Dell Launches Inspiron 11z

Today Dell officially took the wraps off its first CULV System: the Inspiron 11z. We took a first look at this attractive thin and light notebook with an 11-inch screen designed to fill the gap between netbooks and larger budget notebooks. At a price of just $399, Dell might have a winner on its hands.

The Inspiron 11z is the first Dell ultraportable notebook to blend netbook portability with full-featured laptop capability. It weighs 3.05 lbs. and at roughly an inch thin it's easy to carry, yet has the capability to deliver smooth HD video playback and snappier performance with your applications. The biggest differences between a netbook and the new Inspiron 11z are inside. Most netbooks feature the Intel Atom processor and GMA 950 graphics while the Inspiron 11z is based on the new Intel CULV processor family combined with more memory and improved graphics to deliver better performance.

Many consumers wondered what Dell had in store after Dell discontinued the Inspiron Mini 12 earlier this year ... the Inspiron 11z is the answer. Consumers have been asking for a netbook-like device with a netbook price point that is capable of handling traditional laptop activities (like full HD video and multitasking). The Inspiron 11z does just that with a starting price of just $399 in the U.S. on www.dell.com and starting Aug. 25 will be available in Carphone Warehouse in the U.K. and the Phone House in France.

While the Inspiron Mini series of netbooks are designed as "companion PCs" (miniature laptops that are easy to slip into a bag or briefcase but can't replace a full-featured notebook) the Inspiron 11z has all the power of a traditional budget notebook in a small, easy-to-carry design. Netbooks offer slower performance and certain types of HD video playback will stutter because of the limitations of the Intel Atom processor and Intel GMA 950 graphics. The Inspiron 11z doesn't suffer from these limitations thanks to a new Intel CULV processor and Intel GS45 Integrated Graphics.

One potential issue we noticed with the pre-production Inspiron 11z is that users will have a hard time making their own upgrades. Dell sacrificed the typical RAM expansion and hard drive expansion doors on the bottom of the notebook in order to make the Inspiron 11z as thin (and as low cost) as possible. This means you will have to disassemble the entire bottom of the notebook if you want to perform your own upgrades.


Right side view of the Inspiron 11z: 3-in-1 card reader, audio jacks, two USB ports, power jack, and Kensington lock slot.

Left side view of the Inspiron 11z: Ethernet, HDMI out, and USB port.

A few more facts about the Inspiron 11z - as I mentioned, today you can purchase a pre-configured system for $399 including the following specifications:

• Intel Celeron 723 processor (1.2GHz/800MHz FSB/1MB cache)
• 2GB DDR2 memory
• 250GB (5400 rpm) hard drive
• Built in Wi-Fi, 1.3MP Webcam
• 11.6-inch HD (1366x768) display (WLED)
• 28WHr battery with approximately 3 hours of battery life
• Windows Vista Home Premium WITH free upgrade kit to Windows 7
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 0.92" (235mm) front / 1.02" (258mm) back (with 3 cell battery)
  • Depth: 8.43" (214mm)
  • Width: 11.5" (292mm)

At the time of lauch the Inspiron 11z will only be available in Obsidian Black, but more colors will likely become available later this year.

There will be more configuration options down the road. The Inspiron 11z is only the second member of Dell's "Z family" of notebooks with thin and light with great battery life space - so stay tuned, we'll have more coverage of the Z-series notebooks in the future.

Related Articles:

• Dell Studio 14z Review

 

Looks like this could be a winner, but did you get a chance to check out the keyboard? Was it a full size keyboard?

 

Not the best CULV out there but a nice little Atom netbook killer none the less.

 

The recently-intro'd Acer 1410T is still a bit better, I think, but seriously, who is going to buy a netbook next to one of these?

 

Someone who cares about battery life? If Dell is only claiming 3 hours...

 

Unfortunately the people that see 1.2Ghz and 1.6Ghz and don't know any better will buy the Atom.

 

Look at the keyboard, and I know this is not going to be a winner. I think they just put the mini10 keyboard in this 11z chassis. From the pictures, at least 1" on each side is wasted. Come on Dell, everything on this notebook (other than the 3-cell battery) looks so promising, why not utilize the available space and make the keys full size. I know you can do it.

 

3 hours on a 3 cell isn't that bad. Acer 1410T has 6 hours on a 6 cell.

 

Doesn't look like an inch to me, more like a quarter of an inch. The 11.6" screen necessitates a chassis around 1" wider than most 10" netbooks, but allows for the same depth and thickness - I'd say it's got a full size keyboard or very, very close to that.

EDIT: Oh, I see where you're getting the 1" on either side. Note, that's a 15" notebook; the 11z is the white one at the very bottom of that picture.

(For the record, most 3 cell netbooks claim the same 3 hours of battery life. Hell, my 6 cell notebook only claimed 3 hours, but it's from a different era.)

 

That's a funny way of denying that some people would be much better off with a 6 cell

I'm not denying that some people shopping for netbooks would be better off with an 11z. But to say that the 11z would be better for everyone currently considering a netbook seems like a huge exaggeration.
$.02

 

It costs the same as a netbook, is the same size as most netboooks, is marketed the same as most netbooks (that being a companion PC) but does not have an Atom processor so is therefore not a netbook.

Yup, that's sure not going to confuse the average consumer.

All the same, I like this move by Dell to workaround the silly requirements Intel and Microsoft place on manufacturers to cripple a typical netbook and make them less desirable. The battery life at 3 hours could be an issue, they'll need to offer an extended life battery to get around that shortcoming.

Thanks for the first look at this Jerry.

 

What I'm saying is you put in a bigger battery and you'll get the better battery life...don't just compare hours.

ASUS EEE 1000HE, for a netbook example, can claim 9 hours of battery life but that's on a 6 cell battery. With half the cells do you still expect to get 9 hours?

3 hours on a 3 cell isn't great but it's also not that bad. ;þ

 

Fair, but consider the people looking at some of the higher end netbooks - Toshiba NB205, Asus 1008HA, etc - why, at the same price, would you not buy a similarly sized CULV machine that has a better keyboard, better screen, and far better specs? Yeah, they aren't hitting the $299 price point (though, give it a year and they may do that, too) but if you were looking at a netbook in the $400-500 price range, why wouldn't you?

The average consumer exists to be confused....lol.

 

Battery life is not "an issue", its the issue, imo. Why would someone bother to buy a small, portable notebook if it can't be utilized extensively without a power cord?

At $399, a 3-cell battery just isn't good enough when a basic eee PC can nearly triple the Dell's battery life at $75 less. Of course, adding the 6-cell option creates more of a price imbalance.

For what you get, there still isn't a better netbook/budget notebook deal out there than the 1000HA with the chiclet keyboard. No other package comes close to generating the same bang for the buck, imo.

 

Haha...you know, I see a lot of sentences like this, with Atom replaced with AMD, long ago. Looking back, time certainly has changed, now even a ULV Celeron has some CPU it can crush.

On the other hand, just how good is this Celeron 723? I know it's kind of new and not a whole lot of CULV laptops are out there, but has anyone actually made a comparison of different Acer Timelines that are employing Celeron 723, SU3500 & SU9400 and see how each one performs? And how much better is it compared to an Atom on something that is more CPU-driven?

 

Thanks for correcting my mistake. Now, the keyboard should be OK, and I like the dedicated home/end/pg up/down keys.

Hopefully they will have internal HDTV tuner option like the Mini10.

From some preview site, the Acer 1410's 6-cell battery fit inside the chassis like a regular 3-cell. That will be a deal maker for me.

 

I'm also waiting for HP to announce their 11.6" model as well.

Things are getting exciting in the ultraportable sector, I'm wondering how much of an impact these machines will make on netbooks with them having better specs and right about the same price.

Netbooks will have to see a price drop or collect dust on shelves.

 

looks nice but still expensive imo. this should be around 250

 

With the right coupons, or purchase of a desktop system, or something...maybe it will hit $299.

 

Word. With these things coming out for $399, 449, and the like, there should be NO more of those $399 (Toshiba? Lenovo?) or $429 (Asus?) or $449 (Samsung?) netbooks. Netbooks should go back to the $299 and lower hole that they came from.

 

Finally!!! A netbook with higher resolution and video power.I find it mind blowing and hilarious that my 6 yr old psp is able to stream videos better than a new netbook.Yeahhh..the battery size is a downer.Especially when this will probably drain power faster than the Atom netbooks.Please correct me on this if its not the case.But if you are willing to wait awhile I'm sure a 6 cell will be available.

 

Wow, I'd been planning to pick up the Ion S12 when it came out but this seems like a much better buy. The only thing bothering me is the battery life as others have mentioned. If and when a 6 cell version of this comes out, I'll be all over it.

 

I want to know how much it will be with a C2D.

 

I don't think these will get a C2D cpu, because many of the 11in device with C2D device cost at least $1000 new, like the Asus U2, Lenovo U110, or the Sony Vaio TT. However this may get the C2D base dual core Pentium cpu , like the 11.6in Acer Timeline.

 

CULV processor? Definitely not designed to handle the power or heat dissipation requirements of a C2D.

UPDATE: PCMag reports that the 11z has a 92% keyboard. Fail, Dell, FAIL.

 

Well, the other 11.6" CULV notebook out right now, the Acer 1410/1810T is getting a dual core model (1810TZ) with the Pentium Dual Core ULV SU4100 processor, so it's not a heat dissipation issue with putting a ULV Core 2 Duo in there. Probably more a cost issue.

 

Maybe, but last I checked the CULV dissipates up to 10W of heat. Atom dissipates around 2.5W.

C2Ds are around 25W-35W.

 

Actually, Acer seems to be the only one offering dual-core processors in this segment. The TimeLine 3810T (13.3") is available with the 1.4GHz Intel C2D SU9400) and he 1810TZ is available with a 1.3GHz Intel SU4100 (not sure if it's a C2D, Pentium DC or ?).

 

This Dell doesn't seem very attractive compared to JR's Acer 1810T for $449. Smaller battery, slower CPU, 2MB less cache and a smaller keyboard.

It's actually SU4100 a Pentium Dual Core 1.3 Ghz in Acer 1810TZ.

 

But, doesn't that have a C2D based or something?

 

All of these processors are based off of the C2D architecture. Atom is not.

 

My wife has a Toshiba A605 with a core 2 duo processor- SU9400 1.4GHz low voltage. That machine has a 12" 1280x800 screen, 3GB, 250
GB, DVD+/-RW, comes with Vista and is lightweight with good battery life. BUT it was relatively expensive.

This Dell needs a dual core processor, needs a bit more ram, needs more battery.

 

Most CULV processors are ultra-low voltage Core 2 Duo processors, such as the ones used in "premium" ultraportables such as the Vaio TZ and TT series.
The exceptions are the Celeron M 723 and Pentium SU2700.

Intel has released processors which fall in regular, low voltage and ultra low voltage categories.

All the CULV processors have a TDP of 10W except the Core 2 Solo models which have 5.5W.

 

What is the CLUV Pentium Dual Core rated at? Also, the SU9300 maybe "premium" but it is showing up in devices like the Acer Timeline and the Samsung X360(which can be had for under 1k).

 

Was thinking about getitng one until I saw the 3-cell battery. That is a deal breaker on something meant to be an ultra portable. Sure a 6-cell may come out but if it is not built into the chasis that is also a deal breaker. Anyone know if the 6-cell will raise up the notebook? Why can Dell not build in a larger battery like Asus or Acer?

 

Definitely, the standard C2D's are not going to be in an 11" device ever, but I was talking about the ULV Core 2 Duo processors, which are part of the CULV platform.

 

What is the LV C2D that is in the Lenovo u110 and MBA rated at?

 

The SU9x00 series has a 10W TDP.

 

I was referring to the CPU that the MBA and U110 have, which is a little difference than the SU9x000, these are clocked at 1.6ghz through 2.13(MBA). I am kind of surprised not many manufacture are using that cpu or even seeing an update of the U110 from Lenvo, maybe with a better screen, battery and the 2.16ghz paired with the ioin gpu. Then we can make the SU9x00 for devices like the Timeline.

 

Looks like a nice one!

 

Oooooooh, the Low Voltage SL9300/9400/9600. My bad on that. They have a 17W TDP.

The Celeron 723 has a 10W tdp, same as the dual core SU9x00s, the SU3500 has a 5.5W TDP.

 

How will this netbook compare with Gateway's 11.6 version?

 

The Gateway LT3100 has a 1.2GHz AMD Athlon 64 L110 single-core processor and ATI Radeon X1270 integrated graphics. The Dell's Intel Celeron M 723 (or other Intel CULV) and Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics are substantially better performers!

If the AMD L110 is similar to the 1.6GHz AMD Athlon Neo MV-40 found on in the HP dv2, it will run hotter than the Intel processors and use more power
(shorter battery life).

 

Well it has a better cpu, slight better gpu, and longer battery life. Not sure what the max ram support for the AMD Gateway is.

 

It is funny reading comments and finding out how different are the complains So I add mine.

First of all at first glance it looks near perfect for me (I am comparing it to TP X200s and TP X301) -- it is smallerer, has higher dpi, it is cheaper, it has touchpad, it does not have trackpoint, HDMI included (FINALLY, AFAIK first laptop at this size has HDMI instead of VGA).

My complains: Celeron CPU, keyboard layout (I prefer home/end/pgup/pgdn at top, not at the right).

I don't know, so I don't complain yet -- I need 4GB memory at minimum, 500GB HDD, matte screen.

Regardless this, it is really tempting, add to this notebook fullsize USB keyboard (thanks to 3 USB ports), add external monitor (thanks to HDMI) and I would have great desktop to work at.

Thanks for the article, Jerry.

 

Have a look at Acer 1410. Glossy screen though.

 

@Phil, thank you! Very nice laptop indeed.

 

The only small notebooks with a matte screen I can think of are business ultraportables - ThinkPad X200/s, Dell E4200, HP 2530p. Going rate is roughly 2-3x (or more) of the 11z and 1410T.

 

Whoopee! Been waiting a long time for this one. Can't wait to read user reviews and see what options Dell will be offering for this 11z.

I did notice that on the Dell site if you customize, the 6 cell battery shows up under accessories. They want $150 so I'm hoping this will change.

 

Thank Ya'll for the clarification. I hope they come out with more options for the 11z as thier customize site says they will. -Don't Laugh- I'm kind of hoping for pink.