Dell Latitude XT Tablet PC (Core 2 Duo ULV U7600 Processor 1.2GHz, 1GB RAM)

Features

Our review sample of the Latitude XT was powered by Intel's 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo U7600 processor and came with 1GB of DDR2 RAM, expandable to 3GB. The operating system is Windows Vista Business, with Windows Vista Ultimate optionally available.

Graphics are handled by the discrete ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 chipset, while for storage there's a 40GB hard drive spinning at 4,200rpm. You can opt for hard drive capacities up to 120GB or choose solid-state storage in either 32GB or 64GB capacities. This is one of the pricier upgrades, with the Ultra Performance 64GB option adding S$1,401.70 (US$1,003.15) to the overall price at the time of writing.

The Latitude XT comes with an external optical drive. If you want, you can add a MediaBase with an integrated DVD writer. This is essentially a slice that fits to the underside of the laptop, adding a number of additional ports and connectors. It will set you back S$210.79 (US$150.86).

Our review model had Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g) but not Bluetooth, though it is available in the standard retail bundle. There is also optional support for 3G/HSDPA connectivity in certain countries: You'll have to check on the local Dell Web site to see if it's available in your region.

If the HSDPA module is built in, there's a pop-out antenna on the back left edge of the casing. This is on a rotating hinge so you can move it around to get the best signal. The antenna feels flimsy and is easily pulled right out of its socket, so it could easily get lost.

There are plenty of ports and connectors. On the left edge is a single USB 2.0 port and a four-pin FireWire port. The right edge offers another USB 2.0 port, an ExpressCard slot, an SD card reader and a pair of audio jacks. This side also has a mechanical switch for the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios and, right next to this, a button that runs an application called the Wi-Fi Catcher. This shows all available wireless networks, their security status (locked or open) and signal strength. It's a quick step from here to the Wireless Manager to make a connection.

The back edge carries the mains power connector, VGA-out, Ethernet and a third USB 2.0 port. There's also a small power connector for the external optical drive here.

Performance And Battery Life

With its 1.2GHz processor, the Latitude XT is not at the top of the performance league. Its Windows Experience Index (WEI) was 3.5 out of 5.9, which is well down our table of top performers. The WEI corresponds to the lowest component score, which went to Gaming Graphics (3D business and gaming graphics performance).

Other scores were more respectable, with 4.1 for RAM (memory operations per second) and graphics (desktop performance for Windows Aero); 4.4 for processor (calculations per second); and 4.5 for primary harddisk (disk data transfer rate).

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