Optional docking accessories abound for the E-Series because of the docking interface underneath the notebook. While the optical drive may not be to everyone’s liking (sadly, no Blu-Ray option is yet available), the fact that it can be swapped out at will for more desirable options is certainly welcoming. By default, the notebook is included with a Samsung DVD burner, but the optical drive is user-removable and even hot swappable with additional options such as a USB 3.0 module, an extended secondary battery or even a second hard drive. Speaking of the modular bay and E-Dock connectors, these areas are where the E6320 really shines in terms of connectivity. Most users will have to lift the front of the notebook itself in order to more easily access the card reader, which is an unnecessary chore that could have been avoided if the card reader had been located on the left or right instead. In addition, although we accept the fact that the card reader will only natively accept SD cards, we do not agree with the placement of the reader on the hard-to-reach front edge of the notebook. Still, we would have liked a built-in USB 3.0 port on the E6320 or even an always-on USB 2.0 port for charging devices while the notebook is switched off. The ExpressCard/34 slot, however, will likely be largely ignored by both mainstream and business users, especially due to the expandability options offered by the modular bay and E-Docking station. Of particular note is the SmartCard slot, which should prove useful for certain business users and professional users.
Our review unit comes equipped with the standard WLAN and Bluetooth modules only, but users who need to stay connected while on the move can opt for the WWAN functionalities as well. The E6320 may not be the most visually appealing notebook in its category, but the exterior build quality is certainly noteworthy to say the least.įor wireless connectivity, the Latitude notebook comes standard with the Dell Wireless 1501 802.11b/g/n Half Mini Card, but users can also upgrade to Bluetooth 3.0, Intel Centrino Advanced-N with WiMAX or Gobi 3000 HSPA-EVDO Mini Cards with support for the top four mobile phone carriers in the U.S. In fact, the notebook base holds up perfectly against any twisting and the monitor lid is almost equally as impressive. With a moderate amount of force, very slight depressions can be made on either side of the wrist-rests, but definitely nothing major or worrisome.
While the outer casing has a hardened metal impression, the palm rest areas are actually somewhat soft and smooth to the touch. With the keyboard and monitor exposed, the feel of the surface surrounding the touchpad stands in stark contrast to the exterior. This does, however, demonstrate the quality of the stiff hinges as the base portion itself is certainly no featherweight. The 13.3-inch Vaio VPC-SB1Z9EB (1.741kg) and ThinkPad Edge 13 (1.775kg), for example, are evidently lighter.Īdditionally, the user must use both hands when opening the monitor lid since the base portion of the notebook will inevitably lift as well. For a 13.3-inch notebook, the E6320 is quite hefty at 4.75 pounds (2.15kg) with its 6-cell battery attached and is a bit thicker than we would like at 1.0 to 1.2 inches (25.4mm to 30.1mm). The above average build quality does come with some caveats, the major ones being weight and size. Compared to other business-class notebooks such as the HP Probook 5330m, we can safely say that this Dell has the slight but notable edge. military standards for dust, vibration and temperature resistance. The casing has even been tested against specific U.S. The corners in particular have been reinforced with even more magnesium alloy and the taut hinges themselves are made from steel to prevent wear overtime.
Dell has outfitted the notebook with a variety of metal alloys from its trademarked Tri-Metal magnesium outer casing with anodized aluminum on the outer lid to a powder-coated magnesium bottom base. In other words, this notebook is definitely dense and immense at first glance and shows a build quality that not many other competing notebooks can match. The chassis design of the E6320 is similar to that of the other 2011 E-Series notebooks such as the E6420 and E6520.
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