This review is about the Dell Inspiron 600m laptop computer. It may not currently be available from Dell, however it can be there for sale in the second hand market. It is a Centrino laptop of the “Thin and Light” series weighing 2.4 kg with the DVD/CD-RW drive. It differs from other laptops by having a good graphic card, the ATI Mobility Radeon 9000, instead of the usual integrated graphics. This allows you to play a lot of games on the laptop.
The laptop weighs only 2.4 kg with the DVD/CD-RW drive in the bay. The battery is specified to last upto 4 hours and 30 minutes but for practical use, it is around 3 hours. You can definitely watch a movie with a fully charged battery without recharging.
There are two versions of the 600m – one having 32MB graphics memory and the other having 64MB. The latter has better graphics (gaming) performance than the 32MB version due to doubling of the bus width and frame buffer. The graphics card is notable because most laptops come with integrated graphics which is simply not good enough for most games. It is an ideal laptop for the casual gamer.
Now, let’s have an in-depth look at the system. If there is anything notable I have written against the specifications.
Processor
The laptop comes with an Intel Pentium-M processor. Processor speeds are from 1.3 GHz to 2.0 GHz. It comes with a 1.4 GHz processor by default. A 1.4 GHz Pentium-M performs equivalent of a 2.2 Ghz Pentium-IV desktop processor due to better design.
Memory
The laptop has 2 DIMM slots and supports a maximum of 2GB RAM. Dell provides 2 x 128MB by default. You may need to specify that you require 512MB of RAM as the default amount is a little less for current use. Initial versions of this laptop supported 266 MHz DDR RAM. Current versions support 333 MHz DDR RAM.
Graphics
ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 32MB VRAM (default) OR
ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 64MB VRAM
Here is where this laptop scores above all integrated graphics laptops. The graphics card has pixel shader 1.4 and vertex shader 1.1 (DirectX 8 Hardware support). Although this is not much compared to the current desktops, it allows you to play medium to high-end games. Do note that once you choose from the above two options, you would be stuck with it. It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade the graphics.
Operating System
Dell 600m comes with Windows XP Home as a default. Upgrade to Windows XP Professional is available.
Display
Display size is 14.1 inches diagonally. The optimum resolution is 1024 x 768 pixels. The display is good and does not have any defects. It is viewable in most directions, except from downwards when watching movies from a distance. The solution is just tilting the display downwards.
Storage
The laptop comes with one 30GB, 4200 rpm hard drive by default. Options for 40GB and 60GB hard disks are available. These include hard disks with 5400 rpm.
The computer also comes with a DVD reader and CD writer-reader combo drive by default.
There is no floppy drive. Dell provides a 64MB USB key for transfer of files.
Input
The keyboard has a good tactile feel, easy keys and has a good palm rest compared to the size of the laptop.
Touchpad with 2 buttons is available. The touchpad buttons are very flimsy initially. While this doesn’t pose a problem using it, it lacks a tactile feel.
Body
It is well finished with a moonlight silver and blue colours. Looks professional. The height is small as expected in a Thin and Light laptop. A laptop bag is provided.
Modem and Network
Built-in 56K V.92 modem
Built-in 10/100 LAN Card
Built-in WiFi 802.11b supporting data rates upto 11 Mbps.
Battery
Dell provides a 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery which can stand upto a maximum of 4.5 hours depending on usage. In normal use, it stands usage of 3.5 hours.
Ports
1 Serial
1 Parallel
2 USB
1 Infrared Port
1 VGA Connector
1 TV-Out (cable not provided)
1 LAN
1 Phone line jack (phone cable provided)
1 PC Card Slot
1 Smart Card Reader Slot
1 Headphone Jack
1 Stereo Out
1 Power jack (Dell adaptor provided)
It has almost all the ports you expect. Drawbacks include the USB ports being too nearby and there being only 2 USB ports. The laptop does not have any Bluetooth connectivity.
Speakers
Built-in Stereo speakers - The sound quality is fair.
Support
Support is excellent. It comes with 1 year warranty which is extendable. All Dell computers come with some level of lifetime support.
Security
Allows use of standard laptop locks (not provided).
Pros
Has a good graphics card
Wifi Connectivity
Light Weight - 2.4 kg
Cons
The laptop does heat up on gaming (a problem with the initial versions released before May/June 2004).
Graphics card cannot be upgraded as it is soldered onto the motherboard.
Conclusion
The Dell 600m is the excellent choice for a frequent traveller or student who wants a balance between power and mobility.
It is also a good choice for a casual gamer. The graphics card gives this laptop an edge over others.