Dell Adds Skype to XPS Laptops

It seems that as soon as you can think of something, the market responds with an answer...Recently, I blogged about VoIP-enabled PCs and laptops, and a short time ago I rec'd news about a recent deal between Skype and Dell that involves Skype shipping with the new Dell XPS M1210 and XPS M2010 laptops.

In the announcement, Dell will offer Skype as part of an audio/video communications package that also includes an integrated Web cam and mic, noise isolation ear buds, and a mobile broadband antenna. 
The full text of the news release is below:

LUXEMBOURG, May 31, 2006 –Skype and Dell have teamed up to make it easy to stay in touch. Today, Skype, the global Internet communications company, announced an agreement with Dell, the world’s largest maker of personal computers, to ship Skype™ software with new Dell™ XPS™ mobile systems – the XPS M1210 and XPS M2010.

The agreement will allow Dell to provide its customers with easy access to Skype’s voice and video Internet calling software. Dell will be able to pre-load Skype on the XPS 2010, a unique mobile entertainment system featuring a 20.1-inch high-definition display with integrated webcam. The XPS 1210 can be configured with Skype as part of an optional audio-video communications package that also includes an integrated rotating webcam, noise-isolation earbuds and mobile broadband capability.

“As the leading notebook supplier, Dell is committed to delivering cutting-edge technology that provides voice and video connectivity virtually anywhere," said Brett Faulk, worldwide marketing director, consumer notebooks. “Teaming with Skype, the trend setter in Internet communications, will provide our customers the very best experience when reaching out and staying in touch with friends and family around the world.”

“Dell customers will be able to experience the benefits of Skype, optimized for their computing environment. This gives Dell customers a simple way to use the Internet to talk to their friends and family from home, in the office or on-the-go,” said Don Albert, Director of Business Development, Skype North America. “Dell represents a new distribution channel for Skype. New products from Dell will complement the breadth of hardware designed for the convenience of Skype callers.”

With Skype, customers can talk for as long as they like with other Skype customers across the world without worrying about the cost or the distance of the call. Unveiled today, the Dell XPS M1210 and M2010 are available immediately worldwide.