Communication

Intel”s Wireless-AC 7260 dual-band module is integrated for wireless connections. We check the practical bandwidth by measuring the average download speeds. The review sample faces an Apple MacBook Retina 13 (Late 2013) with a Broadcom 802.11 ac (a/b/g/n/ac) module in the author”s personal settings. Both rivals were one floor below the router in the first test. Although the MacBook achieved an average downstream speed of 8 Mbps, the Rugged only managed 1.7 Mbps. Similarly, our results were unchanged when both devices were moved to the same floor as the router.

An LTE module is available for mobile use. The SIM card slot is located among the other interfaces, and not inside like in many business laptops. Dell offers an optional dedicated SiRFstarV-GPS module during the configuration process for an additional 10.50 Euros (~$13).

Even the webcam is sealed behind a small flap. It has a resolution of 720p, and will suffice for video conferencing. A visible image noise is produced in low ambient light. So that not only images, but also sound is transmitted, there are two microphones installed for suppressing noise. The audio quality is satisfactory, but the background noise was only moderately suppressed in our test.

Security

Although Dell lists multiple options, they are not free of charge. The first fee-based option is a fingerprint reader that our review sample does not have. Exact prices have not yet been fixed online. Furthermore, a FIPS-complying Trusted Platform module is available. As customary for Dell”s business lineup, the Dell Data Protection service can also be added to the order during the configuration. The optional GPS module allows tracing the laptop via Computrace software. A three-year license costs 77 Euros (~$95), and 87.50 Euros (~$109) for four years.

Accessories

No specific accessories are included with the Latitude Rugged. However, someinteresting extras are available. Among them, a docking station that expands the interface diversity. The high price of 370 Euros (~$460) is a drawback. The Dell Portable Power Companion (115 Dollars; ~93 Euros) external battery allows recharging the device on-the-move.

Maintenance

The detailed online instruction guide (German) makes maintaining the review sample easy. Savvy hands should not have problems replacing components. Virtually every thinkable hardware replacement is described step-by-step. Cleaning the fan and heat sink or replacing the communication modules is possible after removing the base cover.

Warranty

Dell products bought in Germany include a basic warranty. Additional services are either included or can be added depending on the price of the ordered Rugged model. For example, ProSupport with Rapid Collect and Return Service, Accidental Damage Protection, and extending the battery”s warranty are among them. However, the second is only available for the most expensive configuration.

Subjectively the laptop runs very smoothly despite its poor memory configuration. We find considerably faster response times among the competitors owing to their non-volatile memory. This knowledge and the larger working memory allow the Extreme Series to achieve better scores in the PCMark 8 benchmarks. The Bullmann achieves twice as many points in PCMark 7 because this benchmark particularly favors SSD storage devices.

A slightly unfair game is played in the storage device because our review sample is equipped with a 500 GB magnetic hard drive from Seagate. All future versions of the German Rugged model will be delivered with an SSD. Both competitors are equipped similarly, and thus our review sample is defeated in terms of read and write speeds.

An Intel HD Graphics 4400 is integrated into the processor. In our case, the processor”s graphics unit clocks with a core rate of 600 - 1100 MHz. The application field is in line with that of the CPU. The internal graphics card allows using newer standards, such as DirectX11.1, OpenCL 1.2 and OpenGL 4.0. A look at the 3DMark benchmark reveals that the Rugged Extreme achieves a 15% better result. This advantage is due to the dual-channel memory. Dell also offers an optional Nvidia GeForce GT 720M configuration for better graphics performance. We refer to our benchmark chart of mobile graphics cards for more comparisons.

As mentioned in the CPU section, mobile use (battery mode) will not be a problem. According to 3DMark 11 the same performance is available.

A speaker with an astonishing quality is located in the front area. Although most business laptops lack bass, the Rugged stands out with rich mids and not overly dominating trebles. The volume will be an especially important criterion in everyday use, for example for conferencing via Skype. The commonly installed 3.5 mm combo audio jack or the HDMI out can be used for an enhanced sound quality.

Power Consumption

Unlike the competition from Bullmann, Dell relies on ULV CPUs, which leads us to the decisive point. The review sample clearly consumed less power in every situation. A maximum of just 36.8 Watts was required during load. The Bullmann”s power consumption is 60 Watts. However, even the larger comparison device from Dell has a considerably higher power consumption with 56 Watts than the non-Extreme Series, despite an increased screen brightness and the marginally stronger CPU. Particularly noteworthy is the three-times lower standby consumption because Dell”s Latitude 5404 will frequently have to be ready to go quickly and thus will not always be completely shut down. The 65-Watts power supply generally fulfills its purpose, and is not loaded to its maximum.