After twelve years of owning desktop computers, I finally opted for a laptop, so I would no longer be chained to my desk. After months of research and weighing various makes and models, I settled on the Dell Inspire 600 m Notebook Computer. This particular model has exceeded all of my expectations and at a price that is hundreds of dollars lower than many competing brands.
For several months, I agonized over my next computer purchase. I knew I needed to be more mobile, and only a notebook computer would permit me to take my “show on the road.” Still, the decision-making process was not easy, as the number of different makes and models out there is mind-boggling. Ultimately, I settled on a Dell in part because of previous good experience with the company as well as the affordability of their product line.
The model I chose was the Inspire 600 m. As with almost everything that Dell builds, it is a “new” model; at least the 600 m designation is. That is one of the confusing things about Dell and some other manufacturers: every month Dell introduces new models, and you need a scorecard to compare one model with all the others. Fortunately, Dell’s website allows you to do just that.
Key features of the Inspire 600 m include:
Lightweight: Just over five pounds.
Mobile Neutrino Technology is standard.
14.1-inch screen
Pentium M 725 Processor
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
256 MB DDR SDRAM 1 DIMM Memory
Wireless Network Card
Extended Battery
Microsoft Windows XP Home Addition
Word Perfect Productivity Pack
I kept my computer fairly basic but, I did opt for the latest version of Norton Security, a surge protected cable, a wireless router, and a wireless mouse. I selected the wireless mouse as I thought the keyboard’s mouse would be difficult to use. After two days, I quit using the wireless mouse as I quickly got used to the built-in one.
The screen is bright, and the keyboard is solid. The mouse keys, however, are noisy, almost clunky; you wonder if Dell could have used a quieter spring for each key.
The battery lasts at least four hours without recharging, and when I do need to recharge, I can go from nearly dead to fully charged in less than one hour.
For the price — I paid just over $1100. For everything, including shipping and local taxes — the Dell cannot be beat. I haven’t had to call customer service yet, so I cannot comment on that, although in years past your call would be routed to a technician in India. This model comes with a standard one-year limited warranty; I avoided a later sales pitch over the phone to get a three-year warranty. Their top of the line warranty sends a technician to your house to fix your computer, so it can be optioned for those of you who do not want to ship — and thereby lose the use of — your computer back to Dell for repairs.
You will find the Inspire 600 m to be adequate for standard business work. Check out their myriad of other models if you do plenty of graphic design or if you need a larger screen. I am happy with the 14.1 screen, but you may prefer their 17″ model.
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