Dell Latitude E6400 User Review

Dell whetted our appetites for the new E-series Latitudes through some "leaks" at Engadget in March 2008. Among the features which caught my attention were the 14.1" WXGA+ LED backlit display, a target entry weight of 2kg (4.25lb), an eSATA port and a backlit keyboard. Last year I ordered an M1330 a couple of weeks after launch but got bored by the wait and cancelled it, so this year I moved quickly and placed my order for an E6400 within a few hours of the launch.

The basic specifications of my Latitude E6400 are:

* Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB cache)
* Screen: 14-inch 1440 x 900 WXGA+ LED Backlit (matte finish)
* Memory: 1GB DDR2-800 PC-6400 RAM (Nanya, 5-6-6-18)
* Storage: 160GB 5400rpm HDD (Samsung HM160HI)
* Optical Drive: 9.5mm thick SATA PLDS (Philips Liteon) 8A2SDVD+/-RW
* Wireless: Intel 5100 802.11a/b/g/n
* Graphics: Intel X4500HD
* UK Backlit keyboard
* ExpressCard slot
* Creative 0.3MP web camera and microphone
* Battery: 56Wh 6-cell
* Standard E series 90W PSU and optional slim 65W Auto/Air/AC adapter
* Dimensions: 335 x 244 x 33mm (including feet about 2mm long) or 13.2" x 9.6" x 1.3"
* Advertised weight: The Quick Reference Guide states "2.15 kg (4.75 lb) with UMA graphics, 6-cell battery, solid-state drive"
* Actual weight: 2.31kg / 5.1 lbs (with UMA graphics, 6-cell battery, HDD)
* Travel weight: 2.87kg / 6.33lbs (with standard 90W PSU); 2.68kg / 5.91lbs (with slim 65W PSU)
* Windows Vista Business with XP Pro downgrade

Configuration

Deciding on the configuration is part of the fun with buying a Dell. I decided the P8600 was at the right point of the performance-value curve. I'm not into 3D games so I preferred the lower power consumption of the Intel GPU.

The LED backlit WXGA+ screen was a must while the backlit keyboard will most likely come useful when I'm working somewhere where there's a power cut. The 160GB HDD was the best option on Dell's capacity/performance/value curve (I've already got a 320GB HDD which I'll move over). 1GB RAM looked the best pricing choice since I could get 2GB elsewhere for the cost of Dell's 1GB upgrade. I opted for the Express Card slot since I could, if necessary, get an adaptor to be able to use my old PC cards. I wanted a microphone and on the UK configuration the microphone and webcam come together. I wanted an internal 56k modem but this was not available as an option so I ordered a USB modem instead.

Similarly Bluetooth was not available at the time I placed my order and I ordered a USB Bluetooth device from elsewhere (fine for me since I only use it occasionally). One option I did select was the 3-year extended warranty for the battery. In my experience a battery loses about half its capacity in about 18 months.

Dell Inspiron Mini 9 Review

Last year, the world of budget notebooks was turned on its head with the introduction of the ASUS Eee PC: A 2-pound laptop with a 7-inch screen and a starting price below $300. Prior to 2008, "budget notebooks" were bulky, overweight 15-inch laptops while "ultra-portable" notebooks commanded a premium price well above $1,000. In no time at all terms like "budget ultra-portable," "subnotebook," and "netbook" became part of the techno-geek vocabulary. Every notebook manufacturer on the planet (even some that you might not know) scrambled to create their own "netbooks" ... and Dell has finally joined the party.

The Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is an 8.9" netbook with a $349 (Linux) or $399 (Windows XP) starting price and some impressive features. Dell was kind enough to supply us with a pre-production copy of the Inspiron Mini 9 so that we can conduct in-depth testing and let you know if this netbook really is "your new best friend" ... or just the weird kid you try to avoid on the bus.

Our pre-production Inspiron Mini 9 features the following specifications:

* 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom Processor
* 1GB DDR2 533MHz (1 DIMM)
* Ubuntu 8.04 Linux with Custom Dell Interface (Includes Open Office)
* 8.9" 1024 x 600 WSVGA glossy LED backlit display
* 8GB miniPCI SSD card
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
* 4-in-1 Media card reader
* 1.3 Megapixel webcam, Dell Video Chat application, Dell Support Center
* 4-Cell 32Wh Li-ion battery (14.8V)
* Size: 9.2" x 6.8" x 1.3" (including feet)
* Weight: 2lb 5.5oz (with 4-cell battery), 2lb 11.6oz (with battery and AC adapter)
* Price: $434 ($474 with Windows XP)

Build and Design

The design of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is quite similar to other netbooks we've seen in recent months. The exterior is covered in glossy plastics with smooth lines, rounded edges, and a style that looks like it's trying to strike a balance between "fun" and "functional." The look is pretty basic, almost like a miniature version of the Inspiron 1525 notebook. Glossy plastic is found on the top of the screen cover as well as around the entire LCD and palm rests. Matte black plastic is used on the base of the netbook and on the keyboard. Overall, the look is quite nice, but the glossy LCD lid is a magnet for fingerprints and makes the new netbook look a little tarnished after just a few minutes of use.

The build quality of the Mini 9 is amazingly solid for a subnotebook of this size and weight. The construction is mostly plastic but all of the plastics feel strong enough to handle being tossed around inside a bookbag. Even the glossy plastic surfaces seem to resist minor surface scratches. However, the most impressive build quality element in our pre-production unit was that the inside of the chassis is reinforced with magnesium alloy in at least one location (behind the keyboard and in front of the battery). This helps the Mini 9 withstand much more abuse than a typical all-plastic netbook.

In terms of upgradeability, the Mini 9 is much easier to upgrade than most netbooks currently on the market. Many of the netbooks we've seen to date require complex disassembly in order for you to get to the storage drive, system RAM, or wireless cards. Even worse, some other netbooks have slots for upgrades but no connections on the motherboard so it is impossible to upgrade them. This is not the case with the Mini 9. Dell engineers were wise enough to place all key upgradeable components in one area directly beneath a simple access panel that you can remove with a regular Phillips screwdriver after removing two screws. The Mini 9 uses standard notebook DDR2 RAM (800MHz underclocked to 533MHz), standard wireless mini cards, and a mini PCIe SSD card.

Dell Studio 15 Review

Dell continues to try and update their notebook designs this year, and the new Dell Studio 15 is the latest consumer 15-inch notebook that highlights these new designs. Is it possible to take design elements from the 13.3" XPS M1330 and the 15.4" Dell XPS M1530 and make a budget notebook that keeps consumers happy? Take a look at our full review of the Studio 15 to find out for yourself.

We purchased our review unit of the Studio 15 from Staples where they offer set configurations of the Studio 15. Our budget configuration cost $799. Fully customized configurations are available at Dell.com.

As mentioned in our first look, we had hoped to conduct a full review of a custom-ordered Studio 15 machine with an orange colored lid. Unfortunately, the shipping date for our review unit was pushed back more than a month ... so we will complete our full review based on the pre-configured model available at Staples.

The specs of this particular Studio 15, the S1535-113P, are as follows:

• Screen: glossy 15.4" WXGA 1280 x 800 display


• Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 (2.00GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB Cache)


• Memory: 3.00 GB RAM


• Storage: 250GB HD (5400rpm)


• Optical Drive: Slot loading DVD+/-RW


• Wireless: 802.11b/g


• Graphics: Integrated Intel X3100


• Built-in 2.0MP web camera


• Ruby Red color lid


• Ports: 4 USB 2.0, HDMI connector, 15-pin VGA video connector, Ethernet 10/100/1000 LAN (RJ45), AC adapter connector, Audio jacks (1 line-in, 1-line out, 1 Mic-in), 4-pin IEEE 1394 port, 54 mm ExpressCard slot, Consumer IR


• Battery: 6-cell 56WHr Li-Ion Battery


• Dimensions: Width: 14.0" (355.6mm), Height: 1.0" (25.3mm) front / 1.3" (33mm) back, Depth: 10.3" (261.5mm)


• Weight: Starting weight of 6.11 lbs

Build and Design



While we were reasonably impressed with the dimensions of the Dell Studio 17 as a 17-inch notebook, the Studio 15 is a little heaver than other notebooks in its class. While the design of the notebook gives it the appearance that it's rather thick, it's actually close to the same thickness (or even thinner) than other 15-inch consumer notebooks.



The first time you look at the Studio 15 it's as if Dell removed the metal palmrests from the XPS M1530, added a little bulk, and offered a few more ways to customize the look. The end result is an impressive looking desktop replacement. I use the term "desktop replacement" because most people in the market for a 15-inch notebook aren't planning to haul their notebook everywhere and use it during regular airline travel. Well ... no one who cares about the person seated next to them is going to use this on a plane anyway.



While the Studio 15 isn't exactly a thin-and-light notebook designed for mobility, it does offer solid design and construction. As mentioned above, the Studio 15 takes several design elements from the latest XPS notebooks: the wedge-shaped profile, drop hinge, slot-loading optical drive, and touch-sensitive media buttons are all hallmarks of the XPS M1330 and M1530. That said, there are a few extras in the design of the Studio 15 that you won't see in the XPS line.

Dell Latitude XT Review

Dell Latitude XT Review

Dell finally broke into the Tablet PC market with the release of the Latitude XT. There was a lot of hype and speculation around this release and we finally got our hands on a review unit. Now, we have the chance to see what the fuss is all about. The XT has a solid design and runs on a 1.2GHz ULV Core 2 Duo processor. It also has the new N-trig touchscreen technology, which is quite impressive. The pen and capacitive touch technology are both very accurate and responsive.

Dell Latitude XT specs as reviewed (price as tested $3,640)

• Intel Core 2 Duo 1.2GHz ULV U7600 processor
• Integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics
• 12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) LED backlit Dual input digitizer
• 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 120GB hard drive, 5400rpm
• Windows Vista Business OS
• No optical drive, optional MediaBase with 8x DVD+/-RW
• Battery: 6-cell standard, optional 9-cell slice battery
• Wireless LAN 802.11n
• Bluetooth
• Integrated Verizon Wireless Broadband EV-DO Rev A
• 3x USB ports
• 1394 Port connector
• SD Card slot
• Express Card Slot
• VGA port
• RJ-45
• Headphone and microphone
• Weight: 3.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.00" x 11.7" x 8.6"

Dell Announces New "Extreme" Rugged Laptop

Today Dell updated their line of semi-rugged notebooks with the fully ruggedized Latitude XFR D630. The first fully ruggedized laptop made by Dell, the Latitude XFR D630 delivers "extreme durability without compromising performance." Intended for government and commercial customers, the laptop is available today in the U.S. and starts at $3,899.

The Latitude XFR D630 meets MIL-STD 810F standards from the Department of Defense for products that operate in extreme temperatures, moisture and altitude. The system shares common components with Dell's current line of Latitude laptops to greatly simplify maintenance. The XFR D630 clearly competes with the Panasonic Toughbook line of fully ruggedized notebooks. In fact, Dell specifically mentions in their press materials that a patent-pending thermal management system allows the XFR D630 to deliver up to four times better graphics performance than the Panasonic CF-30.

Dell also offers an impressive standard service with the XFR D630, including Next Business Day On-Site service for major components inside the laptop. This is important since competitors require customers to return systems for service.

Additional specs and features for the Latitude XFR D630 include:

• Five times more data durability of leading competitors with solid state drives
• Latitude ExpressCharge charges batteries at least 30 minutes faster than competitors
• Outdoor readable screen at 500 nits
• Integrated resistive touch technology to easily interface with the system
• Shock isolated mounting to help protect hard drive, LCD and core electronic elements
• Dual locking butterfly mechanisms for easy access to components
• Sealed keyboard designed to withstand driving rain and dust

Visit the Dell website for complete specs and additional information.

Dell Latitude D430 User Review

The Dell Latitude D430 is Dell's current ultraportable offering that features the Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Core Solo, ULV Core Duo, ULV Core 2 Duo, and a host of other technologies in order to create one of the smallest 12.1" machines that still maintains a respectable amount of battery life and computing power. With so many questions and details to cover about ultraportable notebooks, continue reading this full review!

Price & Model Specifications

The D430 starts out at a not-so-light $1,199...which is actually an amazing price to me given ultraportables usually carry a premium price for their slim designs. From the Dell Outlet, the D430 is regularly available for around $1000 and may include some upgraded hardware.

My specific unit was configured as follows:

• Intel Core Solo U1400 Processor (Santa Rosa, 1.2GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, Ultra Low Voltage)
• Microsoft Genuine Windows XP Professional
• 12.1" WXGA Display (1280 x 800)
• 1GB DDR2 533MHz RAM (upgraded to 2GB aftermarket)
• 80GB 4200RPM Toshiba 1.8" HDD
• External D-Port CD-RW/DVD-ROM Optical Drive
• 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Ethernet, and Modem
• 6-Cell 42Whr Battery
• 3-Year Next Business Day At-Home & Gold Technical Support Warranty
• Dimensions: 11.6" W x 8.25" D x 1" H
• Weight: 3.2lbs (with battery, without optical drive)

Brand new, and without my extra warranty upgrade, this configuration of the D430 would cost $1,640 before taxes. With my warranty upgrade, the system would cost about $1,800-$1,900 brand new. Additionally, the single-core D430 is only available in the Large Business section at www.dell.com.

The Small Business section (where consumers can purchase from too!), only the dual core variant is available. A similarly dual-core configured laptop costs about $1,650, so there is virtually no price difference between a U1400 laptop and a U7600 laptop.

I got the single core version because I needed a lower cost machine, and this was the lowest I could get. I purchased the warranty upgrade only to take advantage of the 15% off Latitudes at the Dell Outlet coupon, and paid $883 for the entire package. Not bad for almost 50 percent off!

Dell Inspiron 1525 Review

The old days of bulky, overweight Dell notebooks may be coming to a close in 2008. Today Dell announced their latest addition to the Inspiron family of notebooks, the 15.4-inch Inspiron 1525. We are happy to have a pre-production unit to review, and this sleek successor to the Inspiron 1520 might just surprise you.

Our pre-production Inspiron 1525 is equipped with the following specs:

• 15.4-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) CCFL TrueLife (glossy) screen
• 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo T7250 processor
• 2GB DDR2-667 SDRAM (up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM available)
• 120GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• 8x Dual-layer DVD±RW drive
• Video: Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
• Wireless: Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card
• Mobile Broadband: Dell Wireless integrated mobile broadband mini-cards Sprint and Verizon serice
• Colors: Multiple colors and finishes available
• Media Card: 8-in-1 flash memory reader
• Input and Output Ports: 4 USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA, IEEE 1394a, RJ11, RJ45, 2 headphone, 1 microphone, 1 ExpressCard 54mm slot, 3 mini-card slots, consumer IR, S-Video
• No webcam (optional Integrated 2.0 megapixel webcam available)
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Dimensions: 1.00" - 1.48" (height) x 14.05" (width) x 10.08" (depth)
• Weight: 5.9lbs with 6-cell battery
• Base configuration price: $499
• Price as tested: $1,024 ($874 after instant savings)

Dell Vostro 1700 User Review

The Dell Vostro 1700 is a brand new 17" model business notebook. Like most Dell notebooks, the Vostro 1700 is customizable and it can be configured as either a budget type laptop or powerful desktop replacement.

Specification :

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 1.80GHz
• WXGA+ (1440 x 900)
• 2.0 MP camera
• 2048 MB 667 MHz Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2x1024 MB)
• Hard Drive 160GB Serial ATA (5400RPM) (the only one available at time of order; 7200RPM drives are now also available)
• DVD+/-RW Drive 8x
• Primary 6-cell 56WHz Li-Ion Battery
• 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
• Intel Pro Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g
• Vista Home Premium
• 1 year warranty

Reasons for Buying

Due to the nature of my work I move to different locations every few months so I have been using notebooks for most of my professional career. All models so far have been 14" or 15", however, this time I opted for 17". Though I move often, I do not travel all the time (I fly on average only once a month) so size and weight was not critically important. On the other hand, I use my notebook to watch DVD movies and Internet TV (in fact, I use it in this capacity far more than my TV set and DVD player at home) so a 17" notebook was a good choice for me. In my spare time sometimes I like to play games and, since I like games which are demanding on performance (first person fantasy or shooters), good graphic card was also important.

As I change notebooks often, I do not like to overspend so I set myself a top budget of 1200 euros. Unfortunately for this price the choice of 17" notebooks is limited. Practically it was Dell or HP. All other vendors were either too expensive (like Toshiba or Asus) or did not have the configuration I wanted (like Lenovo or Acer). Eventually I narrowed the choice down to the Dell Inspiron 1720 and the HP Pavilion dv9500t (the Vostro was not yet available when I starting looking for a new laptop). Finally I decided for Dell since for roughly the same price it offered slightly better graphics (Nvidia 8600M GT instead of GS on the HP).

Where and How Purchased

I ordered first the Dell Inspiron 1720 from Dell's Spanish web site only to see a day later the new Vostro line which offered exactly the same specifications but for a lower price, something I did not expect since I thought the Vostro was supposed to be a business model, like the Latitude line. I rang Dell and asked for advice. The sales person told me that, with the exception of the fancy colors on the Inspiron, there is not much difference between the two hardware-wise and it is no problem if I want to cancel the Inspiron order and get the Vostro instead.

The final price, VAT included, was 950.04 euros, a saving of 200 euros over the Inspiron. This price included free shipping and 50 euros off. I ordered it over the phone since Vista Home Premium was not available on Dell's web site for the Vostro line. The sales person was happy to change the default Vista Business edition into Home Premium.

So far, so good. One must admit that less than 1000 euros for a 17" notebook with Core 2 Duo processor and Nvidia graphics is a total bargain. However, not all was good news. It took four working days to process my order, even though I placed the order the day Vostro came out (10 July 2007). First I was told that Dell will refund me the difference from the Inspiron so I do not have to worry about payment. Two days later I was told that this is not possible so I have to make another payment. Eventually I paid by a bank transfer since Dell takes ages to unblock the amount of a cancelled order on a credit card and I did not have enough limit for the Vostro. As soon as I made the payment, that was the last I heard of the sales person. He neither replied to any of my emails nor phone calls.

After several calls to Dell's Customer Service, I managed to have the order processed and got a delivery date of 9 August. Three days before this date I still had not heard anything from Dell and the web tracking showed that my Vostro is still in pre-production. I called Dell only to be told that as far as the system is concerned the delivery date is still OK. But the next day I received an email that the delivery is delayed until September. Very unprofessional of Dell, not to inform the customer earlier of such a delay. Eventually my Vostro arrived on the 22 August.

Dell Latitude D830 User Review

Overview and Introduction

This is a review of the Santa Rosa refresh Dell Latitude D830. First, let’s start with a little background of Dell’s Latitude series.

The Latitude series of laptops is part of Dell’s business line. As business machines, they are more focused on reliability, durability and subtlety (whereas the more consumer-oriented Inspirons tout more powerful media-centric features such as a high-end discrete graphics solution, dedicated media keys, more attractive price points, etc.).

Other series in this lineup include the Precision series (high-powered mobile workstations aimed mostly at high-end graphics professionals, particularly those with the need for 3D rendering) and the newly-released economy-class Vostro series, introduced to replace the now long-in-the-tooth business Inspirons. The Latitude sits squarely in the middle of both lines, providing a balance between high performance and price.

The Latitude comes in a wide variety of flavours, but for most people the choice really lies between the 14.1” 630, and the 830 which is the larger, 15.4” model. This model comes in as a desktop replacement, as its weight isn’t suited to lugging all around town.

The configuration I ended up getting was:

• 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo T7500, 800MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache
• 2GB DDR2-667 SDRAM
• 120GB 5400rpm SATA HDD
• 8X DVD±RW Dual Layer drive
• 15.4” WUXGA screen
• 256MB NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M
• Touchpad with integrated UPEK Fingerprint Reader
• Intel 4965 WLAN (802.11a/g/n)
• 9-cell battery
• Dell Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
• Windows Vista Ultimate with media
• 4-Year Next-Business-Day Parts and Labor On-Site Response Gold Warranty
• 4-Year Accidental Damage Warranty

I also opted for a few accessories:

• Logitech VX Revolution Cordless Mouse
• Belkin Travel Surge Protector
• Extra 90W AC Adapter
• Western Digital Passport 120GB Portable Hard Drive
• Interlink Electronics Bluetooth Remote Control

My total cost came to around $2,700, inclusive of shipping and taxes. This was a little more than I was prepared to spend, but I’ll go into more detail later on.

Reasons for Buying:

The reason I needed NEEDED to buy a new laptop was because my last Windows PC, the Compaq Presario X1000, was in serious need for repair. The hinges and power button action were cracked badly, the hard drive was heating up obscenely and the battery held a charge just longer than it took to hard boil an egg. I was, however, impressed with the high quality of the screen, in particular the high WSXGA+ resolution and the computer’s overall performance. I still had the MacBook Pro, but I wasn’t willing to sacrifice both performance and precious hard drive space on running two operating systems and maintaining project and work files for both OS’ on that same tiny hard drive. I work in advertising and events, and my primary use for the system would be Office 2007 Professional, especially Excel (for my cost estimates and budget controls), Project (for project management, especially critical when running multiple promotions and events at the same time) and PowerPoint (for presentations to clients). As I tend to take on other roles when needed, my computer had to be capable of handling Adobe CS3 (for rendering stage designs, advertising collaterals and other items), Premiere (for Audio-Visual Presentations)

I knew then that I would settle for no less than a 15.4” widescreen laptop with at least WSXGA+ or better resolution – preferring to move up to WUXGA. The system also had to be powerful enough to handle the load of specific software I needed to do my job without buckling or slowing down. Finally, my experience with the X1000’s flimsy plastic parts led me to look for a solid and durable, if not rugged build.

I was initially looking at three manufacturers:

• Dell (on the primary recommendation of my wife, whose experience with them was top-notch),
• Lenovo (First-hand experience with IBM Thinkpads was overall a good experience, not to mention the generally high reputation they enjoy with many people), and
• HP (due to the overall aesthetic appeal and excellent after-sales service here in the Philippines.

On top of these three, I was also reviewing Asus’ latest laptops - in particular the G1. I wasn’t too sold on the look and feel of the current Toshibas, and I certainly didn’t like the “cheap” feeling I got with Acers.

The refresh came just in time for my purchase, actually. I was originally planning to get the Inspiron E1505 based on a recommendation from a friend, who has been a Dell user for a few years. Being from The Philippines (where Dell is neither a prevalent brand nor one with real significant retail market share), it was difficult for me to find and units to personally inspect. Ordinarily I would not have qualms with ordering a notebook I had never seen before, but I was getting worried with reviews of the E1505 being a bit on the chunky side. Thankfully, I found a reseller, CoolToyz, about an hour and a half from my house that would CTO various laptops and resell them in-store. When I found their website, I decided to drop by the store to check out the wide variety of laptops they had on sale. I was honestly not that impressed with the look and feel of the E1505, as it was bulky, felt a bit flimsy (especially the lid) and those white bumpers really rubbed me the wrong way. I had not considered the Latitude until I saw the D820 there, and I definitely liked its look and feel a lot more than the Inspiron, in spite of its subdued, very business-y appearance. Plus it felt like a tank (at least, compared to the 1505). With that experience, I decided the Dell laptop for me would be the Latitude series, in 15.4”.

Another unit they had in the store was the Lenovo Thinkpad Z61t. Now I loved the look and feel of this machine – almost enough to make me switch to the smaller screen size - but its relatively low resolution, lack of discrete graphics and ridiculously tiny touchpad turned me off. It was only when I read of the m and p variations did I start to take this series seriously.

Finally, there were the HP Pavillions in 15.4” and 17” models. Unfortunately, while I like the new look and styles of HP’s entire line of notebooks, their popularity made me reconsider. What good is a stylish notebook (assuming you buy it for that) if everyone and their grade school math teacher’s dog’s got it? Plus the lack of anything higher than WXGA+ on the majority of their notebooks made me scratch them off my list completely.

So that left me with only the Latitude and the Z61 Thinkpads to choose from.

Dell Vostro 1500 User Review

The Dell Vostro 1500 is the small business equivalent of the Inspiron 1520. This computer, starting at less than $600, can be configured with anywhere from a Celeron M540 processor to a much faster Core 2 Duo 7500. Unlike the Inspiron model, an AMD option is unavailable.

Configuration:

• Intel Core 2 Duo T5470 (1.6Ghz)
• 1GB 677Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
• 120G 5400RPM Hard Drive
• nVidia GeForce 8600M GT, 256MB
• 8x DVD Burner with Double Layer capability
• 15.4” widescreen anti-glare screen (1280x800)
• Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)
• Dell Wireless 1505 Mini-Card (Pre-802.11n)
• 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic

Note: Since this machine was purchased, Dell has increased the price of this computer.

Dell Inspiron 1720 Review

The Dell Inspiron 1720 is a 17" desktop replacement targeted towards younger consumers, most of whom are in school. This notebook competes against such notebooks as the HP dv9500t and Toshiba P200/P205. The 1720 offers a wide range of hardware configurations, as well as 8 different color options to be customized exactly as you want it. Processors range from the T5250 all the way up to the T7700, RAM from 1GB to 4GB, HD from 120GB to 500GB (250GB x 2), display resolutions starting at WXGA+ up to WUXGA, and color ranging from jet black to sunshine yellow.

Our review model came with the following options, bringing the price up to $2,438 as configured from a base of $899.

• Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20GHz, 4MB L2, 800MHz FSB)
• Mobile Intel P965 Express Chipset
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (802.11a/g/n)
• 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM (maximum capacity 4GB)
• 320GB Total Space (160GB x 2, option no longer offered at the time of this writing)
• 8x DVD (+/-R double layer) drive
• 17.0" diagonal widescreen TrueLife TFT LCD display at 1920x1200 (WUXGA, Glossy)
• 256MB nVidia GeForce Go 8600M GT
• 2.0 megapixel webcam
• Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
• ExpressCard slot (ExpressCard/34 and Express Card/54)
• 5-in-1 media card reader
• VGA out
• Mic/Headphone connectors
• IEEE-1394 (FireWire)
• Five USB 2.0 ports
• Dimensions (WxDxH Front/H Rear): 15.5" x 11.5" x 1.7"
• Weight: 7.62 Advertised, 8lbs 13.2oz actual w/ 9-cell battery
• 90W (19V x 4.62A) 100-240V AC adapter (1lb 1.4oz)
• 9-cell (85Wh) Lithium Ion battery (1lb 1oz)
• 1-Year Standard Limited Warranty