Dell today introduced the all new XPS 15z laptop, a thin 15-inch multimedia notebook wrapped in a strong aluminum shell. The Dell XPS 15z offers 2nd-generation “Sandy Bridge” Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, optional 15.6-inch Full HD (1080p) WLED display, a backlit keyboard and up to eight hours of battery life (according to Dell).

The new XPS 15z is the first in a series of upcoming thin “z” laptops under the Inspiron and XPS brands. Dell believes the XPS 15z fills a gap between business-rugged laptops designed for road warriors and stylish multimedia notebooks with powerful processors and graphics. The NVIDIA graphics inside the XPS 15z will not only handle HD video playback but also provide 3DTV play capabilities when connected to a 3D HDTV or 3D Monitor.

In addition to the powerful graphics, the thin XPS 15z is loaded with built-in Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity as well as optional Intel Wireless Display which lets you wirelessly stream videos and phots from the XPS 15z to an HDMI-equipped TV. That, and the exclusive “Dell Stage” user interface is designed to make it easier than ever to share your music, photos and videos.

The XPS 15z is currently available for order on the Dell website and has a starting price of $999.99. Dell expects retail availability to follow shortly.

Dell XPS 15z Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-2410M processor 2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz or Intel Core i7-2620M processor 2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz
• Operating System

  

  : Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
• Memory: 6GB DDR3 1333MHz or 8GB DDR3 1333MHz
• Chipset: Intel HM67
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB graphics with Optimus or NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 2GB graphics with Optimus
• Display: 15.6-inch display (1920×1080 or 1366×768 resolution options)
• Hard Drive: Up to 750GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
• Optical Drive: Slot load 8x DVD+/-RW (reads & writes to CD/DVD)
• Power: 90 Watt AC Adapter
• Battery: 8-Cell Lithium Polymer (64WHr, 2.2AHr, up to 8 hours, 22 minutes of battery life)
• Webcam: 1.3MP HD with dual array digital microphones
• 10/100/1000 Ethernet network standard, opt external USB Modem
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 agn wireless
• Bluetooth 3.0
• Intel Wireless Display ready
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 0.97 x 15.15 x 10.25 inches
• Starting weight: 5.54 lbs
• Color: Anodized aluminum in “Elemental Silver”; Formed aluminum base, Magnesium alloy palmrest
• Starting price: $999.99

Ports and Connectors:

• HDMI 1.4 (1), Mini DisplayPort (1), RJ-45 (1), headphone (1), microphone (1)
• 3 total USB ports; USB 3.0 (2); USB 2.0/eSATA combo with PowerShare (1)
• 9-in-1 media card reader supporting SD, SDIO, SDXC, SDHC, MS, MS Pro, MMC, MSXC, xD
• Standard full size, backlit chiclet keyboard; spill-resistant