inspiron 640m | Review Column

Tag Archive | "inspiron 640m"

Tags: dell, dell inspiron, dell inspiron 640m, gadget review, inspiron 640m

Dell Inspiron 640m

Posted on 14 April 2007

ReviewColumn's rating:
4 stars

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.

Click here to buy the latest Dell Inspiron laptop
Rate this laptop, give us your rating:
1 Star 2 Stars 3 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars (7 votes, average: 3.57 out of 5)
Loading ...