Dell Inspiron 6000
Submitted by Tobold [edit]

Supplier:	Dell
Web Site:	www.dell.co.uk

Specifications

Processor: Intel Pentium M730 1.6GHz, ATI Radeon Mobility X300 128MB, 15,4" wide screen XGA, 512 MB 333MHz DDR2 RAM, 40 GB Ultra ATA hard disk 5400 rpm, 24x CD-RW / 8x DVD combo drive, Intel ProWireless 2200 802.11 b/g WiFi

Review

The Dell Inspiron 6000 is a very nice compromise between the different extremes of the laptop market. Weighing over 3 kg it is not an ultra-light machine, but it isn't a huge desktop replacement PC either. Instead it offers a bit of both, decent performance even with games, while still portable.

Thanks to its ATI Radeon Mobility X300 128 MB graphics card, which is an optional upgrade, the Dell Inspiron 6000 in this configuration scores a nice 3DMark03 benchmark of 2536, which is pretty much identical to an older desktop I have with a Radeon 9600 Pro. That means you can get all games to at least run on this laptop, even if the framerates in Doom 3 won't be nothing to write home about. It is also more than sufficient to watch DVDs on, although the DVD / CDRW drive is a bit on the noisy side.

The Dell Inspiron 6000 comes normally with a 6-cell battery. So I ordered a second battery, a 9-cell one, and for some reason unknown to me Dell decided to make both batteries 9-cell, instead of giving me a small and a big one. Nice, two of these 80 Wh batteries will last a complete transatlantic flight, each one giving up to 5 hours of power.

The laptop comes with a modem, ethernet card, and WiFi, of which I am using the latter. That was very easy to set up, I just needed to type in the WEP-key which I use to prevent others from surfing on my connection, and I was ready to go. You can also get Bluetooth, but I didn't take this optional extra.

The Dell Inspiron 6000 does not have a "stick" for mouse control, only a touchpad. A Kensington Pocket Mouse is a recommended extra. Having only used desktop keyboards before, a laptop keyboard takes time getting used to, but the keys are big enough and have enough "depths" to give a real typing feeling.

Up to now I only used the laptop at home, where he does everything I wanted him to do. The real test will come once I travel with it, because I mainly bought it for being able to work, play games, and surf the net, while on the move.

Verdict Performance: 8 Features: 8 Build: 9 Value: 9 Overall: 9

Supplier Rating    Comments (38) Sales: 7 Support: 4 Overall: 5

User Comments Charles 24 Jan 2010 04:53 pm The backspace key does not work. I replaced the keypad and the backspace key still does not work. Any constructive suggestions beside, throw it away, get a new one, etc..thecyberfleamarket@yahoo.com ash 14 Dec 2009 05:51 pm how can i resolve problem with intel pro wireless keeps on giving me message wireless zero should be started even than wireless does not function properly ash 14 Dec 2009 05:47 pm have problem with wireless connection Andy 28 Oct 2009 01:30 am I have the same problem that Meredith and Aaron have with the battery will not charge unless it is twisted?  What can I do to fix it myself?  Sodder the connection? Greg 08 Sep 2009 07:34 am I have had a I6K for approx 4 years.  After 2 years (just after the warranty ran out) the HDD failed - had to get it fixed with 3rd party as Dell customer service were pretty useless.  Renewed the 2 year warranty with Dell and once again the the laptop is unserviceable just after the warranty expired !  Do Dell have a bug in the system that crashes the laptop after warranty ??????? Will have to go for a different brand. Joe 29 Aug 2009 01:34 am I've replaced 3 adapters and I'm on my second battery except my Dell won't recognize the battery or adapter and will not recharge so I have to use the power cord. If the power cord accidentally disconnects, game over! I have to plug it in again. My USB ports stopped working the other day and my touchpad also quit. I managed to download the synaptics driver and I got in working again but it wasn't easy using the Tab button navigating the internet. Dell shoul recall these laptops and give everyone a brand new computer. biggo 19 Aug 2009 12:26 pm dell 6000 doesn't come with bluetooth ( pull the battery out ,there's a small panel in battery compartment , pop it out ,look inside to see if there's a small bluetooth module in it that will tell you if it's there) john 11 Jul 2009 10:18 am what is the capslock  greenlight blinking when I turn on my Inspiron 6000 and it will tripping off? batteryland 03 May 2009 11:03 pm If I need a new replacement dell inspiron 6000 battery, anone can give me an advise? Does this one OK?  http://www.laptopbatteryweb.com/dell-inspiron-6000.htm crashtest 30 Apr 2009 12:38 pm The green light with a number in it is the numlock light. press the num lk button to turn it off (top right of keybaord) <<Previous Page  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  Next Page>> Submit Comment Enter your comment below and click 'Submit'. Name: Comment: