Latitude E6400/E6500- questions about display and color choices!

I'm very close to buying a Latitude E6400 or E6500, but I have a few questions before I pull the trigger. I'm hoping that a few E6400 and E6500 users can help me out...

1- Displays- are they all matte finish or ??? If I go with the E6500, I definitely want the WXGA+ (1440x900) LED-backlit option, but I'm thinking WXGA or WXGA+ (LED-backlit) will do on the smaller E6400.

2- Color choices- I know that Regal Red and Regatta Blue are offered in addition the standard Brushed Metal Black finish. Other than the tiny photos shown on the Product Details page as representations of each color, I can't seem to find any larger photos of the Red or Blue models! Is it a glossy or more of a matte/flat finish.....or should I just stick with the Brushed Metal Black?

3- Which size- 14.1" (E6400) or 15.4" (E6500)? The lighter weight and smaller dimensions of the E6400 are very appealing. I'm just wondering if there are any significant benefits that the E6500 would provide over the E6400 (other than the availability of a WUXGA display)?

4- Thermal Management- The reviews I've seen were models with the P8400 processor and integrated graphics. Heat management was very good on those configurations. Does that hold true for models wity T9400/T9600 processsor and the nVIDIA graphics card? Is fan noise ever a problem?

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

someone posted a pic of their red unit, i'll try searching.

 

well its the E4200, but the E6400 shouldnt look too different i reckon

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=322802

 

Some pictures of the Regatta Blue on my friend's Dell Latitude E6400.

Top, No Flash


Top, Flash


Skewed, No Flash


Skewed, Flash


Bottom, No Flash


Bottom, Flash


I edited the color balance in these photos to make sure they matched what I see in person. The paint is very reflective, so the color depends a lot on the brightness of the room. You can see this in the color difference between flash and no flash.

 

wow the blue one is really quite bright blue. i expected more of a midnite blue colour like on the inspirons

 

It really depends on how much light is shining on it. It's a very reflective paint.

 

I have a red E6500. It is a matte finish, and not a bright red, a little bit like a burgundy. It is not bright red or glossy like the photo of the E4200. Isn't the E4200 a plastic case vs. the metal case of the E6500? There are photos somewhere on this forum of the red E6500, I searched for them just now but could not find them again.

 

im not sure, but the dell website says its mag alloy, besides the lid is definitely metal

yep, its mag alloy

Chassis
Magnesium Alloy LCD back and Base
Color choices available

Weight & Dimensions:
Starting weight: 2.2 lbs/1.0 kg4
Width: 11.4"/291mm
Depth: 8.0"/204mm
Height: 0.79"/19.95mm

from dell specs page

 

I found the red photos:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=303127&page=2

 

am i the only one who thinks they look a bit weird ...its black, red, and silver....not very uniform..
they should at least have made a black battery for them or something