Specification

Pick ‘n’ Choose from DELL – The E6400

The much alleged Dell Latitude E series come into views that its close to let loose. This weekend the Latitude E6400 ruggedized adaptation laptop proved up on Dell.com where its in reality configurable and accessible for obtain.

Design
Dell has specified more concentration to the approach of the new-fangled variants and the E6400 has more personality than its precursor. The preliminary thought on picking up the E6400 is that it not presently feels rock-hard but is rock-solid. Dell has not picked for the admired cram shape and the breadth is almost unvarying. The paint finish is neither lusterless nor shiny finish but somewhere in stuck between. The display flipside has a brushed metal finish to append a little style.

Performance
Deciding on the arrangement is fraction of the fun with trading a Dell. I determined the P8600 was at the right summit of the performance-value curve. Im not into 3D games so I favored the lower power utilization of the Intel GPU. The LED backlit WXGA+ display was a must while the backlit keyboard will most likely appear handy when Im working somewhere where theres a power cut. The 160GB HDD was the most excellent alternative on Dells capability/presentation/value curve (Ive by now got a 320GB HDD which Ill budge over). 1GB RAM seemed the most excellent pricing choice since I could get 2GB in a different place for the cost of Dells 1GB upgrade. I opted for the Express Card slot in view of the fact that I could, if required; get an adaptor to be capable to utilize my old PC cards. I required a microphone and on the UK design the microphone and webcam come collectively.

Device Manager reveals the display as LPL0140 (LG-Philips - is this the similar panel as in the T400?). At full intensity it is stunning and my 1st notion is that this screen is well worth the additional cost. The optical drive is a super-slim 9.5mm (3/8") chunky unit with an SATA connector. I selected for the DVD burner and the abounding drive was a SATA PLDS (Philips Liteon) DU-8A2S. It has the complete set of DVD burning amenities. The 2 big grilles each on either side of the keyboard advocate a liberal loudspeaker stipulation. However, closer examination divulges that the surface finish is mostly enhancing with one diminutive (about 12mm or 0.5") speaker on either side having to do all the labor.

Overall
Dell sharpened our appetites for the innovative E-series Latitudes through a few "leaks" at the internet portals and blogs in March 2008. Among the features which wedged my attention were the 14.1" WXGA+ LED backlit exhibit, a target entry mass of 2kg (4.25lb), an eSATA port and a backlit keyboard. Overall now when the product materializes it still drives the same feeling of contend throughout. Think and decide the combo you need.

Pros
+ Loads of options in configurations
+ Test unit quick and snappy
+ Real handy display

Cons
- Design not all that modern
- Typical Dell old house

Value For Money

Our Rating

With a starting price of $1,929, the Dell Latitude XT2 is unarguably one of the most expensive convertible tablet PCs on the market. It is aimed at businesses and does offer some interesting features.


System specifications of the laptop for review
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 1.4GHz (800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 Cache)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
Display: 12.1" Premium WXGA (1280 x 800) LED-Backlight Display with Multi-touch
Graphics: Intel X4500MHD Integrated Graphics
Memory: 3GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM (2GB + 1GB)
HDD: 120GB Toshiba 1.8" 5400RPM HDD
Weight: 3lbs 13.6oz

Build and Design
The Latitude XT2 is thin and light – you can easily carry it wherever you want to. And with its sharp lines and edges its appearance is very business-like. In terms of build quality this is the best Dell laptop ever.

Screen and Speakers
The 12.1 inch screen looks gorgeous. The 1280x800 display is much better than those normally found on tablet PCs and offers good viewing angles. There is a capacitive touch-screen with a built-in digitizer. The pen is fabulous – it gives excellent traction. The multi-touch capabilities of the tablet aren’t very impressive. The zoom features aren’t very good either.

There is a single mono speaker. The sound quality is reasonably good, but headphones are a must if you are an audiophile.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard is very good and has an easy to follow layout. The primary keys are full-sized and easy to type on. The touchpad is responsive, but it could have been a bit bigger. Dell also includes a pointing stick with XT2.

Ports and Features
Port selection is good. There are two USB ports, one eSATA/USB combo, audio in/out, FireWire, VGA, LAN, and a proprietary power socket for some Dell accessories. There is a well-built docking station which gives you access to four USB ports, serial, DVI, VGA, LAN, headphone out, and an optical drive.

Performance
Performance is OK. This machine can easily handle everyday business uses. It can also decode 720p and 1080p video without any difficulty. However, it does show some signs of slowing down when you try to install large applications or move/copy files around. The integrated graphics and the power conscious processor can’t handle 3D graphics. So this isn’t the tablet to buy if you are an avid gamer. That said, this notebook can handle almost everything else.

Battery Life
At about three and half hours, the batter life is quite average. If you are not satisfied with the 42Wh battery, you are given the option of using a 45Wh slice battery, which should give you more than double the battery life.

Pros:
Good build quality
Ultra thin
Easy to upgrade

Cons:
Slow hard drive
Average battery life
Is costly