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On October 4 2006, I got myself a Dell Inspiron 640m purchased online from Dell website. What?! Dell Inspiron?! I know it's not a favorable brand for most people, everyone seems to go for Apple Macbook, Sony Vaio or at least an Acer. I was on a tight budget and Dell Inspiron 640m seemed to be the most value-for-money laptop that I could afford.
Before starting the review, let me show you the basic specs of my Dell Inspiron 640m, because there are different specs for the same Inspiron 640m model as Dell constantly refreshes and replaces its specs and system accordingly:
- Intel Core Duo Processor T2050
- 1.60GHz, 2MB Cache, 533 MHz FSB
- 14.1" WXGA TFT Display (1280 x 800 resolution)
- 1024MB (2 x 512MB) DDR2 SDRAM
- 80GB SATA Hard Drive
- Internal 24X Max DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
- Genuine Windows XP Home Edition
- Weight starts from 2.41kg
- Width: 330mm
- Depth: 244mm
- Height: 31.75-38mm
For a price of RM2,999 (US$860), I get a decent laptop incorporated with the enhanced specs and latest technologies. I received the laptop 3 days after the online purchase made. It was wrapped up nicely in a big Dell-branded box. I couldn't resist the excitement, quickly I opened the box, and YES, the laptop that I'd been longing for was finally in front of me. It's visually appealing with its precious silver metal especially the unique white trim on both sides. It feels solid and expensive. When I opened up the laptop, everything looked almost perfect, and the keyboard struck me the most. It's nicely positioned and the keys are not too noisy. Dell has done a very good job on its keyboards, I've used many different brands of keyboard, but I have a special predilection for Dell's, it is a true pleasure and comfort to type on Dell-made keyboard.
Inspiron 640m is indeed not as bulky as most people claim. Although it's a little thick, it's fairly light and very easy to carry around, especially good for those who are always on the run and for those who plan to use it on the plane. It has good multimedia capabilities but what impressed me most was the high-resolution display. It is bright and sharp for video and text. The screen is a widescreen 14.1" with WXGA resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels, which is ideal for watching DVD movies on, supported by its internal 24x Max DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive. Besides the screen quality, what really matters when you watch a movie? The audio, of course. The sound is satisfactory, it's loud and clear enough to watch a movie or listen to your favorite music. However, when you increase the volume a little, it's so obvious that the bass is limited. There's a little trick, use headphones. I got it a nice pair of headphones for less than 10 bucks, and it helps improve the sound dramatically.
Of course there are complaints about the laptop too. First of all, it does not come with Microsoft Office, which I think it is a basic software or system for every home user, I'll need to pay few more hundreds in order to get the software. Secondly, there's no built-in bluetooth module, which I think it's a little outdated, 'cause most laptops nowadays come with a built-in bluetooth device, although I can get an inexpensive external device. Last but not least, the laptop does not support PCMCIA cards! It only has an ExpressCard slot. I didn't know this until I tried few times inserting my 3G data card, a PCMCIA card, and it didn't allow me to, 'cause the sizes are different. I had no choice but to cancel my 3G subscription and to return the data card. However, I don't think I should put the blame on Dell, 'cause ExpressCard is the upgraded version, or 2nd generation of PCMCIA card, meaning that, I'm, in fact, using the latest and updated technology although I need to forgo my 3G. Besides, there's no built-in microphone and there's some glare and reflection when ambient lighting is strong. Nevertheless, these minor complaints are not enough to affect my overall view of this laptop.
I hesitated before purchasing the laptop, however, after using it for 6 months, I think I made the right choice. Overall, Inspiron 640m is indeed a powerful laptop, it somehow manages to provide good portability, pleasurable viewing and high performance, particularly given the price. If you're looking for a mobile entertainment PC at a low cost, but not sacrificing performance, you should consider Dell Inspiron 640m from Dell.
**Update Apr 28, 2009** My beloved Dell Inspiron 640m got stolen on Apr 20, 2009. The daring thief broke into my car and stole it although I parked my car right next to a police station. All of my important documents and files disappeared just like that. My life for the past week has been miresable and meaningless, I had no access to internet and computer while at home, I did it at work. I need a new laptop. I need a new notebook. I need to stand back up. I need to get my life back. The saddest thing is I do not have enough money to buy a new one. Friends suggested me to call for a donation. I need at least US$1400 for the new laptop - HP Pavilion dv6-1103TX. To make my dream come true, I need at least 1400 kindhearted ladies and gentlemen to donate at least $1 each. After purchasing the new laptop, I will also post a thorough review here. So, here's the donation button below. Please consider donating a small amount if you think this review was helpful. It's alright if you don't want to make a donation, but if you do, you complete me. Once again, any amount is appreciated. Have a nice day and take care!
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April 15th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Eh.. I’m thinking of buying a notebook leh.. but no money.. have u seen any under 2k? hmm. dun wan chaplang or 2nd hand 1 wo
.. any idea?
April 15th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Check out Lenovo, bro. It comes with higher specs than Inspiron 640m, although the price is still over 2k, it’s cheaper than Inspiron 640m
April 28th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Hubby was thinking of getting a basic laptop as his one has already konked out. I favour Dell actually but was wondering whether this model comes with built in blue tooth and you just answered my question!!! I hate the inconvenience of external bluetooth as my home desktop has one and they are soooo unreliable and inconvenient.
May 7th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
I’m glad the review helps. Cheers.
June 16th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Hi.
Very useful resource. THE BEST. I liked your site.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
July 20th, 2007 at 12:45 am
My doctor told me that notebooks in general are not good for my back pain since the screen is too low. If I lift the notebook, the keyboard will be too high and uncomfortable. Does anyone know if I can just plug in an extra USB keyboard to an Inspiron 640m??
tks for your help. Roberto, Santiago, Chile
Chris: Hi Roberto, sorry to hear about your back pain. And yes, there are USB keyboards available for Inspiron 640m. You may check out these keyboards that I found at this link here . Hope this helps.
August 9th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
We purchased a Dell Inspiron 640m January 2007. Keys on the keyboard popped off twice and twice the keyboard has had to be replaced. Next some of the keys would not press down firmly enough and the keyboard had to be replaced again.
Next, the power cord was defective and the computer battery would drain even thought it was plugged in.
Now there is a crack on the screen and we have massive dead pixels. I realize it appears that this computer was damaged - stepped on or something dropped on it. However, this computer has been very well protected and taken care of. To repair this problem will take $500.
Bottom line: I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DELL PRODUCT - EVER —- BUYER BEWARE
I have been using computers since the early early days, and I have never seen so many problems.
Chris: Sorry to hear about that, why didn’t you return it and get a replacement?
October 5th, 2007 at 5:22 am
I feel the purchase of my Dell Inspiron 640m was worst decision in my life. Yes within a short span of one year i faced problem in the keyboard and replaced once and next time i was quated a amount of Rs.600+1400(for service engineer charge).
Poor customer service
I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DELL PRODUCT - EVER - BUYER BEWARE
I have been using computers since the early early days, and I have never seen so many problems.
Chris: I’m not sure what happened to yours, maybe yours was the only unlucky defect, sorry to hear that though. I’ve been using my 640m for more than a year now, so far so good, I love it.
October 14th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
I have been using my 640m for about a year now as a feild technician and have had not a single problem with it. It has seen extreme direct sunlight from my laptop mount in my van, vibration from driving, moving from the front of the van to the back, and so forth. Never a problem. I’m not afraid to use the keyboard or constantly open and close the screen. I find this laptop the best and most reliable I have ever used. Excellent battery life, quick to boot or recover from hibernation, it is awesome. This laptop is also my GPS navigation on a daily basis using the Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 and it works without any hiccups at all. I highly recommend this for the business person or travelling technician. AAAAA+++++
Chris: Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Dell Inspiron 640m, the laptop is simply awesome, it’s definitely value for money.
January 19th, 2008 at 11:52 am
My Inspiron 640m experience: 3 replacements of top cover and hinges. Plastics are really bad quality and scratches are a pain. Buttons on touch pad came loose in about a year. 1 replacement of the charger.
Now, with no warranty, i have a loose hinge, loose buttons, scratch top cover, and the mark of my hand in the plastic right next to the touch pad because of the bad quality of the silver paint, laptop.
Dell was highly recommended for old users (3 years ago laptops), but now the quality of the manufacturing is terrible, compared with same price laptops.
I will never buy a dell again.
Greetings from Chile
Jose
February 6th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I’ve been using a 640m for over a year now. For the most part it’s been pretty good experience except for a few little problems. The hinge in my LCD was busted a few months after I purchased my laptop, but with my warranty I just sent it to Dell and they put a whole new LCD on it. Now my left mouse button is broken so I’m using a laser/usb mouse but I can’t always use that where I am. I’m hoping to send it back to Dell to get it fixed again when I can spare it. Despite these few problems the laptop is pretty good and Dell has good customer care.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I’ve been using my Dell 640 for almost two years now. I was smart and bought the Complete Care Warr. I have dropped it and smashed the screen. Was sent to Dell in Ontario on Friday and returned back to me fixed in New Brunswick on Tuesday. No charge of course. I am so happy with Dell I purchased another Dell laptop for my wife, 17 inch screen though. The comments about the loose hinges, takes five mins to take apart and tighten, drop a little glue on the screw and good to go. Never coming loose again. Never had a problem with the keyboard. Did have my mouse button break, called Dell and they sent me the palm rest and i fixed it myself, sent the bad one back to them. Same as the power cord, cause of my kids using it and resting it against thier legs it cracked the cable. Called Dell, they sent a new one and I sent the old back. The complete care warranty is a must. 3 years for $299…not bad at all. All in all…..Dell is the best.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Had by Inspiron 640m for well over 2.5 years now and it’s been brilliant. Only 1 single dead pixel (hardly ever notice it- only when screen is black on a DVD). Contrary to the review and comments, the 640M does have a socket underneath to install a small cheap internal Bluetooth card (approx £10 on ebay). No need to upgrade this laptop for a long time yet !
March 13th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
HI I’ve had my 640M now for almost 2 years. I’m about to install my third palmrest/keypad because the left mouse button has again collapsed. Despite this weakness I’d still rate Dell as a good value. I use the laptop 4 to 6 hours a day and carry it everywhere. The unit works well in extreme heat, travels well and is fairly inexpensive to replace parts (1 screen (coffee), two keyboards (fingernail under keys) and now 2 touch pads (bad design). It beats the heck out of the poorly engineered hp unit before it but isn’t as robust as the thinkpads that proceeded the hp.
March 18th, 2009 at 1:06 am
I was interested in Lyles June 11th 2008 note about loose hinges on his laptop. I have a 640m and the left hand hinge has become loose. I would like to know how Lyle fixed his hinges.
Many thanks
Mike
March 18th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Hey Mike. You have to remove the battery in the back and take out the screws under the battery. Then use a flat screw driver or knife and remove the plastic piece running across the top of the laptop. Where the power button is. Takes a little coaxing but will come up. There are just clips holding it in. May have to pry a litte near the hinges in the back, and then lay the screen flat. Should pop off. Once you get this off the four screws, two each side are there. Take the screws out, use a dab of glue and screw them back in. Hope this works for you.
On another note Dell has just replaced my 640 with a new 1420 because of electrical problems. Thank god for the warranty again. No charge at all to me
April 7th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Lyle: I need your help but I don’t understand. My hinge has come apart to the point where the lid won’t fully close. “Battery at the back” ? The battery is at the front of the computer away from the hinges. Which plastic piece is removed ? The silver one enclosing the power switch near the hinges or the white one which is around the top of the computer ?
April 7th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Dennis, what computer do you have? The battery is on the bottom of the computer. The plastic piece that you remove is the silver one with the power button
April 7th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Dennis take a look at this, this is what has to be removed. http://tinyurl.com/ddh4ga
April 7th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Thanks for the reply Lyle. I have the Inspiron 6400. Yes the battery is on the bottom towards what I would call the front of the case. Maybe we are confusing each other there a bit with terminology. You say there are screws in the battery compartment to be removed so that the silver plastic between the keyboard and the screen can be removed ? That sounded odd to me because the battery area is not below the plastic piece to be removed, so maybe you were speaking of a different model. As I close the screen down, the two halves of the screen separate near the right hinge (above power socket), and the frame of the screen rubs against the white plastic under the hinge. I am surprised some of this plastic hasn’t cracked yet, so I am very careful with it. Otherwise the computer is very good. Thanks for your help. Dennis
April 8th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Where can I get a replacement part for my left mouse button? Inspiron 640M, which I have been most happy with until year 3 - mouse button, battery and power cord all need replaced. Mine is broken completely - and it hinders my use of the left mouse button. I was able to open both buttons from the top of the computer with a small knife. It’s not the hinge that is broken, it’s another piece.
Thanks.
April 8th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
See the same website link that was suggested to me by Lyle above. They have many replacement parts set out in groups for the most common problem areas.
April 8th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Dell also sells this piece i believe. It is called the “Palm Rest” Its not just the mouse button. It is the whole top piece with mouse button attached. I think it runs around $25
April 12th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I have a 640m, it was great value when i bought it, however the quality is not there, they are shells adapted for a range of products to suit the consumer on a custom level, whilst in theory this isnt a bad thing (lower costs, suitable machine), the shell feels clunky, the problems i’ve had in the year and a half of ownership are the mouse button (left) has collapsed, that happened after about the 3rd month, it still works so i never fixed it, the usb port at the back broke it now restarts my computer if I plug anything into it, The LCD has horrible light distribution, while being very sharp and clear the light inside it makes my eyes strain, theres a line of about 100 pixels to the right of the screen which are confused, they change colour but they are never displaying detail, other than that it’s continued to press on despite my various uses and abuses. If I was to get any Laptop today it would be sony followed by Asus and then Lenovo. HP/compaq are nice, but they are gimmicky in the fashion department, good machines though.
April 29th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Sorry to hear about your loss, I understand how awful the feeling is, I got mine stolen too a year back. Hope my 20 bucks help. Good luck in finding another 1380 people. May your wish come true asap.
Chris: Thank you so much, Sarah. $1380 more to go.