This is my first hardcore product review on MS. To date I had concentrated mostly on movies, books, travel and general advice topics. This is the first time where I will be reviewing a specific product. So I request members to be brutally honest in their rating and comments. I don’t mind NU & SU, or even comments firing me, as that would help me do better in this area, which I have not explored into so far. In a way it was easy for me to work on as this product is something I use daily. And it’s the same one on which this review is being drafted, yes the Dell Latitude D620 .
Basic Configuration
It uses an Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83 Ghz processor. In layman terms, the processor has a core which does the actual job of processing your instructions. So Intel has come up with a dual core, which improves the speed significantly. For techies, who have to multi task with a lot of applications, this is a very helpful feature, as you could work simultaneously on various programs, without the system hanging up. Even for business people, it enables them to read and compare various documents at a time.
The system comes with a default RAM memory of 1 GB and 80 GB of Hard Disk Memory. You could also configure up to 4GB RAM and 100GB Hard Disk Space, but unless you are doing some highly complex technical work, you would not really need it.
One of the best features of D620 is the clean install of Windows. You load Windows XP, necessary stuff like MS Office and some Dell related Security Apps. You need not face the problem of loading a whole host of junk software which in all probability you would never be using. This also reduces a whole host of useless background processes, which only slow down the speed and consume memory.
Monitor
One of the best feature of D620 is the wide screen display. It comes along with a 14.1” WXGA screen. Put in simple terms you have a much wider screen, where one can open several windows, without making the monitor look like a Japanese metro train at rush hour, with windows crammed together and jostling for space. Also saves you the problem of finding the right window to open.
The screen also comes with an inbuilt light sensor, that can control the brightness. So in a dark room, the screen becomes dimmer, while in a brighter room, the brightness increases. Overall the brightness is fine, though not as much as that of other notebooks.
Look and Feel
Not a very pretty one, this has more of a utilitarian look, unlike the more consumer friendly light grey-white of Dell Inspiron. But even otherwise, Dell doesn’t have the sleek, glam look of the Apple and Sony notebooks. If you want to be seen as cool or impress a female with this laptop, this is not the right choice.
But being targeted more at the business or techie user, for whom looks don’t matter much, it should not be an issue. D620 is quite robust, and well protected by a magnesium alloy case. It is well equipped to handle vibrations and any shocks. If you are the person who has to travel a lot, on the job, this could be one of the best choices. It is protected from all sorts of jerks and can handle a situation where it is dropped accidentally. Dell has an inbuilt StrikeZone technology that can minimize the amount of shock faced by hard drive should you drop your laptop accidentally.
With a weight of around 5.6 lbs, it is not too bulky. Of course while it doesn’t have the sleek lean look of a Think Pad, it can be carried around without feeling like a burden is placed on you.
The keyboard is light on the user, you really don’t have to torture your fingers a lot, and if you are proficient at working on computers, it’s a breeze. However first time users need to be careful, because if you accidentally touch a key, it gets printed, and could be somewhat bewildering. Also unless you are used to the touch pad, moving the mouse pointer could be somewhat difficult.
For people whose fingers don’t exactly dance over the keyboard, there is an option. The notebook comes along with a docking control to which you could attach your mouse and keyboard and use it like a normal PC. Or still you could attach the mouse to the notebook and use it, if you are not too comfortable with the touch pad.
On the Move
For people on the move, this notebook has a huge host of options. Dell seems to have gone all the way in making this wireless friendly. You have the option of configuring **Wi Fi( either Intel or Dell), IrDa or Bluetooth( Dell).
Dell also has the option of configuring wireless broadband where you can chose from the vendor. Also unlike other notebooks, the antenna is configured internally, so you don’t have to walk around with an ugly looking antenna sticking out like a sore thumb.
I have not used this feature extensively, as my job profile is more stationary. But if you are interested in configuring this feature, its better you contact the nearest Dell dealer. D620 also a “Wifi Catcher” where you can search for any Wi Fi networks in your region, and this works even when your notebook is switched off.
Security
Considering the fact that laptops have replaced cars as the no 1 target for crooks, D620 has a number of features which can secure your notebook, should it fall into the wrong hands.
User Authentication is done by Smart Card or BIOS passwords. System authentication is done with a System primary password needed to boot the system. For our company, we had installed Safe Boot. This again depends on what configuration you are looking at. You could also use software like MS Window’s File Encryption to encrypt any confidential data you are having.
Battery: Either 4 cell, 6 cell or 9 cell one**. By default it comes along with 6 cell, which comes for a period of 2h depending on your usage, which is just about decent. Also there is an icon indicating how much battery charge is still left, so you can shut down the system before you start getting warning signals.
Multimedia**: The notebook has a mono sound system, so if you are looking to play some songs with stereo and bass, this is not the one. Generally use it to listen to some favorite songs of mine while working, so its ok for me.
Quite a handy notebook to have for techies, people on the move and business people, for normal users, would still recommend the Dell Inspiron.