The Dell Latitude D820
The Latitude D820 demonstrates best-in-business laptop design, beginning with its broad, comfortable keyboard that's complemented by a pointing stick and a touch pad, both with their own sets of mouse buttons. If you configure your D820 with biometric security, Dell reduces the size of the mouse buttons to accommodate a fingerprint sensor between them; while we appreciate the sensor option, the accompanying buttons may be too small for big fingers to use comfortably. Three handy buttons for volume up, volume down, and mute lie above the keyboard, while the two mediocre-sounding speakers (typical for a corporate laptop) flank the board on either side.
We evaluated a high-end version of the Latitude D820 that costs $2,290--a good value for such top-notch components, including a top-of-the-line 2.16GHz Intel T2600 Core Duo processor, 1GB of blazing 666MHz DDR2 SDRAM, a big 100GB hard drive rotating at 5,400rpm, a swappable DVD burner, and a cutting-edge Nvidia Quadro NVS 120M graphics chip that has 256MB of dedicated VRAM and borrows another 256MB from main memory. The ThinkPad Z60t costs $300 less and offers the same hard drive capacity though several lesser specs (previous-generation Pentium M processor, slower 533MHz memory, and integrated Intel 915GM graphics).
The system also features a crisp, 15.4-inch wide screen with an ultrafine, 1,900x1,200 native resolution that renders graphics in good detail but makes for tiny text. The screen is anchored to the D820's base by very sturdy steel hinges, and the entire internal frame consists of strong magnesium alloy. In addition, the hard drive offers shock protection, meant to shield the drive from accidental bumps and drops. Many of these fab features are also be found in the SOHO-focused Lenovo ThinkPad Z60t, which offers a smaller 14.1-inch wide screen and nice touches that the business-minded D820 lacks, such as arrow keys that double as multimedia controls.
The D820 has a basic set of management utilities and a fingerprint reader, which ties into the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware solution. Both are managed by Wave's Embassy Security Center, along with Wave's long list of security settings. The suite is challenging to use and set up at times, and separate downloads are required for extensions to the suite. Unlike Lenovo and HP, Dell doesn't provide built-in backup software, but you can download Altiris's backup solution for free.
SECURITY:
Physical Security: Cable Lock Slots, Media Module and Hard Drive Locks.
User & System Security: Integrated Smart Card Reader, Trusted Platform Module 1.2 and optional UPEKTM finger print reader. Wave EmbassyŽ Trust Suite by Wave Systems security software.
Network Security: 802.11 WiFi Protected Access (WPA), 802.11i (WPA2), Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and 802.1x with EAP modes and compatible with CCX 4.0
Specs for Dell Latitude D820
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| Screen Size | 15.4" WUXGA w/ X @ 1920x1200 |
| Processor Type | 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo T2600 |
| Processor Speed | 2.16-GHz |
| Bus Speed | 667 Mhz |
| Hard Drive Capacity | Fujitsu MHV2100BH 100GB 5,400rpm |
| Installed Memory | 1GB PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM (4 max) |
| RAM Type | DDR2 SDRAM |
| Resolution | 1920x1200 |
| Video Card Type | Nvidia Quadro NVS 120M 512MB |
| Primary Optical Drive | 8X DVD+R/8X DVD-R write speed |
| Bundled Os | Windows XP Professional |
| Weight | 6.5 pounds |
| Motherboard Chipset | - |
| Networking Connection | Intel Pro/Wireless 3945 WiFi 802.11 a/b/g, |
| Average Battery Life | 3 hours (6-cell battery ) 6 (9-cell battery) |
| Price | About $2.000 - $2.300 |
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