Just Announced: New Dell Inspiron R, Z and Special Edition Laptops

The team from Notebook Review spent some hands-on time with the latest members of the Inspiron family and we were impressed. All of the new Inspirons feature exciting new designs with curved edges rimmed by what Dell calls a "Moon Silver band" (we call it aluminum or silver-colored plastic depending on the laptop) for a smooth, contemporary look. The latest Inspiron laptops feature Waves MaxxAudio technology to deliver "studio-quality sound" for watching movies and listening to music without the need for external speakers. The Inspiron 13z and 14z and the Inspiron R Special Edition series also feature Skullcandy-branded speakers integrated into the laptops.

If cool designs and quality audio aren't your thing, you'll be happy to know all of the new Inspirons are equipped with the latest technology such as Intel's new third Generation Core i processors (Ivy Bridge), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, and will be eligible for the Microsoft Windows 8 upgrade program.

Inspiron 14z and 13z: Dell makes Ultrabooks more affordable

Dell's first Inspiron Ultrabook, the Inspiron 14z, will likely be a strong seller this year thanks to the combination of stylish looks, solid features, and a modest price tag that starts at just $699.99 on June 19. The Inspiron 14z is Dell's second Ultrabook offering after the impressive XPS 13. The Inspiron 14z combines Intel Rapid Start Technology for fast boot and resume and up to seven hours of battery life. With a premium brushed aluminum finish in two color choices, Moon Silver and, coming later this summer, Fire Red, the Inspiron 14z is a well-built and well-equipped Ultrabook. Starting at 4.12 pounds (1.87kg), and 0.83-inches (21mm) at its thickest point, it's light and easy to carry in a backpack or messenger bag.

Rounding out the Inspiron z series portfolio is the Inspiron 13z. This "ultraportable" isn't technically an "Ultrabook" since it doesn't comply with all of Intel's strict guidelines for Ultrabook design, but the Inspiron 13z is no less impressive and starts at an even lower price of $599.99. With a range of available color SWITCH lids for customizing - Moon Silver (standard), Fire Red and Lotus Pink - up to seven and a half hours of battery life, and starting at a mere 3.81 pounds (1.73kg), and 0.82-inches (20.7mm), students and style-conscious adults will probably gravitate to this laptop.

Both of the Inspiron z series laptops offer mobile broadband as an option with Dell NetReady mobile broadband service. Dell NetReady provides connectivity on a session-based model and is a "pay-as-you-go" service that allows connection in places where Wi-Fi may not be available.

Inspiron 15R and 17R: Family PCs done better

The new Inspiron 15R and Inspiron 17R feature stylish designs similar to the Inspiron 13z and 14z but the R series are full-featured notebooks for everyday use and entertainment. These notebooks offer high-definition displays (available up to 1080p), Waves MaxxAudio 3 technology, and a full selection of ports. Combine that with a variety of processor, memory and hard drive options and you've got a recipe for success that has worked for Dell time and time again. The optional color SWITCH lids make these laptops easily customizable to your favorite color. These budget-friendly laptops also include Intel Wireless Display technology for a wire-free connection to a compatible 1080p / 5.1 surround-compliant home theater.

Inspiron R Special Edition laptops: immersive entertainment and enhanced audio

The new Inspiron Special Edition series provides even better performance and premium features for people who demand the best entertainment and multimedia experience. A new expansion of Dell's Inspiron portfolio, the Inspiron 15R Special Edition and 17R Special Edition feature the Waves MaxxAudio 4 audio suite and Skullcandy speakers, and standard discrete graphics from AMD (Inspiron 15R Special Edition) and NVIDIA (Inspiron 17R Special Edition).

The new Inspiron R Special Edition laptops feature an anodized aluminum exterior in Stealth Black, Full HD display (1920x1080) for stunning video playback and Blu-ray disc options. The Inspiron 17R Special Edition is also available with a super bright 400 nit Full HD display or an optional Full HD 3D display. With backlit keyboards, and optional mSATA SSD devices with Intel Rapid Start Technology for fast boot and sleep resume times, the Inspiron R Special Edition laptops are packed with technology and features to make multimedia fun in any environment.

Pricing and availability

Inspiron 14z: Available today in select countries in Asia, June 19 in the U.S. and Canada, and in select countries in Europe and Latin America later this summer, starting at $699.99.

Inspiron 13z: Available today in select countries in Asia, and June 19 in the U.S. and Canada, starting at $599.99.

Inspiron 15R: Available today in select countries in Europe and Asia, and June 19 in the U.S. and Canada, starting at $549.99.

Inspiron 17R: Available today in select countries in Europe, and June 19 in the U.S. and Canada, starting at $599.99.

Inspiron 15R Special Edition: Available today in select countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America, and June 19 in the U.S. and Canada, starting at $899.99.

Inspiron 17R Special Edition: Available today in select countries in Europe and Asia, and June 19 in the U.S. and Canada, starting at $1,099.99 ($1,299.99 with 3D).