Great Deals on Dell Laptops w/ Win7
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 XFR D630 is a 9-pound, durable notebook computer.Compared to other durable notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $3,470.The 14.1 widescreen has a native resolution of 1280 x 800, which is fairly standard among laptops.Built around the Intel Core 2 Duo processor.This configuration comes with a 120GB hard disk drive and 1.0 GB of RAM.
Pros: Has a 14.1 screen size, which is considerably larger than some similarly priced notebooks.The built-in fingerprint reader will speed up the log in process while adding a strong layer of data protection.This laptop boasts a SmartMedia card slot, making it easy to swap digital pics, music clips, and other files with various handheld devices.An anti-theft security tether can be fastened into the built-in lock slot.
Cons: Has a 9-pound weight, which is somewhat heavier than some similarly priced notebooks.For example, the Panasonic ToughBook U1, at around $3, 240, has only a 2.2-pound weight.Also, this notebook has only a 120GB hard drive.This is not out of line with the product's price, but is smaller than the average notebook on the market today.Graphics-intensive applications (such as texture-rich games, DVD playback, and video editing) will hinder performance on a system that relies on shared video memory.
Suitability: A rugged notebook, suited for for industrial use.The sturdy frame and other features are part of this system's rugged design which make it more suitable for outdoor or industrial settings.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled laptop.The excellent battery performance will keep your laptop running longer without plugging in.Enjoy movies while in transit with this laptop's DVD player.
Value: In general, this notebook's features seem very weak for its price, compared to most other notebooks.
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 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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