Latitude D630 questions

Hey guys,

I currently have a Vostro 1400 that is being replaced with a Latitude D630 after a months worth of problems. I have a few questions about the Latitude in general.

I opted for Windows XP Pro (since my Vostro Vista experiences haven't been too memorable) and I have the Bluetooth 360. I was wondering if/when I decided to upgrade to vista would it be compatible? There are 2 different cd's dell sends depending on which OS you choose.

I was told the Nvidia Quadro 135 was equal to the Geforce 8400 that comes in the Vostro so I'm assuming there won't be a drop off in performance etc...

Also curious if there is an integrated michrophone on the D630. Can't find much about it but I didnt even know the Vostro had one until recently.

Lastly I'm just sort of curious how people think the D630 and Vostro 1400 stack up to each other. Thanks for any help. I appreciate it

 

The excerpt in the screenshot from the Dell tech manual tells me that the BT 360 for Vista and XP machines are different. I would personally give it a try anyway when the time comes.

The concensus on the 135M is that it needs better drivers written for it to utilize it's hardware. I don't play games so I can't tell for sure, but for what I use it for (Opera and Office apps), it is certainly enough. I have never had video card-related issues with the D630. It appears to be quite stable. I am using the 101.43 drivers.

Yes the D630 has a microphone built in. I use this machine for Skype and it works with no issues.

I cannot speak for the 1400, but the D630 is certainly what it's marketed as - a business machine. A reliable, no frills, very capable machine.

Regards,
Paolo

 

Thanks much for the reply. I was really trying to decide between vista and xp, but xp just seems alot less of hassle from my vista experience

rep for you!

 

Latitude is nicer than Vostro IMO except for multimedia features... most of which have better alternatives anyway (such as connecting an external webcam or speakers).

A lot of people have replaced the Dell-supplied nVidia drivers with ones found here: http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/

I think there's an internal mic, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

yea, the speaker thing kind of bothers me, but I didnt have a webcam nor do I want one.

The Vostro is a really nice laptop but I wanted a certain screen that it doesnt have. If i could stand all of the reflections from the glossyness I'd be 100% happy but I just find the reflections ridiculous

 

I wouldn't worry much about it. If you want good sound, plug in headphones or external speakers... same as any other notebook really.

I like the Latitude better anyway... it's thinner than the Vostro.

 

Anyone have any other opinions?;/

 

D630 - solid machine.

Speakers are fine for what I use them for.

Get a good pair of headphones and you are set.

Regards,
Paolo

 

Ditto what Paolo says.

D630 is a very well built machine.

dordale

 

I got a D630 about a month ago from schooland it's been ok so far.

And yes, it does have a mic, it's on the top-right corner of the keyboard, near the hinge, above the Home key.