Dell announced two new rugged laptops today, the Latitude 5430 Rugged and the Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme. The Latitude 5340 Rugged is a 14-inch laptop, while the Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme features a 13-inch display. Both laptops will be available starting on December 9, 2021. Dell has not announced pricing at this time. Both look to compete with the best rugged laptops from the likes of Panasonic.
Dell’s rugged devices were due for a refresh. Before these new devices, Dell’s ruggedized Latitude hardware ran 8th Gen Intel processors. The Latitude 5430 Rugged and Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme are much more modern devices. They run on 11th Gen Intel Core processors with optional vPro.
Each of the laptops has options for integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. They also support Wi-Fi 6E and have optional 5G connectivity, which even Panasonic does not offer in competing devices. Both laptops ship with Windows 11.
The Latitude 5430 Rugged is drop-tested from up to three feet and is IP53 rated for dust, dirt, and water. It weighs 4.35 lbs (1.97 kg), which is a tad lighter than the Panasonic Toughbook 55 MK2. It gets up to 25 hours of battery life, though that will vary depending on the connectivity you choose and how bright you keep its display. Its screen can reach up to 1100 nits and supports touch through gloves.
The Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme features a 13-inch display with an optional 1400-nit direct-sunlight viewable screen. That screen also has an option to support multi-touch through gloves. The Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme is drop tested up to six feet and has IP65 protection against dust, dirt, and water.
Dell’s modernization of its rugged Latitude lineup should help it compete with Panasonic. The laptops stack up against the aforementioned Panasonic Toughbook 55 MK2, but people on the market for a rugged device may also look at the Panasonic Toughbook 33 or Panasonic Toughbook G2.
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