Dell debuts wireless charging in laptop model

Computer manufacturer Dell, which is pushing into the mobile handset and netbook space, expanded its mobile computing line on Tuesday with a device boasting wireless docking and inductive charging.

Dell claims the Latitude Z is the world’s thinnest and lightest 16-inch laptop and features an inductive coil which matches another found in the laptop dock and can accomplish a full recharge of the unit’s batteries in about the same amount of time as a standard cabled charger, but without wires.

So far, Palm appears to be the only handset company to feature inductive charging, which it debuted with the Pre.

The Latitude Z can also connect with a separate monitor wirelessly via a small adapter and also features the company’s first attempt at an always on OS, allowing instant access to email, contacts, calendar and web browser via a platform running on a separate micro motherboard and processor.

The device starts at a retail price of $1,999.

Wireless charging is gaining some traction in the industry.  In August, the Wireless Power Consortium – a body dedicated to the development and promotion of an international wireless power standard –released the 0.95 technical specification for review by its members, suggesting that a version 1.0 release is not too far away.

Under the Consortium’s plans, all electronic devices bearing the ‘Qi’ symbol could be charged on any charging pad or surface marked with the same ‘Qi’ logo. The global wireless power charging standard is targeted at low power devices that are five watts and below, such as mobile phones and personal music players.