Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
After much research I thought I had settled on a Latitude, namely the D830. I was unfortunately disappointed by the recent information that came to light regarding the GPU options on this particular model Originally, the higher end NVS 140M was assumed to be the 8400M GT, but we now know this to not be the case. In fact, according to Nvidia's own fact sheet, the NVS 135M and NVS 140M are identical to each other and to the 8400M GS. Aside from the dedicated memory differences between these two card options on the D830, there appears to be nothing differentiating them.
Because of this I have now moved to the new Inspiron 1420 or D630 as my next serious considerations. I likely won't be particularly mobile with my computer so I originally assumed a 15.4" notebook would be just right. The new 1520 appears to be far too bulky though and with the 8600M GT I'd be moving beyond my price range.
Currently, my best configuration on a 1420 lands me right under $1200 for these specs:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Jet Black
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 14.1 inch display (1440x900)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 8400M GS
120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Genuine Windows® Vista Home Premium Edition
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Integrated High Definition Audio
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Integrated 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
53Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
3 Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor - Next Business Day
McAfee anti-virus 15-months
There aren't any particularly good specials on the D630 currently, and prices and configuration options are better through small business than the EPP department (where the above came from). And as it stands now, for almost identical specs, I believe the D630 commands an approximate $200 premium over the 1420. Unless someone can show otherwise, that is.
It has also been more or less confirmed that the new Inspiron line is much better built and has a magnesium alloy construction - at least for the top of the notebook. This brings it closer in line to the benefits of the Latitudes. However, there are some particulars I would like to clarify about the 1420 and ask for some feedback on.
1) In perusing various pics and specs on the new 1420 I was surprised to find there are no latches for the screen. Is this a similar feature as on the XPS M1330 - a solid hinge that keeps the screen shut tight without any latches or magnets?
2) Unlike on the 1520 and 1720, the media control buttons on the 1420 do not reside on the front button portion of the case, but instead are arranged above the keyboard. Do these include all the same media buttons found on the other 2 models?
3) I am hoping the speakers are of the same quality found on its bigger brothers, the 1520 and 1720, though unlike these two, the 1420's speakers are above the media buttons, above the keyboard. How will this affect sound quality since they are pointed up? Then again, the 1520 and 1720 have speakers that oddly point downward at your lap (i.e. crotch).
4) According to specs, the 1420 is a bit heavier than the D630, but will the latter outperform the former in terms of battery life (with the same battery)?
Any feedback would be great.
PS
If anyone has a better deal on any of these potential choices of mine, please do post!
Thanks!
Concerning the new Inspiron 1420 and other options
Discussion in 'Dell' started by Rowen, Jul 2, 2007.
