Overview : Dell Precision M6400- Quad Core

Dell has launched this week their first quad-core mobile workstation - the Precision M6400.

The 17-inch laptop for engineers, designers, and multimedia content creators is configurable with the Intel Core 2 Quad QX9300 processor at 2.53GHz, NVIDIA Quadro FX 2700M 512MB graphics, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, dual hard drives or solid state drives, providing up to 640GB and 128GB of storage in total respectively, and a DVD burner. Options for up to 16GB of RAM, the NVIDIA Quadro FX 3700M 1GB video card, and up to 1TB of storage will be available by the end of the year.

Offered display resolution options are 1440×900 and 1920×1200 pixels. Later, users will be also able to choose 1920×1200 screen with LED backlight and an edge-to-edge LED backlight display (1920×1200).

Connectivity features include 802.11 a/g/n Wireless LAN, Bluetooth 2.1, Ultra-Wideband, mobile broadband, and GPS.

There are also an optional 2MP web camera, two speakers, optional dual array microphones, four USB ports, VGA and Display Port outputs, Firewire and eSATA ports, ExpressCard 54 and PC Card slots, and an 8-in-1 media card reader.

For enhanced security, the Precision M6400 incorporates the Trusted Platform Module 1.2, a Smart Card reader, and optional fingerprint reader.

The mobile workstation has aluminum LCD back and base and a new industrial design. It starts at 8.5 pounds with a standard 9-cell battery.

The Dell Precision M6400 comes with 32-bit or 64-bit Windows Vista preinstalled and has a price of $2,299 for the basic configuration.

Overview: Dell Latitude E4200,4300

Dell’s new ultraportable business-class laptops - the Latitude E4200 and Latitude E4300 - are now available for purchase.


The E4200 features a 12.1-inch display and has a starting weight of 2.2 pounds, while the E4300 includes a 13.3″ screen and starts at 3.3 lbs. The both laptops are based on Intel GS45 Express chipset with the GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics and support for DDR3 memory. The E4200 and E4300 come with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo Ultra-Low Voltage (SU9300, SU9400) and Core 2 Duo normal voltage (SP9300, SP9400) processors respectively.


The smaller notebook model is configurable with a 64GB or 128GB solid state drive, while the larger can be configured with either a 64GB SSD or a traditional hard drive with up to 250GB of storage space.


The Latitude E4200 and E4300 have displays with LED backlight and a resolution of 1280×800 pixels. The E4300 additionally incorporates an optional web camera and a built in optical drive, which are not present in the E4200.


The new ultraportables are sold with various wireless and security options and ship with Windows Vista preinstalled.


The Dell Latitude E4200 starts at $2,048, while the basic E4300 configuration costs $1,749.

Review: Dell Latitude E6400

The basic specifications of 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

Conclusion

The pleasure of looking at the bright and clear LED backlit WXGA+ display offsets the displeasure of having a computer that is not as light as expected. All Dell's information indicates that this computer should be lighter than it actually is. So far, this computer has been a pleasure to use.

The build quality is excellent but Dell really should have found space for some better loudspeakers. The very smooth bottom will make it easier for the computer to launch itself towards the floor. Perhaps that is why Dell is keen on providing the drop-proof storage options.

Pros

• Excellent display (LED backlit WXGA+ option)
• Very rugged build
• Good performance
• Up to about 6 hours light usage with a 6 cell battery
• Cool and quiet, except under heavy load when the fan runs fast
• Easy access to most components

Cons

• Overweight
• Big standard power brick (what happened to the new E series slim 90W PSU?)
• BIOS does not make proper use of the optional slim 65W PSU
• Poor quality audio from the surprisingly small speakers hiding behind those big grilles
• Overweight (yes, I said it twice)
  

Review: Dell Inspiron Mini 9

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)

Conclusion

Dell wants you to believe the Inspiron Mini 9 is "your new best friend." Well, kiddies, the Mini 9 is a fantastic mobile companion that helps you stay connected and makes your life easier without breaking the bank. However, I can't shake the feeling that the Mini 9 is more like "the kid you're friendly with at the lunch table, but isn't your BFF."

Yes, the Mini 9 is a great netbook. Yes, it has a great price. Yes, it will probably sell very, very well for Dell. No, this won't change the world as you know it. The truth is that at least a dozen other manufacturers have released or announced similar netbooks before the new Inspiron Mini 9 arrived. Dell had all the time in the world to develop something that slaughters the competition in a way that only Dell can. Unfortunately, while the Mini 9 is great, it still suffers from a few of the same problems we've seen in other netbooks (heat, annoying glossy plastics, bad keyboard, and a small battery that could have been bigger without sacrificing much size or weight).

Ultimately, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is a fabulous netbook that is sure to end up on many Christmas lists this year ... but it's only "your new best friend" if you're willing to overlook a few flaws.

Pros

• Small and light
• Easy to use
• Very well built and durable
• Responsive Synaptics touchpad
• Easy to upgrade RAM, SSD, and wireless cards
• No noisy cooling fan
• Low price for an ultraportable

Cons

• Gets a little hot
• Glossy plastic lid is a magnet for fingerprints
• No F11 or F12 keys, other function keys in strange location
• 4-cell battery is nice, 6-cell battery would be better

Overview: Dell Precision M4400

Dell has recently launched the Precision M4400, a newly designed 15.4-inch mobile workstation for engineers and digital media content creators.


The Dell Precision M4400 is based on Intel Centrino 2 technology and features the latest Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Extreme processor, the NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M 512MB dedicated video card, up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, up to 320GB of hard drive space or up to 64GB of solid state drive storage, and a built-in optical drive, which can be replaced by a secondary HDD.


The M4400 provides multiple display resolution options: 1280×800, 1440×900 (with LED backlight), and 1920×1200.


The successor of the M4300, enables a choice of various 802.11 wireless modules and a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port, as well as optional 56k modem, mobile broadband connection, and Bluetooth.


Regarding security, the Precision M4400 incorporates an optional fingerprint reader, a Smart Card reader, and the Trusted Platform Module 1.2.


There are also optional web camera and backlit keyboard, DisplayPort and VGA outputs, three USB ports and a shared USB/eSATA port, both ExpressCard and PC Card slots, 5-in-1 media card reader, and Firewire port.


The M4400 starts at 5.92 pounds and runs Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. The latter is required if you want to use more than 3GB of RAM.


The basic Dell Precision M4400 configuration is priced at $1,469.

Overview: Dell Precision M2400

Dell has recently unveiled their new 14.1-inch mobile workstation for engineers and digital media content creators - the Precision M2400 - featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology, Nvidia’s workstation-class graphics, and a new chassis design.


The Dell Precision M2400 comes with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the Nvidia Quadro FX 370M 256MB dedicated video card, up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, up to 320GB of hard drive space or up to 64GB of solid state drive storage, and a built-in optical drive. Optionally, the optical drive can be replaced by a secondary HDD.


The successor of the M2300 has a display with resolution of 1440×900 pixels and LED backlight or 1280×800 pixels with standard CCFL backlight, depending on customers’ choice.


Regarding communications, the Precision M2400 provides various 802.11 wireless options, Gigabit Ethernet LAN, optional 56k modem, optional mobile broadband module, and Bluetooth option.


For enhanced security, the laptop incorporates an optional fingerprint reader, Smart Card reader, and support for the Trusted Platform Module 1.2.


There are also optional web camera and backlit keyboard, DisplayPort and VGA outputs, three USB ports and a shared USB/eSATA port, an ExpressCard slot, 5-in-1 media card reader, and Firewire port.


The M2400 starts at 4.77 pounds and runs Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. The latter is required if you want to use more than 3GB of RAM.


The basic Dell Precision M2400 configuration is priced at $1,349.

Review: DELL INSPIRON 13

Dell Inspiron 13 pursues the Studio series

The all new Dell Inspiron 13 pursues the design course of the new-fangled Studio series, as well as the XPS M1330 and XPS M1530. This smooth looking laptop tenders a slot-loading optical drive, and contrasting most Dell laptops, is sold absolutely by Wal-Mart.


Design

Intend of the Inspiron 13 are extremely analogous to the XPS M1330, but with lustrous or matte black plastic replacing the brushed aluminum or silver decorated surfaces. Following the tendency of many other laptops on the market, it presents a lustrous highlighted screen cover and lots of lustrous surfaces. The palm-rest was missing with a textured plastic exterior that assists to decrease fingerprints, but the negative consequence is that the palm rests gather oils from your hand as an alternative.


Performance

This arrangement is by no means a multimedia powerhouse, sporting the foundation copy Intel Pentium Dual Core processor over the more extensively used Core 2 Duo. This processor presents a slower 533MHz FSB, and a great deal less system cache. That being the container, it still executed estimably. For a laptop that will be beleaguered towards students this presents more than adequate power to knob anything from iTunes to Microsoft Word. While gaming is out of the query that is not what this laptop was proposed for.


The Inspiron 13 tenders a 56Wh 6-cell battery which gives outstanding battery life for a resources oriented laptop. Most of the time with stumpy cost preconfigured units the producer skimps on the series size, and you see 2-3 hours of battery sprint life on a good day.


Overall

Fit and finish is extremely good, leaving you with a laptop that seems pretty solid in your hands. The display cover has a bit of flex with its slim plastic work of art, but it still emerges to guard the screen from stern impacts. Dell could have effortlessly fit an additional USB port, but as an alternative you are missing with one on both side of the laptop.


Pros

+ With a starting price of less than $700, this notebook is intended to be quite popular;
+ Build quality, Spot – on;
+ Good basic performer.
+ Great price
+ Good battery life


Cons

- Flexi plastics;
- Port selection is minimal.
- Only 2 Usb ports


Value For Money

Our Rating

Overview: DELL INSPIRON 910

Dell on a major mind set to take up the prime portion of the laptop sector in the ever growing computer industry, ooh what a product they have summed up. The Dell Inspiron 910 whose Specification details are leaked. Information on the Dell Inspiron 901 has been revealed. Specs on the Dell Inspiron 910 have been leaked is the news that is spreading like wild fire. The Inspiron Mini will sprint on an Atom N270 at 1.6GHz with an incorporated Intel 945 chipset. In adding together, there will be 800MHz DDR2 RAM, 8.9" LCD, 3 USB ports, 0.3/1.3 webcam, 3-in-1 card reader, and a mass of 2.2 lbs. The structure will run either Ubuntu 8.04 or Windows XP, and will be on the loose August 22nd. No word on pricing.

Overview: Dell Latitude E6400

• Screen: 14-inch 1440 x 900 WXGA+ LED Backlit (matte finish)
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.40GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB cache)
• Memory: 1GB DDR2-800 RAM
• Storage: 160GB 5400rpm HDD (Samsung HM160HI)
• Optical Drive: 9.5mm thick PLDS 8A2SDVD+/-RW
• Wireless: Intel 5100 802.11a/b/g/n
• Graphics: Intel X4500HD
• Backlit keyboard
• Express Card
• Built-in 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"
• Weight: Actual weight 2.31kg 5.1 lbs (w/ 6 cell battery)
• WindowsVista Business with XP Pro downgrade

Battery Life

Dell has heavily advertised the 19 hour operation capability of the E6400. OK, that is with a 9-cell main battery and the 12-cell battery slice, but the inference is that 6-cells on the battery should be good for 6 hours.

So far, I haven't been disappointed. See the image below for 89% = 6 hours 68 minutes remaining. Dell also provides a useful power management utility to help with the fine tuning of power consumption.

Overview: Dell Precision M2400, M4400

Dell's two latest Precision Mobile Workstations, the M2400 and M4400, are now available. Both notebooks are based on the latest Intel Centrino 2 mobile platform.

The M4400 has a 15.4-inch display with LED backlighting and WUXGA resolution options. Graphics horsepower is provided by the Nvidia Quadro FX 770M with 512MB of dedicated memory. It currently starts at $1,469.

The M2400 has a 14.1-inch display with LED options. The graphics card is the Nvidia Quadro FX 370M with 256MB of dedicated memory. It currently starts at $1,349.

Overview: Dell's new Vostro Laptops

Dell today introduced two new Vostro notebooks and two Vostro desktops for emerging markets. The new Vostros are aimed for small businesses, governments, and educational institutions.

The Vostro A680 features a 15.6-inch widescreen display, with processor choices including the Intel Celeron and Core 2 Duo. Ubuntu Linux and Windows Vista are offered as operating system choices.

The Vostro A640 features a 14.4-inch widescreen display with a WXGA (1280x800) resolution and anti-glare coating.

Review: Dell Inspiron 13

Dell Inspiron 13 (1318) specifications:

• Screen: 13.3" WXGA TrueLife Glossy
• Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T2390 (1.86GHz, 533FSB, 1MB Cache)
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• Storage: 160GB HDD (5400rpm)
• Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
• Wireless: 802.11b/g
• Graphics: Intel X3100 Integrated Graphics
• Built-in web camera
• Battery: 11.1V 56Wh
• Dimensions: 12.52" x 9.37" x 1"/1.51"
• Weight: 4lbs 13.5oz
• Retail Price: $698

Conclusion

With a sleek design, reasonable specs, and an attractive price the Dell Inspiron 13 is sure to be a popular notebooks this year. While there are certainly more powerful 13-inch notebooks on the market (like the impressive Toshiba Satellite U405 or LG P300) you'll be hard pressed to find a more capable 13-inch notebook at such a low price.

While issues like cheap palm rests and a noisy slot-loading drive won't bother most people, the limit of two USB ports and use of Pentium dual core instead of a Core 2 Duo processor might make some potential customers look elsewhere. In the end, the Inspiron 13 is an attractive, capable budget notebook. If you're looking for a basic mobile companion with good looks and a low price tag then this is probably the right notebook for you.

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Solid build quality
• Acceptable performance
• Good battery life
• Solid keyboard
• Great price

Cons:

• Only two USB ports ... even $300 netbooks have three USB ports
• Pentium dual core processor is a little week
• Keyboard is a little cramped and touchpad is a little small
• Palm rest plastics look cheap and easily pick up skin oils
• Slot-loading drive is a little loud

Overview: Dell Inspiron 1318

Wal-Mart now offers the Dell Inspiron 1318, PC maker’s first 13.3-inch Inspiron laptop model.


Priced at $698, the 1318 features the Intel Pentium Dual Core T2390 processor at 1.86GHz, GMA X3100 integrated graphics, 2GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB hard drive, DVD burner, built-in 2MP web camera, embedded 802.11b/g wireless card, and Ethernet LAN port.


Dell Inspiron 1318 weighs 4.9 pounds and has a Pacific Blue lid. It runs Windows Vista operating system.


Configurable Inspiron 13 notebooks will be available later this month at Dell’s website.

Overview: Dell Inspiron 910

Gizmodo has published leaked details of the upcoming Dell Inspiron 910 low-cost ultraportable notebook, featuring a 8.9-inch display and Intel’s Atom processor.

According to the specifications sheet, the 2.2-pound Inspiron 910 comes with the Atom N270 CPU at 1.6GHz, 512MB or 1GB of RAM, a 4GB, 8GB or 16GB solid state drive, 4-cell battery, and Intel’s integrated graphics. Its display has a resolution of 1024-by-600 pixels.

The netbook, which is also known as Dell Mini Inspiron, sports an 0.3- or 1.3-megapixel web camera, wireless LAN and mobile broadband options, Ethernet LAN, support for Bluetooth, three USB ports, a 3-in-1 media card reader, and VGA output.

The Dell Inspiron 910 is expected to go on sale on August 22nd, Gizmodo says. There is no information on pricing.

Review: Dell Latitude D630

D630 configuration:

• Processor: Intel T7300 Core 2 Duo (2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 4MB Cache)
• Graphics: Intel GMA X3100
• Operating System: Windows Vista Business 32-bit
• Display: WXGA+ 1440 x 900 (matte)
• Hard Drive: 80GB 540RPM
• Memory: 512MB (512MB x 1), up to 4GB max
• Ports:
  • 4 - USB 2.0 (two in the back and two on the right)
  • FireWire (left)
  • Security lock (left)
  • Headphone out & microphone in (left)
  • VGA out (back)
  • 56k modem (back)
  • Gigabit Ethernet (back)
  • Power (back)
  • Serial (back)
• Slots:
  • 1 PC Card Slot
  • Smart Card Slot
  • Docking station
• Optical Drive: DVD +/- RW
• Battery: 9-cell 85WHr
• Security: UPEK fingerprint reader
• Pointing device: Touchpad or Track Stick
• Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) mini Card
• Dell Wireless 360 Bluetooth Vista Module
• USA keyboard
• Dimensions: 13.3" x 9.37" x 1.09 - 1.27" (337mm x 238mm x 27.6 - 32.3mm)
• Weight: 5.1lbs with DVD drive and 6-cell, 5.8lbs with 9-cell, 6.6lbs with AC adaptor and 9-cell
• 3 Year warranty, In-Home Service, International

Total Price As Configured: $1,372

Pros

• Extremely sturdy design and feel
• Amazing security software
• Bright screen
• Great battery life
• Awesome overall performance
• System tends to run cool and quiet
• Excellent customer support
• Practically zero bloatware

Cons

• Somewhat expensive upgrades
• Sound quality
• Contrast ratio could be better
• Not a Lenovo keyboard

Video Review: Dell Vostro 1700

Video Review: Dell XPS M1330

Review: Dell Latitude E6500,

The Dell Latitude E6500, the PC maker’s new 15.4-inch business laptop, is now available.


The Latitude E Series E6500 is based on Intel’s Centrino 2 technology. The notebook comes with a Core 2 Duo processor, up to 8GB of the latest DDR3 memory, up to 250GB of hard drive space or a 64GB solid state drive, and a DVD ROM, Combo drive, or DVD burner. The Intel 4500MHD integrated or the NVIDIA Quadro NVS 160M 256MB dedicated GPU manages its 1280×800 or 1440×900 display. The latter uses LED backlight. In addition, Dell announced that the E6500 will be offered with a 1920×1200 screen later.


Connectivity features include an 802.11 WiFi module with optional support for draft-n standard, and Gigabit Ethernet LAN, as well as optional 56K modem, mobile broadband, and GPS. The product specifications also list Bluetooth and UltraWide Band (UWB), but these options are not available yet.


The laptop has stereo speakers, a keyboard with optional backlight, optionally built-in web camera, Display Port and VGA outputs, both ExpressCard and PC Card slots, a 5-in-1 media card reader, four USB ports, Firewire, and an eSATA port.


Regarding security, the Latitude E6500 incorporates the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2, optional fingerprint reader and full hard drive encryption, and a SmartCard reader.


The E6500 has a magnesium alloy chassis and weighs 5.2 pounds with a 4-cell battery. Dell says users can achieve “up to 19 hours of battery life” with the combination of a 9-cell battery, new high capacity battery slice, and exclusive ControlPoint software.


The notebook, which also features Intel vPro Technology advanced management, runs Windows Vista OS.


The Dell Latitude E6500 starts at $1,169. It can be purchased through the company’s online store.

Review:- Dell Latitude XT

• 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"

Conclusion

The Latitude XT is a solid tablet with a great display. It is very expensive though. Many users complained about the price and Dell says it is targeted toward the business market not consumers. This may be true, but it still seems a bit pricey for the business market as well. The XT can compete with Toshiba's M700 or even Lenovo's X61. Yes, the N-trig, dual touch technology is a huge plus and taking notes and using your finger are almost flawless, but the price is way above its competitors.

The XT comes with a nice array of ports and has plenty of optional accessories. The slice battery gives it all day power and the MediaBase gives you an optical drive and more ports then I could ever use. It seems Dell is already talking about updating the XT by November 2008 as well, so I guess we will see what the XT2 has to offer.

Pros

• Dual touch technology, capacitive touch
• LED backlit display
• Solid keyboard
• Solid pen with pressure sensitive nibs
• Great battery life with slice battery
• Tons of accessory options

Cons

• Dull design, but business like
• Expensive $$$
• Eraser on pen is a button, feels awkward
• Latch doesn't lock lid

Review:- Dell Inspiron 1720

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

onclusion

This Dell 17" laptop is a great performer and extremely well built laptop structurally. It seems to be built well enough to be thrown around in day to day use, and hold up throughout an entire college career. It will roll with the punches, and probably hurt your fist in the process. The only problems I found which don’t relate directly to the function of the laptop are the peeling paint, which should hopefully be worked out as production goes on in the upcoming months. Dell has mentioned paint quality problems with this new design, and how they were working to improve the painting process. Counting out that problem this is a great laptop, and I hope Dell continues on this trend of well built, affordable machines.

Pros:

• Very tough structure and underbody.
• Strong gaming performance with the 8600M GT
• Excellent battery life for a 17" notebook
• Bright and Vivid LCD with excellent viewing angles

Cons:

• Paint defects out of the box
• HD Bay cover has some play, making loud clacking noises
• No plaid paint option ... they offer every other color after all.