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Latitude 2100

Dell has introduced for K-12 schools a netbook that can be monitored by educators through a light that indicates network activity.

The Latitude 2100, the first netbook under the Latitude brand, is also being offered to businesses for uses ranging from employee training to order fulfillment. The systems are available with Dell's business-class service and support.

However, Dell has designed the system with school-friendly features, such as bright primary colors and a more rugged, rubberized design to withstand rough handling by children. In addition, the netbook, which has a 10.1-inch display, offers a network activity light on the lid to help teachers monitor network use and identify students who may be surfing the Web.

The system is available with an optional touch screen for younger students who may have difficulty with a keyboard or mouse. There's also a personalized window on the back of the battery pack where the school logo or name can be displayed.

The Latitude 2100 comes with a choice of Windows XP Home, Vista Home Basic, or Linux Ubuntu operating systems. The netbook is powered by an Intel N270 Atom processor and is available with a hard or solid-state drive, a three-cell or six-cell battery, and an optional external DVD drive. The system weighs less than three pounds.

The 2100 joins the Latitude XT tablet and the rugged Latitude E6400 XFR, which are systems also designed for a range of private- and public-sector organizations. The latest netbook has a starting price of $369.

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