Dell unveils extra-rugged Latitude E6400 XFR
updated 07:20 am EDT, Tue March 10, 2009
Dell Latitude E6400 XFR
Dell this morning put the finishing touch on its newer-wave pro notebooks by launching the Latitude E6400 XFR. The significant overhaul improves on the already rugged design of the earlier XFR system by switching to a newer material known as PR-481. By giving the notebook the material as its main shell, the company says the E6400 can take drops from up to four feet while turned off (three feet while on) and last longer in extreme cold or heat. A special sealing approach also gives it a IP-65 rating against dust and water.
The system is touted as better than other systems in its class and meets the 810F US military spec even while managing to be slightly lighter and thinner than the old model.
Dell doesn't yet have full specifications but says the E6400 XFR can have at least a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo, a 128GB solid-state drive and a dedicated NVIDIA Quadro NVS 160M graphics chip for video. In keeping with the rugged theme, Dell has a 14-inch display with a 500-nit brightness more easily viewable in daylight as well as the option of extra field batteries that can recharge much more quickly than usual.
Base systems start at $4,299 and should be available for order later today.
