Latitude E5420 - I need some informations before buying!

Hi,

I'm interested in buying the E5420 with the following configuration:

cpu: Intel Core I5-2520M (2.50GHz ,3MB cache ,Dual Core)
ram: 4 gb 1333 mhz ddr3 (2x2 gb)
hdd: 320GB SATA II 7200 rpm
screen: 14.0" UltraSharp HD+ (1600x900) Anti-Glare LED-backlit
battery: Primary 9 cell 97WHR

If someone of you already owns it or can answer to my questions:

1. is the integrated graphic chip (intel 3000 hd) able to show fluently 1080p flash videos (like youtube ones) and high-definition local videos like mkv?
2. will it be possible to change the cpu in the future? i think i5 and i7 have the same socket, but i have no idea, for example, if the i7 is supported or not by the motherboard i'll get with the i5.
3. how many hours can the battery work keeping the screen's light quite low, not using heavy applications, etc.?
4. does the laptop get too hot while playing games or i can play decently like for example on the 2011 13" macbook pro (which also has i5 and intel 3000 hd)?
5. is it possible to run 64bit macOs snow leopard on it (using iDeneb, iAtkos or projects like these)? it wasn't possible on my previous laptop, a vaio which built a centrino 2.
6. can it virtualize 64 bit stuff like operating systems through virtualbox and vmware? this also wasn't possible on my previous laptop.
7. which hardware is upgradable (cpu, ram, hdd, the whole motherboard, ...)?
8. did someone overclock the cpu/gpu? how was the result?
9. any compatibility issue with linux?
10. is the keyboard the same one that is built on the XPS Studio? i'm asking because it's a bit too hard for me, i mean, i hate pressing keys using too much strength... btw i could buy an external one.
11. what's your overall opinion about this laptop?

thanks in advance!

 

I just got my E5420 (an hour ago). i5-2410, 2gb ram (will be upgraded).

Runs youtube 1080p like a champ so far, not that 1080p is doing much at this resolution.

It's been a while since I used the new XPS, but the Lattitude keyboard seems similar in form but different in feel. Keys are light to press, and I recall the XPS keys having a more slick surface. The backlight times out and comes back on when anything is pressed or touched (such as the touchpad), which possibly has a way to be adjusted to be on all the time, not sure.

I gotta say it feels a little more plasticky/flimsy than I expected from a Lattitude. The only other Lattitude I've used is the 4310, and it felt much sturdier, more solid. It's not notable enough to be a deal killer for me, though my time with it has been short so who knows. The lid has some play/wiggle when closed.

I slid the battery release buttons out while playing around (wasn't sure what they were at first, ha), and one of them won't slide back into its original position.

The fan is a bit noisy, and runs frequently (not constantly), though I'll need more time with it to see if I find it distracting.

edit: overall I have to say I'm not "impressed," with it, since it just doesn't have the solid build (at least superficially) I was expecting, not just for a lattitude but for any laptop. But I wasn't looking for a desktop replacement or anything fancy, so my demands aren't high. Honestly, the previous generation Vostro even felt more solid than this.

That's about all I can comment on at this point.

 

The i5-2520m is a dual core hyperthreaded processor.
So it's very suitable for virtualization, and has support for ALL intel virtualization technologies, VMWare and VirtualBox will work very nicely.
Regarding Snow Leopard, there's a VMWare image of that running around the torrents, so that would be possible as well.

 

I have received my E5420 yesterday.
Wanted to share with you that I am extremely pleased with the build quality.

I am currently using 3-years old HP Compaq 6910p at work which is a business class laptop. The Dell E5420 feels on par in terms of build quality and of course light years ahead in terms of speed.

I became little nervous after placing online order when I started to read multiple complaints regarding E6420 build quality on this forum. My thinking was that since E5420 is considered lower class model than E6420, the quality situation on E5420 might be even worse. I mentally prepared to send it back, get a refund and look elsewhere. I am happy that quality on my E5420 turned out to be top notch.

The good:
Solid construction. Practically no palm rest flex. Very little to no keyboard flex. Streamlined elegant look. Metal screen lid makes for very sturdy screen. There are no screen ripples when pressing on the lid. Matte 1600x900 screen is easy on the eyes. Cool to the touch with Core-i5 processor. Whisper quiet fan (I may not hear it because it sits next to old HP 6910p with loud fan). Backlit keyboard with 4 brightness levels is a big plus at night. Keys are evenly lit. The keys are pleasant to press. Core-i5 processor easily renders Hulu onto HDTV via HDMI cable. The standard battery appears to hold on for 5+ hrs.

The bad:
PageUp/PageDown keys are right next to frequently used arrow keys. I keep accidentally pressing them while editing text and the text jumps away. On contrary, Home/End keys are far away on the top row surrounded by other keys. This makes it hard to use navigation keys without looking. Hope I will get used to it with time.

I am planning to add SSD and increase memory from 2 to 4gb.

Overall impression - excellent.

4/21/2011 update:

After week of usage I have to add two complaints:

- 1600x900 screen has blue cast in brightest white levels. No matter what settings I try in Intel Graphics Properties, the cast does not go away. I am concerned that blue cast will impact photo editing.

- the keyboard does have a weak spot under navigational arrows. The cluster of Up, Down, Left, Righ, PgUp and PgDn above DVD drive. The keyboard flexes in this spot and the keys make clicking sound when pressed. It sounds as if there is a gap between the keyboard and DVD enclosure so that when the key is pressed, the keyboard flexes down and then on the key release it makes the clicking sound.