m4600 - add webcam, backlit kb, graphics card options?

I've been keeping my eyes open on Dell Outlet for a suitable e6520 without luck. I'm now thinking of getting an m4600. I'm still a bit torn between the two, but since the weight and size is about the same and since I think the more expensive m4600 has better cooling, gpu and usb3 I am getting increasingly tempted.

Outlet in the UK is useless - it doesn't show half of the specifications for the machines and in some cases I'd be happy to go without them and install them myself later if the deal was good.

I do want a the integrated microphone/webcam and the backlit keyboard.

I've swapped a non-backlit keyboard for a backlit one on my e6400 without problem so I guess it can be done similarly on the m4600. Looking on ebay I see lots of backlit keyboards listed from Chinese sellers. Are these 'genuine' or copies? I'd be wary of a non-genuine keyboard for such a regularly used component.

What about the microphone/webcam? Can this be added? Is it very difficult?

I'm also interested in people's views on the graphics cards for Adobe CS5/Premiere usage? Should I stick with the Nvidia versions? Or is the AMD just as good?

A couple of other issues I was wondering about....

I read here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...sion-m4600-owners-lounge-107.html#post7943467 about fan cycling when the machine is docked. Has that problem been resolved by Dell yet? From reading the owners lounge thread there seems to be cases of fan cycling when undocked as well. Does anyone know how this compares with the e6520 fans?

I also read in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/7966305-post1115.html that the machine stutters when playing hd video on battery. Is this true for other people???

I'd also like advice on the msata vs ssd drive. I want some form of SSD but also need a 500gb+ regular HD installed in the machine. I either need msata + regular HD in the regular HD bay, or SSD in the regular bay and a normal HD in the optical bay using a 3rd party caddy.

Seems like the msata is the better bet - but are msata drives slower than having a ssd in the main bay? And is the problem the msata interface (read it might be limited to sata2 speeds) or the msata drive itself? (Or both?)

Thanks a lot!

 

It's difficult to find webcam kit.

The keyboard in China should be genuine, but probably it's the one does not pass QC test, or just surplus. Big YMMV.

Msata is a good choice, fast enough, pretty light and small.

For adobe cs, nvidia is way much better.

 

Anyone know if the webcam kit can be bought from Dell direct? Is the bezel the same? Or would I need a new bezel too?

I've asked Dell Outlet this already but they are slow to reply.

I'll definitely get a Nvidia.

I guess its worth taking a shot at the keyboard. I generally find ebay sellers quite good so I'll pick someone with good feedback. I guess it will be harder to find a UK keyboard that way - but my last t61p was from Hong Kong and I learned to live with the lack of a £ sign.

 

There is a nice E6520 in the outlet:

Latitude E6520
Processor: Intel Core i7-2760QM (2.40Ghz, 6MB, 4C)
English Windows 7 Professional
500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
4 GB (2x2GB)1333MHz DDR3 Dual Channel Memory
Display : 15.6in UltraSharp FHD(1920x1080) Wide View LED-backlit with Premium Panel Guarantee
Genuine Windows 7 Professional (32 Bit OS)
Back Up Media Not Included
Wireless: Intel Pro Wireless 6300 (802.11 a/b/g/n) Half Mini Card
Wireless: Dell 375 Bluetooth Card
8X DVD+/- RW Drive
Battery : Primary 9-cell 90W/HR LI-ION
Price: £921.66
Price excl. VAT and delivery

 

Quite nice specs but the price is pretty bad compared to others I saw last week.

I have decided to go for a m4600 though overall. I just hope I can get one with the webcam/backlit keyboard.

I see on the uk outlet the m4600s all have this link: "Click here for available options and upgrades" and after clicking it it states "Hardware Upgrade
Camera : Integrated 2.1 Mega Pixel Camera with Microphone" - thing is - after adding it to my basket I never see an option to select that upgrade.

Does anyone know what the situation is? Does that text mean that the webcam is included? Or that it is an optional extra? Or are they just dangling the word webcam in front of me for no reason??

Thanks

 

If it says it has a webcam/camera, than it does.

The KB is no big deal since you can order it from Dell or from a 3rd party.

I went with a m6600 myself since I wanted a 17in instead of a 15in.