Dell Latitude D630 Review Discussion

Dell does post their hardware service manuals on their fancy support website:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latd630/en/index.htm

From here, select "Manuals", then click "Select model".

 

If you're a beginner you're not going to know what to do. That guide is very very vague.

 

Their service manual for my Inspiron did help me remove the keyboard so I could clean all the crumbs out. I guess I wasn't quite a beginner though. In any case, Sirius, I agree, your guide is better.

 

People are starting to blow things out of proportion in the Dell forum regarding the 'difficulty' of installing ram. The main issue was the ram wasn't seated right. Which isn't the D620's fault, cuz all sodimms install into the slot the same way.

A bunch of other laptops have one ram module under the keyboard and for any of them it would be hard the first time to access. After you do it once it's a breeze. The most scary part with the D6x0 the first time is probably the hinge cover since you don't know that you can bend it a lot without breaking it.

Sirius_GTO's guide is really good, you can add that u don't even need to remove the keyboard, just flip it over and put it on the palmrest; the ram, WLAN, and WWAN are all still accessible that way.

 

I seriously was not expecting it to be so blown out of proportion. After I learned how to install the first stick, it was cakewalk to do the rest. On the review, I also benchmarked the machine with .5, 1, 1.5, and 2GB of RAM. Obviously, to get those numbers, I had to replace a stick several times.

Folks, its like riding a bike, after falling a few times, you never forget.

 

Good review.

After reading the comments, I just wanted to say that since the D630 has dual-channel RAM, it's recommended to use memory modules that are "matching pairs" (same capacity, speed, and chip/side number). For example, to upgrade from a 512 MB stick to 2 GB, it's better to install 1 GB in each slot than to just add 2 GB to the open one. (Do others agree?)

Also, has anyone tried the 6-cell battery in the D630? If so, how much wireless time could I expect from this?

Thanks.

 

If you have 512 MB and you buy a 2 GB stick, you'll have 2.5 GB. Yeah, it's less likely to run in dual-channel this way, but I'd rather have 2.5 GB single-channel than 2 GB dual-channel. But it depends on the application. Some things will perform better in one configuration and other things in the other. I think generally, RAM amount is much more important than RAM speed. Accessing the disk takes around 100 times as long as accessing RAM, so if more RAM prevents disk swapping, then it's worth it, and the RAM speed isn't that important.

If the question is about a 1x2gb configuration vs. 2x1gb, yeah 2x1gb is probably faster but the 1x2gb is more expandable... so there's a tradeoff.

Right now though, 2gb sticks of RAM are fairly expensive, so if you're upgrading to 2gb it's probably more economical to buy 2x1gb sticks, but that's just based on current pricing.

 

It's not less likely, it simply will not run in dual channel mode.

Also note that integrated graphics use shared memory. So there is more demand for memory bandwidth than on a desktop with dedicated graphics and dedicated graphics memory. I wouldn't recommend single channel memory, unless you absolutely need more than 2GB of RAM and can't afford 2x2GB.

 

I tried the 6 cell last night to test how long it took to drain the battery. A bit over 4 hours installing Norton Internet Security, running an internet search engine on WIFI, and running back and forth between Word 2007 and Adobe Standard 8.0. I was pretty amazed. Looks like I didn't need that 2nd 6 cell I bought!

QUESTION: How does one replace the DVD drive with a battery??? Judging from their respective shapes and sizes, I don't see how it can work, and Dell's (nonexistent) documentation doesn't say anything about it! Thanks!

P.S. Nice screen on mine. I have the Inspiron E1705/9400, and that sucker is very bright, but REALLY washed out... Dell's screens seem to be a hit or miss proposition. My HP TX1000 has an awesome screen at only 12 inches (as did my two previous HP lappers).

 

They sell a different battery for the media bay. I'm sure it's shaped differently.

 

Yeah, I said "less likely" because of this:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=30282

"I've read reports of people using sticks of different sizes (but identical speeds) in those Centrino notebooks and still running their memory in dual channel mode, but you may want to play it safe and go for two matching sticks."​

I have no idea if there's any truth to that rumor or not.

I guess it will use some more bandwidth. I would still expect the 2.5 gb single-channel to outperform 2gb dual-channel in most situations, since hard-drive access would likely be reduced, but I would have to test both configurations to see. I'm not sure I'd really be able to tell the difference though.

 

Those reports of people using sticks of different sizes are probably coming from desktop users, where you can place four sticks. Some mainboards allow 1x1GB + 2x512MB to run in dual channel mode. There might be notebooks with room for four sticks, but you would still need an equal amount of memory for each channel.

 

Yeah. I lined out a 630 and a 61 configured to almost identical specs, within $12 of one another. Despite better warranty, battery life (w/flush fit battery), and better/faster delivery- that was what ultimately what kept me loyal to the tp this time around. I didn't know or care any different b/f getting spoiled to it, now the keyboard is the one place I couldn't handle a downgrade. I am glad to see the trackpoint there though. They just really need to add a middle scrolling button.


Thanks for the review btw. Well done.

 

Review is very well done. Glad we found it. Have 2 questions.

Understand the D630 comes with a Microphone Jack but does the laptop have an integrated microphone also?

Dell’s website says to choose either the 14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA or WXGA+ LCD Panel but doesn’t refer to Matt and Gloss.

Would like to have a Matt finish on the Screen – is it available?

Thank you,

Skid

 

Both screen options are matte on this model.

 

There is a built-in mic, it is above the Home key.

The screen only comes in the matte. Even so, it is very good for everyday use.

 

Question - how does the D630/D830 screens stack up to the Thinkpad. Looking at the WXGA+ options here

 

I love the look of the Latitide notebooks

I'd assume Thinkpad screens are better. The build is in general, better.

 

I Have my D630 a little over a week now and have compared it to a mates T61... I Prefer the T61 keyboard,the D630 has a brighter and in mine and my friends opinion it provides a slightly better contrast...i recieved the laptop 6 working days after placing my order-impressed with dell on this front.I ordered it with 512 ram and upgraded with a second 512 stick,dell had placed the original module in the easily accessed bottom panel meaning i had to remove keyboard etc to access the free slot,lazyness on their part i think...while replacing the ram i noticed the small button cell battery was not connected to the motherboard in my machine-not sure what its purpose is but from the pictures posted in sirius' guide i could see his battery was connected....what is the purpose of the button cells???

 

what is the button cells? can you describe it a little better? What do you mean "i could see his battery was connected"?

what do you mean, "the small button cell battery was not connected to the motherboard"?

sorry, I'm just trying to have a better understanding before I answer your question.

If you're referring to the button on the battery with the 5 little dots next to it, than that is a battery meter.

When your notebook is turned off, press that button and it should light up green. 5 green dots means it's 100 percent charged or so. 4 green dots means 80 percent, 3 green dots means 60 percent and so on.

I hope that was what you were talking about.

 

Sorry about the vagueness!this is what i was rambling about...
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m193/david7536/coincellbattery.jpg

1) battery cable connector

2) coin-cell battery

3) plastic mylar

It was disconnected on my laptop,i assume it is supposed to be connected??

It appears to be in your memory upgrade guide,just interested to know its
function

 

I'm on my phone for the weekend. When I get internet connection that can download the pictures, I'll try to give a better response. Sorry!

right now I'm tethering on my Blackberry and getting speeds 10X worse than dial up :shy:

 

I believe he may be talking about a CMOS battery but I'm not certain. It's not a terribly clear picture.

 

It does look like a CMOS battery... if you didn't already put it back in, you should - it backs up your BIOS in case your computer runs out of power. Or is that only for older computers? Either way, a loose battery isn't a good thing to have...

btw, nice review! I'm kind of regretting getting my E1505N now...

 

thanks guys,plugged it in anyway and nothing has blown up yet!! i wonder why it was left unplugged ....Forgot to say-very good review and very good laptop

 

Thanks, Swarmer! I hope their site is correct ... they state that the D610 bay battery is compatible with the D630, rather than the D620 bay battery. Will report back this week on performance.

 

Hmmm I'd think the D620 would be closer to the D630 considering they use the same chassis.

 

I received the battery today, and the puter recognizes it; it is indeed the D610 ... I don't get it ... Let's see how it performs. Here's the link to the battery (there's a different one "D Family Battery" for the 620): http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=312-0069

My system was shipped sans the media bay locking screw. After I went on chat with them, they sent me two separate screws, neither of which is the correct one, so waiting on that ...

Their customer service response has been fast, but not very accurate on this one ... we'll see.

 

Oh man. Your review just helped my peace of mind so much...

I just got my E1505N today... and I upgraded its crappy 512 MB memory to a happy 2 GB. I boot my system - and ZOMGZ! it tells me my memory is messed up! I immediately thought of your review and how it seemed your memory was busted, but actually wasn't... if I hadn't read it I might still be freaking out and reseating my memory

Thanks and I think I've already said great review... but I'll say it again. You almost made me return my E1505 and get a Latitude

 

I'm going to be buying this laptop, because it's Quinnipiac University's laptop of choice (I'll be going there in August).

My question is whether or not I should upgrade to 3.0GB? I'll be using Windows Vista Business. I'll be using iTunes, Microsoft Office, and things like that. I probably won't be using anything too intensive. But, 3.0GB just makes me feel better. I would buy the 2.0GB, 2 DIMM and then I would replace one of the 1.0GB memory sticks with a 2.0GB stick (I'll sell the 1.0GB stick). Dell sells a 2GB stick for $255.99:

Logical Type: 256x64
Speed: PC2-5300/ 667MHz
Description: Non-ECC, Unbuffered
Package Type: DDR2 200-PIN SODIMM

That seems very pricey. Is it even worth it to get 3.0GB or should 2.0GB be just fine?

 

How much is the Quinnipiac offer their D630 for? And what does it include? Thanks, I'm interested in knowing.

 

Don't buy the 2gb stick from Dell. You can get one on newegg.com for half the price... or look in the Deals forum on this site.

 

Quinnipiac is offering the laptop for $1498 and it includes:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.00GHz) 4M L2 Cache, 800MHz Dual Core
14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA LCD Panel
2.0GB, DDR2-667 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
Internal English Keyboard
Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
80GB Hard Drive, 9.5MM, 7200RPM
Standard Touchpad
No Floppy Drive
Genuine Windows Vista™ Business, with media
65W A/C Adapter
8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio and Cyberlink Power DVD™
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Dual-Band Mini Card
Resource DVD - Contains Diagnostics and Drivers for Vista
6 Cell Primary Battery
4 Year Limited Warranty plus 4 Year NBD On-site Service and CompleteCare

http://premier.dell.com/portal/standardconfig.aspx?c=US&l=en&s=eep&cs=RC962077

I'm not sure if you can buy it unless you're an incoming student.

About the memory, I wasn't going to buy the 2GB stick from Dell. I'm just wondering if it's even worth it to look for a better price.

Could you possibly point me to comparable memory?

 

Taylor - refer here to RAM deals:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=121363&highlight=HOT+RAM

 

Thanks! I'm thinking of buying the Crucial 2GB stick.

 

So is it better to just buy a 1GB stick in one slot from DELL and then buy a second 1GB elsewhere then?

 

So the D630 has the better screen and better battery? Which one display colors more accurately? I do photoshop, so this is important for me.

I'm leaning more and more towards the D630, if it has a better battery and screen... Unless the 1420 is just as good. What areas is the T61 better for me in terms of graphic design?

 

I was seriously considering getting a lenovo t61 for law school, but i've been hearing so many good things about the latitude d630...

Is there anything *bad* someone who owns it has to say (other than "the keyboard isn't as good as lenovo", which is as far as I can tell is a lame criticism).

 

Aside from the poor-quality speakers, the machine has been pretty good so far. It stood multiple bombardments of x-rays (I'm in Europe now) and a miserable 24 hour trip. At the dimmest setting (the plane completely shut off the lights for people to sleep through the 9-hour flight, no sense in wasting battery), the battery lasted some 6+ hours.

 

I have just aquired a Latitude D620, not sure the difference of the D630 but they appear the same. I like the machine so far except for the GPU. I use a 3D CAD software, Solidworks, and I want to run it on this machine. I would love to put a nVidia Quadro FX 1500M into it but am unsure if it is possible. I have read that some GPUs will, and some will not. Can this GPU work with this unit or is there a comparable GPU that will? You help and optinion would be greatly appreciated.

 

Can you guys help me please!

I just received my D630 through Quinnipiac yesterday and I fell in love with it. I just have one problem. Everytime I shut the cover, after a while it "goes to sleep" I guess, and no matter what I hit, I cannot wake it up. I have to hold the power button until it turns off.

This makes no sense. Does someone know how to wake it up, or how to make it NOT fall asleep? please help!

 

Dude, go to your power settings, click "change what happens when you close the lid", then select "nothing". That's all.

 

Hey, I'm going too Quinnipiac too as a freshman.

What is the configuration of your computer, specifically?

 

nice review love the battery life but no body would believe it on my inspiron 1501 3:30 hours with a 4 cell full blast baby

 

Frost, was the size of the d630 convenient enough to use on the plane? I'm trying to decide between the d630 and the Sony SZ, mainly because of the sony's smaller screen and the fact it would make it easier flying.

TIA

Shraga

 

If I have a 2GB memory stick and a 1GB memory stick in the computer, will I still able to utilize dual channel to the fullest?

 

If a Dell Latitude D630 is ordered with “1.0GB, DDR2-667 SDRAM, 1 DIMM [add $29]” will the laptop have the 1 Dimm of RAM pre-installed under the keyboard or on the underside of the laptop?

We are thinking - if this configuration of RAM comes preinstalled under the Keyboard we could handle the much easier undercarriage update of RAM later on?

We are planning to order the laptop with Windows XP and 1.0GB of RAM should do what I want but would like the possibility of an easy upgrade a year or two down the road.

Thank you,

Skid Marks

 

under the keyboard

 

I find it a nice size for travel, but if you really want the 13.3" LED screen, why not go with the Dell XPS1330?