We use the Dell Latitude series at work. I have an E6420 and tested the E5420 (previous gen that didn't have USB 3.0).
These are very well made vs. the comparable units at similar price. the Latitude series offers Business type options such as eSata/USB 3.0 combo port, Express card port, and docking station port that you won't find on most laptops put this in a different class. It also has Win7 Pro vs home edition. If you want to avoid Win8
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These are nothing like the Dell Insignia series laptops sold to home market which are cheap and more like standard sub $500 laptops.
These are constructed very well, strong hinges and solid feel overall. The best Dell business series equivalent, the E6430, had a slighly better construction with an extrudedaluminum base, but they weigh more and cost 10-15% more.
An SSD Is no small add on when you see what performance you gain, it is unbelievable vs. a 5400RPM rotational drive. Even with an i3 this will be a very fast unit. About 30% of the HD space will be used with OS but if you have huge files use a large USB 3.0 storage device and you are set to rock.
Although these have a fairly low failure rate vs. Std OTC laptops, add on warranty could be smart. However, Dell designs these with less variation in components vs. other manufacturers designs so this also helps in the quality of the unit.
At 4.5 lbs it is not light, but still under 5 lbs where most cheaper laptops seems to hover.
If I needed a unit right now, I would bite....or maybe I will anyway!