AceNJ said:One more quick question. If I build and save the cart, does that save a system in my name should i choose to purchase it later for the price?

Or could it still sell out even though it's saved?My suggestion: make a small config change and checkout. That ensures that the product is not shipped out immediately. Then you'll most probably have time till evening to figure out if you really want the lappy.

A brand new D620 with 3-year warranty is absolutely a steal! 512MB is not an issue coz memories are so dirty cheap these days.

How long do these deals usually last, ie how long do I have to think about it?

Hmm the D820 looks nice with the video.

I know it sure beats the X200M in the ML3109.

ATG laptops are ruggedized, we have several at work. The screens are BRIGHT too, burn your eyes out and made for outdoors.

AceNJ said:A 3 year warranty is nice but I would be just as happy with a 1 year or two year. Three is a little much considering how quickly these things get outdated IMHO.
Depends on your usage really. I'm still using a very solid and reliable C840. Parts for the Latitude series can be found cheaply here and on eBay since they are corporate standard for many many many businesses. Don't underestimate the value of a decent (onsite) warranty for a laptop -- particularly if you intend to carry it anywhere...

mjLinus said:deeznuts said:mysteryAgain said:I am in for 2 of D420, really good deal!Is it really a good deal? I'm torn whether to get one or wait and pay a bit more on a Thinkpad X61. arggh I like the widescreen.


If you buy a x61 or x61s Thinkpad, you will not regret it. I also considered the D420, but after days of research on various laptop forums, I went for the thinkpad, after using Dell laptops for the last 5 years. However, this price on the D420 is hard to pass up.

Best.Yeah I'm leaning that way. Recomended a T series to my friend. Was over there last night. His 1 year old daughter uses the laptop as a stepping stool, stepping on it closed, open on the keyboard, still running like a champ. I'll just save up and wait a bit more. My first insprion 1100 a long time ago was a lemon, requiring inhome repairs until it's 3 years were up. But I just had a vostro 1400 that felt much more solid.

I'm copying this post because I took the time to write it over at SD, even though I think anyone really considering this deal has probably been in that thread already.

Regardless, in that thread there was a lot of wrong information about the D620 being posted, so I wrote a book. I didn't edit it, so some things might not make sense in the context of this thread.

-----------------------------------

There's a lot of wrong information in this thread. I was on the lookout for a decent 14.1" laptop for quite awhile, and ended up getting a D630 from Dell outlet for ~$700 shipped after tax.

If you want the short story, and are looking for 14.1" model, I would suggest waiting for the next 15% outlet coupon and getting a D630.

If you want the details as to why, and truth about at least the D620... read on... I will only speak about the D620 because it is the only one I know about in great detail.

1.) D620 is the same chassis as D630, and the lower frame and LCD lid are both coated magnesium. Particularly on the LCD lid, it lends a nice feel. I always think metal lid laptops feel much nicer than plastic lid ones. The entire body is not magnesium, just the LCD backing/lid and main chassis.

2.) One huge benefit of the Latitude series is readily available accessories and the ability to use a single connection business level docking station. Most consumer models don't offer a true docking station, relying upon USB models or other limited solutions. Real docks can be had for less than $50 off eBay, and Dell also offers an expansion dock with a half height PCI slot and an extra media bay (modular accessory like DVD burner, battery charging...) which can also be had under $50. The option to use a true, DVI equipped, single connection docking station is a big feature to consider. Most of the cheapies nowadays don't offer this.

3.) The accessory benefits pan out big time if you need add ones like extra batteries, docks, or AC adapters. Because of the interchangeability and commonality if you are willing to buy off eBay or similar, this single fact could save you a large amount of money. Simply buying an extra battery and AC adapter could be $100 cheaper than shopping for Sony or Toshiba stuff. Bluetooth and mobile broadband cards are also available.

4.) Latitude build quality is better and more solid feeling than other Dell lines. This is somewhat subjective, but I believe the D620 and D630 to be equivalent and possibly nicer than even the XPS offerings, just not nearly as flashy. At least a notch or two above Inspirons. I can't speak for Vostro, because I haven't used any of those. I've used many Latitudes, XPS laptops, Toshiba Satellites, and HP/Compaq business models. The D620/630 is at the top of that list. It is 8 hour daily work use ready.

5.) D620 and D630 use the same batteries, which unfortunately are not the same as previous Dxxx series laptops. Battery life is very strong. My D630 has a 7300 c2d and 135 Nvidia graphics (similar to 8400GS). With the brightness set only one notch down, I can get 3-4 hours regular use on a 6 cell and about 5-7 hours on a 9 cell. Using a modular secondary battery with the 9 cell I'd expect a full 8 hour workday would be quite easy, doing real work. Again, having the option for that secondary battery is another feature not offered by many vendors. True usable 8+ hour use away from plugs is a feature similar to the docking options - not common and a huge plus for many. There are also modules to put a secondary hard drive in the CD-Rom bay, or a filler to lower weight. So the option for very long battery life, or dual hard drives. Again, not common.

6.) The D620 screens are a real concern, though I am not positive if it applied to all D620's or if there were different screens introduced through the series's life. All D630's received better screen options with both 1280 and 1400 resolutions available. I consider the D630 screen to be ok to good. Not exceptional, but quite sufficient. Gloss is not an option, these are business models made for use under crappy office lights and out and about.

7.) Entirely too many people ignore the value of a 3 year warranty. You might not appreciate it, but the value must be considered.

8.) Sound is weak. One hidden speaker.

9.) Quadro graphics have regular mobile equivalents, but tend to perform 10% lower due to graphics drivers optimized for business apps.

10) No svideo or HDMI out. Does have serial and firewire.

11.) Pointing stick and touchpad.

Finally, so it does not come off as bragging, I put this all the way at the end of this book long post. My D630 cost $720 shipped after tax using a 15% outlet coupon. It was as C2D 7300 (2.0GHz), 2x1gb ram, 120gb HDD, Nvidia 135 (128+128), Vista Business (XP downgrade eligible), 9 cell battery, CD-rw/DVD combo (no DVD burner), and the 1280x800 screen. There were many similar configs available the entire time the coupon was live, so it was not a spectacular deal.

That is why I recommend passing on the D620. I'm not here to BS, and I'm not here to brag. I only hope that this helps people considering the D620.

Peace.

just an add on to franksand beans.

I have the 620 for work and the 630 for home. The batteries are a different number, and are shown as a different part number. I bought the one for the 620 and it does work in the 630. it appears to me that the only difference is the color scheme on the outside, as the top of the 630 is black, and the entire 620 is silver.

On another note, the 620 has been a very reliable machine, traveling every day for 50 weeks a year. I keep hoping it will die, so i can reload with a 420, but despite the constant wear and tear, it has been perfect.

On a second note, I would look at the media base on the 420. It is my understanding that this removes the drive from the computer, and reduces the thickness by about 3/4 of an inch, and dumps a whole bunch of weight.

wads

Nice that they are latitudes, but any upgrades kill the deal; they only have 512 RAM and small hard drives and no DVDRW.