A few questions about Latitude E5520

I had the following questions to Latitude E5520 owners:

1) How is the keyboard? Is it comfortable for doing lots of typing? (I plan on using it for coding/programming)
[ASIDE] How does it compare to a Thinkpad T520 keyboard?

2) How is the build quality?

3) Any pain points or problems I should know of before buying?

 

Make sure you get the 1920x1080 display upgrade. The 1366x768 (stock screen) is bad for programming because you can't fit very many lines of code onscreen, and the image quality is awful.

Also $50-off coupon: 7ZX?88TBH3BB21

 

I used an E5520 recently.

1) The keyboard is okay, the same quality as all the newer E series. The keyboard for me is squishy, but easy to get used to. I like the ThinkPad keyboard better (used a T420, similar to the T520, although I don't like the new placement of the new keys, too used to my pre T_xx ThinkPads).

2) Build quality for me IMO is the same as the E6520 or previous Latitudes, I just don't like the aesthetics of the new Latitudes.

3) As it's been stated, if you code alot I would opt for the 1080p screen. 1368x768 is a terrible shame to put on 15.6" or 16" laptops, and truly is a low resolution for such a large laptop. I haven't heard of many issues with the new Latitude E5520. I would also opt for Pro Care or at least on-site repair, it is worth the the money.

 

I cannot use that here in India. But thanks anyway!

 

In India the E5520 comes with "3Yr ProSupport: NBD Onsite Service"

This is how it is listed in the quote:

3Yr ProSupport: NBD Onsite Service
ProSupport: NBD Onsite Service, 3Yr
# Limited Warranty: Extended Year 2 - 3 (NBD)
# Limited Warranty: Extended Year 2 - 3 (POW)
ProSupport: 7x24 Technical Support & Assistance for IT Staff: 3Yr
# Limited Warranty: Initial Year (NBD)
# Limited Warranty: Initial Year (POW)


Is that what you were referring to?

 

If you'd like some more user input, some preliminary impressions were given in this thread

I agree w/ Tsunade_Hime that the keyboard is noticeably squishier and softer than Thinkpad laptops but still provides good feedback without any keyboard flex. I've played with the T520 keyboard and it's standard Thinkpad stiffness and key travel. I can't deal with the Fn button placement on Thinkpads so that was a factor in my keyboard preference.

I will "third" the suggestion of optioning the laptop with the 1920x1080 display. Quality, clarity, and usability are superior to the basic screen and definitely worth the cost.

One issue to be aware of:
if you run processor heavy programs in the background while you program, note that the processor is located underneath the "Z" and "X" key area and the memory is located on the left palm rest where my left hand usually sits. These areas get pretty toasty and uncomfortable when the system is under full load.

 

Also just checked, the 1920x1080 display is available on the Dell India website

In other words, make sure you get this upgrade:

 

@zoogle: Thanks for the link that was definitely helpful.

I didn't know the E6520 has a full metal chassis. But it's beyond my budget so I'll have to do with the E5520.

@edit1754: I'm definitely going for 1080p.

I'm considering the following specs:

Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2520M (2.5GHz, 3M cache) with Turbo Boost Technology
15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Anti-glare LED Panel
4GB (2x2GB) 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Intel(R) HD Graphics 3000
Integrated FHD (2MP) Webcam with Digital Microphone
500GB 7200rpm Hard Drive
Targus Pulse II Backpack Nylon Black Up to 15.6"
3Yr ProSupport: NBD Onsite Service

The processor ― i5-2520M ― should be enough, yes?

Ooh also does anybody know if the Targus Pulse II Backpack is of good quality?

 

Get the i5-2520M if you're going to be doing virtualization
Get the i5-2410M if you're not going to be doing virtualization

Do you have any specific needs that require a faster processor? Or is it just general programming?

 

Actually the only 4 options I have for the processor are:

Intel® Core™ i3-2310M (2.1GHz, 3M cache)
Intel® Core™ i5-2520M (2.5GHz, 3M cache) with Turbo Boost Technology
Intel® Core™ i5-2540M (2.6GHz, 3M cache) with Turbo Boost Technology
Intel® Core™ i7-2620M (2.7GHz, 4M cache) with Turbo Boost Technology

I definitely will be doing virtualization so that's a plus. But I won't need a faster processor then the i5-2520M, right?