Dell launches the rugged, multi-touch Latitude XT2 XFR convertible tablet

According to Dell, multi-touch isn't just for tech nerds anymore. The company's latest convertible tablet features a 12.1-inch multi-touch capable touchscreen in a chassis designed for male tasks. The chassis was designed and tested to meet MIL-810G standards, yet the notebook is only 1.5 inches thick and weighs 5.4 pounds. Pay attention, Jack Bauer and Mike Rowe. This one's for the two of you.

Luckily Dell has still managed to pack quality computer components into the sturdy frame and it features a Core 2 Duo CPU, up to 5GB RAM, hot-swappable modules including GPS and webcam, Bluetooth, 3G modem, 802.11 a/g/n wireless, and four, six, and nine-cell battery options.

All of this doesn't come cheap, however. The XT2 XFR starts at $3,599 and is currently available in the North American and European markets.

Dell delivers the smallest 12.1-inch rugged convertible tablet, first with multi-touch technology

The Latitude XT2 XFR is purpose-built to meet the unique needs of field workers, military, law enforcement and first responders. Thinnest 12.1-inch Rugged Convertible Tablet PCROUND ROCK, Texas - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Dell today introduced the industry's smallest 12.1-inch rugged convertible tablet PC, the first to feature a multi- touch display, the Latitude XT2 XFR. The system was designed to meet the unique and demanding needs of customers in the military, law enforcement, border patrol, field service organizations, factory services and first responders.

The Latitude XT2 XFR joins Dell's Rugged Mobility Solution offering, which includes the Latitude E6400 XFR full-rugged and Latitude E6400 ATG semi-rugged laptops. It also brings together purpose-built products such as the Latitude Z, the Latitude 2100 education netbook and the Dell Precision™ M6400 mobile workstation as another step in Dell's strategy to create differentiated form factors and solutions to meet specific customer needs.

The news:

Inspired by conversations with defense, law enforcement, homeland security communities, field service departments and utilities, Dell has designed a convertible tablet that can adapt to changing mission needs and withstand harsh environments. Features of the Latitude XT2 XFR include: 1.5-inch (38, 1 millimeter) it's the thinnest 12.1-inch rugged convertible tablet, starting at 5.4 pounds (2.45 kilograms) with four-cell battery and solid-state drive1, it's designed and independently tested by the MIL -810G standards for operating in harsh environments. Dell expects MIL-810G certification in the coming weeks. Compression-sealed and ruggedized I/O doors, LCD, and keyboard provide an IP54 degree of protection, or resistance to moisture and dust. The Latitude XT2 XFR can be installed in law enforcement or first responder vehicles where critical information can be accessed with one hand. The Latitu en XT2 XFR is also ideal for field workers and industrial manufacturing workers who need an easily transportable, rugged system that can withstand drops, spills and extreme temperatures for weekday service and support.2The rugged tablet shares common images and components with the Dell Latitude XT2 tablet for easy integration into existing environments. The Latitude XT2 XFR also includes:Intel Core 2 Duo processors with up to 5GB3 DDR3 1066MHz memory.4QuadCool Thermal Management System enables excellent performance even in extreme temperatures from minus 10 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit -Cell battery options. Data security features including Dell ControlVault and Dell ControlPoint, plus optional solid-state and spinning hard drives with full disk encryption.Shock-resistant, sunlight-readable, 12.1-inch wide LED display with capacitive multi-touch gestures -enabled or optional resistive touchscreen.Optional Hot -Swappable modules including GPS (in the coming weeks) and webcam. Optional expansion sliver offers camera/light, serial and RJ11 inputs. Extensive range of optional accessories and services including mobile rugged docking and mounting solutions in the coming weeks. A full range of wireless connectivity options including WiFi 802.11 a/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 and mobile broadband. The XT2 XFR is available in the US, Canada, France, Spain, UK, Germany and Italy through all Dell sales channels including PartnerDirect .It starts at $3,599 and see more info here.Quotes:

"More than a laptop, the Latitude XT2 XFR is an important part of our mobile command and data center solutions for field, defense and first responder customers," said Paul Bell, President, Dell Global Public-Sector Business Solutions coupled with our service model make these communities more effective and allow them to focus on their core business rather than managing the technology.”

“We listen and deliver purpose-built products based on unique usage models in customer environments,” said Steve Lalla, vice president and general manager, Business Client Product Group, Dell, Inc. “The Latitude XT2 XFR is a perfect example where The feedback showed us that customers needed the Latitude XT2's innovative functionality with the ability to function in harsh environments.”