Dell is delivering the world’s thinnest and lightest 16-inch laptop, the Latitude Z, an ultra-thin 16-inch laptop that is just more than 1.25 centimetres (half an inch) thin and weighs only 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) with a four-cell battery.

The new Latitude Z is the first laptop/notebook to feature optional inductive charging which eliminates the need for power cords, using instead a dynamic power transfer between the Latitude Z’s primary stand and its secondary module. This inductive charging presents a clean, simple desktop or workspace.

Dell’s EdgeTouch allows users to interact with commonly used applications and media controls through a touch interface that is on the edge of the system’s screen

The laptop also features a high-definition (1600x900 pixels) WLED display and two megapixel camera featuring Dell Capture technology that allows users to scan and save business cards to Microsoft Outlook contacts and copy other documents. The built-in camera is also used for security - Dell FaceAware Lock-Out automatically locks out other users when a user steps away from the laptop.

Another new feature is Latitude ON, merging laptop productivity with the instant “on” convenience and multi-day battery life of a smart phone. Available on the Latitude Z, E4200 and E4300, it includes a sub-processor and sub-operating system that delivers instant, interactive access to email, the Web, contacts, attachments and calendars. Latitude ON allows user to always stay connected and utilises the laptop’s full keyboard and display.

Other advanced features of Latitude ON that make it business friendly include the ability to read .doc, .xls, .ppf and .pdf documents, access to IMAP, POP, Novell Groupwise or Microsoft Exchange 2003 email and support for virtual private network (VPN) functionality.

In addition to these features, the Latitude Z ships with WLAN, Bluetooth and optional 3G WWAN mobile broadband.

The Latitude Z is available now in New Zealand starting at NZ$3,645.