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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
Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards
If you want a new gaming system then you probably want one of the newest video cards installed. Or maybe you only need enough graphics power to run your favorite game published three years ago. Series numbers get confusing so try comparing graphics adapters by the DirectX version supported in the firmware.
If you only need a multi-display solution then look into a workstation adapter.
| Manufacturer | Series | DirectX version | Launch | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATi | Radeon HD 4000 series | 10.1 | 2009 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 3000 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 2000 series | 10 | 2007 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 9000 series | 9 | 2002 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 8000 series | 8.1 | 2001 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 9 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 8 series | 10 | 2006 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 7 series | 9 | 2005 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | FireGL | varies | Workstations | |
| nVidia | Quadro | varies | Workstations | |
See more Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards products
CNET product brief
Description: This configuration of the Dell Latitude E6500 is a 5.1-pound, thin-and-light notebook computer.Compared to other thin-and-light notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $890.The 15.4 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1440 x 900, which is better than most notebooks.Powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo CPU.This unit includes a 250GB hard drive and 2.0 GB of RAM.Features nVidia quadro NVS graphics with 256MB of video memory.
Pros: Has a 2.40 GHz CPU speed, which is faster than some similarly priced notebooks.By way of comparison, the typical cost of a product with this fast a CPU speed is $1,310.The External Serial ATA port (ESATA) will transfer data to an external hard drive much faster than USB 2.0.An anti-theft security tether can be fastened into the built-in lock slot.
Cons: The poor battery performance of this laptop means it has to be recharged more frequently than other notebooks in its class.
Suitability: Suited for those who want a balance between power and portability.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.Travel with your own digital entertainment center ? this notebook comes with a DVD player.With 256MB of dedicated video RAM, this machine will do a lot better than most other notebooks when it comes to multimedia applications and games.
Value: Given its very inexpensive price, this notebook has good features for the money.For example, when it comes to screen size, the average price of thin-and-light products with a comparable screen size is quite a bit more -- right around $1,140.
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 Web more conveniently from any room.(2) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital videocameras 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.
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