How would you change Dell's Latitude XT?
by Darren Murph 
posted Dec 21st 2007 at 6:30PM
So, now that no one can jump on the Round Rock powerhouse for making a promise it couldn't keep, how's about keeping it honest with a few suggestions for the next iteration? Maybe toss in a little multi-touch action (as in, for realz)? Spice it up with a few color options? What about an optional panel with a resolution higher than WXGA? C'mon, with something this expensive, we're sure there's plenty of room for improvement -- after all, it's not like there's a price ceiling (glass or otherwise) that we've got to mind here. Oh, and for those who've actually had the pleasure of owning one, your input is particular coveted.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mushrooshi @ Dec 21st 2007 6:34PM
I would have it so there is no Windows button on it, and instead a univeral type button. I am tired of running linux and having the windows button!
Lobsang @ Dec 21st 2007 6:39PM
I would have it in shiny piano black color w/ touch of titanium around the key pad...
all in all currently it looks fugly
Ethyriel @ Dec 21st 2007 6:56PM
Oh god, please, no more piano black.
ethana2 @ Jan 23rd 2008 4:43AM
Same here. I'd rather have a button with a little stylized 'S' in a diamond. Yes. They do have keyboards with an ubuntu key, but really... it needs to be OS-unspecific. Also, gnome needs to bind the super key to the Applications menu, if they haven't done so already.
Man, you got rated down a lot. I guess we have a lot of people here who resent the idea that they need to try things before passing off judgments. I know a few of them. ..I dual boot XP and Ubuntu, but I haven't used XP for anything in ~7 months...
I don't think I'm going to wipe the partition though until I've ripped out all the useful .dll files so I can play Halo in WINE.
Ajousa @ Dec 21st 2007 6:38PM
The Price doesn't worth it...
H4mm3r @ Dec 21st 2007 6:41PM
I would throw it in trash. Portege is better.
ajfarson @ Dec 27th 2007 8:22PM
I demoed one a few months ago, and all I have to say is... Too much too late... Michael Dell's missed the boat on Tablets, and if DELL doesn't swimming to get onboard and start upping the anti the tablet market is going to disintegrate before our eyes. DELL was in a perfect position to actually turn the tablet market potential around about 3 years ago when MD arrogantly pronounced that DELL wasn't interested in the tablet market because there was no profit it in it... What an idiot! The XT is another single hinge under achiever that will break, and under perform leaving users wanting for more power & battery life in a lighter, thinner form factor.
Brandon L @ Dec 21st 2007 6:57PM
Give people POWER Options:
1. If I want to suffer with less battery life, let me chose to do so
A. Give me a build option of a REAL Dual Core 2.4 Ghz CPU
B. Give me a build option of switchable Graphics (ala Sony SZ)
2. Include Microsoft One Note 2007 as an included default app.
THAT'S IT! I can live with the slower HDD until the SSD drives come down in price. And with these "slight" modifications (anyone catch that? lol) you will convince me to spend the money for something WORTH it.
Dell... I am loaded and refuse to buy this the way it is. I guess I'll do with what I have and wait until you guys wonder why this thing isn't selling (HELLO???) and give us what I asked for above. And please, next time don't lead me to step in dog sh!t and expect me to just act like it's a new part of my shoe.
Jissan @ Dec 21st 2007 7:20PM
first off, get rid of the fingerprint scanner.. no one cares.. and its easy to get around (thank you Burn Notice). Second of all make it a Mac, atleast for people to buy into over paying for what dell has said is "cutting edge, people". Oh yeah third try not to be condesending towards your audience. Fourth... function without proper design, functions improperly. DUDE YOU GOT A DELL!
Mike Klein @ Dec 21st 2007 9:06PM
Nobody with a mobile tablet cares about a fingerprint reader?!?
Yeah...I sure don't want the convenience of a 1sec finger swipe for logging in after auto-lock. I'd much rather fumble with the stylus.
XiozTzu @ Dec 21st 2007 7:09PM
I would make the case brushed metal, put a backlit keyboard on it and a built in camera. Then install OS X, oh wait Apple already did that... :)
Sorry couldn't resist.
Merry Christmas all!
Paul @ Dec 21st 2007 8:21PM
Except for the fact that its a tablet...
roach @ Dec 21st 2007 9:08PM
OSX is so way behind Vista in writing recognition.
roach @ Dec 21st 2007 9:12PM
It can't even compete with XP.
Constable Odo @ Dec 21st 2007 11:03PM
I tried to vote you back up, but the envious Apple-haters stuck you in a a very deep pit.
Isaac @ Dec 21st 2007 7:21PM
Well, have it not made by dell and have it not cost more than 20 EEE PCs.
Fuzzball @ Dec 21st 2007 7:23PM
I'd change the Dell part and the price :p
finnith @ Dec 21st 2007 7:25PM
it's too obvious but I must say the best way to improve it would be to make it cheaper
BigD145 @ Dec 21st 2007 7:27PM
Get some company other than Dell to make it.
Codey H. @ Dec 22nd 2007 11:56AM
you mean Quanta right? lol
Good_Bytes @ Dec 21st 2007 7:43PM
It would like to see a
- Geforce 8400M at least (don't mind to have it thicker).
- Switch system to pass from integrated video card to G8400M or better.
- 2GB of RAM
- No trial software
- Windows Vista DVD + Driver disk
- 2.0Ghz Intel core 2 duo would be fine as an option (but of course lets have this tablet less expensive)
- Make it available in Canada with LED back light (unlike the XPS M1330 :angry:)
Steve A. @ Dec 21st 2007 7:38PM
I ordered one at %500 less than MSRP from Dell. I can't believe you guys are bitching about a tablet that has a configurable screen that's 2x's as bright as any other on the market.
iofthestorm @ Dec 21st 2007 8:32PM
Huh? You mean they paid you $10,000 to take it? How do you get 500% off?
Ken Wind @ Dec 22nd 2007 9:31PM
Fujitsu makes tablets with displays that are probably just as bright.
Jacob N @ Dec 21st 2007 8:45PM
One thing that I'd like to see that isn't quite as obvious is a third button beneath the Trackstick, like the Thinkpads have, for scrolling. Perhaps it's due to some inane patent dispute, but it seems like a strange omission, considering how cheap and easy it would be. Also, come on Apple fanboys, what the hell? Is it impossible for anyone other than Apple to get ANY recognition for freaking anything ever? It's a solid machine, if a little overpriced. Leave it at that.
Dan @ Dec 21st 2007 8:40PM
"It's a solid machine, if a little overpriced. Leave it at that."
Um... so I assume you've owned a Dell laptop for five years, or have a father who's owned one for five? I've ended up replacing both machines' HDDs because of corruption issues. The back of my old Inspiron's monitor is developing a crack for no apparent reason. The keyboard does not feel solid.
So before you spout off how "solid" Dells are, please, have the pleasure of owning a Dell!
*With that said, I hear their Latitude series is of higher build quality. But it's just rumor afaik.
Jacob N @ Dec 21st 2007 8:48PM
Well actually, I was merely referring to the design and features of the laptop, not its build quality, on which nobody, not even you, can comment with any accuracy. But in fact, my first laptop was a Dell 486 from back in the day. I've owned it formy entire computer-using career, and it STILL works. So, I mean, sorry for "spouting off" with my opinion without consulting you, My Lord.
tumnasgt @ Dec 21st 2007 8:51PM
I own multiple Dells, and have worked with many others. They are built like tanks and if something goes wrong Dell will be at my house fixing it within two days - unlike the likes of Toshiba, from whom I got my laptop back two days ago after 8 weeks away being repaired.
Chris Thompson @ Dec 21st 2007 9:36PM
I have the D620 and the button beneath the track stick makes me want to kill something, I always bump it... I ended up turning the track stick off completely I hated it so much...
Paul @ Dec 21st 2007 8:29PM
I am getting sick of all the Dell hate when it comes to laptops, you can rightfully trash their desktops for various reasons, but when it comes to laptops Dell tends to get more right than wrong.
I have had a Dell laptop for 3 years now and have had no problems with it and their online support is phenomenal. I recently wanted to see what the fuss was over Vista so I installed a free copy I had gotten from school and even though my laptop was discontinued over a year ago, they still provide up to date Vista drivers for my laptop even though it was never released with Vista on it.
Next thing was after I purchased my laptop I regretted not getting internal bluetooth on it. So I went to Dells support page, went to replacement parts, ordered the chip I needed ($30) and then followed a link to extremely detailed online technical manuals that show you how to safely service your laptop.
My dad recently purchased an HP laptop that came with Vista Home Basic (no option to "downgrade" to XP from HP) So I went to install XP on it, however HP offered only offered Vista drivers for their laptop. So he now has my free copy of Vista on his laptop. Also the only manuals HP supplies online are generic "Laptop for Dummies" manuals that go for an entire range of laptops.
While I am not saying its HP's fault for not supplying drivers for XP or detailed technical manuals online, I am saying that Dell makes a solid laptop and has excellent support in my experience.
Yannick Desjardins @ Dec 21st 2007 8:36PM
Lower the price and get rid of the multi-touch.
Dan @ Dec 21st 2007 8:43PM
Cut the price in half (to ~$1300) and have it be able to do my laundry.
Sabba @ Dec 21st 2007 9:05PM
i would like to see ANY tablet pc with a good graphics card capable of at least minimal gaming. say an 8400M or 8600M preferrably. and maybe a small price drop too...$1800-2000 at most. That price is redunkulus.
roach @ Dec 21st 2007 9:10PM
It can't even compete with XP.
Adam @ Dec 21st 2007 10:32PM
I would lower the price (duh!) Me personally, if the multi-touch was well implemented I could justify spending between $1500 and $2000 for a base price. To everyone who says ditch the multi-touch, it's not a entirely a hardware issue because any capacitive touchscreen should be capable of multi-touch with the proper drivers. Dell's made its bed with N-Trig for capacitive touch technology and it isn't giving it up. Most every review raves over the capacitive experience versus resisitive touch anyway.
Dell should at least develop some kind of web browser and pdf reader with multi-touch capability. And package in OneNote.
I would increase the processor speed and graphics, and match that up with a Blu-Ray mediabay.
Have color customization (Do something about the look!)
marsflip @ Dec 21st 2007 10:41PM
My suggestions:
- lower the price.
- add an option for LV Core 2 processors like the Lenovo X61T.
- lower the price.
- multidirectional hinge, just like the Lenovo X61T.
- lower the price.
- add an accelerometer sensor to rotate the screen automatically, like the X61T has.
- lower the price.
- replace the 1.8'' hd drive for a 2.5'' with bigger capacity... like the one on the X61T
- and finally... LOWER THE PRICE!
Anyway, it's probably more likely that the X61T will get a LED backlit widescreen than Dell getting its tablet right... and cheaper.
Kevin @ Dec 22nd 2007 1:08AM
actually, the x61t does not have a multidirectional hinge. Just thought I would point that out.
As for me, I would put an optical drive in it and a webcam. Also, it would be nice if it had dust covers over the ports.
LittleB @ Dec 21st 2007 11:22PM
I really don't too much care about price coz Dell offers great discount to my company and I don't need to pay for any Dell stuffs I had.
However, compare with X61t (I bought one for my boss), Lat XT is just a failure.
ULV processor and 1.8" PATA HD make Lat XT unusable even as a mobile portable machine. The difference of HDD (1.8" vs. 2.5") is enough to make X61t a easy choice.
I have a Fujitsu P1610, it also uses ULV, also uses 1.8" PATA, is also VERY expensive (consider the performance it offers). So, I use P1610 ONLY during my annual vacation.
Please... STOP using sluggish ULV processor or 1.8" PATA HDD except less-than-1Kg ultra-portable. (Lat XT is heavier than 1Kg).
Alan @ Dec 21st 2007 11:19PM
Use a wacom digitizer board with a secondary touch board (like the lenovo r gateway models) and lower the price.
KC @ Dec 22nd 2007 2:07AM
I would bump up the processor, and include a hybrid HDD, and keep the price flat or lower with those extras. There wasn't a BD option for backup when I tried to build a system. I wish BD was included as an option. Speaking of backups, at this price point, I expected it to come with an eSATA connector.
Design-wise, I wonder why portable tablets all include a keyboard. Make it smaller and lighter, exclude the keyboard. The keyboard can always be added via a docking station or some other portable, foldable bluetooth keyboard.
Steve A. @ Dec 22nd 2007 4:05AM
If you remove the keyboard from a tablet PC, it is then called a 'slate' tablet pc. These do exist and have a decent following in the medical profession. A great example is the Fujitsu ST5011D.
Steve A. @ Dec 22nd 2007 4:05AM
If you remove the keyboard from a tablet PC, it is then called a 'slate' tablet pc. These do exist and have a decent following in the medical profession. A great example is the Fujitsu ST5011D.
willcoffin @ Dec 22nd 2007 3:14AM
I would up the processor. 1.2 Core 2 will be fine for basic office applications but when developers get into interesting Multi-touch applications it just wont cut it.
-Integrate a Webcam into the bezel
-Look into Wireless USB for the docking station (media base) since tablets are supposed to be all about portability.
-Add an IR port (seems archaic but for educational and healthcare applications it would be useful)
Everything else seems to be right on the money and a solid start for Dell. As SSD drives come down in price and up in capacity this will be a slick machine. And obviously the price needs to come down, I dont know the last time I could build up a laptop to cost $5k shipped.
Ken Wind @ Dec 22nd 2007 9:34PM
I definitely think they should offer an optional webcam. That omission is keeping me from considering it.
Jeff Lewis @ Dec 22nd 2007 3:21AM
Faster processor
Larger hard drive
Oh hell... Take the Toshiba Portege M700-S7001X, make it look more like the Latitude XT, add multitouch and keep it around the same price - $1700.
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/pdet.to?seg=HHO&poid=403036&in_merch=1
Oh.. and someone tell Toshiba Canada to check Toshiba US' site from time to time - they're selling almost exactly the same M700 model - but charging $2300. I guess they haven't noticed that the Canadian $ is actually worth the same as the US $.
When I called and pointed this out, they actually suggested that Tosh US makes their laptops in the US while Canada imports them from Asia, which makes it more expensive.
Riiiiight.
So I suggested that Tosh Canada buy their products from Tosh US as a retailer (because the US retailers charge about the same as the Toshiba online store) and mark it up a $100. It would STILL be $500 cheaper.
Morons.
Brian McBride @ Dec 22nd 2007 4:29AM
I wish EVERY laptop had swappable graphic cards. There needs to be a standard card type, like in any desktop. So that we can choose to run a low-power cheap-o graphics or something with more punch at the cost of battery life. Obviously size/airflow might not let you shove the fastest card into a small computer like this, but at least give me more choices.
Second, I am not an Apple fan, but why it is that so few PC manufactures can manage to make computers that look as good? There are MANY talented designers out there Dell... hire someone.
Thrillcekr @ Dec 22nd 2007 6:53AM
Trade it in for an HP. That's how I'd change it.
Rockville @ Dec 22nd 2007 8:26AM
Dell is much better than any other tablet out there. Can't you just see it in the pictures, videos, and blog. They've told us why we need to spend soooo much more for their tablet, so why is everyone bitching. Just listen before they give you a spanking.
They've been walking us down the yellow brick road, feeding us snacks along the way and then exploding this nice price IED right before christmas. Nice way to treat your customers....
Kyle Hance @ Dec 22nd 2007 8:00PM
I would like the option of Linux. They need to have more than 3 systems available with Linux pre-installed. It'd run very nicely on this machine. Preferably Fedora....
Jon Doe @ Dec 22nd 2007 8:11PM
Drop the price. That is it. I did my training on this model about a week and a half ago. The insides of this thing are really well built. Either Dell is really putting effort into their new xx30 and XT models or they are getting a third party to design it. All I know is overall its a really well built system. The price on the other hand is fracking insane. I will not go anywhere near a tablet with those kinds of specs until it drops under or at $1700.
I have no problems with a core solo since a tablet's main function isn't massive horse power. But if I'm getting a solo and integrated graphics you damn well better price it as such.