Working for a call center which deals with Dell computers has a few perks of its' own. You get to learn the inside workings of the systems and you'd be afforded the opportunity to use the desktops and portable systems on a regular basis. One such system that I've been fortunate enough to use on a regular basis is the Inspiron 6400, or the E1505 as marketed in other US segments.

For this review, let me provide you with an overview of the specifications of the I6400 that I am using at work:

Dimensions: 356 x 266 x 39mm (WDH)
Weight: 2.85kg
Processor: 2Ghz Intel Core 2™ Duo T5250 processor
Memory: 2GB DDR2 RAM [2 1GB memory sticks]
Video Card: Intel Graphics Media [integrated video]
Display: 15.4 SXGA+ LCD display
Audio: integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Connectivity options: Dell Wireless Card [802.11 a/b/g], 56K dial-up modem, 10/100 integrated NIC, Bluetooth
Storage: 80GB 5400RPM SATA HDD, SD/MMC/MS/PRO/xD media card reader
Battery: 56Whr Lithium Ion Battery [6 cells]
Optical Drive: 16X DVD +/- RW Drive
Expansion slot: Express Card
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate

First off, let me note that if you are looking for a computer that you could take places, then this might be a bit heavy for carrying around. Though, on second thought, with the features this system packs, it might be well worth it.

A part of the 80GB hard drive is allocated for Dell's idea of making OS Reinstallations easier: PC Restore. It consumed about 10GB of space for it alone. All in all, the system I have started out at around 60GB of space. I've received a handful of calls from customers complaining about this lack of notification from Dell, but I just inform them that in case the system needs to be reinstalled completely, it is much more convenient, compared to doing it using the CDs [PC Restore takes 10-15 minutes to restore the system to original configuration, compared to 1-2 hours performing the conventional reinstallation].

Everything seems to load up pretty quickly when needed. Startup takes about a minute to finish. It is pretty good for normal tasks, like opening documents, playing DVD movies, and music. It doesn't show signs of slowing down even when doing multiple tasks.

The display is good, but not great. Some sections of the screen seem to have a low backlight compared to others. It is hardly noticeable though, unless you watch movies on it regularly.

Another consideration is the battery life of the system. I'm using a 6-cell battery which provides roughly around 2-3 hours of regular use.

The keyboard feels fine, though it takes a bit of adjustment to get used to typing with it for prolonged periods of time. The touchpad is very responsive, and a nifty scrolling feature is added on the lower right corner of the pad. The only issue I encountered with it is that the touchpad buttons feel a bit unresponsive at times.

For all it's worth, I'd give the Inspiron 6400 an 8 out of 10. And with a new line of systems released late last month by Dell, the price on this system would be lower from what the market is currently pricing this one for. 

Asus EEE PC 701

I hardly get excited with regards to portable computers being released. I am a techie type of person and love to get a chance to use the latest and greatest in the world of computers, but a part of me just knows that the "latest and greatest" cost more than an arm and a leg to get a hold of.

Now, this one is something I am excited about.

This isn't a second-hand portable computer, nor is this a laptop with so and so specifications. Surely, this is not the complete package, but it is something truly worth waiting for.

This, my friends, is the ASUS EEE 701 laptop computer. It is an ultraportable computer which packs a nice punch and has a lot of features. 

The specifications as stated by ASUS are:

Processor: Intel 900 MHz Pentium M (Dothan-based)

• Chipset: Intel 910
• Graphics: Intel UMA, additional VGA port
• Display: 17.8 cm (7 in)
• Memory: 512 MB DDR2-400
• Storage: 4, 8, or 16 GB flash Solid state drive
• OS: a Xandros-based Linux variant with a Windows XP-like interface; the laptop may also run other Operating Systems like Windows XP, Mandriva, Debian, SuSe, FreeBSD, Ubuntu or MenuetOS optionally
• Communication: 10/100 Mbit Ethernet, 56k modem, 802.11b/g wireless LAN (Atheros-based)
• 4 USB 2.0, MMC/SD/MS card reader, microphone and headphone
• Camera: 0.3 megapixel video
• Audio: Hi-Definition Audio CODEC; built-in stereo speaker; built-in microphone
• Battery: 5200 mAh (4 cells, 2S2P), estimated 3 hours run time. There are no plans to offer a larger-capacity battery
• Dimensions: 225 × 165 × 21~35 mm (8.9 × 6.5 × 0.9~1.4 in)
• Weight: 890 g (2 lbs)
• Colors: white, black

As I said, it is not a complete solution, but a really light portable computer, with wi-fi for only around $199 USD is a good deal if you ask me. Now, critics may point to the limited space and the lack of an optical drive but those can easily be addressed by external hard drives and optical drives. I've read in one online store based here in the Philippines that when it becomes available locally, it is going to be sold at around 13-15,000 Php. 

I'm about to save up for this nice little puppy and would use it to see if it is truly worth it. Me, and a friend would both work with it and see if it is worth the excitement.