Dell talks about a tri-metal case. Various metals are used for its production: a magnesium alloy, anodized aluminum at the display lid, and a powder-coated magnesium base. Thanks to this choice of materials, a very good stability can be achieved despite the light and slender design. Both the base unit and the display lid hardly get deformed when exposed to pressure and winding forces. Additionally, Dell had the case tested for resistance against dust, shaking and extreme temperatures, according to MIL-STD-810G.

The strong hinges are manufactured from metal.  The hinges’ tension is so great that opening the laptop with just one hand is not possible. They cannot, however, entirely prevent wobbling after adjusting the opening angle. Being bent upwards, the rear edge also limits the opening angle to c. 125 degrees.

Communication

Regarding communication features, our Latitude E6230 has virtually everything that one may wish for. When a LAN cable is plugged in, the Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000MBit) enables Ethernet connections with Gigabit speed. The Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (abgn) also supports WLAN connections in Standard-n. Additionally, with the Dell Wireless 5630 (EVD0-HSPA) Mobile Broadband Mini-Card (composite WWAN device) Network Adapter, a broadband modem is on board as well.  Finally, via Bluetooth version 4.0, data can be exchanged with small mobile devices. Only people who often travel through areas with bad infrastructure would perhaps also wish for an analogous modem (RJ-11).

Security

As is right and proper for a business device, a few security features have been built into our review model. In addition to the Kensington Lock, we find aSmartCard reader in the case. Also, a Trusted Platform module enablesclear identification of the device from afar. As the built-in processor supports vPro, remote maintenance is possible as well.

Accessories

In addition to necessary accessories like the power supply and the battery, we find a Resource Media CD, a Windows 7 SP1 64-Bit DVD, a short manual and a lot of printed information. If the Latitude E6230 is ordered from the online shop, the user can order plenty of accessories with it right away. The offers range from external mice, keyboards and adapters to external displays, batteries, power supplies and docking stations. Compatible docking stationsoffered by Dell’s online shop are the E-Series Legacy Expansion Port for 58.99 Euros (~$77), the expanded E-Port II for 169.99 Euros (~$223) and the simple E-Port II for 149.99 Euros (~$197). The E-Port II solutions also upgrade the port range by a DisplayPort.

Maintenance

Maintenance is very simple. After removing a single screw, the bottom panel can be taken off surprisingly easily. Then the user gets access to the inner components. Even the fan can be reached with ease.

Warranty

By default, Dell grants three years of ProSupport for the Latitude E6230 top model reviewed here. According to Dell, this includes on-site service after remote diagnosis, technical support around the clock, premium support for hardware and software issues and a central contact partner for escalation management. With cheaper models, the warranty is limited to 3 years basic support including service on the next workday.

When under little load, our review model remains cool. When the inner components are stressed a lot, the device heats up to and above 40 °C.  As the intended area of usage is office and internet applications, and at most light 3D tasks, this should be no practical problem.

In the stress test we see how the laptop copes with lasting maximum CPU and GPU load. Then, core temperatures of the CPU and graphics chips rise a lot and reach 100 °C and over. The CPU’s clock rate does not drop below the base rate of 2.6 GHz though, and the graphics chip also clocks at a stable 1.2 GHz. The 3DMark06 results obtained immediately after the stress test are equal to the cold run, except some insignificant deviation.

Our review model was equipped with a 58 Wh Lithium ion battery which sticks out at the rear side. By contrast, a 65 Wh battery is listed when configuring in Dell’s online shop.

The maximum battery life, calculated with the BatteryEater Readers test and minimal brightness, energy saving profile, and disabled wireless modules, is almost 10 hours. The minimum is only almost 2 hours. This result was also recorded with the BatteryEater Tool, however, in the Classic Test at maximum brightness, peak performance profile and enabled Wi-Fi modules. In our practice-oriented  WLAN test, every 40 seconds a new page with different contents is accessed. This test was done with the energy saving profile and a brightness of 148 cd/m² (dimmed two levels). Under these circumstances, the user can surf the internet for about 5.75 hours via Wi-Fi hotspot.

Fujitsu‘s Lifebook P772 achieves slightly shorter battery run times with its 63 Wh battery, but it also is a bit brighter. Lenovo’s  X230 reaches a slightly longer battery life with its well-lighted IPS screen. HP‘s EliteBook 2570p has the lowest screen brightness of all the devices in comparison. In return, it lasts a bit longer despite having the smallest battery with 55 Wh.

Small subnotebooks are designed for mobile use. Consequently, they should be robust and durable, have a long battery life and good system performance and enable outdoor use without restrictions.

Thanks to the tri-metal chassis, the Latitude E6230 Models fulfill our first criterion.  The fast SSD inside provides short boot and loading times and contributes considerably to the laptop's excellent performance. Although one cannot spend a whole workday away from a power outlet due to the battery, the battery life proves to be good in comparison to the direct competition.

Also, one can be very content with the communication features and theinput devices. A major weak point remains though: the slightly too dark and dull screen. Its brightness is simply not enough for outside use.

In the course of the review we have compared the subnotebook to its direct competition. Of them, HP’s 2570p provides the best application performance but unfortunately also the lowest screen brightness. Though Fujitsu‘s Lifebook P772 is a little brighter than out review candidate, only the ThinkPad X230’s IPS screen is suitable for use in sunlight; it also features wide viewing angles. Depending on the intended usage scenario one should carefully balance the pros and cons of the individual models.

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