Dell's new Latitude E series for suits detailed by elaborate PowerPoint presentation

Having been privy to a few leaked Dell PowerPoint presentations in our day, we can say without reservation that they know how to blow that stuff out. Roadmaps? Charts? Bullet points? They've got it all, and this new Latitude E series presentation is no different. Sure, the subject matter is a little dry: reliable, boringbooks for businesses, but there are a few gems in here. The basic thing to get down is that Dell is kicking the D series to the curb, and is going E with its professional laptop line. Improvements include the perks of Centrino 2, more WWAN and other wireless chips, eSATA and Display Port plugs, thinner dockable laptops and huge ass batteries for all-day usage. The E6400, for instance, boasts 19 hours of battery with a 9-cell. On the teensy end, the E 4200 offers a 12.1-inch WXGA screen in a 2.2 pound form factor, with 32GB and 64GB SSD options. The E4300 bumps that up to 13.3-inches and 3.4 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum, the E 6400 ATG is a 5.6 pound beast designed to withstand drops, dust and moisture. The E 5400, 5500 and 6400 are the mainstreamers, with 14.1-inch and 15.4-inch screens, disc drives and all the other trappings you'd expect. Dell's roadmap has the larger laptops hitting in August, with the 12 and 13-inchers showing up in September. Unfortunately, it looks like the XT2 is getting pushed out to January of next year, but it can't all be roses. Check out the gallery for all the sordid details.

Gallery: Dell's new Latitude E series for suits detailed by elaborate PowerPoint presentation

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[YpoCaramel @ Jul 29th 2008 4:49PM]

The weights are really nice and continue the converge of "netbooks" and "traditional laptops." Is there any pricing information?

[inno8sky @ Jul 29th 2008 7:34PM]

In reply to
NNTPgrip @ Jul 29th 2008 4:58PM

As long as they still offer them with XP, we're good. Otherwise, Lenovo here we come.

you know this is getting really old, Vista is 10 time the OS XP is. It's rock solid, stable and more feature rich. Chance are, you haven't even used Vista personally. For me, there's no going back..

[Todd @ Jul 29th 2008 8:20PM]

Yes, I've heard they will continue supporting Windows XP.

[Dan @ Jul 29th 2008 4:56PM]

-sigh-

Please - "huge-ass batteries." "Huge ass batteries" brings to mind a completely different mental image, but one that, perhaps, might actually want to make me buy a Dell. Or run away from it.

[nate @ Jul 29th 2008 5:22PM]

http://xkcd.com/37

always good for a laugh

[NNTPgrip @ Jul 29th 2008 4:58PM]

As long as they still offer them with XP, we're good. Otherwise, Lenovo here we come.

[Khris @ Jul 29th 2008 5:56PM]

Enjoy Lenovo!

[Lein @ Jul 29th 2008 5:00PM]

Sign me up for the 12.1". I only hope my D430 meets with an unfortunate accident before they arrive, as to have a good excuse to upgrade.

[ilh @ Jul 29th 2008 5:02PM]

Dell have gone crazy, they're straying from the initial concept of the E series and are diluting the brand!

[Skazer @ Jul 29th 2008 6:24PM]

Haha. Well played.

[ilh @ Jul 29th 2008 5:03PM]

Dell have gone crazy, they're straying from the initial concept of the E series and are diluting the brand!

[RD. @ Jul 29th 2008 5:04PM]

i like the backlit keyboards!

[Richard @ Jul 30th 2008 12:24PM]

Hopefully the backlighting that everyone is adopting won't go away anytime soon. The only feature I'd love to see added is the option for multiple colors like the Alienware laptops. I find blue backlighting to be great, but the white light on my m1730 is a little annoying at times.

[whowhatme @ Jul 29th 2008 5:06PM]

that pocket projector looks pretty sweet

[Khris @ Jul 29th 2008 6:06PM]

Is that a pocket projector in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

[geoff @ Jul 29th 2008 9:32PM]

yeah thats what im interested in too - how much and when???

[guoruiwu1994 @ Jul 29th 2008 5:08PM]

looks pretty thick

[Khris @ Jul 29th 2008 5:57PM]

It matches your skull

[Phil @ Jul 29th 2008 5:08PM]

Wait... does the E6500 or similar Precision model still have serial ports?

[John Doe @ Aug 14th 2008 10:51AM]

The new E-Family Latitudes gives you the option of buying a Legacy Extender, that lets you connect to legacy ports when you need it.

It is a clip-on dock, that fits all Latitude E-Family and also the new Precision machines.

It has the following ports:
1 x COM, 1 x Parallell, 2 x PS/2, 2 x USB.

This is a great feature for field technicians, as you can just have this in your carry case, and plug it on, when needed.

Haven't found it online yet, but call Dell, and you will get this option.

[retro77 @ Jul 29th 2008 5:09PM]

Wow, eSata all around, backlit keyboards, nice designs. the only thing I would change is on the docking station: put the USB ports on the back.

[FuturePerfect @ Jul 29th 2008 5:10PM]

Any idea on what and when for the M laptops mentioned only on slide 20?

Slide 20 shows a M2400 (14.1"); M4400 (15.4"); M6400 (17").

Presumably these are replacements for the current Dell Precision laptops M2300, M4300, and M6300 respectively.

[SuperSexyErik (^_^) @ Jul 29th 2008 5:20PM]

The dell xps series looks really good, can anyone vouch for them? I'm not sure if I should buy an xps or buy and macbook and run osx/vista.

[Kaiser-Machead @ Jul 29th 2008 5:57PM]

I personally prefer the Macbook, so I generally vouch for that over a lot of others, even the newer XPS systems. If you want to run both OS X and Vista, I'd recommend just going with the Mac. Even my old 2.0GHz Core Duo Macbook runs Vista well.

[Khris @ Jul 29th 2008 5:59PM]

I went from a Dell m1330 to a MacBook and haven't looked back.

[Jon Doe. @ Jul 29th 2008 10:30PM]

I've done repair work on XPS systems. I can tell you that in terms of quality they pretty much kick Apple's ass up and down the schoolyard while still looking pretty. I've disassembled my MBP, redid the thermal paste, and a friends MB so I know the insides of a Mac as well.
Also UNLIKE apple mist new XPS systems allow you to remove the back cover, remove about 6 screws, and replace the CPU making it a HELL of a lot more upgradable then a Mac. MBP's still don't allow you to replace a damn hard drive without needing to remove the entire keyboard\palmrest.

In terms of warranty unless you enjoy being without your system days on end go Dell. They will send a tech (one of us.) to your location. And if its a laptop little known fact. When the tech calls ask him to meet you at your workplace, school, etc. It doesn't have to be AT your home as long as the distance is within reason. I've driven 20 miles out of my way to meet someone at an Applebees during a lunch meeting to replace their LCD in the booth next to him. Most tech are willing to do such things. Apple? Hehe. Yah right.

As for Apple's OS. Very nice. I enjoy Leopard now that they got the damn thing stabilized. Still overrated.

[Jon Doe. @ Jul 29th 2008 10:33PM]

No people feel threatened by Apple retards. You never know when they will spaz out and start screeching like a baboon about APPLE! APPLE! APPLE! APPLE! *DROOLS* APPPPPPPPPPPPPPPLE!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEK EEEEEEEEEEKKKK!

[Jon Doe. @ Jul 29th 2008 10:43PM]

PS to ERIK. I don't work for Dell. Just contracted I don't have any presumptions about telling people the straight crap about them. And that is this: Dell has really cleaned up their "stuff" over the last year and a half. The change is really impressive. More so then you guys see on the outside. I think this is purely due to Michael Dell's return. I can't be certain on that point but the timing seems a little curious. :-P the point is 2-3 years ago I would have NEVER recommended a Dell. Granted I keep my mouth shut while on the job, because I'm reping them
Sorry Dell, but its true.
But with the new xx30 series there is a drastic and highly noticeable change in design, quality, and well quality. Its been years since I've owned a Dell and my next laptop will be a Dell XPS of some form or another.

[Kelmon @ Jul 30th 2008 2:29AM]

With an avatar like that I rather suspect you of trolling. However, I will say that for me the 17" MacBook Pro is perfect. Without spending time with an XPS it's hard to say whether it is a better machine but I confess to being biased against Dell since we have to use them at work and I've always hated them (poor build quality and performance but these certainly aren't XPS models). However, I would base the answer to your question on the software since if you go with the XPS then you won't have access to OS X software. Even with the Mac and Boot Camp/virtualisation, switching OS is a pain. Decide which platform has the software that you want/need and go from there.

[phanbouy @ Jul 29th 2008 5:40PM]

not sure i'm crazy about ass batteries, let alone big ones

[andy @ Jul 29th 2008 5:56PM]

I want that 13" 4300 with all the options and an ULV processor.

Being able to use that all day would be phenomonal. 12" is just a bit small.

[whowhatme @ Jul 29th 2008 11:18PM]

...that's what she said?

[SiNUS @ Jul 29th 2008 5:59PM]

@Phil
You are wrong. Not all Latitudes had a trackpoint and there is no need to have one of you can use a normal touchpad.
And no, there is no serial port onboard -> external solution, very small.
Biggest secret still to come as I've got told ;)

[Phil @ Jul 29th 2008 8:27PM]

Well, most, if not all of the Latitudes made today have trackpoint. You're wrong about it not having a use, as, to me, they are more useful, efficient, and convenient than touchpads, and I'm pretty sure some others feel the same way. I began using a trackpoint with the C640 in high school, and never looked back. I wouldn't touch a notebook without one. Also, I won't even consider a notebook that doesn't have a 1920x1200 screen.

As far as the serial port issue, that may be a problem. For some of the hardware I use, an external USB solution doesn't work, so it's not a small situation. If they indeed do not have serial ports, then I would just have to pick up a D830 or M4300 with WUXGA.

[Michael Moody @ Jul 29th 2008 9:36PM]

@Phil

I've got a basically brand new (gotten in March) M4300 that has your name on it.

T9300 Penryn (2.5ghz), 2GB of RAM, 120GB HD, WUXGA, DVD+-RW, Media Bay Battery (gives about 9 hours of battery life total, I leave my power adapter at home every day, and get a full day out of it), Bluetooth, Intel 3945 Wireless, Fingerprint Reader, Nvidia Quadro 360M. If desired, I'll throw in a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate on top of XP SP3.

I'm the same way, WUXGA or nothing. I too am a little antsy about the serial port, but I can make do.

Michael

[Anthony H. @ Jul 29th 2008 6:23PM]

Nipple!

[daddycool @ Jul 29th 2008 6:36PM]

It's good to see Dell stepping where HP is failing. I've been a loyal ThinkPad buyer since my first laptop, but Lenovo is staring to dissapoint. I've always looked down on Dells because they usually bench worse than they should, but I don't know what my next laptop will be. The T61 was not impressive, the T400 better be alot better or I'm going shopping, starting with this Dell.

[Mark L. @ Jul 29th 2008 7:40PM]

Something tells me the asterisk on the "backlit keyboard" and the picture next to it means the only keyboard that's backlit is a supplementary keyboard.

[Michael Moody @ Jul 29th 2008 9:38PM]

No, it's a genuine backlit keyboard. The new keyboards found on current models have a backlight function key (does nothing on those models)

[thefultonhow @ Jul 29th 2008 8:24PM]

I would pay a $500+ premium over a ThinkPad T400 to get an E6400. No joke. And this is coming from someone who currently has a T43p. The dual-monitor dock pretty much sealed the deal (it was already pretty compelling with the LED-backlit screen, backlit keyboard, DisplayPort, and eSATA).

[sr1329 @ Jul 31st 2008 8:27AM]

Yeah, same situation here. I'm a diehard Thinkpad user but that E4200 is lighter than the upcoming X200s, so I might have to switch for the first time in years. Sorry Lenovo but 2.5Lbs doesn't cut it when the competition is at 2.2lbs.

[rg19 @ Jul 29th 2008 9:29PM]

No SSD option on the 4300? wtf? I want my damn lightweight laptop that isn't so ridiculously small as a 12" or as big as a 14" Why are the 13" options crap. Standard volt only on the 4300? Where's the low volt?

[Jon Doe. @ Jul 29th 2008 10:22PM]

Go out and buy a fucking SSD and stop your complaining. It takes a normal hard drive that you can replace.

SSD's performance sucks ass unless you want to blow close to a grand on one of the higher performance drives.

[Jon Doe. @ Jul 29th 2008 10:20PM]

Dear Dell,

While I love your design please, please, please for the love of all that is holy consider the lowly DCSE when you design these things. The xx30 series is such a colossal PITA to replace a system board, if for no other reasons then the cable routing, that it takes over an hour, or dang close to it, to do. Compared to say a Latitude D620 or D820 which takes about 30 minutes. Normally I wouldn't mind but if I can fit 7 calls in, in a day vs. 6 that 7th customer is going to be very happy to get his computer up and running again that much sooner.

Sincerely,

A lowly DCSE tech.

PS- Apple's turn around time still sucks ass.

[Jeff @ Jul 29th 2008 11:41PM]

no one else thinks this laptop looks like its from 1995? or is it just the quality of those powerpoint images?

[Kelmon @ Jul 30th 2008 2:35AM]

I was wondering if I was missing something given that quite a few people were saying they liked the look of them, but I rather thought it looked like a Pentium 3-based Latitude that I had years ago and hated with a fiery passion. The detail around the screen hinges makes it look more modern but beyond that it looks like a generic cheap plastic case. It also appears to be chunkier than I like.

That said, these are clearly going to be mass produced business laptops so I think it's unreasonable to expect much more. If they get the job done at an acceptable price (and given the economic climate at the moment I know our IT budget has gone through the floor) then that's what's important.

[sr1329 @ Jul 31st 2008 8:29AM]

The high end latitudes are cased in magnesium alloy, if you had a high end latitude you would know that.

[Rob @ Jul 30th 2008 8:33AM]

We have a pre-production version of the E6400 at work that I've been playing around with and it's pretty nice compared to the old D-series. It's thinner and built a lot better - you'd never guess it was a Dell. It feels metal (some parts are, some are plastic) and it's very tight. Has the webcam and fingerprint ID, SD card reader in the front, some of the extra options.

Also has a GUI BIOS with mouse control.

[Rob @ Jul 30th 2008 8:48AM]

Oh, and the power brick is huge. It's thinner than the one that came with old D-series and some Inspirons, but it has a bigger footprint and completely rectangular with pointier corners - it doesn't have the rounded edges like the old ones. So, while it might take up the same volume, it appears bigger.

All in all, the machine feels less cheap than the D630. The screen hinge is especially tight, which is a nice. I still wouldn't go replacing my home MacBook Pro with one of these, but I would be happy to use an E6400 as my work machine - that's more of what it's meant for, with dock and all.

[Cynep @ Jul 30th 2008 10:55AM]

Tell me the darn thing won't fall apart in 3 months and I still will avoid it like the plague that it is. Why is it that my 9 year old Thinkpad is still as firm and operational after solid 9 years of use. Meanwhile, my client's 3 year old D600 looks like it's about to show holes in the plastic and the LCD screen needs to be propped up with a stick?

Although, I do think that Dells are great for Siberia - they'll keep your wrists (and hands) warm in -70 celcius weather and warm your cup of coffee as well.

Dell is one company I would not mind seeing declare a Chapter 11, alas I must wait... Hopefully HP will swallow them up as well sooner than later, so I can break out those old dusty "Dude, you're getting a dell" pictarz.