M6600 and M4600 are coming in Feb.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/02/20110208-17051690-dell-img4078.jpg

Looks like Precisions still have ExpressCard slot.

 

We can't be entirely sure, since they're not out yet, but you shouldn't have too many issues replacing memory. You'll probably need to remove the keyboard to get to 2 of the slots, though. As well, you will probably be looking at 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMMs, since those are the "standard" notebook format these days, which means yes, you should probably be looking at the "Laptop Memory" section on Newegg.

 

As stated above, there shouldn't be any issues replacing RAM, unless you mess something up.

And of course Dell's warranty will not cover that RAM, you will need to deal with the manufacturer of whomever you choose to buy from.

 

Thank you. I build my own PC's but perusing a couple service manuals for the XPS has me feeling a bit uncomfortable with the process. (You have to remove the top panel to replace the HD.) I'll make sure to get the spec's right on the supported memory.

I hope I won't have to remove the keyboard. But I feel I don't have a choice, at the moment Dell wants $735 for 16 GB of ram which is just whack.

 

That was not necessary on the 6400 or the 6500, and I don't see the design of the 6600 being significantly different, so my guess is you can access the memory slots from the back panel just as for the models before.

 

uhm.... I know for a fact that the M6500 had two you could get to UNDER it but 2 where under the keyboard.

 

You mean the PCMCIA slot, right?

 

PCMCIA was phased out like...5 years ago. My Vostro 1500 from 2007 has Expresscard..

There were 2 different motherboards for the M6500, one with 2 or 4 RAM slots.

 

The Dell 6400 has two DIMMs accessible from the small panel under the laptop. To access the other two DIMMs you need to remove the keyboard (not very difficult really... it just sounds difficult).

 

Well, that is the point, isn't it? Some are content with items and some have concerns due to various issues here and there. It depends on how you type/rest your arms/hands. I type arms down, hands flexed up. Others type arms up hands flexed down to a varying degree (which for me is uncomfortable). There is no, one way everyone types (like a previous poster posted a link to an Ergonomic entry which was invalid since everyone has their own nuances/style/comfort zone when using a computer) Just like I don't read one review/feedback. I read as many as possible since each user experience is different and lets me really absorb many perspectives.

It isn't the thickness per se (I don't mind a thick, healthy laptop), but the thickness along with the corners and no tapering/angle to offset the resting of my arms. It the corners were rounded or not so sharp it wouldn't be an issue.

Obviously the chassis type of the M6400/M6500/M6600 and now the M4600 works for many, but for anyone who angles/rests their arms/wrists/hands anywhere near the corner(s) they may encounter a very unpleasant contact and having talked to a few engineers and doing google searches, you will see I'm not alone in noting the unpleasant sharp corners.