7 Big Dell Product Launches Ahead Of CES 2021

Dell’s newest lineup of products includes updated Latitude laptops, new OptiPlex Ultra desktop PCs and curved video conferencing monitors.

Dell’s Busy Start To 2021

After a year like 2020, it’s no surprise that PC makers such as Dell Technologies are getting off to a quick start in 2021. Last year saw massive demand for PCs and monitors as much of the workforce shifted to working from home. In particular, demand surged for laptops as workers sought a mobile solution for computing within different rooms of the home. As 2021 gets underway, Dell is unveiling an array of new business PCs—both Latitude laptops and OptiPlex desktops--along with new monitors aimed at video conferencing. Key themes of the new devices include a focus on collaboration and productivity for the remote workforce. The introductions come just ahead of CES 2021, which is being held in an all-virtual format next week.

What follows are seven big Dell product launches being announced ahead of CES 2021.

Dell Latitude 9420

Ahead of CES 2021 next week, Dell Technologies is unveiling its new Latitude 9420 notebook, available both as a 2-in-1 or a clamshell model. The notebook will include a 14-inch display with FHD+ resolution (clamshell model) or QHD+ resolution (for the 2-in-1 model), as well as a 16:10 aspect ratio to offer a 5-percent larger viewing area and brightness of 500 nits. The clamshell version has a starting weight of 2.9 pounds and a thickness of just 0.55 of an inch. In terms of connectivity, the Latitude 9420 will offer optional support for high-speed 5G or LTE, along with WiFi 6. Key collaboration features include a built-in speakerphone, dedicated mute and mic keys, and an enhanced webcam with capabilities for background blur and automatic light correction.

Other key features include ExpressSign-in 2.0--which leverages Intel Visual Sensing Technology to enable faster auto-wake and auto-lock--and the AI-powered Dell Optimizer, which enhances app performance through learning the way that each individual user works. Meanwhile, on security, the Latitude 9420 also offers what Dell is calling the “industry’s first automatic webcam shutter,” which “knows when to automatically open or close by syncing with your video conferencing applications,” the company says.

The Dell Latitude 9420 will have a starting price of $1,949 and will be available in the spring, the company said.

Dell Latitude 7520

Also joining Dell’s Latitude lineup of business-focused notebooks is the Latitude 7520, which offers a 15.6-inch display with either 4K/UHD or FHD resolution. Top features include an optional FHD webcam, optional LTE connectivity, adaptive thermal response (to keep the laptop cooler) and ComfortView Plus (which reduces blue light from the display). Other key capabilities include ExpressSign-in, Dell Optimizer and ExpressConnect, which prioritizes conferencing apps for bandwidth. On performance, the Latitude 7520 offers 11th-gen Intel Core processors (up to Core i7 vPro) and up to 32 GB of RAM. And for the exterior of the notebook, the Latitude 7520 is available in either aluminum or carbon fiber. Additionally, Dell is announcing two other new notebooks for the Latitude 7000 series -- the 13.3-inch Latitude 7320 and the 14-inch Latitude 7420.

The Dell Latitude 7520 will have a starting price of $1,649 and will be available Jan. 12.

Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable

Dell is also rolling out a new detachable tablet, aimed at competing in the 2-in-1 space with the likes of Microsoft’s Surface Pro series. The Latitude 7320 Detachable features a new 13-inch display size with FHD+ resolution and 500 nits of brightness. Key capabilities include a digital pen that charges up in just five minutes; a webcam that’s been enhanced to provide sharper and brighter video, including in low light situations; improved serviceability in the field; and a newly designed folio keyboard that is both sturdy and attractive with its faux suede design, according to Dell. On performance and connectivity, the Latitude 7320 Detachable offers up to the 11th-gen Intel Core i7 with vPro for its processing power as well as support for WiFi 6 and optional LTE connectivity.

Pricing and availability for Dell’s Latitude 7320 Detachable was not immediately available.

Dell Latitude 5320

For Dell’s Latitude 5000 portfolio of mid-range business laptops, the company is launching new models ahead of CES including the Latitude 5320. Available as a convertible or clamshell, the Latitude 5320 includes a 13.3-inch FHD display with an option for up to 400 nits of brightness. For the 15.6-inch model in the new series, the Latitude 5520, a display with 4K/UHD resolution is also an option. Rounding out the new series is the 14-inch Latitude 5420 with resolution options of FHD or HD. Main features of the new lineup include 11th-gen Intel Core vPro processors, configurability with up to 64 GB of RAM, WiFi 6 and optional LTE connectivity and up to 4 TB of available storage.

Starting pricing and availability for Dell’s Latitude 5000 series was not immediately available.

Dell OptiPlex 3090 Ultra / OptiPlex 7090 Ultra

Dell is unveiling a more affordably priced model for its modular form factor desktop PC, with the launch of the OptiPlex 3090 Ultra (pictured). That model joins the new OptiPlex 7090 Ultra, an update to the original OptiPlex 7070 Ultra. The OptiPlex Ultra PCs come in a form factor that is small enough to fit entirely inside the back of a custom monitor stand, offering a “zero-footprint” desktop PC design while still providing full desktop-level performance, according to Dell. The new OptiPlex Ultra models include 11th-generation Intel Core processors (up to Core i5 for the 3090 and up to Core i7 for the 7090), along with up to 64 GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM. Key updates for the OptiPlex 7090 Ultra include the ability to connect to up to four 4K monitors at a time, Dell said. The OptiPlex Ultra models also can be easily removed, allowing them to be swapped out, upgraded or serviced as needed.

Dell said the OptiPlex 7090 Ultra will have a starting price of $769, while the OptiPlex 3090 Ultra will start at $659. Both will be available Jan. 28.

Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor (C3422WE)

Dell is also debuting a new series of monitors aimed at improved video conferencing, including the Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor. The 34-inch WQHD curved monitor is geared toward use with Microsoft Teams and features a dedicated button for joining Teams meetings, as well as other collaboration-friendly capabilities such as a pop-up 5-megapixel IR camera, dual 5W integrated speakers and noise-canceling microphones. Additionally, Dell is announcing two other curved video conferencing monitors in this series, offering 24-inch and 27-inch display sizes.

The Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor (C3422WE) will have a starting price of $1,149.99, and will be available Feb. 16.

Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor (U4021QW)

For even greater display space, the forthcoming Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor will offer a 40-inch display with a 2500R curve and resolution that goes beyond 4K (5,120 x 2,160). The screen also reduces blue light with Dell’s ComfortView Plus technology and offers up to 300 nits of brightness. Key features of the new UltraSharp 40 Curved monitor include the ability to connect two PCs to the monitor at a time, allowing users to switch between the two PCs or work on both simultaneously, as well as integrated dual 9W speakers.

The Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor (U4021QW) will have a starting price of $2,099.99, and will be available Jan. 28.