Dell Precision and Latitude E series hands-on

Tons of pics of Dell's new Precision and Latitude E series machines? You got 'em, including shots of the crazy-small E4200, which really takes us back to the days of the hot little Samsung-built X1. Hit the gallery below, marvel at some of the machines your IT department may be rolling out in the next 6-18 months.

Gallery: Dell Precision and Latitude E series hands-on

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[Jamus @ Aug 12th 2008 2:30PM]

Hmm, still no netbook like we saw M. Dell with a while back?

[Jamus @ Aug 12th 2008 2:34PM]

Sorry, left off link:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/29/dells-mini-inspiron-eee-pc-killer-revealed/

Maybe because they are aiming it more at consumers and not business they are holding off for closer till xmas?

[ronzo @ Aug 12th 2008 3:21PM]

That's because the one you're talking about is an Inspiron, not a Latitude. Latitudes are for business. Inspirons are Consumer.

[Mike Cerm @ Aug 12th 2008 8:29PM]

The 12" E4200 is making me rethink my stance on netbooks. I was just on Dell's website, and the E4200 is, without a doubt, the best looking laptop I've ever seen.

If it can be that small, look that good, come with real laptop specs, and be price under $1000 (which remains to be seen), I'd think twice about buying a netbook. $400 for a secondary laptop seems crazy when it's not that much smaller than the first one, and not nearly as good.

[daniel @ Aug 12th 2008 2:32PM]

Funny, how dell has the Vista logo, but is showing using Win XP....

[livefire @ Aug 12th 2008 3:34PM]

It is probably just showing different computers (same model) but with a different OS just to show how it runs with each. Like one of the images show Windows Vista and a Couple others with XP.

[Mike Cerm @ Aug 12th 2008 8:24PM]

That's a Windows logo on the Windows key. It's not called the Vista key, is it?

[matt @ Aug 12th 2008 2:33PM]

I see a problem with people jamming usb connectors into the Esata port. Not a good design decision Dell...

[daviD @ Aug 12th 2008 2:46PM]

its a business line... if your stupid enough to do that. your company shouldnt give you one.

[Andrew @ Aug 12th 2008 2:53PM]

They're combo USB/eSATA ports. You're meant to be able to put USB connectors in them.

[Dratun @ Aug 12th 2008 2:36PM]

Yes, a new X1! If it is fanless like the X1, this thing will be a sure hit with the silent pc crowd.

[tmark rushworth @ Aug 12th 2008 2:38PM]

The 112inch model - is this the EEEEEEEE beater or a high end ultra portable as im well interested.

[lowdef @ Aug 12th 2008 2:52PM]

i too am intrigued, and would like to see this 112 incher in action and the wall-mounting kit for it...

[Ninjakamster (PS360 FTW!) @ Aug 12th 2008 2:53PM]

None of these compete with the EEE or other netbooks, these are strictly high-end.

[TrueDis @ Aug 12th 2008 2:57PM]

Could you guys try to get some better shots of the blue color?

[Kevin Fox @ Aug 12th 2008 2:59PM]

Wow, nice use of the Obama font (Gotham) and color palette! Talk about riding the coattails...

[5thMeridian @ Aug 12th 2008 3:08PM]

Put a sock in it. It's a typeface for fracks sake.

[ricefarmer @ Aug 12th 2008 3:10PM]

Yes, because when I think Dell laptops, I think about Obama

[Paul @ Aug 12th 2008 3:23PM]

No, he's got a point here. I looked at it and the first thing I thought was that it looked like it should be a placard on a podium on an Obama event. It's the same font /color scheme/type of saying. They're definitely trying to cash in on the hype.

[Darrien @ Aug 12th 2008 3:47PM]

I was surely thinking, "Obama brand laptops?" You all beat me to it :D

[Howard @ Aug 12th 2008 3:51PM]

That was my first thought too. That's some Freedom From Business As Usual That You Can Believe In!

[Mario @ Aug 12th 2008 4:09PM]

Looks better that McComic Sans, that's for sure.

[Samboini @ Aug 12th 2008 4:41PM]

Kevin et al., not everyone is American. Thus to me and probably the majority of non-US citizens it doesn't possess any major Obama links. This is assuming they use this scheme worldwide; if it turns out that they don't, then yes riding on the wave is perhaps what they're doing.

[Mark L @ Aug 12th 2008 4:51PM]

This is why politics is stupid.

[Dell-EWANT @ Aug 12th 2008 3:06PM]

WHERE IS THE DELL-EEE !!

[jd @ Aug 12th 2008 3:44PM]

are you swearing?

[Neal @ Aug 12th 2008 3:07PM]

One of these best still have a serial port, I need that to connect to my routers and switches still for configs. This is becoming harder to find due to it's perception as a "legacy connection" until network devices start allowing USB serial connections for configurations.

[John Doe @ Aug 14th 2008 10:35AM]

Neal.

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 us field technicians, as we can just have this in our carry case, and plug it on, when needed.

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

[Spork @ Aug 12th 2008 3:10PM]

Will it come with the dead pixel under the U?

[Andrew @ Aug 12th 2008 3:18PM]

That's the mouse pointer.

[Hung @ Aug 13th 2008 3:11AM]

Do you really think you can see 1 stuck pixel on a 1280x800 screen from a picture that isn't even VGA resolution?

[quomen @ Aug 12th 2008 3:15PM]

Wait, I thought Ryan Block left Engadget?

[Mario @ Aug 12th 2008 4:05PM]

Moonlighting from AIPAC

[ronzo @ Aug 12th 2008 3:24PM]

Ghost Writers in the sky....

[Bert @ Aug 12th 2008 3:35PM]

Looks like Dell has some documentation up...

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/late6500/en/index.htm

Are those eSATA ports self powered or will a USB vampire tap be required?

[Adam @ Aug 12th 2008 3:47PM]

Dude! Obama's getting a dell!

[RehabMan @ Aug 12th 2008 4:09PM]

Is it just me or are others annoyed at the fact that most laptop keyboard designs these days place the ALT key in the wrong spot. The ALT key should be under the Z and X keys. Not under the X. And definitely not under the X and C.

So far, in my search for a new laptop, I've found only two brands that have correct keyboards: Lenovo and Gateway. Anybody know of others?

[y3k.nik @ Aug 12th 2008 4:17PM]

Is the 15 inch E Series thicker or thinner than the Studio or XPS?

[itguy07 @ Aug 12th 2008 4:25PM]

God they are FUGLY laptops. Tried to rip off IBM/Lenovo/HP and fail miserably.

The only saving grace would be the quality but since it's a Dell, there will be NO QUALITY just more DELL GARBAGE.

Oh Well, feel sorry for those who get those POS's.

[Mike @ Aug 12th 2008 4:32PM]

Wow. Now when I walk around with my ThinkPad people are going to think I have a Dell. Thanks a lot.

[LondonConsultant @ Aug 12th 2008 5:58PM]

Drop it on the floor. If the laptop breaks, they'll know you have a Dell. If the earth shifts a little on its axis, they'll know you have a ThinkPad.

[demonic_pascal @ Aug 12th 2008 4:54PM]

My d630 weeps at its impending replacement...

[Zach @ Aug 12th 2008 4:55PM]

Great. Anybody know if these will interface with the existing D-docks?

[Vo @ Aug 12th 2008 5:32PM]

No, these will need new docking station.

[engatdget.com @ Aug 12th 2008 5:58PM]

No they won't.

[Belg_Dell @ Aug 13th 2008 12:42AM]

yes, they need new docking stations, as they have a whole new range of connections as eg. displayport ...

[t dot strange @ Aug 12th 2008 5:01PM]

I'd actually like to see some comparison shots to their XPS and Studio line. I get a discount on Latitudes through my school, so if these arent too bulky in comparison to Dells consumer offerings (and, in effect, most consumer offerings)

[ncmach1 @ Aug 12th 2008 5:47PM]

Dammit, where is the 8.9 and 10 models? The sorry b%$tu&ds.

[anebg @ Aug 24th 2008 11:39AM]

I´ll stick to lenovo.