Dell Inspiron 6400

Screen Size: 15.4 inches
Weight: 6 lbs
Processor Options: Core Duo, Core 2 Duo
Graphics Options: Integrated
The Dell Inspiron 6400 is a 15.4" screen notebook with the latest Intel processors. Buyers seeking a versatile solution with a larger display for mainstream multimedia and productivity tasks should choose this notebook.

The Inspiron 6400 is a desktop replacement notebook, offering up the familiar silver and white-accented design that's common to the Inspiron line. It's not exactly a stunner, but you certainly won't be ashamed to tote it around whilst in the public eye. Stereo speakers are mounted on the front of the unit, so sound isn't muffled when the lid is closed. Flanked by said speakers is a row of multimedia shortcut buttons, enabling users to navigate through their audio/video files without placing a finger on the mouse. The trackpad is large and offers up both vertical and horizontal scrolling, while the keyboard takes up much of the width of the chassis and is comfortable to type on.  The left and right mouse buttons are also large, but they don't offer a reassuring "click" when depressed, which took a while for us to get used to.

Dell touts the 6400 as being a "mobile entertainment" unit, but this statement needs to be qualified. The notebook can be equipped with an 8x dual-layer DVD-RW drive, so it can of course be used for DVD playback. However, gaming is somewhat limited, as the base configuration is hindered by an integrated Intel graphics chip, while the top-end model we tested includes an ATI Radeon X1400 chip, which will struggle running the latest games at smooth frame rates. That said, the 15.4-inch widescreen display is adequate for film viewing and gaming, thanks to its high resolution of 1680x1050 and widescreen aspect ratio.

Despite being on the cheaper side, the 6400 comes equipped with a number of handy multimedia features that are typically reserved for high-end offerings. For starters, it's got a 5-in-1 memory card reader (MS, MS Pro, SD/SDIO, MMC and xD), while TV-out support is provided by an S-Video port. There's even a Firewire connection for hooking up your digital video camcorder, while an ExpressCard slot ensures support for the next generation of notebook expansion cards. Finally, the 6400 makes use of Dell's MediaDirect instant-on technology, allowing for one-button access to digital media stored on the computer itself or on attached devices.

Dell's warranty service is second to none. The notebook comes with the optional three-year support package that includes a three year next business day onsite response service, 24x7 phone support and accident cover for the entire warranty period.