Two new laptops from Dell

Dell today announced two new thin and light notebooks that include the Intel Pentium M processor, and start at prices under $1,200.

The Inspiron 500m supports the Intel Centrino Mobile Technology capability, giving users the choice of how they want to connect wirelessly. The notebook supports the Intel Pro/Wireless 2100 (802.11b) for an extra $49, Dell’s TrueMobile 1300 (includes 802.11b and pre-standard 802.11g) for $69, or the TrueMobile 1400 (802.11a, b and pre-standard g) for $89. Bluetooth connectivity can be chosen for $49, Dell says.

The notebook includes the Pentium M processor at 1.3-, 1.4-, 1.5- or 1.6GHz, up to 1G-byte of DDR SDRAM, a 14.1-inch LCD display with SXGA+ (1,400 by 1,050) resolution, up to 60G-bytes of hard drive space, and a module drive for either an optical drive (24x-speed CD-ROM, 8x-speed DVD, 24x-speed CD-RW or a 24x-speed CD-RW/DVD combination drive) or extra hard drive space (up to 40G bytes). The model starts at $1,199. For more information, go to The Inspiron Web site.

The Latitude D500 (pictured) starts at $1,199 and includes Intel Centrino technology. The D500 includes Intel’s Pro/Wireless 2100 integrated 802.11b wireless connectivity, with options for Dell’s TrueMobile 1300 (802.11g) or TrueMobile 1400 (802.11a, b and g).The D500 includes Pentium M processors at 1.3GHz with the Intel 855GM chipset, up to 1G-byte of DDR RAM, a 14.1-inch LCD display with XGA (1,024 by 768 pixel) resolution, hard drive space up to 40G-bytes, and multiple module bay options, including a standard 24x-speed CD-ROM or choice of 8x-speed DVD drive, 24x-speed CD-RW or 24x-speed CD-RW/DVD combination drive. For more information, go to the Latitude Web site.