Dell Latitude E4200 Info

Yeah, I know right? That was some crazy fast shipping and I didn't even go the expedited route. I just chose standard shipping.

I don't think you should rule it out just yet. We just need to figure out this connector (perhaps a converter in the same spirit as the ZIF->PATA cable). However, you would have FAR MORE options with the X200s, which not only has 1.8" but also 2.5" SATA connectors (from what I recall). So this would explain why Dell will not introduce the 256GB variant of its speed-demon MLC in the foreseeable future. Oh well...

 

Dell have just released BIOS version A06 firmware.

Fixes/Enhancements
------------------
1. Updated Intel(R) Active Management Technology firmware for AMT-configured systems.
- Fixed a vulnerability in which an ME-knowledgeable malicious user with local machine access could potentially exploit boundary errors in some ME application functions to gain control over those ME applications.
- Fixed a remote Denial of Service (DOS) vulnerability which a malicious user could potentially exploit to cause the reboot of a system running susceptible versions of Intel(R) Active Management Technology ( Intel(R) AMT).
2. Added USB provision file format 2.0 support for Intel(R) vPro-configured systems.
3. Updated warning message when changing the SATA Operation field in BIOS Setup.
4. Added support to make Pre-Boot Authentication single sign on work with hard disk drive passwords.
5. Fixed the issue where Dell Diagnostics fan script test fails with a USB 2.0 scanner attached.
6. Fixed the issue where Dell Diagnostics LCD brightness test fails when ALS is enabled.
7. Automatically enable the keyboard backlight for 15 seconds when the hot key is used to turn it on.

 

It appears that most of these 'fixes' are related to the vPro technology. Perhaps Intel found a vulnerability and plugged the hole. The Single Sign On at boot worked for me in A05, so I am not sure what #4 is talking about (I have the same password for the SSD, as well as the BIOS).

Overall, it looks like there are no cooling or fan-related fixes. The irony is that my M1330's fan runs at around 3000 RPM and results in the same kind of temperatures with a 65nm T7500 as a 45nm SU1400 running at 2/3 of the speed with the fan at 6000 RPM. I really don't get it?! The temps are in their 50s. The fan effectively runs all the time. It is truly annoying.

 

Strange. I come from a notebook that did not have a fan, and I barely notice my E4200's. I really don't know what everyone is complaining about.

On a side note, I got the Kanguru eSATA/USB stick, and I was happy to learn that the E4200's eSATA port was self powered and provided a huge speed increase over USB.

My one nagging issue with the E4200 is Dell's dumb connection manager which fails to initialize my EVDO card about 20% of the time, requiring a reboot. Oh, and the WiFi that doesn't link to the connection manager, making the connection manager sort of useless.

 

The fan issue is real and prevalent. It is on constantly, without reprieve.

 

Can someone tell me the details of the 1.8" SSD drive in their Latitude E4200? What is the manufacturer? (I'm guessing Samsung?) Is it standard SATA? And can someone confirm that it is a bare drive (no case, silicon exposed?)

I'm curious because I want to see what the performance testing of that drive yields and what options might be available to upgrade it aftermarket.

 

Dude, go back SEVEN posts. I posted all about it. Have you read the thread? Please run a search next time. All the information is in the thread.

Here you go:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=4538374&postcount=329

 

You forgot to say "I don't mean to be rude". I need the manufacturer.

Does anyone know how to install Bluetooth in this thing? I don't even see Bluetooth as a configurable option when ordering one. Apparently you need both a Bluetooth "holder" which connects to the system board via a cable and the actual Bluetooth adapter which goes into the holder. Can anyone confirm this?

This is the Bluetooth "adapter", but dunno about the "holder": http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=430-3313

 

This dell e4200 must be selling like crazy in Holland, I've been waiting for the option backlight keyboard and the lat. on function to appear in my country but i doubt either of them ever will.

I was hoping they would lower the pricing on the E4200 but in Holland they have decided to raise the prices with 15 - 20%. They must must be selling like crazy.

 

There's nothing proprietary about that connector, it's the standard for 1.8" sata connections, see:
http://www.serialata.org/documents/SATA_SlimConnectorfor1_8_Rev_036.pdf