Dell just introduced what the company claims to be the slimmest 15.6-inch notebook on the planet, the XPS 15z, which is powered by Intel's second-generation Core processors and also features Nvidia discrete graphics. The XPS 15z is the first model to be released in a series of thin and ultra-powerful Dell notebooks that will continue from where Adamo has left off. Dell's new notebook is available with both Core i5 and Core i7 Intel processors, starting from the Core i5-2410M CPU model, that features two processing cores and a 2.3GHz base frequency, and going all the way up to the 2.7GHz clocked i7-2620M. The standard Dell configuration pairs this processor with 4GB of system memory and a GeForce GT 525M discrete graphics card with 1GB of video buffer, but users can also opt for installing 8GB of DDR3 memory and/or for a 2GB version of the 525M. The rest of the specs list includes a 7200RPM hard drive, a slot load DVD burner, Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 802.11 A/G/N and Bluetooth 3.0 wireless connectivity, and an 8-cell battery pack. Along the edges of the notebook, Dell has placed a pair of USB 3.0 ports, an eSATA port, HDMI 1.4 and mini DisplayPort video outputs and a 9-in-1 card reader. The XPS 15z packs a 15.6-inch display with a 1366x768 resolution, but for $100 more users can opt for a Full HD panel with 300-nit brightness. “The XPS 15z delivers uncompromising performance in our most beautifully designed laptop yet,” said Sam Burd, vice president of Dell’s Consumer and Small/Medium Business product group. “It delivers all the must-have features - from next-generation Intel Core i processors for incredible performance to optional full HD screens that are up to 50 percent brighter than standard displays – all in a stunning form factor that makes it the thinnest 15-inch PC on the planet,” concluded the company's rep. Pricing starts at $999 and all Dell XPS 15z notebooks come with a backlit keyboard, support for Intel's WiDi technology and an aluminum chassis.