Dell Latitude D430 LapTop :Review

Despite the prevailing opinion that Dell's reliance on direct selling is a weakness, it remains one of the largest and most recognised brands in computing. It's a fact that cannot easily be ignored or underestimated and, though its colourful new Inspiron range drew a muted reaction, its Latitude range of corporate notebooks is in rather better shape. Clarity and consistency in design has helped it develop an enviable pedigree over the years, with the D630 proving a particular success. Today I'm looking at another member of the Latitude family, the D430, which is the ultra-portable of the range.
The attributes of an ultra-portable are well documented, but they're worth reiterating for the uninitiated. Typically they weigh below 1.5kg, making them uniquely portable. They're also slim and some, like Sony's TZ Series, can be breathtakingly good looking. A good ultra-portable should boast exceptional battery life and this, rather than raw speed, is the most important consideration in judging an ultra-portable's overall performance. 

Much of this battery performance can be attributed to the Ultra-Low Voltage (ULV) CPUs, which are designed to reduce power usage and heat output. Currently there are two dual core ULV CPU options, the Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 and U7600, which have 1.06GHz and 1.2GHz clock speeds respectively and share the same 533MHz front-side bus and 2MB L2 Cache. Our sample version represents more or less the highest possible specification of the D430, using the faster U7600 and benefitting from a number or market leading features.
Primary among these is the inclusion of a SanDisk 32GB Solid State Drive (SSD), which helps improve battery life due to the complete lack of moving parts. Naturally, it also means you get less disk space, but for business use the 20GB of free space after Windows XP installation is more than enough. Indeed, if you specify an SSD then you're better off going with XP since it doesn't take up as much space on the drive.

In support of the U7600 CPU, our sample came equipped with 2GB 533MHz DDR2, which is configured as 1GB wired to the motherboard and one further 1GB stick. Graphics obviously isn't a high priority, with the integrated Intel GMA950 providing just enough power to run the Aeroglass in Vista but nothing more than that.

Featuring long battery life and excellent connectivity, the Latitude D430 offers users plenty of performance on the go. Back in the office, integrated Dell docking and expandability options help boost usage options and convenience. IT can take advantage of the D-family’s robust security, durability and peripheral commonality, plus OS flexibility — Genuine Windows Vista^® . In addition, the optional Solid State Drive can provide fast boot and application launch time on Genuine Windows Vista^® .

Innovative Design

Advanced options and new levels of customization

• The latest Intel^® Core™2 Duo processors
• Genuine Windows Vista^® Business or
• Genuine Windows^® XP Professional
• Designed for frequent travelers with wide-screen panels and a thin, lightweight form factor
• Choice of Direct Deploy Services to help simplify image management and customization
• Energy-efficient systems designed to meet or exceed the worldwide mutually recognized Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR^® Standard 

RoadReady™

Designed, tested and built for quality

• Full magnesium-alloy construction for years of reliable performance
• Optional Solid State Drive has no moving parts, this can help improve durability and reliability
• Strike Zone™ hard drive offers 24/7 data protection against life’s bumps and bruises
• Complete your experience with optional Dell CompleteCare^1™Accidental Damage Service

HyperConnect™

Keeps users connected virtually anytime, anywhere²

• Wireless-N, based on Draft 802.11n technology, with up to 5X the speed and 2X the range of traditional Wi-Fi^® when used with a Wireless-N router³
• HyperBand Diversity Antenna delivers excellent multi-band wireless performance for mobile broadband and Wi-Fi⁴
• Integrated Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate helps make it easy to connect personal devices
• Take advantage of Dell’s support for industry leading mobile broadband carriers
• Built-in WiFi Catcher™ switch helps you quickly find a network, even when the laptop’s closed

Smart Security

Strategic, comprehensive endpoint solutions

• Advanced user identification options: integrated Smart Cards, optional integrated fingerprint reader and/or passwords (even at pre-boot level)
• TPM security chip enables a personal virtual drive for all of your encrypted files
• Wave^® EMBASSY^® Trust Suite works with the TPM for robust file/folder encryption and much more