Review Dell Latitude XT

• Intel Core 2 Duo 1.2GHz ULV U7600 processor
• Integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics
• 12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) LED backlit Dual input digitizer
• 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 120GB hard drive, 5400rpm
• Windows Vista Business OS
• No optical drive, optional MediaBase with 8x DVD+/-RW
• Battery: 6-cell standard, optional 9-cell slice battery
• Wireless LAN 802.11n
• Bluetooth
• Integrated Verizon Wireless Broadband EV-DO Rev A
• 3x USB ports
• 1394 Port connector
• SD Card slot
• Express Card Slot
• VGA port
• RJ-45
• Headphone and microphone
• Weight: 3.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.00" x 11.7" x 8.6"

Conclusion

The Latitude XT is a solid tablet with a great display. It is very expensive though. Many users complained about the price and Dell says it is targeted toward the business market not consumers. This may be true, but it still seems a bit pricey for the business market as well. The XT can compete with Toshibas M700 or even Lenovos X61. Yes, the N-trig, dual touch technology is a huge plus and taking notes and using your finger are almost flawless, but the price is way above its competitors.

The XT comes with a nice array of ports and has plenty of optional accessories. The slice battery gives it all day power and the MediaBase gives you an optical drive and more ports then I could ever use. It seems Dell is already talking about updating the XT by November 2008 as well, so I guess we will see what the XT2 has to offer.

Pros

• Dual touch technology, capacitive touch
• LED backlit display
• Solid keyboard
• Solid pen with pressure sensitive nibs
• Great battery life with slice battery
• Tons of accessory options

Cons

• Dull design, but business like
• Expensive $$$
• Eraser on pen is a button, feels awkward
• Latch doesnt lock lid

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Review Dell Latitude E6400

The basic specifications of Latitude E6400 are:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB cache)
• Screen: 14-inch 1440 x 900 WXGA+ LED Backlit (matte finish)
• Memory: 1GB DDR2-800 PC-6400 RAM (Nanya, 5-6-6-18)
• Storage: 160GB 5400rpm HDD (Samsung HM160HI)
• Optical Drive: 9.5mm thick SATA PLDS (Philips Liteon) 8A2SDVD+/-RW
• Wireless: Intel 5100 802.11a/b/g/n
• Graphics: Intel X4500HD
• UK Backlit keyboard
• ExpressCard slot
• Creative 0.3MP web camera and microphone
• Battery: 56Wh 6-cell
• Standard E series 90W PSU and optional slim 65W Auto/Air/AC adapter
• Dimensions: 335 x 244 x 33mm (including feet about 2mm long) or 13.2" x 9.6" x 1.3"
• Advertised weight: The Quick Reference Guide states "2.15 kg (4.75 lb) with UMA graphics, 6-cell battery, solid-state drive"
• Actual weight: 2.31kg / 5.1 lbs (with UMA graphics, 6-cell battery, HDD)
• Travel weight: 2.87kg / 6.33lbs (with standard 90W PSU); 2.68kg / 5.91lbs (with slim 65W PSU)
• Windows Vista Business with XP Pro downgrade

Conclusion

The pleasure of looking at the bright and clear LED backlit WXGA+ display offsets the displeasure of having a computer that is not as light as expected. All Dells information indicates that this computer should be lighter than it actually is. So far, this computer has been a pleasure to use.

The build quality is excellent but Dell really should have found space for some better loudspeakers. The very smooth bottom will make it easier for the computer to launch itself towards the floor. Perhaps that is why Dell is keen on providing the drop-proof storage options.

Pros

• Excellent display (LED backlit WXGA+ option)
• Very rugged build
• Good performance
• Up to about 6 hours light usage with a 6 cell battery
• Cool and quiet, except under heavy load when the fan runs fast
• Easy access to most components

Cons

• Overweight
• Big standard power brick (what happened to the new E series slim 90W PSU?)
• BIOS does not make proper use of the optional slim 65W PSU
• Poor quality audio from the surprisingly small speakers hiding behind those big grilles
• Overweight (yes, I said it twice)
  

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