With its silver display lid and otherwise black components, our test model looks elegant and timeless.  For a premium of 25 Euro, one can also get the E6510 with a red or black display lid.

The base unit and display lid were reinforced with metal pieces. The display lid thereby achieves an outstanding pressing and torsional rigidity.  The stable display frame also hardly gives under pressure.  Only the bracket on the upper edge of the display screen lid yields to even light pressure. The base unit displays good torsional rigidity. The palm rests, especially the right one, and the loudspeaker grill do, however, yield somewhat to pushing pressure.  Additionally, one finds a common noticeable weakness on the Latitude E6510: In the area around the optical drive, the laptop yields noticeably to pressure both on the upper and under sides.

Overall, one can be pleased with the construction. You won’t find any irregular hitches in the components. Dirt particles do, however, quickly collect in small crevices, of which there are plenty in the internal space.  The closed battery on the other hand does not sit fully secure in the case and wiggles somewhat.
The user is confronted with a matt-black surface. This feels pleasant and almost velvety.