Case
All parts of the plastic casing have been assembled neatly, and thus the plain Dell device makes an elegant impression. The display back of our review sample features a magnesium alloy. Instead of being content with rubber nubs, the screen is completely encircled by a rubber rim. The color of the metal hinges adds contrast, and they make a robust impression. The subjective feel is very pleasant owing to the subtle curves. Maintenance and repair are possible via the removable base unit. Unfortunately, it is also the only way to replace the battery and needs time. The material-related drawbacks have to be expected in terms of stability. However, the plastic casing cannot be dented anywhere. Overall, the casing makes a decent and business-suitable impression. An unsightly drawback is that dust settles between the display's bezel and the screen, which then has to be removed with care.
Connectivity
Three of the four sides feature interfaces. The rear can harbor permanently connected peripherals, such as a screen. The SD-card slot and one of the three USB ports for connecting temporary devices are found in the rear area of the right. Interfaces in the front areas usually limit the work space due to interfering cables. The strategy that Dell uses for interface positioning can be called well-conceived.
Keyboard
High-quality input devices are a must for a work device like the Latitude. The black chiclet keyboard in Dell's laptop has a long drop and quiet typing noise. The keys feature a pleasant firmness and good pressure points. Touch-typing artists can easily go on a creative rampage with this keyboard. The review sample's keyboard convinces with its two-level backlight.