Dell Latitude D420 is the smallest in Dell’s notebooks family. Dell offer configurations built around Intel Core Duo Processor U2500 (1.2GHz) 2MB L2 Cache 667MHz FSB or Intel CoreTM Solo Processor U1300 (1.06GHz) 2MB L2 Cache 533MHz FSB.

The Dell Latitude D420 can be configured with the optional UPEK Biometric fingerprint readers that provides a secure and convenient form of user authentication, helping to ensure that only the right people can access the notebook and its sensitive data. You will add $39 for that feature.

Standard integrated 512Mb memory is upgradeable up to 1.5GB. Standard configuration Hard Drive is 30GB 4200RPM 1.8″. Other Hard Drive options are: 60GB or 80GB (both 4200RPM 1.8″).

Other specifications of Dell Latitude D420:

* Screen: 12.1″ WXGA TFT LCD 1280 x 800 (Matte)
* Graphics: Intel GMA 950 (Integrated, up to 224MB shared)
* 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″

Ultraportable competitors from other laptops manufacturers:

Lenovo ThinkPad X60s
Windows XP Professional; 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo T2400; 512MB PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM 666MHz; Intel Mobile i945GM Express 128MB (8MB shared); Toshiba MK8032GSX 80GB 5,400rpm

Fujitsu LifeBook P7120
Windows XP Professional; 1.2GHz Intel Pentium M ULV 753; 512MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express 128MB; Toshiba MK6006GAH 60GB 4,200rpm

Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P
Windows XP Professional; 1.2GHz Intel Pentium M ULV 753; 512MB DDR SDRAM PC3200 400MHz; Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express 128MB; Toshiba MK6006GAH 60GB 4,200rpm

Unlike previous Dell Latitude D410 The Dell Latitude D420 is a 12.1″ ultra-portable has a wide-aspect screen. Latitude D420 continues Dell’s trend of not including an internal optical drive, although external options are once again available. Among the “pros” of this laptop are Light-weight design starting at 3.0 lbs and only 3.2 lbs with flush-mounted 6-cell battery, compact size and SD card reader.

Most obvious “Cons” of Dell Latitude D420 laptop are: Slow Hard Drive - compared to the ThinkPad X60s ultraportable that adopted a 2.5″ 5400RPM hard drive, Dell Latitude D420’s 4800RPM drive is slow, the location of most ports on the back of the Dell Latitude D420 is annoying, this is true especially for USB ports.

There is a more detailed review of Dell Latitude D420 laptop at NotebookReview.com

This entry was posted on August 21, 2006 and is filed under Dell Latitude Notebooks Line, Dell,Inc.