Notebook Dell Latitude D630 Review

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:
o 4 - USB 2.0 (two in the back and two on the right)
o FireWire (left)
o Security lock (left)
o Headphone out & microphone in (left)
o VGA out (back)
o 56k modem (back)
o Gigabit Ethernet (back)
o Power (back)
o Serial (back)
* Slots:
o 1 PC Card Slot
o Smart Card Slot
o 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.

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.