Dell gives PC users their own MacBook Air

Adamo by Dell's inaugural product -- the Adamo -- is a sleek 13-inch notebook with a backlit keyboard, edge-to-edge glass display and sturdy aluminum chassis. And it's nearly a PC version of Apple's MacBook Air.s."

Dell is marketing the new Adamo by Dell line as a premium collection of personal computing products -- with a heavy emphasis on aesthetics. The lineup will focus on craftsmanship and design, drawing inspiration from high fashion, luxury brands and "fine Swiss watches."

A worldwide print campaign introduced the upcoming line with fashion photos taken by high-profile photographer Nadav Kandar of models posing with the laptop.

The closest PC equivalent to the MacBook Air, the Adamo shares nearly identical dimensions in depth and width, but beats Apple by 0.11 inches in height -- allowing Dell to claim ownership of the "world's thinnest laptop" title.

Two models are available: Admire is priced at C$2499 (US$1,999) and features a 1.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2GB 800MHz DDR3 memory; Desire is the higher priced version at C$3399 (US$2,699) for a 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4GB 800MHz.

(In comparison, the latest MacBook Air model is priced at $2749 for a 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB 1066MHz and 128GB SSD.)

Both the Admire and Desire include a 128GB solid state hard drive, Windows Vista Home Premium and a choice between the Onyx or Pearl colour finish.

The Adamo is too small for a built-in optical drive. Instead, Dell provides two external slot-load options to choose from: DVD/RW for $140 or Blu-ray for $420.

Port space is also limited. The Adamo comes equipped with 2 USB ports, 1 USB/eSATA combo and a display port. Adamo display port cables (sold separately) allow the notebook to connect to external HDMI, DVI and VGA screens.

Adamo peripherals and accessories are also colour-coordinated. In addition to the external optical drives and cables, the Adamo has two matching external hard drives: 250GB for $176 and 500GB for $360.

The notebook features built-in 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1 wireless support. (Mobile broadband is optional.) It also has a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam.

The Adamo's features and specs rival that of the MacBook Air, but there are a few key differences. Because Apple doesn't offer Blu-ray support, the Air has only one external optical drive option -- the DVD/RW "Superdrive" for $99. Also, the Air has only one USB port and no HDMI support. But the Adamo lacks the Air's multi-touch trackpad and weighs an extra pound.

Both notebooks estimate up to five hours of battery life.

As with any luxury item, packaging is important. Dell says the Adamo will arrive "'floating' in a clear box with minimal clutter -- a beautiful experience for a sophisticated product."

Pre-ordering began Tuesday at the Adamo by Dell site. The product will begin shipping worldwide starting March 26.