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Reading Time: 4 minutesDell Technologies will release new devices and software in 2021 that focus specifically on improving experiences for the many folks now working from home in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
New video conference monitors, updated iterations of its ultra-compact OptiPlex PCs and new laptops with smart camera and voice detection features are among Dell’s upcoming home office-focused product lineup. The announcements came just days ahead of the all-virtual CES 2021 show starting Monday, January 11th.
The firm will also release a new version of the Dell Optimizer software, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to help your PC adapt to your needs by “fine-tuning” certain areas of performance, including audio quality, application performance, connectivity and battery life. Read on for highlights of the new releases.
New Ultra-Compact OptiPlex PCs
Credit: Dell
Updated versions of Dell’s super-compact OptiPlex PCs will arrive on January 28th. OptiPlex computers are small modular PCs designed to integrate seamlessly into compatible monitor stands. This effectively gives you a zero-footprint computing solution for a clean and compact home office.
The new OptiPlex 3090 Ultra and OptiPlex 7090 Ultra will come with the latest 11th-gen. Intel mobile processors, alongside support for fast Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless internet, up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and dual M.2 SSD slots. They’ll both come with Dell Optimizer software built-in, offering improved hardware performance and battery life, according to Dell.
The OptiPlex 3090 Ultra will target small businesses and educators with its starting price of $659. While the OptiPlex 7090 Ultra, which now also supports up to four 4K monitors, will launch at $769.
Teams-Certified Video Conferencing Monitors
Credit: Dell
Arriving on February 16th, a new range of Dell Video Conferencing Monitors will feature built-in hardware elements designed specifically to enhance video and audio calls.
Officially certified for use with Microsoft Teams, the new 24, 27 and 34-inch versions of the Video Conferencing Monitor will feature a pop-up 5MP webcam with Windows Hello facial recognition, a noise cancelling mic, and dual 5W speakers for clear voice audio. They also have a dedicated Microsoft Teams button, which lights up for new Teams alerts. It will also allow for one-touch launching of the application.
The screens will also benefit from ComfortView Plus, a new always-on version of Dell’s eye-saving tech that it says will reduce eye strain by lowering blue light emission without sacrificing color delivery.
Pricing has been set at $519.99 for the 24-inch version (C2422HE), $719.99 for the 27-inch model (C2722DE), and $1,149.99 for the premium 34-inch display (C3422WE).
Laptops Updated for the Remote Office
Credit: Dell
Several new iterations of Dell’s Latitude laptops, as well as a new Dell Precision 3560 Mobile Workstation, will arrive in the early half of the year, with a range of enhanced features for video conferencing, security and more.
Improved webcam software will allow new Latitude models to offer automatic light correction and intelligent background blur during video calls. Some models, including the Latitude 9420 and 9520 (arriving in Spring), will have webcam shutters that open and close automatically by synchronizing with video conferencing apps like Microsoft Teams. Meanwhile, noise cancelling and vocal enhancements will help boost video call quality.
Dell’s always-on ComfortView Plus will also feature across the range.
A new 13-inch model in the Latitude 5000 series, arriving January 12th (pricing TBD), will be offered in either traditional laptop or 2-in-1 versions. It will now come with a full-HD camera for improved video calls, along with new keyboard and touchpad designs.
Dell also unveiled the Latitude 7320 Detachable, a touch-screen tablet device that can be paired with a sold-separately keyboard for a hybrid laptop setup. The new Latitude 7000 series will be available starting March 30th (pricing also TBD).
Meanwhile, the Dell Precision 3560 Mobile Workstation out January 12th is a complete redesign, says Dell, offering enough processing power for 2D and simple 3D CAD work in a chassis weighing just 3.5lbs. Built in is Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, a 400-nit UHD display with 100% sRGB color delivery, and up to 4TB of storage. Pricing starts at $1,189.
Pricing and Availability
For quick reference, here’s a list of pricing and availability for new Dell Technologies products in 2021, including those highlighted above, alongside a new premium 40-inch curved ultrawide monitor and more:
- Latitude 9420, available in spring 2021, starting at $1,949. Latitude 9520, pricing and product available in spring 2021.
- Latitude 7520, available January 12th, 2021, starting at $1,649
- Latitude 5420, available January 12th, 2021, starting at $1,049
- OptiPlex 3090 Ultra and OptiPlex 7090 Ultra, available January 28th, 2021, starting at $659 and $769 respectively
- Precision 3560, available January 12th, 2021, starting at $1,189.
- Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved WUHD Monitor (U4021QW) available January 28th, 2021, starting at $2,099.99.
- Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor (C2422HE), Dell 27 Video Conferencing Monitor (C2722DE), Dell 34 Curved Video Conferencing Monitor (C3422WE) all available February 16th, 2021, starting at $519.99 (C2422HE), $719.99 (C2722DE) and $1,149.99 (C3422WE).
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Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson has been writing for high-profile publications for 16 years, primarily in the video game industry, but also covering tech. Mike is an obsessed video game hoarder with hundreds of games spanning a 30-year collection. An entire room in his house is dedicated to Super Mario, and he thinks the Nintendo Switch is “the best invention in human history.” Counseling may be necessary.