NEW Latitudes on the way!

right as Lenovo phases out bay batteries, Dell brings them back. I'm glad they're keeping them alive.

I am really curious about the USB 3 situation. How hard is it to actually add USB 3.0 into the system? I kind of guess that the system has enough space to add a USB 3 chipset, especially since (my guess is) they would need to connect a PCIe port to the optical drive in order to make the USB 3.0 module thing work. So my guess is that they could have easily put in USB 3.0 standard but didn't because they wanted to make more money off the USB 3.0 bay.

But the new ones look like they have a few good innovations up their sleeve. Might be the first laptops with LTE. Also has a "cross platform battery" which I'm guessing means that all the new Latitudes use the same battery, I love that Also they claim to have a soft touch palm rest which sounds nice, should make typing more comfortable. "intelligent port layout" means they have each port point in different directions. HDMI port is a plus (connect with most new TVs) and a minus (can't display 2560*1600, unless you have HDMI 1.4 equipment), but as long as the docks have Displayport still then it's no big problem.

The looks are consumer laptop-ish, but I wouldn't judge until seeing it in person, if it is as solid as they say it is, then it's still a good business class laptop. I think they shouldn't have even bothered with a touchscreen option (on the E6520). Few people want it or buy it (like on the Lenovo W510 most people don't want the touchscreen because it's too much money for something with very little utility).

 

1. Why do you need MORE keys? You are the first perso I've seen complain about that. Aside from those that want a 10key.
2. The designdoes a good job of angling cables out of the way, look at the HDMI port. I also assume they gave it a lot of testing as its the XPS design, but it's also made out of metal.
3. You act as though any laptop has a great keyboard. If you want a good keyboard bring a mechanical switch board with you.

My only issue is with how it the boarder around that display is. It looks huge.

 

Okay, I looked through the pictures and the keyboard design isn't the same one as on the Inspirons, though still quite different than the current Latitudes. Fonts changed on the Latitudes to what someone on Engadget said is Museo, while Precisions retain Frutiger (current font).

However, that layout is terrible and the numpad on the 15" is going to turn some people off.

Also, the keycap design remind me of the hat keys you used to see on old IBM Model Fs.


And FYI, laptops should have good keyboards. Not everyone can lug around a Filco, Model M Mini, or an HHKB with their laptops everywhere.

 

also it looks like Latitude ON (and presumably Precision ON) is dead, looks like there's no power button for it.

 

Here's an e6420 hands-on from pcmag, unfortunately all USB 2.0 with an optional USB 3.0 module as mentioned above. HDMI is included. Article has a few typos and the author calls the CPU the Core 2, Sandy Bridge version

Dell Latitude E6420: Hands On | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

I personally don't like the redesign as it looks very consumerish and no native USB 3.0 is a bummer (althought should be thankful for the optional module)

I'm also in the 16:10 camp but looks like we'll be forced to 16:9, i might just hold onto my 1440x900 e6410 but the SB improvements might eventually win me over (only time will tell)

By the way, does any one know if the battery still has the LED power indicators? I find them quite handy

 

Looks good. I hope this will not effect build quality.

 

I don't think many bought into the ON system, as dell bungled the launch and with tablets and smartphones no one needs it.

16:9 is indeed a bummer....I hope that the high resolution options will be decently priced, as it's a must have for me.

I'm sure the batteries will, as that's a Dell staple and the batteries can fit in the older E series systems

I think that build quality from the looks of things/way its designed could be on par with the previous E's which were undoubtedly solidly constructed but didn't quite look so tough as say a D series. Address the fit and finish issues particularly around the lid on a few of the demo machines that were in NotebookCheck's photo gallery and things could go well.

 

E6220 hands on via Engadget. Fugly. Has a Core i3-2310M. Also the XT3 tablet, the only one out of them all I like.

 

+1 the only thing that looks good is the XT3 tablet..

 

After reading all the comments and initial front shots, I thought it was pretty ugly too. But looking closer at the design on the notebookcheck and engadget pics, I've started to appreciate the look. In fact, I'm seriously considering the E6420 if I get a new laptop next year.