Our review model, priced at $1519 (as of October 3, 2011), came packed with a second-generation Intel Core i7-2620M processor as well as 4GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive spinning at 7200 rpm (average, for its category). It also featured a built-in webcam and microphone, Bluetooth connectivity, and the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Professional.

In WorldBench 6 benchmark tests, the Latitude E6320 earned an excellent score of 125. That mark is high for the (though at least one other ultraportable, the very expensive , achieved a score of 144), and understandable considering the Latitude's Core i7 processor.

The Latitude E6320 didn't fare quite as well in our graphics tests--also understandable, considering that it has no discrete graphics card. Of course, the E6320 is hardly a multimedia-oriented machine, so graphics performance isn't a high priority.

In Far Cry 2 at high quality settings and a resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels, the E6320 managed only an unplayable frame rate of 12.3 frames per second. It wasn't until we ramped the quality settings down to 'low' that it produced a playable frame rate of 30.9 fps. While that is hardly impressive graphics performance, it is on a par with that of other laptops in the Latitude E6320's category. The Sony VAIO SB Series reached a frame rate of 30.3 fps at high quality settings and a resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels--but it has a Radeon HD 6630M discrete graphics card and costs about $2500.

The business-oriented E6320 has a sturdy case design--after all, it is "business rugged." It sports Tri-Metal casing (instead of your typical plastic chassis), reinforced metal hinges, and a spill-resistant keyboard. Unfortunately, it's also heavier than it looks: Although it's only 4.6 pounds with its six-cell battery, the average weight of the past five ultraportables we've tested is more than half a pound lighter.