Dell 600M VS Latitude D600

JMoore

Senior member
Oct 22, 2004
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Im trying to choose between the Dell Inspiron 600M and the Dell Latitude D600. I understand they have the same intermal components, but I heard the casing is much stronger with the D600. The D600 I want will be about 300 more (I have a coupon for the 600m), but thats not a big consideration because if it came down to it, I think I'd rather have a computer I'm happy with. The question is is there that big of a diffrence between the two models? I'd appreciate any insight you guys can offer. Thx.

Edit: Also what RPM HDD would you reccomend. Do the 7200 RPm drives run too hot, and are they even worth the extra heat?
 

Tseng

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
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The D600 is the commercial model. Gerenally speaking, it should be better than 600m (consumer model). My feeling toward D600 is quite good. Robust quality, simple design, I will recommend it.

As for the 7200rpm HD, definitely worth the extra cost. And it doesn't generate to much heat compare with 4200rpm HD. A must have for people after performance.
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,074
5
71
My GF used to service these laptops at her last coop. She claimed latitudes had a problem with the mouse pointer nipple causing the mouse pointer on screen to go wacko. Does that still exist or is that a thing of the past?
 

BornStar

Diamond Member
Oct 30, 2001
4,052
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The 600m and the D600 are manufactured by two different OEMs. The D600 is supposedly made by the same OEM that manufactures IBM laptops (that's not a bad thing) while the 600m is made by a lower quality OEM. I use a 600m which I'm very happy with except for a battery problem that has come up recently.

7200rpm hard drives are not available directly from Dell for the D600 or 600m at this point. If you want a 7200rpm drive you have to step up to the 8600 or D800.
 

600m

Banned
Dec 23, 2004
80
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0
I own a D600 and a 600m. The D600 is the business model and the 600m is the consumer model. You hear all sorts of theories about which is built better and so on. In my opinion, the 600m is the better quality notebook. It's the same weight but the 600m feels more solid than the D600. The keyboard and mousepad buttons are quieter and have a better "feel". The area over the hard drive where you normally rest your left palm is warmer on the D600. Last time I checked you could only get XGA resolution on the D600. That's sufficient for many people but I prefer SXGA on the 600m. Overall, the 600m impresses me more and if I had to choose, I'd definitely go with the 600m.
 

kayatai

Member
Jul 10, 2003
146
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I believe the 600m can have up to 64mb video ram and the d600 can only have 32mb video ram, but my info may be old.
 

jvarszegi

Senior member
Aug 9, 2004
721
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Originally posted by: kayatai
I believe the 600m can have up to 64mb video ram and the d600 can only have 32mb video ram, but my info may be old.

I think you're right, and I think they both have MR 9000 cards. For this and the other reasons quoted, I'd go with the 600m. I've handled one, and the case is very stiff.
 

halfadder

Golden Member
Dec 5, 2004
1,190
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Can the graphics be updated in either the 600M or D600? They currently only seem to be available with Mobility Radeon 9000 via AGP 4x.

Is there a way to upgrade to MR 9700? And is there a real performance difference between MR 9000 and MR 9200?
 

DJ-phYre

Golden Member
Dec 27, 2004
1,064
3
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My girlfriend recently got a 600M, and my Dad works for the School Board and has a 600D....

From what I have played with I like the 600D much better. It does seem to have a stronger build, as far as the internal components I am not sure...

The 600D also has the option of a Dell Docking Station, which is what my Dad uses between work and home...
 

AnyMal

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
15,780
0
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Well, I just got 600m for Christmas and my initial impression is so-so. Build quality is on par with all other mainstream laptops, such as HP, Compaq etc... But it's no ThinkPad by any means. Unless you're dead set on Dell, I'd go with IBM.
 

kayatai

Member
Jul 10, 2003
146
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Dell usually lists all removable (ie upgradable parts)
http://support.dell.com/suppor...en&s=dhs&cs=19

Unfortunately (and I have checked before) the graphics part of the system board and you will have to change the system board to change the graphics. The only 2 flavors of graphics available for the 600m are the 32mb and 64mb versions of the ATI9000 graphics, to my knowledge.
 

stateofbeasley

Senior member
Jan 26, 2004
519
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There are a lot of people at school who have either a D600 or 600m. They look and feel like they have the same base, but the D600 has a magnesium alloy LCD case and the 600m has a plastic LCD case. D600's LCD case seems a lot stronger. People with 600m's have the outline of the Dell aviator logo imprinted on their LCD screens after a year and a half. Its not that noticeable but some might find it annoying.

300m's seem to get these wierd bright spots on their LCDs that make a goofy smiley face on them.