Dell Latitude D420

The Dell Latitude D420 is a 12.1" ultra-portable notebook designed to succeed both the Latitude X1 and the Latitude D410. In an effort to simplify its ultramobile product line, Dell has merged several traits from each of these two retired models to create the new D420. Specifically, the D420 adopts the X1's wide-aspect screen and ultra-low voltage processor while maintaining the D410's aesthetic appeal and full-sized keyboard. In addition, the D420 continues Dell's trend of not including an internal optical drive, although external options are once again available.

Dell Latitude D420 (view large image)

In practice, the D420 has far more in common with the X1 than its direct predecessor, the D410. For instance, while the D410's starting weight was approximately 3.8 lbs, the 3.0 lbs D420 is positioned more closely to the X1's 2.5 lbs feather-light physique. Moreover, while the D410 offered standard Intel Pentium M processors operating at up to 2.00GHz, the D420 upgrades from the X1's ultra-low voltage Pentium M 1.1 GHz to an ultra-low voltage Core Solo 1.06GHz or Core Duo 1.2GHz CPU. Finally, rather than using a standard 2.5" notebook hard drive like the D410, the D420 uses the same 1.8" drive as the Latitude X1.

(view large image)

Specifications of the D420 as Reviewed

• Processor: Intel Core Solo U1300 ULV (1.06GHz, 533MHz)
• Screen: 12.1" WXGA TFT LCD 1280 x 800 (Matte)
• Graphics: Intel GMA 950 (Integrated, up to 224MB shared)
• Memory: 1.5GB, DDR2-533 SDRAM, (512MB Integrated) 2 DIMMs
• Hard Drive: 60GB 4200RPM 1.8" Hard Drive
• Wireless: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
• Optical: D-Bay 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo (External)
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Input: Full size keyboard with touchpad and pointing stick
• Battery: 6-Cell Primary (with ExpressCharge) and 65W AC Adapter
• 65W AC Adapter: 0.8 lbs
• D-Bay with DVD/CDRW Combo: 1.05 lbs
• D420 Dimensions: 11.63"x8.27"x1.00"

Important Note

In this review the main author is David Dobolyi, comments by Andrew Baxter who owns the precisely same configured D420 are in blue.