D630 -- Few questions need answered by 9 PM CST

1) Will I void the 3-year warranty if I remove the back of the laptop and add more RAM?

2) Could someone please compare how long the 6-cell lasts to how long the 9-cell lasts? I've found tons of reviews discussing 9-cell but none mention 6-cell. I know the 9-cell is only $29 more, but the fact that it sticks out bugs me/makes me worry I could somehow break it (this is my first laptop, so I may just be being silly here).

3) What's the difference between these 2 Lojack options?
ComputracePlus- 3 Year [add $97]
AbsoluteTrack- 3 Year [add $52]

4) Graphics card: I’m not a big fan of integrated graphics, but I’m not buying this primarily for gaming. What are the pros and cons of the 2 options available? Does the dedicated card take more battery/memory? Is it really that superior to the integrated one?

Thanks!

 

1) Probably not but call Dell.

2) Its not clear cut but I've seen 30-40% increase in battery life

4) Please read http://www.mamboat.com/laptops/2006/09/05/graphics-chipset-integrated-vs-dedicated/

 

1) I asked the same question and got a no. Apparently you can even remove the keyboard to get to the other stick and not void the warranty, as they're "user upgradable parts." Still, make sure you know what you're doing.

2) The 9-cell would last 40-50% longer than the 6-cell.

3) No idea.

4) The dedicated card drains the battery more (I think it's about a 20-minute difference on the 6-cell, but don't quote me), but it has it's own memory; the integrated card borrows from the system memory. If you're not doing any serious gaming or using any CAD-type programs, I don't think you'll notice much difference, so the integrated card would probably be the way to go. Keep in mind that you CANNOT upgrade it later, however.

 

Thanks guys... Just thought of two more question... is the screen Matte by default? And how do I get Dell to send me the Windows CD, so that I can do a clean install when I get it and get rid of all the crapware?

 

3. that's a waste of money. unless you are really scared that someone is going to steal your laptop and you want a locator chip in it. i'd say dont get it.

not sure if it's matte, you'd have to either call and ask, or do some research.


as to your last question, it should ship with a windows vista anytime upgrade cd. i'm not sure though. even if it did, i'm not exactly sure on how to reinstall without having to re-activate your os. and the recovery disks that come w/ dell come with crapware, i think.

 

D630 is matte only; they don't put much crapware on the Latitudes (maybe the Google toolbar but that's about it); and they should include the Windows and drivers discs if you select the version of the OS "with media" and select the "resource CD" later on (on the last page I think).