I can change the color? Inspiron 6400

Hello,

I need to know if I can change the color an Inspiron 6400 (gray to black), using the plastic pieces of a vostro 1000 (black). I think they are the same.

If is possible, i need to know if I just need these parts:
- Dell Vostro 1000 Palmrest and Touchpad DX354 (BLACK)
- Dell Vostro 1000 15.4" LCD Front Bezel Trim PM606 (BLACK)
- Dell Vostro 1000 15.4" LCD Back Cover KT786 (BLACK)
- Dell Vostro 1000 Power Button Hinge Cover HX873 (BLACK)

Thanks!

 

The Vostro 1000 plastics should be identical to those of the Inspiron 1501 (AMD powered E1505/6400). I believe the 1501 lid and display bezel should be identical to that of the E1505/6400, but there are some small differences on the respective motherboards (like the apparent lack of an S-Video out on the AMD board if the eBay pictures are to be believed) that suggest that the base plastics won't fit without some modding. Should be fairly minor modding, though.

 

More info:
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The Vostro 1000 has no S-Video port in the back, 1394 firewire connector in the right side, MediaDirect button near the power button, media buttons in the front (play, stop, mute, volume).

S-Video, 1394 firewire, MediaDirect:
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I have no problem in not having these features because I never used those since the purchase (January 2007)

Media buttons:
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I use rarely the media buttons. The problem is they lost the gray paint and look ugly. I have no problem in not having this feature.

Some pictures:
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I don't think the MediaDirect or media button(s) are going to be a problem. The physical button for MediaDirect should just be covered by the Vostro 1000 bezel (such that you can't depress it), and the media buttons will just be disconnected at the motherboard level.

The S-Video and FireWire ports are a problem though. You'll need to either cut slots in the Vostro 1000 shell through which they'll fit, or - dare I say it - desolder them from the motherboard.

 

Ok thanks!
But now that I think about it, the idea is to install the Touchpad Palmrest the Vostro 1000 with the Bottom Chassis Base Case inspiron 6400.

 

Hello,
I got my new "BLACK" Dell Inspiron 6400. xD
I bought these parts:

- Dell Vostro 1000 Palmrest and Touchpad DX354 (BLACK)
- Dell Vostro 1000 15.4" LCD Front Bezel Trim PM606 (BLACK)
- Dell Vostro 1000 15.4" LCD Back Cover KT786 (BLACK)
- Dell Vostro 1000 Power Button Hinge Cover HX873 (BLACK)

The only problems encountered were:

- No bluetooth indicator light, but the bluetooth works.
- No media buttons (near the touchpad).
- No mediadirect button (near the power button).
- You need to change the black touchpad to the gray touchpad, because the vostro 1000 black touchpad is incompatible when trying to connect to the motherboard.
- You need to paint the LCD Bezel Rubber Screw Covers to black.

 

That look's pretty cool!!