Question about the Dell Latitude XX10-series (4310, 5410, 6410)

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a new laptop in a month or so. The primary contenders at this point are Dell's Latitude series or a Thinkpad (x200 or t410/s).

My problem is that I can't find any review or comments on the XX10 Latitudes. All I found on the 4310, e.g. was some discouraging remarks on Dell's forum that it ran hot.

Is there anyone here that has this computer that could perhaps say something about it?

What's the screen like? The keyboard? Does it run hot?

And another question. A good thing about the Thinkpad is that I could get a HDD drive bay and put a 2.5 in HDD there to run a SSD + HDD combo at some point. Now, I've read that there is a HDD caddy for 1.8 in HDDs for the Dell, and an inofficial that takes 2,5 in HDDs, but I can't find any solid information on this. Also, the standard HDD in these computers, is it 1.8 or 2.5 in?

Thank you!

--- optional info about what I want ---

I'm looking for a 13-14 in screen, portable, good build quality... I would prefer a Core i5 CPU. Integrated graphics are fine and even preferable (sometimes I dream that I should be able to play SC2 on it, but I believe the tradeoff would be too big). It will mostly be used for surfing and writing.

Digital video out w/ audio is a must, but acceptable on the Dell through their dock.

 

There is plenty of discussion E4310, E6410 (includes useful review near start of thread), E6510 and E6410 vs T410.

See this thread.

John

 

Thank you,

I've seen those threads already. Yes, there is some information --I stand corrected -- but on the 4310 especially, I find very little (this is the one I'm probably the most interested in). In the discussion thread here, there's no actual hands-on impressions.

Maybe reading on the 4300 would be just as good, but those comments about heat build-up on Dell's forum worry me a bit, and the i5 is one area where the -00 and -10 differ.

I'm looking at the 4310 and the 6410 through my university, where they both are around 1200 USD specced to my liking (+100 for the dock).

4310 + size
6410 + WXGA+ resolution, presumably better thermal performance

Actually, the 6410 is pretty slim too. Maybe that's my Dell frontrunner now. I'm off too read more about it.

 

The 4310 is brand spanking new (I believe it was only announced this week), so that's probably why you can't find much on it.

I own the E6410, so I can only vouch for that, but I can assure you it's a very nice machine all round. It's built well, it's cool and it's quiet. Some have complaints about the screen (WXGA+ specifically I believe), which is the screen I have, but I personally don't there's anything wrong with it. It's clear and crisp and the colors are pretty good for a matte screen (My previous laptop was glossy, so maybe my eyes are used to things being a bit more vibrant, but I certainly have no complaints).

 

The E4310 definitely wins on portability. You may want to check Dell Outlet for any remaining E4300s. I've got one in my collection and it stays presentably cool under load. The 1280 x 800 display also has more height than the E4310.

If you are happy to carry some extra weight then the E6410 has the option for a 9 cell battery. If you avoid the i7 CPU and dedicated graphics then this battery should last you all day without looking for a power socket, while the WXGA+ display provides useful real estate in a 16:10 format. The E6410 has much in common with the E6400 which has proved itself as a good design (mine is rapidly approaching its 2nd birthday).

John

 

Thanks for all your input.

I'm hoping someone here will get a 4310 soon and write up some impressions.

In the meantime, I must say that there seems to be no winning buying a computer today. I was all set for a Thinkpad, but, well, I'm here, so I'm obviously not, anymore.

 

Hello,

I just upgraded to the E4310 (from an E4300) and will post my impressions after I've spent a few weeks with the new laptop.

So far I am pretty happy with the upgrade.