Dell Latitude E6420 ATG Review Discussion

[Jerry Jackson]

If you like the current lineup of Dell business laptops but need something more rugged for use and abuse at work, then Dell's new Latitude E6420 ATG might be the perfect notebook for you. Keep reading to find out more about this semi-rugged laptop.  The system is a bit pricey, however, and screen resolution options are limited.

Read the full content of this Article: Dell Latitude E6420 ATG Review

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[Greg]

Nice to see they're keeping up the freebie appearance. Now it comes with handles!

Don't foresee any additional Dell machines coming into the household in the near future, that's for sure.

[sgogeta4]

LOL - pros: excellent durability vs. cons: heavy like a magnesium alloy brick. I also found it hilarious about "punching" the back of the screen.

I wish their standard Latitude/Precision laptops had some of the features of this notebook such as: rubber gaskets covering the data ports and a spill-proof backlit keyboard with drain hole. This should be standard in all notebooks IMO.

It would also be nice to have their other notebooks having an upgrade to the rubberized paint keys on their keyboard (or even better another standard, but I'm trying to be more realistic).

I like the fact that it has a hard wifi on/off switch, I know it's a minor detail, but it's an important feature for me. A bit disappointed that USB 3.0 is only available through their stupid expansion module, the lack of 1600x900 screen, and speaker placement. But hey, at least you can use it as a weapon if under attack lol. Excellent review!

[Jerry Jackson]

sgogeta4,

I increasingly tell notebook manufacturers that people want consumer notebooks with features that offer tangible, real-world benefits (spill-resistant keyboards, durable chassis designs, reinforced hinges, etc.) but all too often manufacturers focus on making laptops that "look cool" in the consumer space rather than laptops that actually make life easier by not breaking when you do something stupid.

We don't normally "punch" notebooks in our lab, but I was so impressed with the durability of the lid on the E6420 ATG that I decided to exceed our standard testing procedures. The notebook was unfazed but my knuckles didn't feel very good that day.

It's a shame that all that extra durability adds so much cost and so much weight. Still, if those are trade-offs that you can live with then this notebook is pretty impressive.

[fakeplasticblah]

Let's see how the Toughbook 53 fares. I am not sure but I believe it is considerably lighter than the Dell. It's a shame toughbooks rarely get reviewed.

[Greg]

sgogeta4,

I increasingly tell notebook manufacturers that people want consumer notebooks with features that offer tangible, real-world benefits (spill-resistant keyboards, durable chassis designs, reinforced hinges, etc.) but all too often manufacturers focus on making laptops that "look cool" in the consumer space rather than laptops that actually make life easier by not breaking when you do something stupid.

We don't normally "punch" notebooks in our lab, but I was so impressed with the durability of the lid on the E6420 ATG that I decided to exceed our standard testing procedures. The notebook was unfazed but my knuckles didn't feel very good that day.

It's a shame that all that extra durability adds so much cost and so much weight. Still, if those are trade-offs that you can live with then this notebook is pretty impressive.

Please try testing its durability by playing a game of frisbee with it. I'd sure like to see that .

[Indrek]

From the review:

With the notebook closed, the screen cover gives above-average protection for the screen and should prevent any keyboard key marks from imprinting on the LCD even if a small child happens to step on the screen lid. To that end, a lightweight adult could probably stand on this notebook without causing any damage (though I do NOT recommend it).

Considering that ThinkPads and EliteBooks have been shown to be able to take a full-weight adult standing on the screen lid, it shouldn't be a problem for the ATG.

Good review btw!

[sgogeta4]

AnandTech - Dell's Latitude Gets Rough and Ready

"The E6420 XFR is designed from a specialized polymer called PR72, a composite Dell claims is stronger, lighter, and less expensive than the traditional magnesium alloy."

Sounds too good to be true... if it is cheaper and better, then I hope we see this on all the Latitudes/Precisions next generation!