New Dell Latitude E-Series Now Available

Today Dell officially announced a family refresh of Dell's commercial notebook line, the new Dell Latitude E-series notebooks. Most people interested in the new Latitude notebooks have already seen information leaked onto the web over the last few months, but now we have full specs and the new notebooks are available for immediate purchase over on the Dell website.

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Dell's re-engineered Latitude lineup answers a wide range of user profiles:

Ultra-Portable - Dell Latitude E4200 is a 12.1-inch laptop that starts at 2.2 pounds, making it the lightest commercial notebook in the company's history. The 13.3-inch Latitude E4300 has a starting weight of 3.3 pounds. Designed for road warriors and executives who demand maximum performance and light weight, the systems will be available in the coming weeks.

Mainstream - The Dell Latitude E6400 and E6500, available today, are 14.1- and 15.4-inch laptops that start at $1,139 and $1,169, respectively. The systems are ideal desktop replacements for high-performance users.

Essential - The Latitude E5400, a 14.1-inch notebook, starts at $839, and the E5500, a 15.4-inch notebook starts at $869. Available today, the systems include everyday features at a cost-effective price.

Semi-Rugged - The Latitude E6400 ATG is a 14.1-inch semi-rugged laptop that starts at $2,399 and will be available next week. It is built and tested to meet Military 810F standards for dust, vibration and humidity.

Desk-Based - From new port replicators to full docking solutions that fit any usage scenario with smaller footprints and streamlined cabling, users can "hot undock."

The Latitude E4300 in red. (view large image)

Dell will offer colors for the first time on Latitude laptops. In addition to Mica-Brushed Metal, the Latitude E4200, E4300, E6400 and E6500 will be available in "Regatta Blue," "Regal Red" and "Quartz Pink" (E4200 only) in the coming weeks. The E5400 and E5500 are available in Matte Black.

The big news that working professionals will appreciate is that Dell claims these new notebooks are capable of up to 19 hours of battery life ... if you combine both the extended capacity 9-cell and the optional 12-cell battery slice which connects to the bottom of the notebook on E6400. The new Dell ControlPoint software enables power savings and provides "All Day Battery" mode. The Dell USB PowerShare feature charges peripherals even when the Latitude is powered off and the new "Connection Manager" wireless interface controls Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth 2.1, UWB, Wi-Fi Catcher, GPS, and WiMAXto help you stay connected and manage your power usage.

The new 12-cell battery slice for the E6400. (view large image)

Dell is also actively promoting the power efficiency of the new Latitudes ... which are rated at
87% averaged efficiency for E-Family external adapters. The designs also incorporate an inverted motherboard for improved thermals and energy efficient designs for the CPU, LED Backlight, and other key components.

E4200 (view large image)

E4200

• WEIGHT: 2.2lbs
• DISPLAY: 12.1" WXGA (LED-backlit)
• PORTS: VGA, RJ45, 1394, (2) USB, eSATA, audio x2
• SLOTS: ExpressCard34 and SD/MMC
• SECURITY: TPM, Smart Card reader,Integrated fingerprint reader option
• Intel UMA graphics
• No integrated optical drive
• Ultra Low Volt (ULV) CPUs
• 32GB or 64GB SSD
• Backlit Keyboard Option
• Multiple Color Options

E4300 (view large image)

E4300

• WEIGHT: 3.4lbs
• DISPLAY: 13.3" WXGA (LED-backlit)
• PORTS: VGA, RJ45, 1394, (2) USB, eSATA, audio x2
• SLOTS: ExpressCard34 and SD/MMC
• SECURITY: TPM, Contactless and Standard Smart Card reader, Integrated fingerprint reader option
• Intel UMA graphics
• Mainstream HDD options
• Integrated optical drive
• Standard Volt CPUs
• Webcam Option
• Backlit Keyboard Option
• Multiple Color Options

E6400 (view large image)

E6500 (view large image)

E6400/E6500

• WEIGHT: 4.3lbs (E6400), 5.2lbs (E6500)
• DISPLAY: E6400: 14.1" WXGA & WXGA+ (LED-backlit), E6500: 15.4" WXGA, WXGA+ (LED-backlit) & WUXGA
• PORTS: VGA, Display Port, RJ45/RJ11, (4) USB, eSATA, 1394a, audio x2
• SLOTS: 5-in-1 card reader; PCMCIA or ExpressCard54 choice (E6400 only)
• SECURITY: TPM, Contactless and Standard Smart Card reader, Fingerprint reader option
• BATTERY OPTIONS: 4-cell, 6-cell, 9-cell batteries and a 84WHr 12-cell battery slice
• Intel UMA or 256MB NVIDIA discrete graphics
• 64GB Solid State Drive
• Webcam option
• Multiple Color Options

E6400 ATG (view large image)

E6400 ATG

• DISPLAY: Outdoor viewable display, High brightness (750 nit brightness), Touch screen (650 nit brightness)
• Intel UMA graphics
• Similar features to E6400
• Built and tested to meet MIL-810F standard for dust, non-op and op vibration, humidity, and altitude
• Certified for IP5x for dust
• Removable shock-mounted hard drive
• Spill-resistant keyboard and port covers
• High-durability textured paint

E5500 (view large image)

E5400/E5500

• WEIGHT: E5400: 5.5lbs, E5500: 6.3lbs
• DISPLAY: E5400: 14.1" WXGA & WXGA+, E5500: 15.4" WXGA & WXGA+
• PORTS: VGA, RJ45/RJ11, (4) USB, audio x2, S-Video, 1394, Serial (E5500)
• SLOTS: PCMCIA, SD/MMC
• SECURITY: TPM, Integrated fingerprint reader option
• BATTERY: 6-cell and 9-cell options now, 4-cell (September)
• Intel UMA graphics
• Dual pointing keyboard (option)
• E-Family docking and adapters
• Fixed optical drives
• Mobile Broadband (E5400 Option)

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E-Port and E-Port Plus Docking Stations

The new E-Port Plus docking station is optimized for dual monitors with support for two VGA ports and two DVI ports (HDMI supported via adapter), six USB and one eSATA, Serial, parallel and two PS/2 ports. The new E-Port docking station features one VGA and one DVI display port with six USB ports and one eSATA port.

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E-View Laptop Stand

The new E-View laptop stand designed to improve adjustability, reduce footprint and support up to 17" notebooks.

Last But Not Least

Dell clearly is trying to solidify their position as the world's No. 1 workstation supplier as they also unveiled a new line of ISV-certified Dell Precision mobile workstations targeted at performance-oriented customers in the engineering, media, entertainment and biosciences industries. Available today, the details of the new Precision mobile workstations include:

Dell Precision M4400: Starting at $1,569, the 15.4-inch mobile workstation features leading-edge graphics and supports up to 8 GB of RAM.

Dell Precision M2400: Weighing 4.77 pounds, the company's lightest mobile workstation is a 14.1-inch system that starts at $1,449.

It looks like it might be time to order a new work laptop from our IT department.

 

E4200 and E4300 look very sleek! Too bad I just got a refurbished HP 2510p :\

 

Overall, I find the style of the new latitudes fantastic. They now have 2 speakers in the e6400, no mono sound any longer which is great. It got also a DisplayPort which is great too. But there`s notinh mentioned about switchable graphics. If you can`t switch graphics like it it possible in the new Lenovo t400 then this would be a big disappointment for me. I find it really interesting an satisfuying to have the option oft using the integrated gpu or the dedicated whenever I need the power. Are there any information on switchable graphics?

Al

 

I was hoping for more options, like 1900*1200 screens that are LED backlit in the 14 inch E6400 and Blu Ray. Any word on the thickness of the 12 cell battery slice? Oh yeah, what about the thickness of these laptops?

 

Good thing I held off buying a XPS1530 these look awesome! (will the XPS series also get a new design xD).

 

The battery slice is 15mm thick and weighs 0.85 kg (1.87 lb) according to the Setup and Quick Reference Guide.

John

 

Wow that E6400 looks quite appealing. Gives the Lenovo T400 a run for its money.

 

Wow at the E4200. Gives the X200 a run for its money, especially since it doesn't have a big ugly bezel.

 

hmm,waiting for your review Jerry!when can we except it?

 

Dell's new nomenclature reminds me of the early desktop Core 2 Duos...

 

I have to disagree, and therein is my dilemma. I was going to go for an X200 but now I am really questioning whether I need the extra portability, looking at all the E6400 can give me for a lower price in comparatively configured models. The E4200 has a weak selection of processors and is not a "real" Core 2 Duo machine like the X200, E6400, or T400 are. If Lenovo could include Displayport ON the X200, so I would not need the dock, and a LED backlit screen, then the choice would be easier.

 

Yea but what are you really going to use a tiny laptop for that a ULV Core 2 Duo won't be sufficient for?

 

I agree, but is the 6400 is more expensive? It looks like it is upon first glance. I'll have to try some configurations and see what I come up with.

 

That's pathetic. All they're doing it throwing more batteries at the thing to get it run longer.
"Hey if you carry a car battery you can run the laptop for a week!"

 

How else do you expect to get 19 hour battery life? Someone might find this useful.

 

I am very impatient and require snappy performance that the smaller processor just does not deliver as well when multitasking. In the office I always have the laptop plugged in to a large LCD anyway (this is why I would like display port vs only VGA out), but when I am in the field I want the least weight possible dangling from my shoulder.

So in conclusion, the X200 with a dock makes much more sense for my needs but I can't deny the appeal of these new Dells, with their backlit keyboards and sleek design.

 

I don't like the DDR2 only, but the E6500 is quite a bit lighter than the T500. Granted it does not include a optical drive like the T500 does and it has a smaller battery, it is nice to see. However, the T500 in thinner!

 

That E6500 looks nice, but I'm not so sure about the graphics. "256Mb Discrete nVidia Graphics" tells me nothing.

I do like the appearance of the new E-series. When I first saw them, I thought they looked too flashy, but with the arrival of the new HP EliteBooks, these new Dells look just right. I like how they took the brushed metal finish and darkened it, unlike the HPs which are a very bright silver.

 

I, for one have the ULV processor in my D430. The Latitude E's ULV will be a little stronger.

For office applications, my D430 has enough speed and power to do anything...just as fast as my Q6600 in my desktop. I am not kidding.

People do not realize how much (or little) power they really need in a computer.

 

Thanks John, that's good info. It sounds a little heavy, but for 19 hours battery life, it's worth it! Now I just wish I didn't already have Dell M1330 lol

 

No love for the new Precision M2400 and M4400?!?! They have a 1920x1200 LED listed (coming soon).

 

Its a surpricingly nice design from dell. Finally a THIN laptop in black.

But whats with the ugly metal piece on the back of some of them? They couldn't resist doing something in a different colour could they....

Hope its just the battery that makes the differnce, because some of the model dont have it.

 

The E4200 looks very nice indeed, but it lacks the trackpoint which IMO counts against it when comparing with the X200.

 

AAAAAAAAAAH They sure know how to mess up an otherwise nice design!
Look what they did to the back of the screen on the new precision m2400:

http://www.dell.com/content/product...station_precision_m2400?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

Click "gallery" and find the image where you see the closed lid.

What were they thinking!

 

Holy crapcakes! That stands out a lot... but I think it looks good. But still, if people don't do their research, they'll be in for a huge surprise.

 

The brushed aluminium lids looks a lot like the latest Clevo models. It's almost as if the same manufacturer is responsible for the lids.

 

I likey! But I've liked this design since it was leaked.

 

designwise i really like it too. industrial tough built - like that a lot. but specwise they could have done better. specs on the 13.3 are a bit poor compared to the Z. no other display options? why? last chance to get even the new xps.

 

Hands on: http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/12/dell-precision-and-latitude-e-series-hands-on/#comments

 

I'm considering buying the E6400. Does anyone know what to expect from the noise levels or delivery time?

 

Very cool, these new models... but of course I didn't register just to say that
I found a hands-on at laptopmag: http://blog.laptopmag.com/hands-on-with-dell-latitude-e6400

 

Looks like Sept 3rd is the earliest estimate, or Sept 10th if choosing the integrated graphics.
Can't really say about noise until someone does a review. Try it out and let me know!

I'm curious why no 64-bit option for Vista Business since it says its supported in the tech notes?

 

5.6lbs?? The specs say 4.3. I hope thats a type, otherwise thats a deal breaker for me! Way too much for a 14.1.

 

Just a quick question: Dell US website says the E4300 weighs 3.3lbs or 2.75 kg... Which one is correct? http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop_latitude_e4300?c=us&cs=555&l=en&s=biz

Pete

 

3.3lbs...probably a typo and Dell seems to not be done with that page info. Its probably a template not quite finished up.

 

These models look very nice from the photos. I like the finish on the cover.

 

All day battery...nice. Now only if they can put quad-core in it.

 

I like the new Precision laptops spec-and-price-wise. They're a bit cheaper than the old ones, which is probably a good thing, but just as powerful. The lid design I can't say I'm a fan of, but hey, you're getting build quality and performance for a good price. Another laptop that's certainly worth considering this summer, although it's coming out a bit late.

I also like how on almost all the Precision laptops the default OS is XP, even the brand-new ones. Must be a demand for it.

 

Here's another hands on: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/217854/dell-latitude-e6400-atg.html

 

what is the main difference between e5400 and e6400?

 

The e5400 is more value oriented, (think of it the successor to the D530 and the D531 14-inch) while the e6400 is considered "mainstream" (think D630) and has features like the backlit keyboard, etc.

 

Any word on the screen quality? The new HP and Lenovo notebooks mention improved screen quality with 700 nits of brightness etc.

 

I thought Dell would offer something greater than wxga on the 13" model similar to IBM and now Sony.

 

It seems it uses the defective nVidia cards...

 

The 5400 weighs more and doesn't have some of the nice options that the 6400 has such as the LED backlight screen.

 

Maybe I missed this in the thread somewhere, but when does the E4200 start taking orders and/or shipping?

Thanks!

 

Next month I think.

 

Has anyone heard if the dual-DVI outputs on the E-port plus will allow a triple-head video setup (ie: internal screen + 2 external screens) ?

 

Does anyone know if the new docking stations are compatible with D-series notebooks and are D-series docking stations compatible with the new E-series notebooks?

 

Looks like the e4200 and e4300 will have displayport as well, regardless of Dell's spec page:
See image below.

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/laptops/0,39029450,49298530-3,00.htm