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Product summary
This configuration of the Dell Latitude D531 is a 6-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $500.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Specifications: Processor: AMD Mobile Sempron (1.80 GHz); RAM installed: 1.0 GB DDR2 SDRAM; Weight: 6 lbs; See full specs
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Dell Latitude D531 is a 6-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $500.Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Pros: Has a 15.4 screen size, which is somewhat larger than some similarly priced notebooks.By way of comparison, the average cost of a product with this large a screen size is $1,105.Also, this notebook has a plug-in module media bay, which is considerably more favorable than some similarly priced notebooks.By way of comparison, the typical cost of a product with this favorable a media bay is $1,465.The CD-RW/DVD is housed in a modular plug-in drive bay, which is more upgradeable and gives you more options than an integrated drive.
Cons: Only has a mobile sempron processor.This is not out of line with the product's price, but is less efficient than the average notebook on the market today.The Dell Latitude D531 comes with entry-level word processing software if you often create complex documents you will likely need to upgrade to a full-fledged office suite.
Suitability: Suited for those who just need a basic notebook.Enjoy movies while in transit with this notebook's DVD player.You can compile audio CDs with this laptops CD burner.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.
Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money.Generally, given the trade-offs between performance and low price, this item will likely only appeal to serious bargain hunters.
Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Internet more conveniently from any room.(2) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital video camcorders and other equipment to rapidly upload data to the computer hard drive.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Microsoft Windows Vista for laptop computers
In addition to the core functionality of the Vista operating system, Microsoft portioned out extra features into different editions of Vista, aimed at different market segments and at differing price points.
| Feature | Home Basic | Home Premium | Business | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU support | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | One physical CPU, but with multiple cores | Up to two physical CPUs | Up to two physical CPUs |
| Maximum supported RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Windows defender & firewall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Aero desktop experience | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobility center (centralized access to controls often used on portables) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Tablet PC support | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Windows SideShow (display support for a variety of secondary devices) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Extended media and entertainment capabilities (Media center, games,HD, movie- and DVD maker) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Remote desktop connection | Yes | Yes | ||
| Windows Fax and Scan | Yes | Yes | ||
| Sound Schemes, DreamScene (video desktop "wallpaper") | Yes | |||
| BitLocker drive encryption | Yes |
Laptop computer wireless capabilities
| Wireless capability | Description | |
| WiMAX | WiMax is a new wide area wireless Internet service. Think of it like 3G but with enough bandwidth to make it efficient for use at home or a coffee shop across town. If WiMax comes to your area and works as intended, you may be able to consolidate your home and mobile broadband service. | |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth is still optional in most laptops, and so far, it isn't used to its potential. Expect this short-range wireless protocol to become a standard as electronics increasingly interface with each other. | |
| Wi-Fi 802.11 | Pre-N or Draft N is the newest protocol for Wi-Fi home networking. 802.11g is currently the most common protocol and is sufficient for most Web activities, but don't expect it to stream movie files from networked storage. Wi-Fi is backward-compatible so the new, faster protocols will work with older protocols like 802.11a. | |
| Mobile broadband | Like WiMax, mobile broadband is a paid service and the built-in connectivity hardware is carrier specific. |
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RoHS compliant notebook computer
Electronics sold in the EU market that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive have reduced levels of toxic chemicals including lead, mercury, and cadmium.
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Laptop computer memory size
To maximize battery life, notebook computer processors are often designed to save more energy and run cooler than desktop processors. The drawback is slower performance, but more memory can help, which it won't consume energy or radiate heat. Even better, up to 4GB of RAM can now be found in budget configurations. If you want more memory later, expansion is often a simple procedure.
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Notebook computer processors
The central processor (CPU) is the heart of any computer system and an excellent litmus test as to whether a desktop computer or notebook fits your needs. The trouble is, processor names like Athlon and Celeron are as cryptic as system names like Latitude and Pavilion. Here's a quick guide to see which chip is a fit:
| Manufacturer | Processor name | Processing power | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMD | Turion | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Extreme | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Athlon | High | Mainstream |
| Intel | Core 2 Duo | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Sempron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Celeron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Pentium Dual Core | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Netbook |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
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User reviews
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