Difference between Dell Inspiron 6000 and 8600??

[skuba]

Besides the number of USB ports (4 on the 6000 model), I don't see any important difference between Dell models Inspiron 6000 and Inspiron 8600.
They can be both configured with Pentium M, both have 15.4 wide screens.

Do you guys know if there is any major difference?

Thanks a lot

 

[Accord99]

-Styling and the 6000 is a bit lighter
-6000 uses 915-based chipset, so it can support 533MHz FSB Dothans
-6000 requires DDR2 memory
-6000 currently only has the option for the integrated Intel GMA 900 graphics

 

[skuba]

-6000 requires DDR2 memory

What would that mean? Just that if I buy a second memory will have to be DDR2, right?
DDR2 is faster than DDR, right?

6000 currently only has the option for the integrated Intel GMA 900 graphics

I guess this has changed. I just customized a 6000 with 128MB radeon card.

Any other difference?

so, 6000 seems superior than 8600, right?

Thanks a lot

 

[roguerower]

Anyone know how good the Intel graphics are?

 

[abc]

dont worry, they have now released a 6000D, which has either a 64, or 128MB I believe, ATI card...

 

[Accord99]

Originally posted by: skuba

-6000 requires DDR2 memory

What would that mean? Just that if I buy a second memory will have to be DDR2, right?
DDR2 is faster than DDR, right?

Yeah, you would need to look for DDR2 SO-DIMMs only. Crucial has a pretty nice memory configuration tool that will display compatible modules for different Dell models. DDR2 has some advantages and disadvantages, but it should offer a small performance and power saving benefits.

6000 currently only has the option for the integrated Intel GMA 900 graphics

I guess this has changed. I just customized a 6000 with 128MB radeon card.

That's good the hear. It should be quite a bit faster than the Intel option, and should be competitive with slower Radeon 9600s.

Any other difference?

so, 6000 seems superior than 8600, right?

Thanks a lot

I think those are the main differences, I would probably go for the 6000 unless you're a gamer and want better performance.

 

[skuba]

I think those are the main differences, I would probably go for the 6000 unless you're a gamer and want better performance.

I am not a gamer, but why would the 8600 offer better performance, if I can get a 128 video card with the 6000, same CPU, and same amount of memory? Plus doesn't the 6000 come with faster better CPU - Dothan????

 

[Accord99]

Originally posted by: skuba
I am not a gamer, but why would the 8600 offer better performance, if I can get a 128 video card with the 6000, same CPU, and same amount of memory? Plus doesn't the 6000 come with faster better CPU - Dothan????

The 8600 has the option for the 9600 Pro Turbo, which I believe is clocked faster and has faster memory than the x300. Normally the 8600 can be had with a faster processor as well, though looking at the Dell website, it seems the 8600 is now only being offered with a 1.4GHz Pentium-M. In which case, the 6000 is definitely now the better option.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

The 6000 is a great deal anyway because it is currently 34% off. I configured one with max graphics, a 2Ghz Dothan, 512 MB (1 stick) RAM and 60Gb 7200RPM HDD, for under 1500.

 

[thunderroller]

you are right 6000 is a better option