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E4200 Review
Well, no backlit keyboard (at least for a few more weeks). Looks like they pulled that option.
Otherwise, it is much faster overall than my old D420, but it still has a few bugs:
The Bad:
- The touchpad no longer supports forward and back commands
- The TPM module states it will allow you to log back into a "locked" windows login session, but it does not
- The volume buttons are on the bezel now and do not recognize constant pressure (you must press them once per volume step)
- My USB ports are very stiff, but not a big problem
- The 6 cell battery weighs more than the laptop (!) - it's still VERY light
- The keyboard is much stiffer - read: louder
The Good:
- Did I say this was fast? I picked the 64GB 2nd gen SSD
- Much better display
- Much better auto-dimming of display
- Most Dell programs have been improved
- Many more features (subtle, but noticible)
- Size, layout, general design - all much better
I'll write more later if this forum supports this type of write-up.
monakh
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October 4th, 2008 09:00
Please do give us more details. The forums do support longer write-ups. Thanks.
In particular, can you test the Latitude On feature? Did you receive it? What is your configuration? Can you tell what SSD is being used? Also, if you ordered this with the 4-Cell battery, are you able to weigh the entire unit sans the power supply? There may be a considerable difference in what is Dell's advertised weight vs. the actual weight in a usable configuration.
cohibafan
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October 4th, 2008 16:00
Ok:
TPM module is now letting me get back into my Windows session with just a single finger swipe (as did my D420) - I didn't change any settings, it just fixed itself.
I've had a few glitches like this since I received the laptop. Nothing major, just a few lockups here and there (nothing more than normal for someone loading new programs and copying their data from one machine to another. BTW, I'm running XP Pro, not Vista.
I expect new drivers to be released in the future as problems are noticed. Still, it is a wonderful machine.
I'm very happy with the SSD drive. As I mentioned in my initial post, I went with the faster 64GB SSD. I haven't performed and quantitative speed tests, but it's much, much quicker than my D420.
I picked up the 6 cell. The battery life is roughly:
5.5 hours - light use (email, web surfing, etc.)
4 hours - medium use (watching movies)
2.5 hours - 100% utilization (massive data crunching)
*It's about twice the life of my old D420
It weighs very little. I can provide actual weight come Monday, but I'd assume it's as spec'd. I believe it is a full pound lighter than my D420 w/ extended battery.
The Dell On is nice - I think it only allows me to link it to Outlook, but it gives you a decent Bios-like interface so you can check email, calendar and contacts. Very quick and useful :)
monakh
5 Posts
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October 4th, 2008 16:00
Would appreciate the actual weight on Monday since we can't trust the manufacturer to tell us what the actual weight is, if you know what I mean! They tend to understate such trivial matters. :)
My D430 is quite heavy for an ultraportable with the standard battery but it does last over 3 hours with WiFi on under Vista using the 'Dell Recommended' power settings.
cohibafan
5 Posts
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October 6th, 2008 13:00
Well, my battery estimates are conservative. I usually run with BT, wireless and a bright backlight. Could you stretch the E4200 out to 7 hours using a 6 cell.. maybe.
Anyway, here are the specs on the weight (calibrated digital scale):
:)
monakh
5 Posts
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October 6th, 2008 13:00
Holy Mother of All that's...Holy! That is simply amazing! Thank you!
Unbelievable that the laptop is so light with a SIX-Cell. I can't imagine what it would be with a four-cell!