New Dell E-Series Considerations

As engadget already posted about the new Dell Latitudes coming out, I thought I’d give my thoughts on the revamp of the architecture now that I’ve had my preview.  Dell has had quite a long run with it’s current D series model dating back to the 600/800’s from 6 years ago.  The expansion bays and docking stations that go along with the d-series will be paperweights when the new E-series are released.   For organizations that use a hot-desking/hoteling strategy, this will break the paradigm of the rolling upgrade. A complete overhaul of the support chain will be required from internal bay spare batteries, to docking/port replicators.    On the plus side, there are more options for docking, including a monitor stand/dock combo that will keep you from going with aftermarket cobbled together solutions.

The cost of the upgrade will be more than just the new sticker price.  It’s the ecosystem required to support them. 

As for the machines themselves, they will be competitive with many other lines and include features specs to carry the e-series lines at least as long as the d series.  So while it may be a painful pill for most corporations to swallow in the short term, this new form factor (including new colors) will be a standard for years to come.