Mini-Review: Dell Latitude E6400
August 12th, 2008 by Jeffrey L. Wilson 
Dell announced a slew of new notebooks in its E-family line, which are designed to give business users a machine that’s affordable, secure and durable, while adding a touch of visual pizazz. We were fortunate enough to get our hands on the Dell Latitude E6400 ($1,029.00) before its official launch. Here are our early impressions.
Design
Measuring 13.2 x 9.4 x 1.0 inches and weighing 5.6 pounds, this 14.1-inch mainstream machine features a subtle brushed metal lid that resembles wood paneling that comes in two decidedly non-business colors: red and blue. We were a bit disappointed that we got the by-the-book black unit, as the red and blue options certainly stand out from the numerous ebony business machines that dwell in the boardroom.
Upon lifting the lid we were treated to a 14.1-inch (1280 x 800-pixel resolution) display that looked good from a variety of angles while streaming The Taking of the Pelham 1 2 3 from Hulu. Above the display is a 0.3-megapixel camera with Advanced Light sensitivity that made us look surprisingly good while engaged in a video chat, although the colors were a bit muted. The magnesium-alloy body gives the machine quite a sturdy feel.
The keyboard’s firm, responsive keys make for an excellent typing experience; the springy keys virtually jumped up to meet out fingers after we’ve pressed them. Located between the G and H keys is a responsive pointing stick that’s a fine alternative to the relatively small touchpad. Dedicated buttons for raising, lowering, and muting the volume rest above the keyboard. Crisp sound poured out of the stereo speakers that flank the keyboard, but we would’ve liked more audio punch as the volume was low.
The arrow keys, when used in conjunction with the Fn button, let us adjust the screen brightness and activate the Ambient Light Sensor, which automatically measures the amount of light in the environment and adjusts the display accordingly.
Ports and PowerShare
The system’s perimeter contains numerous ports and outlets for hooking up gear: four USB 2.0, eSATA, VGA, Display Port, RJ-11(optional), RJ-45, 1394, Audio, Power, One Type II PCMCIA or ExpressCard/54, 5-in-1 memory card reader, headphone and microphone jacks.
Out of these ports, the uppermost USB port located on the left side of the unit is the most intriguing. Taking a cue from Toshiba’s Sleep and Charge technology, Dell’s USB PowerShare lets users charge their gadgets through this special port (which is designated by a lightning bolt symbol next to the traditional USB symbol), even when the computer is turned off.
CPU, GPU, and Wireless Performance
Under the hood is a 2.2-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor and 2GB of RAM, which made for a smooth user experience will working with the Windows Vista Business operating systems. We were able to work within Google Docs, chat with colleagues in Meebo, rock out to MP3s, and run a virus scan without seeing a performance hit. If you’d like to add additional RAM, the Dell Latitude E6400 can be outfitted with an incredible 8GB of RAM. Dell includes a 5,400-rpm 160GB hard drive that’s protected by Strike Zone technology for storing documents, photos, music, and video (there’s an option for a 64GB solid-state drive).
Intel’s GMA 4500MHD integrated GPU (with 32MB of memory) powers our configuration (it can also be outfitted with discrete Nvidia graphics). In our F.E.A.R. test, it produced predictably-low frame rates: 20-frames per second on auto-detect mode (800 x 600-pixel resolution), and a thoroughly unplayable 8fps with the settings bumped up to maximum (1024 x 768).
This is significantly lower than the 65.7fps/30.6fps averages we see from mainstream notebooks. This lack of graphics punch (which is to be expected of integrated graphics) was demonstrated in our 3DMark03 test where the E6400 notched a score of 2,399 (the average is 4,588), and our 3DMark06 test where is saw a 918 score (the average is 3,980).
Our review unit came with an 802.11b/g wireless connection that moved data along at a rate of 15.9 Mbps from 15 feet away from our access point (which is on par for notebooks in this class), and 13.3 Mbps at 50 feet away (which is nearly 5 Mbps faster than average). This enabled us to surf the Web at a speedy clip and download CNN’s content heavy main page in 5.7 seconds.
The system also includes Dell’s Wi-Fi Catcher, which sniffs for available signals even when the notebook is powered down. If you’re worried about missing out on future technologies, don’t be; the Dell Latitude E6400 is future-proofed, as it supports Ultra Wide Band and WiMAX.
Dell ControlPoint Software, Security Features, and Management
New Dell ControlPoint software provides a single access point that lets users configure the notebook as they see fit. With a single hot key combination, users can access power management, displays and devices, connections, security and system information.
The security-conscious will be pleased to learn that the Dell Latitude D6400 features a contactless Smart Card reader, TPM, and a biometric fingerprint reader. Data can also be kept from prying eyes through the use of remote data deletion and certified data destruction.
Battery Life
Using our LAPTOP Battery Test, which tests endurance by surfing the Web until the battery dies, the Dell Latitude E6400’s 6-cell battery lasted 5 hours and 17 minutes. Dell states that users can expect a whopping 19 hours of battery life using this system in combination with a solid-state drive, and a battery slice.
Starting at $1,139, the Dell Latitude E6400 looks to be a very solid business notebook. Check back for our full review of this system shortly.
20 Responses to “Mini-Review: Dell Latitude E6400”
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August 12th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Are you sure that run time is for a 6-cell battery? The photo you shot shows a 9-cell I think. Anyway 5h+ is very nice!
August 13th, 2008 at 11:02 am
did it weight 5.6 lbs native or was that with the 9-cell battery
Dell lists the E6400 at 4.3 lbs
August 13th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Thanks! This is first review on internet. I will be waiting for full review with pictures. GOOD JOB!
August 13th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Hi! Thanks for this mini-review. Been looking forward to see one and, now, I’m looking forward to the full review.
May I ask how do you find the “robust metal hinges?” Is it as stiff as the ThinkPads? I am considering either this E6400 or ThinkPad T400. Thanks in advance!
August 18th, 2008 at 1:32 am
Intergated GPS? 1440*900 LED Display?
Thanks.
August 18th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Really looking forward to this review, it appears you are the only ones working on one. I hope its soon, I would love to order but I need some reassurance first.
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
LK, there is a 1440 x 900 option available.
October 4th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
One thing that doesn’t make any sense is DisplayPort!
Why oh why provide DisplayPort over HDMI out? Looks like another converter cable to carry around.
October 5th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Thanks for the review
October 13th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I’ve been getting used to the e6400 for almost a month now. It’s a very nice machine, but….
This baby shipped with zero documentation. None, not even a quick-setup guide. There’s a “manual” on-line at Dell, but it’s pretty rudimentary. Although I’m generally very happy with the e6400, there are some irritants. Very minor ones (except the lack of documentation; some of us actually read those manuals!). One quick suggestion– don’t bother to buy the pre-fitted 3M privacy shield. This one does not come with those inelegant, and rather ugly, plastic paste-on tabs to hod it in place. Instead, it’s supposed to stay in place once it’s snapped in. Nope. The next time you open the case the privacy filter will be lying on top of the keyboard. Not very useful in that position.
November 11th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Nice review. I wish there are more pictures.
Thanks
December 27th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Can Dell explain how customers can use 8GB RAM with ONLY 32bit OS (Vista and WXP) available?
-32bit OS can only use 3.4GB
December 28th, 2008 at 2:18 am
Dell doesn’t let you purchase more than 4GB without picking the x64 OS. Also this is a business notebook. at my company, all the overhead projectors connect with VGA, which i’m sure is one of the main reasons Dell included that kind of video connector.
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Our group bought nine Dell Latitude E6400 computers at once to replace the older but very reliable silver cased ones. Most have been sent back more than once. Thye main issues have been screens freezing up and this occurs multiple times upon start up. I think it generates too much heat without adequate ventilation but I am no expert.
The minor issues.. It is so easy to scratch the outer flat black case I can almost do it with my fingernails. The central blue ring pointer is so sensative it is not unusual to have it get bumped when typing nearby letters. It trys to out think the operator and either jumps from the end of the typed sentence and inserts into earlier typed letters or it highlights in blue a sentence or section. If the section is highlighted it will try to freeze up before moving on. The battery estimated remaining time is very optimistic, keep a plug in handy.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:23 am
how can i activate tpm security in dell lattitude e 6400
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 am
I’ve been using the E6400 for about a month now with no issues whatsoever and its a great replacement to my old D620. It holds 8gb ram and a 500gb hard drive and was a perfect thin and light replacement for me. My only beef is that my company did not spring for the nVidia/LED combo so I feel very restricted on the 1280×800. Aside from that, I’m running Windows 7 very well with no issues at all.
February 27th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
This does not have 4 USB ports. It has 3 USB ports and an eSATA. noob mistake I guess.
I don’t think it has a “5-1″ reader either, looks like an SD reader to me.
bottome line it is a fine laptop but not much of an upgrade from the d630.
The 620’s and 630’s feal far more solid
March 11th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
This laptop does have 4 usb ports. One is a esata/usb combo though.
April 14th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Just had it for two days. in general it’s good. However some designs are really poor. For examples, the pageUp key is so close to power button, very easy to accidentally power down the laptop if not care. Also the touch pad has no top border which could be a feature on paper for fast accessing to two left/right click buttons, however in real world it makes user’s finger slip through the intended pad area.
One thing i like most of this laptop is that after long time running, the bottom of laptop is just a bit of warm which means the heat dissipation is very good comparing to many others I have been used. Also it has about enough ports for regular use. And those ports are in relative convenience positions.
Things I don’t like are the price, poor sound quality and it looks too old fashion (kind like the Latitude I used ten years ago)
April 17th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I just got this unit today and I absolutely love it. put in a new HD, and re-installed the OS.
No problems. You can keep Lenovo. Pain in the butt to restore.
Dell I can restore within 40 mins OS.
So far I love the unit, slick, nice looking, PS is awesome thin and slick. Not the big clunky ones anymore.
I got this unit refurbished and Have no issues with it.