The E6420 ATG's keyboard uses standard keys and is very comfortable to type on as well as a touchpad, there's a pointing stick embedded in the keyboardĭell includes a pointing stick between the G, H and B keys that can be used in conjunction with three buttons sitting beneath the space bar - the central button is for vertical and horizontal scrolling. Touch typing at speed - if that's your thing - should not be a problem. It feels great under the fingers though, with plenty of return and good-sized keys. The keyboard looks a little incongruous with its aformentioned orange frame, and it eschews the trendy 'chiclet' style. notebook, measuring 35.2cm wide by 24.1cm deep by 2.69–3.24cm thick. What effect does all this ruggedisation have on the Latitude E6420 ATG's size and weight? It's quite heavy, starting at 2.07kg, and also on the chunky side for a 14in. These features aren't immediately apparent. There’s an optional carry handle (which wasn't fitted on our review sample) that makes the notebook more like a small briefcase to tote around - potentially doing away with the need for a carry bag in some situations.Įlsewhere there's a spill-resistant keyboard, a protective LCD seal and a 360-degree 'bumper' for added screen protection that's designed to repel liquids and provide general protection from knocks.
Top ZDNet Reviews Samsung Galaxy Xcover Pro 8.4 The latter relies on a single hinge where other standard and rugged notebooks use a dual hinge system still, it holds lid and base sections together securely enough. In addition, the Latitude E6420 ATG has a powder-coated base that feels rigid, reinforced steel hinges, a magnesium alloy internal frame and a zinc alloy latch. So if there is any flexing, the screen should not be affected at all. The lid is quite thick, with a little airspace between it and the screen. This includes an anodised aluminium lid that exhibits almost no flex at all, offering plenty of protection for the screen. Meeting MIL-STD 810G requires a tough chassis, for which Dell uses its 'Tri-Metal' design. The Latitude E6420 ATG has been designed to meet MIL-STD 810G, which certifies the system as capable of handling levels of temperature, vibration, dust and altitude that would cause problems for everyday notebooks. The materials should definitely handle a few knocks. The trim has the unfortunate effect of making the keyboard look small and rather lost in its surroundings. The Latitude E6420 ATG is an extremely solid-looking notebook, although the design is a little consumer-grade: it has a stippled black edging to the mainly silver lid section, and a rather odd orange trim around the keyboard. A version of this notebook without the port covers and carry handle exists as the Latitude E6420, with a starting price of £719 (ex. VAT) and shipping, but you can configure various components to take it above the base specification. The notebook has a starting price of £949 (ex. Latitude E6420 ATG, a 'business rugged' system that's designed to withstand significant punishment on the road Closeĭell's Latitude range of business notebooks includes a large number of models spanning ultraportables through to the fully rugged.
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