Dell Latitude E6400

If you need a fairly standard laptop then this one is highly configurable to suit any application you have in mind.

Dell Latitude E6400
Guide price: from £580
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26GHz
Memory: 1GByte (one free slot)
Disk: 80Gbytes
Optical: DVD/CD combo
Graphics: Intel GMA 4500HD
Display: 14" WXGA 1280 x 800
Modem: optional
Camera: optional
Ports: 4 USB, VGA (out), firewire, eSata, PCMCIA/Express card, 5 in 1 card slot
Network: 10/100/1000
Wifi: b/g Bluetooth: option
TPM: Yes
Battery life: 8 hours
OS: Vista version optional
Weight: 1.95Kg
Size: 335 x 238 x 31 mm

The Dell Latitude E6400 is highly configurable which means you can modify its specification away from the unit reviewed here simply by selecting options when you order it via the website.

For example, you can increase the speed of the processor slightly and double the memory to 8GBytes, opt for a modem, fit a full DVD burner and so on. You can even swap the touchpad for one with a built-in fingerprint reader.

It’s particularly important to notice that if you want the maximum 8 hour battery life and video quality you need the optional LED backlight screen.

You can also add a built-in 0.3Mpixel camera and microphone for £12 and in most cases this is worth it. One unusual standard feature is that the keyboard has a backlight that you can turn on using a function key. If you often try to use a portable in a dimly lit room, during a presentation say, then this is a really good idea.
Another interesting feature is the ambient light sensor which changes the brightness of the screen to match the lighting conditions.

If keeping the machine running is also a consideration there is an upgraded battery pack that Dell claims will last 19 hours. Of course each item increases the overall price but it does make the model extremely flexible.

What does remain unchanged, no matter how you configure it, is the “black slab” overall look. Although not particularly stylish, its case feels solid and chunky. It has a good sized keyboard with a joystick style pointer. In addition to the touchpad, you get a SmartCard contact reader that can be used to validate users by simply touching SmartCard security badges to the reader rather than putting them inside a reader slot. You can also choose to have a fingerprint reader as a customisation option.

Overall the machine isn’t on the light side of ultra-portable and but it does have a good range of extras including an optical drive, eSATA port and lots of expansion including a docking station connector.

If you need a fairly standard laptop then this one is highly configurable to suit any application you have in mind.

Dell

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