It's Dell-ightful, It's Dell-icious . . . It's the Dell Latitude D610 PC Notebook!
Written: Oct 26 '05 (Updated Aug 15 '06)
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Pros: Lightweight, high-capacity, great for business use
Cons: Keyboard isn't very ergonomic, small screen
The Bottom Line: If you can take the time to learn what you want, or can communicate it to a good friend, I strongly recommend customizing the Latitude D610.
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| meagandowney's Full Review: Dell Latitude D610 (D610SAPP) PC Notebook |
UPDATE
This model may have been affected by the infamous Sony battery recall. Not all Latitude D610 notebooks were affected, but you should check your battery according to the instructions at the recall website below.
https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/Default.aspx
As of August 15, 2006, questions regarding the recall were being taken at 1-866-342-0011.
Defective batteries from Sony have exploded due to metal shavings in the casing. If your laptop has a recalled battery, Dell will send you a new one along with a prepaid mailing box to send back the defective battery.
And now, on to the review . . .
I love buying computers from Dell, mostly because of the fun fun fun customization process that makes spending $2,000 far more empowering and special than picking something prepackaged out and getting your credit card swiped. This is my 3rd time ordering a PC from Dell, but my first notebook. This was my 2nd business purchase and I selected it for someone in a leadership position who would use it every day.
Our needs included:
Lightweight Mobility
Increased Security to Protect Sensitive Data
Dock-ability
ExpressCharge Expedited Battery Charging
Capacity for Everyday Business Use
Oh yeah. . .and it had to be Silver too.
My choices were between the Latitude and the more modestly priced Inspirion, and Dell does a nice job of comparing and contrasting the two on their website. Essentially, business users should just foot the bill and get the Latitude. The Inspirion is for the penny wise and pound foolish consumer. I'm pound foolish here and there, but never with computers. Basically, if you can't afford the Latitude, you're better off getting a refurbished Latitude from Dell and skipping the Inspirion all together.
Here's what the Latitude has that the Inspirion doesn't: specifically designed for business use, a battery that charges up quickly, cross-model compatibility for sharing peripherals between systems, docking units that support external or dual monitors, and support for several of the last few versions of Windows (2000 - XP) for companies that don't want to be forced to upgrade their operating systems every time Bill Gates sneezes.
Here's what the Insperion has that the Latitude doesn't: a 17 inch screen (the Latitude has a 14.1" screen).
Again, I can't say enough about customizing your order. Take the time to learn a little bit more about computers and what you'll need. Dell provides good descriptions of its different desktops and PCs, but you will still need to think about how much memory and processing speed you'll need, not to mention security. Dell offers LOJACK for notebooks, which I invested in, as well as locks and other peripherals. Security should be a concern when purchasing your mobile workstation and without learning enough to take advantage of the customization feature, you'll end up feeling nickel and dimed by the purchase as you continue to add bits and pieces along the way.
Here's some of what I ordered with any relevant notes:
Pentium M 740 (1.73GHz) 14.1 XGA, ATI MOBILITY RADEON X300 (upgrade from what Dell offers in basic Latitude)
1.0GB, Double Data Rate 2-533 SDRAM, 2 Dimm
80GB Hard Drive 9.5MM
(for business, I don't get less than 80GB any more, though I don't have any external hard drives either)
Windows XP Professional, SP2 with media
(I'd much prefer 2000, but it wasn't an option)
65W AC Adapter for Latitude D-Family
24X CDRW/DVD w/ Sonic Digital Media and Cyberlink PowerDVD
(with no floppy drive, it's especially important that you get the RW CD drive)
Dell Two Piece Stereo Speaker System Intel PRO/Wireless
(I had minimal expectations for the Latitude sound, but it's actually quite good - the speakers are a bonus for high quality presentations and music at our upcoming Open House)
2915 Lead- free WLAN(802.11a/b/g) miniPCICard for Latitude D410/510P/ 610/810, 4-Cell Primary Battery
(as opposed to 6 cell)
NTFS File System
Type 3 Contract - Next Business Day Parts and Labor On-Site Response, Initial Year
Type 3 Contract - Next Business Day Parts and Labor On-Site Response, 2 Year Extended
CompleteCare Accidental DamageSvc, Lat, 3Yr
(these three items will depend on your liability insurance coverage and other factors)
128MB Dell USB 2.0, Memory KeyLatitude Notebooks, Factory Tied
(The more mobile you become, the more mobile you'll want to be - a memory key is great for printing and file sharing without docking on a network. Also great for students buying mobile PC's)
D/Dock,Docking Station for Latitude D-Family,Factory Tied (Easily manageable by people who don't want to have to hook and unhook the laptop every day)
65W additional AC Adapter for Latitude D400/505/600 X300, Factory Tied (You never know when you'll need this baby. Where were you the last time you COULD NOT BELIEVE you forgot your battery? Your car? Your vacation home? Chip in for the extra and save yourself the headache.)
So, while the base Latitude D610 runs about $1,100, be prepared to pay nearly double that if you want security, on-site support and accident coverage, wireless internet capability, a faster processor and increased memory. In addition, I purchased a Kensington wireless optical mouse which I highly recommend with any compatible PC Notebook. The laptop touchpad and blue mini-mouse in the center of the keyboard is very responsive and easy to use. Of course, the laptop keyboard is far more annoying than if you were using a regular desktop workstation. Your accuracy won't be quite as good and even when docked, my guess is that the PC's are still not very ergonomic. I type relatively fast and hard and I like a keyboard that's spread out a bit more than the Latitude PC Notebook. You can very simply dock it and plug another keyboard in for day-to-day use.
The other issue is screen resolution. Again, most professionals will simply purchase an external monitor and keep the laptop closed while docking, but after using a high quality desktop monitor for graphic design for so long, the 14.1" screen seemed really low resolution to me. This screen would probably not satisfy gamers and business professionals using this on a daily basis as their main screen.
Dell customized and shipped the Latitude D610 within 4 business days even though we weren't expecting it for another week. Customer service was fine. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I'm not quite sure how to say this, but several of the Dell representatives I've spoken with have very thick accents and sound like they're talking from about 2 feet away from the phone. This gets frustrating when you're exchanging email addresses, model numbers, tax-exempt information and shipping options. The mail your shopping cart feature helped in purchasing the Latitude and my representative was very articulate. Hard to hear, but articulate.
The Official Product Specs
Processors
Intel Pentium M Processor 770 (2.13GHz, 2MB L2)
Intel Pentium M Processor 750 (1.86GHz, 2MB L2)
Intel Pentium M Processor 740 (1.73GHz, 2MB L2)
Operating Systems
Genuine Windows XP Professional
Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
Memory
Up to 2048MB using 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM
2 user accessible memory sockets on system board Mobile Intel® 915GM Express Chipset w/ Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (up to 128MB shared)
Mobile Intel® 915PM Express Chipset w/ ATI MOBILITYTM RADEON® X300 with 64MB DDR video memory
Video type: 128-bit hardware accelerated
Display
SXGA maximum resolution of 1400x1050 pixels, 16.7 million colors (The D610 graphics chipset supports up to 1600x1200 pixels with external monitor, 16.7 million colors)
XGA maximum resolution of 1024x768 pixels, 16.7 million colors (The D610 graphics chipset supports up to 1600x1200 pixels with external monitor, 16.7 million colors)
Easy-to-see 14.1" XGA and SXGA active matrix (TFT) displays
Security
Passwords
- Primary system password
- Administrator password
- Hard disk drive password
Cable Lock Slot: Lock slot to secure system and docking solutions
Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.1b: Integrated security device on the system board that will hold computer generated keys for encryption.
Integrated Smart Card reader: Provides strong industry standard two-factor user authentication (when used with a smart card and applicable software)
-Cards supported: ISO 7816 1/2/3/4 microprocessor
cards (T=0, T=1), 3v & 5v, Java Card;
-Reader certification: WHQL certified for Microsoft
PC/SC, EMV Level 1, 9600 to 115200 BPS
Optional : Smart Card Security Software
- OtaniumSuiteTM Pro
- OtaniumSuiteTM PKI
Optional : TPM Security Software
- Wave Systems Embassy Trust Suite
Other
Strike ZoneTM shock absorber helps protect the hard drive - and your data - from the rough reality of mobility, whether the system is on or off
Tough Tri-MetalTM Chassis - the strength of magnesium, aluminum and steel in a lightweight package that delivers enhanced rigidity and protection for sensitive internal components
Dell's ExpressChargeTM technology optimizes battery charge time, allowing you to recharge batteries in about an hour
Undock & GoTM provides a seamless transition to wireless networking and productivity with just one click of the conveniently placed undock request button, via your D/Port Advanced Port Replicator, D/Dock Expansion Station or D-Family Monitor Stand
Integrated Smart Card Reader with TPM Security Chip for creating and storing onboard encryption keys
D-Family commonality. Common docking, batteries, AC adapters and media modules provide great flexibility while minimizing costs
My absolute favorite part of the Dell Latitude D610 PC Notebook is it's lightness (under 5.5 lbs.!) and capability. I was very pleased, and have had no issues with the operating system or other parts and peripherals ordered. Overall, a terrific product!
©2005 Meagan Downey
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2100
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: 701-800
Screen Size: 14 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): Over 50
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Member: Meagan Downey
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