Introduction
The Dell Latitude E6540, released in 2013, was a workhorse of a laptop designed for professionals who demanded both performance and durability. Known for its rugged construction, powerful internals, and impressive battery life, the E6540 became a popular choice for businesses seeking reliable laptops for their employees. This review will delve into the details of the Dell Latitude E6540, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately answering the question: Is the Dell Latitude E6540 still a viable option in today's market?
Design and Build Quality
The Dell Latitude E6540 boasts a robust, professional design that reflects its intended use. The chassis is constructed from durable magnesium alloy, giving it a sturdy feel and resisting bending or flexing. The lid features a soft-touch coating that's both pleasant to the touch and fingerprint-resistant. The overall aesthetic is understated and professional, with clean lines and a black finish that complements any workspace. The E6540 isn't a lightweight laptop, weighing in at around 6 pounds, but its heft contributes to its solid feel and lasting durability.
One key design feature is the Latitude's tri-metal hinge, which is designed for long-term reliability and smooth operation. The hinge allows the laptop to open seamlessly to a full 180 degrees, providing a convenient option for sharing presentations or collaborating on projects. This design feature is a testament to Dell's commitment to building laptops that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Display and Sound
The Dell Latitude E6540 is equipped with a 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) display, which is a standard resolution for laptops of this era. While the resolution may seem limited by today's standards, the display's matte finish effectively combats glare, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The colors are accurate and the viewing angles are decent, allowing you to view the screen from various positions without sacrificing color fidelity. However, for users who demand high resolution and vibrant colors, the E6540's display may fall short.
The audio experience is a pleasant surprise on the E6540. The speakers, positioned on the underside of the laptop, deliver surprisingly clear and loud sound for a business laptop. The sound quality is well-suited for watching videos, listening to music, or attending virtual meetings. While the E6540 doesn't boast the rich bass found in dedicated audio systems, it provides a sufficient and enjoyable audio experience for everyday tasks.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Dell Latitude E6540 features a full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard with a comfortable key travel and responsive feedback. The keys are spaced appropriately, allowing for comfortable and accurate typing. The keyboard is also backlit, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The dedicated number pad is a welcome addition, making data entry tasks more efficient. Overall, the keyboard is one of the strongest points of the E6540, offering a satisfying typing experience.
The touchpad is a multi-touch trackpad with smooth gliding and accurate response. The trackpad supports various gestures, including scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and two-finger tapping. While the touchpad is functional, it lacks the precision and responsiveness of modern trackpads found on newer laptops. Users accustomed to the smooth and accurate tracking of newer devices may find the E6540's touchpad a bit less satisfying.
Performance
The Dell Latitude E6540 is powered by a variety of Intel processors, ranging from the i3 to the i7 series. The specific processor configuration will determine the overall performance of the laptop. Our review unit was equipped with an Intel Core i5-3320M processor, which delivered solid performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. The E6540 can also handle more demanding tasks like video editing and photo manipulation, although it might struggle with resource-intensive applications.
The E6540 comes with various RAM options, up to 16GB, and offers a choice of HDD or SSD storage options. The SSD option will provide significantly faster boot times and application loading, making the laptop much more responsive. For users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the SSD is the recommended storage option.
Battery Life
The Dell Latitude E6540 boasts impressive battery life, making it suitable for users who are frequently on the go. The laptop's 9-cell battery can provide up to 10 hours of mixed usage, depending on the workload and usage patterns. This impressive battery life allows users to work throughout the day without needing to worry about finding a power outlet. The battery's long lifespan makes the E6540 a viable option for traveling professionals or anyone who needs to work remotely for extended periods.
Ports and Connectivity
The Dell Latitude E6540 is well-equipped with a comprehensive set of ports and connectivity options. The laptop features:
- Three USB 3.0 ports: These high-speed ports offer fast data transfer rates and support charging external devices.
- One VGA port: Allows you to connect to external monitors or projectors using the traditional VGA connection.
- One HDMI port: Enables you to connect to modern displays and projectors using the HDMI standard.
- One RJ-45 Ethernet port: Provides a reliable wired internet connection when Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable.
- One SD card reader: Allows you to easily transfer files from SD cards.
- One SmartCard reader: Offers secure authentication for users who require high-level security.
- Integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi: Delivers fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
- Bluetooth 4.0: Enables seamless connectivity with Bluetooth devices such as headphones, speakers, and mobile phones.
The E6540's generous port selection ensures that users can connect to a wide range of peripherals and devices, making it a versatile choice for various tasks and environments.
Software and Security Features
The Dell Latitude E6540 comes pre-loaded with Windows 7 Professional, which was the standard operating system for business laptops at the time of its release. The laptop is also equipped with various security features, including:
- Dell Data Protection | Security Tools: A suite of security software designed to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
- Dell ControlVault: A hardware security module that secures user credentials and digital certificates.
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM): A dedicated chip that securely stores encryption keys and other sensitive data.
These security features provide users with a robust defense against malware, data breaches, and other security threats. The E6540's comprehensive security features make it a trustworthy choice for businesses with sensitive data and critical applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust and durable construction
- Excellent battery life
- Comprehensive port selection
- Strong security features
- Comfortable keyboard with a dedicated number pad
- Acceptable display with anti-glare coating
- Decent sound quality for a business laptop
Cons:
- Relatively heavy weight
- Limited display resolution
- Touchpad lacks the precision of modern trackpads
- No touchscreen option
- Limited upgradeability
Is the Dell Latitude E6540 Still a Viable Option?
The Dell Latitude E6540 remains a compelling option for users who value reliability, durability, and long battery life. However, its age is evident in its outdated display resolution and the lack of modern features such as a touchscreen and Thunderbolt port. If you are seeking a powerful and reliable laptop for everyday work, the E6540 can still perform well. However, for users who prioritize the latest features and sleek designs, newer laptops from Dell or other manufacturers might be a better choice.
Conclusion
The Dell Latitude E6540 was a well-designed and capable business laptop that offered impressive performance, durability, and battery life. While it may lack some of the modern features found in newer laptops, its strong performance, sturdy construction, and extended battery life make it a viable option for certain users. If you are looking for a reliable and long-lasting workhorse that can handle demanding tasks and provide a comfortable typing experience, the Dell Latitude E6540 is worth considering, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Dell Latitude E6540 compatible with Windows 10?
A1: Yes, the Dell Latitude E6540 can be upgraded to Windows 10. However, keep in mind that performance and compatibility may vary depending on the specific hardware configuration.
Q2: How much does the Dell Latitude E6540 cost?
A2: The price of the Dell Latitude E6540 varies depending on the configuration and the seller. Used laptops can be found for around $200 to $300, while newer configurations may cost upwards of $500.
Q3: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the Dell Latitude E6540?
A3: Yes, the Dell Latitude E6540 offers upgrade options for both RAM and storage. The laptop typically has one or two RAM slots, allowing for expansion. It also features a 2.5-inch hard drive bay, making it possible to upgrade to a larger or faster HDD or SSD.
Q4: Does the Dell Latitude E6540 have a built-in webcam?
A4: Yes, the Dell Latitude E6540 features a built-in webcam above the display. The webcam provides decent video quality for video calls and online meetings.
Q5: What are the main differences between the Dell Latitude E6540 and the Dell Latitude E6440?
A5: The Dell Latitude E6540 and E6440 are both business laptops, but there are some key differences between them. The E6540 features a larger 15.6-inch display compared to the E6440's 14-inch display. The E6540 also comes with a dedicated number pad, while the E6440 does not. The E6540 is generally considered to be more powerful and durable than the E6440, but it also comes with a higher price tag.