Latitude ON Reader...

Hi guys,

I think this explanation can help you. We disputed about that matter in the thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=304528&page=9 post #67 is mine.

here's shortage:

There are two types of this technology:
1. Latitude ON
2. Latitude ON Reader

First is hardware Add-on mini-pci card, with independent processor, memory and embedded mini-linux system, and provide connection with internet, web, mail browser etc. This solution has less power consumption than normal processor and full system (vista, XP). According to official Dell infos' - it cannot read informations from HDD (for better security) and it is downloading personal data like e-mails via MS Exchange.

Second solution is software, using on-board processor, which only can read your (previously downloaded and stored on HDD) informations, like e-mails.
Dell's information states it cannot connect to the internet, and it is only "viewer" of your HDD. From my point it is useless.

First batches of the E4300 and 4200 were produced with Latitude ON Reader technology AND NOTHING MORE. This is just additional (100MB?) software installed on your HDD. Technicians speaking about "already installed hardware".... I have no idea what about they're talking. I can only suppose they think about additional button, or electrical connections on the mainboard.

Upgrading (for additional cost or for free ? - not confirmed) to full Latitude ON requires installation of additional mini-pci card inside your Latitude, and I suppose removing "software solution". All mini-system software will be embedded on the card, so "ON Reader" is not needed anymore I think.
And... I think this is possible only in the E4300 and 4200.

more in the thread shown above

cheers

Kitir

 

In France, dell representatives don't even know what latitude on is...
Any other ideas ?

 

I had exactly the same information.
It seems that the policy of Dell is to pack the laptop with the hardware but with a non totally completed software. When the final software will be available, only a (free I suppose) upgrade will have to be done (as usual on the Dell's support web site).
I remember to have seen previous article in the web (back in April more or less) where Dell was stating that if the hardware will not be finished before the release of the E4x00, it will then be sent later free of charge to the first customers.
So I asked in september my Dell contact person (my work has a special contract with them) about this detail when I ordered my E4300 (to be received in... december!) and to his knowledge the hardware was now already included and they were not any more a question of having to plug later a mini pci card or whatever.
Therefore if you take the option, you should have a complete version of the "on" technology when available for no extra costs - and I don't see why here some persons makes a difference between ordering the "one reader" or "one" - as normally Dell promised to upgrade for free all customers being in "one reader" to "one" when released.

 

What I wonder is that when I talked to a dell sells person, I asked him to put the Dell Latitude On feature on my laptop (latitude E6400) which is coming soon, he said their will be no problem. Hmm, I wonder if I'll get the reader or the actual thing. If I don't have the actual thing, I guess I can order and ask for compensation (Already I negotiated like crazy for my laptop, so they won't give me a rebate or something that is for sure (especially that Latitude On was free))... what do you think?

 

First, to undersand better my point, please read Dell's official information on their homepage :

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/power/ps3q08-20080397-RecentCitings.pdf
This is my basis information source about "Latitude ON".

I think you're wrong. Truth is opposite rather; Dell is not selling full hardware solution because it is not ready yet. They selling software as interim solution instead full hardware. It can be checked easily - open your laptop and you can see is it missing mini-pci card with "ON" or not. This essential hardware component is missing on first batches because not yet ready - and it will be "later upgrade". I didn't heard this upgrade started, so I suppose non of actually produced laptops has that.

This would be GREAT news. I can't find anywhere if this "later upgrade" will be for free or not. Purchase is only my anticipation.

Make sense, maybe your laptop is now in production with full "ON". But, after receive I would it check personally

[Just edited my previous post to not leading people wrong. In fact I have no idea upgrade will be free or not.]
My experience is not so good : when I asked about that upgrade, noone in Dell could answer this will be for free. I spoke few persons. Most of them never heard about "ON" technology, rest was very surprised hearing about upgrade. It seems they can't recognise difference between full "ON" and "ON Reader". Often they even don't know what is it. What can I think ?

Ah. Another good example of knowledge of sales rep. "Latitude ON" was everywhere described only for E4x00 series and never for E6x00. I think on the E6x00 additional electrical connections on the MB would be neccesary, there is no additional switch for "ON" etc. I would be skeptic this is possible.

cheers

K.

 

To tell you the truth, I expected that. I don't really care about about Latitude On personally, however, if it's not there... I'll see for compensation...

 

Latest news:

Those days Dell has started selling E-series with full Latitude ON in the Europe.
I have no idea about upgrade from ON Reader - maybe after call ?

cheers

K.

 

I have just had a reprensentative on phone. She called many services and after one hour, concluded that Reader and normal Latitude ON module were exactly the same thing : web browsing, mail etc. She said it would be a software upgrade.

 

No way if you read Dell information. On reader can't connect internet and no web browsing, full ON - it can. My sales rep. confirmed me that "ON Reader" and full "ON" are two different things, but... doesn't know about upgrade.
I think this mystery will be solved when somebody receive full On and describe us about that. Anyway, I waited for that moment when Dell will start full ON feature - now I can order

K.

 

If I don't get what they told me I would get... I'll be a very disappointed client... and I'll do everything to get what I want... They can't just tell what they want all the time.