E6420 Owner's Thread

I hear you....just so programmed over the years to literally download and install everything.

 

The bottom issues seem to be resolved when taking it off and putting it back on. It is a bit of a process to make sure it's on, lined up, etc. Going from one non-removable screen on the E6400 and E6410 to 9 screws on the E6420 is quite a design change. Mine is not wobbly or uneven now that I took the back off and put it back on. Guess those workers are not used to the new back either!

Nope. I'm not sure if it's going to be a huge issue. I recall most people not like the dimming/lightening of the screen but it is an issue with the backlit keyboard.

With a Core i7 2720QM, on wireless (Intel 6300), nVidia 4200M, 1600x900, Bluetooth, 7200rpm drive (for now), 50% backlight and getting 5 1/2 hours with a 6 hour battery sort of makes the lack of an ALS controlling the backlit keyboard it a non-issue for me. Sure it lights up when I don't need it, but I'm learning it's a silly sticking point.

 

Interesting, I use ALS only occasionally (now never since my laptop's now mostly plugged in) but I could see how the keyboard could be affected.

I did not know that there were 9 screws holding down the bottom panel...sounds like a step back for ease of access but if it promises a tighter built system...


Interesting you're getting that great battery life with the dedicated card (I assume one reason for the battery life increase is due to Optimus doing its thing..) AND a 6 cell. I'm conditioned to check off the "9-cell" box but its nice to know I can get away with a 6 cell on the new E series.

 

This is not entirely true for everybody. I have taken mine off several times to ensure the clip goes in there right but my bottom panel continues to pop off just by picking up the laptop. I will be sending it in to dell for "repairs" we shall see what they do about this.

 

It's already in the outlet! That was fast. I'll be holding on to my E6400 for awhile.

 

Wow, that is fast. My original one will be there soon.

 

The previous generations arrived in the outlet relatively quickly too, you can't really base a arrival in the outlet on the success of the device.

 

Previous generation, I thought what's out now was the first release.

 

Previous generation in this case = E6410

Ordered one of these: Amazon.com: SATA 2nd Hard Disk Drive HDD Bay Caddy for ThinkPad W500 W700 X200 UltraBase: Electronics to see if I can get it to work with the E6420.

 

I have a few questions:
1.) Which brand/type of memory is Dell putting in?
2.) Which brand/type of SSDs are they putting in?
3.) How hot and loud does E6420 get with i7 (compared to i5 if possible)?
4.) Would you say E6420 feels less portable than other 14-inchers?
Can you put it comfortably in a backpack with a room left for a book or two?
I'm asking because it seems a bit larger in size (looking at dimensions) than an average 14-incher.
5.) Is there any difference between Intel's integrated and nVidia's dedicated card when image-editing (Photoshop) and video-editing (AfterEffects) or is it noticeable only when gaming?

Thanks in advance!