Dell Latitude 6430u - finally a manufacturer that gets the business ultrabook!

It certainly does, thank you. The XPS13 and 14 share the same keyboard. The resistance is so little and the keys so shallow it's almost like typing on touch sensitive keys.

I miss the rubbery, resistance of my E6400. When you press a key there's slight resistance around half way then it proceeds to go all the way down with a satisfying cushioned depress.

I think I get you and I think it's what I'm after.

How's the palm rest? Same rubbery surface as that on the XPS?

 

If you want rubbery resistance and satisfying cushioned depress, you will love the 6430u.

Yes, the palm area is a rubberized surface. I can't comment on how it feels in use, as since I forgot my bluetooth travel mouse, I had to use the trackpad, thus I had to keep my palm up above the trackpad. This was uncomfortable, but with a broken trackpoint stick and no mouse, its the best I could do.

 

How's the heat and fan noise for the e6430u? This is on the top of my list right now, but those are the only factors holding me back. Along with the price too...

 

DimScreen from 1hoursoftware is a free tool that lets you dim the screen 10-100%. It turns out slightly blue, but I find it very useful at night of my Latitude. It does not get installed, but runs off the exe portably, so it should be fine for getting past strict IT.

Also, the Dell Touchpad utility (I recommend installing if it's not already) should have a feature called TouchGuard. I can't live without it, considering I have large palms and the touchpad is very sensitive.

Can you comment on the size/weight of the E6430u? I am particularly worried about a large bezel. Considering the E6430 has a huge one, and the XPS13 has almost none, I'd hate to sacrifice a lot of size just for a better keyboard/durability.

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the hint about DimScreen.

It is hard to comment on size and weight. I only carry the 6430u in a small laptop bag, so small size and weight variations are negligible once in the bag. You should not pick one over the other based on size and weight. I would think the deciding factor should be glossy full hd screen vs matte 1600, SD card reader vs none, 16G vs 8G, integrated ports vs dongles. Only you can make that decision. They are both fantastic laptops.

 

For managing screen intensity, take a look at f.lux. It changes the color of the screen based on the time of day, making it easier to read at night.

The weight of the laptop is a bit hefty, so if you need something extremely light, it might not be for you. I have compared it to an E6530 and the 6430u is heavier.

Also, the fan can be maddening. When it is off it's perfectly silent, but when it's on its pretty annoying. Unfortunately it cycles on and off frequently, so you never get used to one or the other state. It would be great if you could pick a constant low setting and leave it there, but I can't find any way to do that, and programs like SpeedFan don't work well either. The fan noise is my biggest criticism of this laptop.

 

How is your E6430u heavier than the E6530? Dell says 3.7lbs vs 5.9lbs...

 

The 3.7lb spec is with the 3-cell battery. If you want any decent battery life, you'll be getting the 6-cell. I did not weigh each laptop precisely, but when holding one in each hand, the 6430u seems heavier.

 

So an extra 3 cells weighs another couple of pounds? LOL

 

I have the 6430u and access to the 6530: they are not even close in wheight.
The 6430u is more dense and gives the perception of being heavier as it's pressing on a smaller of your hand if you hold it vertically.

BTW my 6430u triggered the airport security scan yesterday: it was the only item positive to the patch test.