In the last two days both Dell and Toshiba have released their new tablets on the world. For Dell it is their very first tablet based machine whereas for Toshiba it is their 9th generation (Toshiba's claim). Both models feature a dual mode touch / digitizer screen. I am not sure if they are exactly the same screen or not, but they are both 1280x800 12.1 WXGA screens based at least partially on Wacom technology and feature LED backlighting.
Dell's Latitude XT is shooting for the low power long battery life price is no object market. With a starting price of $2499-2678 it is not a model that my school will be considering. This model comes with low power slower processors which will allow for longer battery life. There is also the option of a SSD based HD which should further reduce power usage. The XT has the option of an extended life internal battery as well as an additional slice battery attached to the base. The two together should easily allow a full day's worth of use. Dell chose to drop the optical drive from the main chassis and made it available in a docking station.
Toshiba's Portégé M700 is primarily a refinement of their previous M400 model. As mentioned above Toshiba has moved from their 1400x1050 12.1 screen to a new 1280x800 12.1 wide screen model. They are also now offering touch screen ability to go along with the continuing digitizer usage. The external case is almost identical to the M400 model other than the movement of some of the ports. Some highlights of the changes include an integrated webcam, the removal of the latching mechanism. The starting price of this model is $1449 and it does include an optical drive. Toshiba also offers a slice battery that in combination with the internal battery should provide almost all day use (7 Hrs to Dell's 9.5). This will most likely be the model that my school considers for next school year.
Just for completeness some other models released in the not too distant past that will probably be options still available for next school year include HP's 2710p, Gateway's C-120X, Lenovo's X61, Fujitsu's LifeBook T4220 and lastly a new player to direct sales of tablets is ASUS with their R1E.
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