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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.
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.
See more Notebook computer RAM products
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Core 2 Extreme Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Turion | High | Mainstream |
| 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 |
| AMD | Athlon Neo | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Netbook |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Netbook |
| Via | Nano | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
See more Notebook processor products
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Dell Latitude is a 5.5-pound, mainstream notebook computer.Compared to other mainstream notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $585.The 14.1 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1280 x 800, which is fairly standard among laptops.Runs on the Intel Core 2 Duo processor.This unit includes a 160GB hard drive and 2.0 GB of memory.
Pros: Has a 2.40 GHz CPU speed, which is somewhat faster than some similarly priced notebooks.In fact, the average cost of a product with this speedy a CPU speed is $1,310.The built in Bluetooth connectivity will let you pair headphones or sync your mobile contacts.An anti-theft security tether can be fastened into the built-in lock slot.
Cons: Has only a 160GB hard drive, which is smaller than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Asus UX50V-RX05, a 5.7-pound notebook at around $650, has a 500GB hard drive.The poor battery performance of this notebook means it has to be recharged more frequently than other laptops in its class.Graphics-intensive applications (such as texture-rich games, DVD playback, and video editing) will hinder performance on a system that relies on shared video RAM.
Suitability: A consumer level notebook, suited for general mobile computing.Comes with a DVD player for watching movies.
Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money.For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of consumer level products with a comparable screen size is considerably more -- in fact around $752.Generally, given the trade-offs between performance and low price, this item will likely only appeal to serious bargain hunters.
Suggestions: (1) To get the most out of this computer's Bluetooth capability, you could have a Bluetooth-enabled headset, handheld or other device, and be able to link it wirelessly to your computer within a range of 20-or-so feet inside the same 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 laptop 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.
Dell Latitude - E5400 Laptop Computer (Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 160GB/2GB):
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