Dell Adamo XPS paints the world red but is pricey

The "size-zero" Adamo XPS measures 340 x 273.9mm, is just 9.9mm thick and weighs slightly under 1.44kg.

No wonder, the waif-like Adamo XPS is being billed as the thinnest notebook ever made.

However, do not let its anorexic looks fool you because the Adamo XPS packs a punch. The notebook, which is encased in an all-aluminium sturdy chasis, is powered by Intel Core 2 Duo (1.4Ghz) ultra-low voltage (ULV) processor, runs on Windows 7 platform (64-bit) and is loaded with 128GB SSD or SSD (for faster boot up and cooler operation), 4GB DDR3 RAM, Intel GS45 Integrated graphics with 256MB shared memory and 13.4-inch LED display with 1366x768 pixel resolution and with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Other features include: a captivating latching device that opens by merely swiping a finger (thanks to a capacitive strip centered on the front edge), a full-size keyboard with aluminium keys, a multitouch trackpad that supports gestures (i.e. it allows you to flick and swirl your fingers across the trackpad for intuitive navigation. It also allows you to scroll and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more), WiFi, USB ports, Bluetooth, DisplayPort video out (with an optional HDMI dongle), headphone jack, an Ethernet dongle, webcam, a unique hinge design (once opened, the body of the Adamo XPS automatically elevates so that the keyboard becomes angled to apparently enhance cooling), a built-in location awareness via GPS and a 20WHr Li-Ion battery that promises keep the notebook powered up to 2.5 hours without needing recharging (an optional higher capacity battery that promises to keep the notebook powered for more than 5 hours is also available).

Sorry, the Adamo XPS does not include any Ethernet port or an optical drive but it supports external optical drive, which has to be purchased separately.

The notebook, which comes in two colour choices – pearl and onyx - is available in the US for $1799 onwards and is expected to give its nearest rival Apple's MacBook Air a run for its money.

No wonder, Alex Gruzen, senior vice president (Consumer Products), Dell, is chirpy these days. "Our engineers and designers are breaking new ground and throwing away the old rules with the introduction of Adamo XPS. We wanted a real robust and durable product that would have honest materials and feel impressive when you picked it up and held it," Gruzen said.

"Our internal mantra was: 'When you see (Adamo models), you have to touch them, and when you touch them, you want to own them,'" he said.

"I think when you see Adamo for the first time, it's just a stunning, elegant, minimalist form. We think the Adamo XPS will inspire an emotional connection with anyone who sees it," he added.