice president of Dell’s Commercial Client Product Group. In this role he is responsible for overseeing strategy, planning, launch and sustaining programs, brand and messaging for Dell Latitude commercial client products and Dell’s Internet of Things edge computing portfolio. Mr. Schell has held multiple leadership roles in his 18 year career at Dell. Previously, he led the Marketing organization for Dell’s Business Client Product Group and was responsible for product strategy, product planning and management, messaging and overall business performance of the Latitude, OptiPlex and Dell Precision brands. Before that role, he served in Shanghai, China as director of the Vostro Product Group for Dell’s Small and Medium Business (SMB) division. In that capacity he was responsible for the Vostro desktop and notebook product line and Emerging Market products in Dell’s portfolio of SMB products worldwide. Before joining Dell, Mr. Schell served as an officer in the United States Navy in the US Navy Nuclear Power Program. He also served as the United States Navy Liaison to Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in Devon, England. Mr. Schell holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from The University of Michigan. He now lives in Austin, Texas after repatriating in June 2010 from Shanghai, China and the Dell China Design Center.