Latitude E-Series Anticipation Thread

ExpressCard slots provides two connections, a special kind of USB and PCIe. Adapters can make available only the half functionality, USB but not PCIe. So not all ExpressCards work when using an adapter.

 

Slot loading drives are notorious for failing more easily, and are much more difficult to replace/upgrade. And as for the price, when the D800 was released, I had to skimp on upgrades to buy it at 2507. 2-2.5k was about what the e6500 should have been expected to be.

 

also, does anyone know whether latitude-ON is a hardware assisted technology, or will it become available to the e series later through software? (in other words, do I need to wait for this, or will a machine now allow this later?)

 

I just stopped by from my normal stomping ground (Lenovo) to say how impressed I am with the new Latitudes. I especially find the E4300 very nice--finally, a 13 inch business notebook without an enormous bezel.

 

How does the FX770 graphics card compare to other GPUs?

 

I've tried a slot loader. They are also noisier and less compatible (eg mini CD / DVD support). I ditched mine after having to take the drive out and open it up to remove a disc which didn't come out.

John

 

Really? Being in the business of selling Dell laptops, (and as an owner of both XPS M1330 and M1530) I can say I haven't experienced reliability problems with slot load drives. Nor have I read much about mass failings of them...not enough, anyways to be "notorious" for it. Why would Dell and Apple move all their other notebook lines to slot-load if they were troublesome?

As far as difficult to replace/upgrade, I agree with you on other models EXCEPT the Latitude, as the optical drive bay is modular. Hence, the slot-load module would be easily replaced.

And, noisier? A bit more. Nothing big. Personally, I like the sleekness of not having a big, bulky (and sometimes noisy/squeaky) tray sliding out when needing to use a CD. If they're good enough for every car CD deck, they're good enough for my computer!

 

lol, fair enough. i have personally had terrible experiences with slot loading drives. too many times it requires jamming another cd in the drive while it fails to eject to get it to come out, etc. i can only estimate how many people ive known with them in cars or on macs that this has happened. you do have a good point on the modular bit. maybe you should suggest to dell a slot loading option -- then we'd both be happy

 

Actually, I used to put my own slot-load drives into older Inspiron and XPS series notebooks...back when the face of the drive was flat and not curved like they are now...

And, despite Dell's poor choice of the optical drive design, I still continue to be a happy person!

 

-- so, according to the dell rep I am talking with, Latitude ON (to answer my own previous question) IS hardware-assisted, but is shipping with current models, even though the software to support it is not yet live. so any model shipping today will be upgraded to support it on release. the ETA is early september for both this and the 1920x1200 WUXGA lcd, and it is confirmed that LED backlighting is not planned for this resolution.

edit -- the dell rep is not confirming, but suggesting that DDR3 may be an option when the full line goes live in september. looks like I will be waiting...

edit2 -- september evidently means "sometime within the first two weeks of september" -- and given the 2-3 week turnaround after ordering, sounds like they would be slated for shipping the first week of october. i don't want to wait, but for DDR3 rather than DDR2 going obsolete, i think the additional 2 weeks are worth it. (not to mention that EPP savings wont be going live for about 2 weeks anyway)