Dell outs world's thinnest 14-inch laptop with included optical drive

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Dell outs world's thinnest 14-inch laptop with included optical drive

13:31 October 28, 2011

Dell is claiming the title of world's thinnest, fully-featured 14-inch laptop that includes an optical drive for its upcoming XPS 14z notebook

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If you were impressed by LG being able to squeeze an optical drive into its super-thin Blade P430 notebook, then you may need to sit down for Dell's upcoming XPS 14z. The slot-loading DVD burner on the right of Dell's new thin and powerful mobile business solution sits in a frame that's just 0.9-inch (23 mm) thin - allowing Michael Dell's company to claim the title of world's thinnest, fully-featured 14-inch laptop that includes an optical drive.

Like LG, Dell has also sacrificed some space around the edge of the XPS 14z's 14-inch, 1366 x 768 resolution display so that it fits into a notebook frame generally reserved for 13.3-inch screens. A high definition 1.3 megapixel webcam and dual microphones top the screen, and a backlit, spill-resistant chiclet-style keyboard sits underneath.

Aimed at business users and given a stylish anodized aluminum finish, the 13.19 x 9.21 x 0.9-inch (335 x 234 x 23 mm) XPS 14z will be available in a choice of 2nd Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 dual-core processors supported by up to 8GB of DDR3 1333Mhz memory. There's also an option to choose NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M graphics with 1GB of dedicated video memory and up to 750GB of 7200 RPM hard drive or 256GB SSD storage.

The Windows 7 laptop features built-in Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 Wireless-N and Bluetooth 3.0 technology, one USB 3.0, one USB 2.0 and a HDMI 1.4 port, and Mini Display-Port and microphone/audio connectors. Dell says that users can expect over six hours battery life from the 8-cell battery.

The XPS 14z will be available in the U.S. and Canada from Nov. 1, and worldwide from Nov. 15 - prices start from US$999.

About the Author

Paul Ridden
While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before the desire for sunnier climes saw him wave a fond farewell to his native Blighty in favor of Bordeaux, France. He's now a dedicated newshound pursuing the latest bleeding edge tech for Gizmag.

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User Comments (6)

1 large for a Dell junk? ROFL no way

Bill Bennett - October 28, 2011 @ 09:16 pm PDT

So you're telling me it took Dell 9 years to best Apple's 24 mm thickness?

johnnydfred - October 29, 2011 @ 09:34 pm PDT

Looks like an old PowerBook.

It really is painful to watch them ride Apple's coattails.

Trouble is, when they do try to be original they end up with things like the 'Dell Ditty'.

Neil - October 30, 2011 @ 11:23 pm PDT

I love Apple Fanboys!!! Why can't you just use what you like and stop slamming what you don't? I have a Mac and a Dell. I use both extensively for different purposes. Will I buy a new Macbook? Yes. Will I buy that Dell again? Yes.

Rocky Stefano - October 31, 2011 @ 04:51 am PDT

It is a bit pricey, but I'd still perhaps would invest in to that, if I'd wanted a new PC. But sorry I'm on Mac haha

Kirill Belousov - October 31, 2011 @ 05:45 am PDT

I have an 18.4" Toshiba Qosmio and a 13.3" i7 MacBook Air with 256gb SSD and each has it's advantagres. BTW if I need a DVD drive with my Air I use a Samsung USB 2.0 portable DVD drive but don't use it much and prefer to have an ultra thin Air without one.

joe1946 - October 31, 2011 @ 11:13 am PDT