Features
Its feature set isn't exactly brimming with new technology, but it has the essentials for any business to run smoothly. The E6420 is equipped with 4 USB ports, one of which is an USB/eSATA combo. There are no USB 3.0 ports, though. There's the legacy features such as VGA, ExpressCard, and SmartCard slot. The DVD drive (which doesn't burn DVDs) in my review unit is as ancient as it gets, although Dell offers a DVD burner option. The included webcam is actually an option, not standard for this model, and it doesn't shoot in 720p, like the one found in the Lenovo T420. In terms of storage, this configuration is loaded with a fast 320GB, 7,200rpm hard drive. An HDMI port and Gigabit Ethernet can be found in the back of the laptop.
Performance
Dell Latitude E6420The E6420 ships with a 2.67GHz Intel Core i5-2540M processor, which is based on Sandy Bridge architecture. A Core i7 option (dual-core) is available as well if a Core i5 isn't fast enough. Performance tests, as you can imagine, was nothing short of spectacular. It beat out the LenovoT410 and HP 8740w in processor-intensive tests, although the other two have yet to receive the latest Intel parts. It turned in one of the fastest Adobe Photoshop CS5 scores we've ever had, finishing in 3 minutes 25 seconds. Sandy Bridge entails a much better graphics subsystem than previous generations, so gaming is possible with the integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 chipset. If you need to crank up the eye-candy or run a very 3D-intensive application, Dell offers an upgrade path to an Nvidia NVS 4200M (a $69 option), which is more than I can say for the Lenovo T420 (it offers integrated graphics only).
A 9-cell (97WH) battery usually means great things for battery life. The E6420 did just that in MobileMark 2007 tests, draining the huge battery in 8 hours 30 minutes. It easily beat out the Lenovo T410 (5:30) and HP 8740w (0:50), although again, I suspect the other two will improve in this area once they transition to new Intel technology. Take the Lenovo ThinkPad X220 ($1,299 direct, 4 stars), for instance: It runs on similar Sandy Bridge parts and scored 8 hours 40 minutes in battery tests. If you would like to shave a few tenths of a pound from the heavy frame, Dell offers a 6-cell option that fits flush with the back of the laptop.
A new look, an Intel Sandy Bridge processor, and can be configured with an endless array of optional features, the Dell Latitude E6420 has everything that an enterprise user is looking for in a business laptop. It can be outrageously powerful (for a steep price) or run the bare essentials yet still be a competent business laptop. As well-equipped as it is, it left little room for mobility with its 6 pound frame. It's my only quibble and one that should be taken lightly given its full selection of goodies.
