Dell Inspiron, First Thoughts i6k (i6000)

The long awaited Sonoma/Alviso Centrino laptop has arrived. Considering a majority of my work relates to medical imaging, simple image manipulation, power point presentations, surfing the net and watching the occassional movie, I did not deem it necessary to purchase a computer with a dedicated video card.

As you have read my saga regarding the HP DV1000, I didn't feel that the WXGA resolution was fitting the bill.

I opted for the WUXGA monitor. I was a bit hesitant ordering a computer without brightview considering everything new being released on the market has some variant thereof.

Firsthand thoughts about the computer:

Monitor: Excellent resolution. I want to thank everyone who suggested to me that the higher resolution would suit me. The screen is bright and has a matted finish. Text is crisp. Medical images from CTs and MRIs are crisp. I cannot attest to DVD quality since I have yet to test that. However, up to this point, I am pleased.

Sound: I would say for now, although I have yet to rigorously test various music, the sound is average for a laptop. Two speakers appropriately positioned towards the user, the sound is good but is not great.

Wireless: Set up was easy. Excellent reception here. Especially from my 3 neighbors. Is it bad to "surf with their access?" Ha Ha

Software: Typical general bundle with free trials from Netzero or the optional 6 month membership from AOL or Earthlink. I can't say I need it since I have a cable modem from Comcast.

Keyboard: Nice feel and soft touch. I am not a fan of the positioning of the Insert, Home, Page Up, Page Down, Delete and End Keys (upper right hand corner). I like how the multimedia controls are situated proximal to the keypad as opposed to other systems where it is situated just under the screen. The multimedia controls light up when you push a key which is useful when fumbling in the dark.

Touch pad: I like the vertical and horizontal controls. My opinion is that they should have used textured controls. The response and feel of the touchpad is nice. I don't appreciate the feel of the "mouse keys": they have a clicky feel with an annoying sound. I am resorting to double tapping the touchpad to avoid that.

Annoyances: As reviewed by Laptop Magazine this month, they had commented on a noisy optical drive. I have to say that this sound is now worse than the average laptop. What takes some getting used to for me is the clicking sound that I hear occassionally from the harddrive (the hard drive light comes on concurrently). I have never experienced something like that. The fan noise is a low hum and neglible. Overall I feel it is a quiet machine.

Battery life: 9 Cell battery with Wifi on, screen brightness on full, settings on the laptop optimized as recommended under the Hardware section of this website and battery setting to laptop, I am getting close to 4 hours. Well will see how this plays out in the coming week.

Weight: I would have to say that this weighs about 7 lbs give or take a few ounces.

Styling: I have to agree with abaxter on the white trim. Too "artsy" for me and detracts from the otherwise simplistic styling. The appearance is very nice and they have built a fairly solid machine. Manipulating the screen does not create the flex that I have done with many of the laptops at Best Buy and Compusa. The finish of the cover and surface of the laptop is a matt silver and resists moisture from sweaty typing hands LOL.

Customer Service: With the aggressive pricing for President's Day, I ending up paying more last week. I proceeded to call Dell to request an adjustment which was painlessly accomplished. I opted for the extra 9 cell battery rather than get the refunded difference. The battery is on its way to me.

Durability: More to follow after I try to drop it from 3.5 feet. The typical distance of my desk at home when my daughter struggles to pull the computer away from me.

Performance: I am not one to run benchmarks. I have to say its performance with the basic office programs, internet browsers (Firefox), and imaging programs (medical, Adobe Photoshop) run well.

Can anyone suggest how to keep the disk drive clicks to a minimum?

Impression: For a budget minded person looking for a capable machine, this is getting and keeping my attention thus far.

"It's Doctor Evil. I didn't go to Evil Medical School for 6 years to be called Mister." (Dr. Evil, Austin Powers 1997)

Dell Inspiron 6000
1.6 GHZ Centrino (Sonoma)
WUXGA 15.4" WS
512 MB RAM
60 GB HD
Wireless B/G
DVD/CD-RW
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Still looking for a case....
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Palmone Tungsten C/WIFI: The most convenient way to surf the internet .

titaniummd Notebook Deity

titaniummd Notebook Deity