Dell D630

The Latitude D630 is Dell’s latest update to the D620, a light-weight business class machine. The Dell D630 comes with the very anticipated Santa Rosa platform but is visually the same as its predecessor. The machine starts at $899 (as of this writing) and most upgrades are reasonably priced.

Processor: Intel T7300 Core 2 Duo (2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Graphics: Intel GMA X3100
Operating System: Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Display: WXGA+ 1440 x 900 (matte)
Hard Drive: 80GB 540RPM
Memory: 512MB (512MB x 1), up to 4GB max
Ports:
4 - USB 2.0 (two in the back and two on the right)
FireWire (left)
Security lock (left)
Headphone out & microphone in (left)
VGA out (back)
56k modem (back)
Gigabit Ethernet (back)
Power (back)
Serial (back)
Slots:
1 PC Card Slot
Smart Card Slot
Docking station
Optical Drive: DVD +/- RW
Battery: 9-cell 85WHr
Security: UPEK fingerprint reader
Pointing device: Touchpad or Track Stick
Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) mini Card
Dell Wireless 360 Bluetooth Vista Module
USA keyboard
Dimensions: 13.3" x 9.37" x 1.09 - 1.27" (337mm x 238mm x 27.6 - 32.3mm)
Weight: 5.1lbs with DVD drive and 6-cell, 5.8lbs with 9-cell, 6.6lbs with AC adaptor and 9-cell
3 Year warranty, In-Home Service, International
Total Price As Configured: $1,372
Some of you are probably wondering as to why I chose so little RAM and a rather small hard drive. Like I said, most upgrades are reasonably priced. I purchased 2GB from Newegg for $80, Dell’s upgrade would have been $200.
Reasons for buying
I’m a college student majoring in International Business and IT. My previous machine, a HP dv4000 with the 12-cell monster-sized battery, was far too heavy (nearly 9 pounds with the AC adaptor) for me to carry in my backpack for 6 consecutive hours. I also travel quite a bit to visit family in Spain and need something to keep me occupied on the 12-hour (or more) plane trip.
First Impression
I was surprised at how little there was in the box. Aside from the laptop and the charger, it only came with the OS, Roxio Creator 9, and application discs. The manual itself is rather useless. In fact, I would not even consider it a manual ... it's more like a caution and legal guide. I had to guess my way into getting started and it was frustrating because I have not used Vista until purchasing the D630. I’m still stumbling with it.
The entire box ... minus the box. (view large image)
Build and Design:
This thing feels like a tank and is extremely sturdy. The hinges on the machine are stiff but not difficult to open and the screen will not wobble. There is no flexing of the screen and you truly have to try to press the back to see ripples. When closed, a small, shiny hinge holds the screen locked. The top and bottom of the machine are made of magnesium. I still wouldn’t recommend dropping the machine in order to test if the material is durable.
The speakers are (I think) inside the laptop because I saw no openings for them. The battery sticks out in the front rather than the back. You are also able to add another battery to the DVD bay or replace the drive with something updated down the road. It is very simple to replace the drive in case something happens.
I do have one complaint: I frequently use my USB slots and I dislike having the other two ports in the back. I prefer them on the side. The USB slots are also a bit stiff. Sometimes you have to try to jam the connector into the slot.
Layout
You will find most of the ports either on the left or the back of the laptop.