ABOUT TIME

(Update:  Apple also announced updated MacBook Pro laptops today, with the 15-inch model also sporting an LED-enhanced screen.  The new models still dont offer an integrated WWAN wireless network option for high-speed wireless data access.)

Its almost coming up to six months since the release of Windows Vista, and we still dont have a desktop or a laptop with the new OS on it.  For those of you who know me, thats pretty unusual.  At the very least, its an impressive bit of self-restraint, if I do say so myself.

Like so many others, Ive been waiting for the Service Packs thatll fix the early version of Windows Vista, including updated drivers that finally offer some speed and performance advantages over Windows XP based machines.

But today, I read about the first laptop that could break my self-imposed restraint in Engadget.  I agree with them when they say:

"Weve got the scoop on some early marketing materials / renders for Dell XPS m1330, and we have to say, this is as impressed as weve ever been with a Dell laptop. Check it out:

• 13.3-inch screen, configurable with LED backlight! (300cd/m2, or 220 with CCFL backlight)
• Core 2 Duo processor (up to 2.4GHz), Santa Rosa chipset (965PM/GM)
• Up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 32GB SSD drive or spinning-platter drive options up to 250GB
• Slot-loading dual-layer DVD±RW drive!
• Optional NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS / 128MB
• WWAN option for Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T
• Ethernet, 802.11a, a/g, or n options, Bluetooth option
• Integrated 2 megapixel webcam (VGA only on LED-backlit display)
• HDMI, VGA, 1394, (2) USB 2.0, integrated media reader (MS, SD, xD), dual mini-PCI slots, fingerprint reader
• Dimensions with LED 12.5 x 9.4 x 0.87 - 1.33-inches (318 x 238 x 22.1 - 33.8mm) / with CCFL 12.5 x 9.4 x 0.97 - 1.43-inches (318 x 238 x 24.6 - 36.3mm)
• Weight starts at 4 pounds"

The key features that Ive been waiting for here, are the LED backlight and the Santa Rosa processor, not to mention the 250 GB drive in a 4 pound machine.

Now I realize that Dell may make this laptop available with either Vista or XP installed, as they do on their current line of XPS desktops and laptops.  So its not just a "Vista laptop". 

No word on when the thing will actually be available, but it sure does look tempting.