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RSS feedsDell will shortly launch two new Latitude laptops with support for multiple wireless LAN (WLAN) standards.
The latest D-Family Latitudes offer either Intel's Centrino wireless technology or Dell's own TrueMobile card. While Centrino is currently unable to switch between 802.11 a, b and g standards, TrueMobile can automatically roam between the two different frequencies used by these technologies.
The TrueMobile 1300 card operates across the b and g standards, while the 1400 also offers support for 802.11a.
Jonathan Powell, Dell's European Latitude brand manager, said offering a choice of WLAN standards was important to encourage use of WLANs.
"WLAN [standards are] a bit of an alphabet soup. The key to making WLANs widespread is to give people a choice that allows them to future-proof their machines."
Dell said users would notice little difference between its proprietary TrueMobile technology and Centrino. Both options use the Pentium M processor and 855PM chipset, but only machines that incorporate Intel's 802.11b wireless technology qualify to carry its Centrino branding. Intel is to launch both an 802.11a and g option with Centrino technology this year.
Research firm IDC said Intel's size and support might give Centrino the advantage over Dell's technology.
IDC analyst Andy Brown said, "With Wi-Fi hotspots there are compatibility issues and Intel will be marketing Centrino with stability and compatibility in mind so it will also be pushing Wi-Fi and will brand hotspots as being compatible with its technology."
Dell's Latitude D-Family notebooks include integrated smartcard and Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band - 2.4GHz and 5GHz - wireless antennas and optional Bluetooth connectivity. Earlier this month Dell launched its D800 and D600 Latitude laptops at £1160 + VAT and £966 + VAT respectively. Dell's D400 and the D500 models will follow in the next two months.
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