A new edition of multi-touch, convertible tablet PC - the Latitude XT2 - was announced by Dell on Tuesday. Convertible tablet PCs essentially laptops with a rotating screen which, when folded down on top of the keyboard, provides a flat writing surface.

Dell's latest version of the convertible PC includes the multi-touch capabilities of the earlier edition, Latitude XT, including the use of gestures like a tap or a pinch to enable the scroll, rotate and zoom features.

Moreover, a programmable double-tap feature of the business computer provides for the execution of specific tasks, like the launch of a Web browser or the turning off of the screen to check power consumption. The device also has two six-cell batteries - the second one being optional - for longer battery life, enabling the computer to run for nearly 11 hours and 28 minutes without a recharge.

Coming at a starting price of $2,399, the Latitude XT2 comprises a 1.2 GHz or 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 dual-core processor, and with a 120 GB, 5400 RPM SATA hard-disk drive or a maximum 128 GB solid-state flash memory.

Weighing 3.6 pounds, the Latitude XT2 comes with a full-size keyboard, a touchpad and scroll wheel. It supports a 12-inch daylight viewable display, and is available either with Windows Vista or Windows XP, as well as Dell's ControlVault and ControlPoint security software.