Description: This configuration of the Dell D430 is a 3.1-pound, ultra portable notebook computer. Compared to other ultra portable notebooks on the market, it is very inexpensive at around $1,180. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.
Pros: Has only a 3.1-pound weight, which is considerably lighter than some similarly priced notebooks. In fact, the typical cost of a product with this light a weight is $2,105. This notebook boasts a SmartMedia card slot, making it easy to swap digital images, audio files, and other files with your palmtop.
Cons: Has only a 40GB hard drive, which is considerably smaller than some similarly priced notebooks. For example, the ASUSTek ASUS U6E , a 3.5-pound notebook at around $1, 215, has a 160GB hard drive. Also, this notebook has a CD-RW/DVD removable disc drive, which is considerably less favorable than some similarly priced notebooks. The Dell D430 comes with basic word processing software if you often need access to special character sets you will likely need to upgrade to a more powerful office suite . Shared video memory has an adverse effect on system performance which may be okay for users with more modest graphics needs. Users with more demanding needs should look to a graphics solution that brings its own muscle.
Suitability: A ultra portable notebook, suited for traveling light. Bring along your favorite movies and watch them on your notebook with the included DVD player. This notebook also has a CD writer, allowing you to compile your own music CDs or video CDs. If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.
Value: In view of its very inexpensive price, this notebook has great features for the money. Generally, this economy-class model lacks sex appeal, but budget-minded consumers will like the low price.
Suggestions: (1) Given this device's Wi-Fi capability, you may want to get a wireless access point for your home, so that you can browse the Web more conveniently from any room. (2) Using this PC's Firewire (1394) port, you can connect to many digital videocameras and other equipment to rapidly upload data to the computer hard drive.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
Product Specifications:
Product Description:
Dell Latitude D430 - Core 2 Duo U7700 1.33 GHz - 12.1 TFT active matrix
Dimensions (WxDxH):
11.6 in x 8.3 in x 1 in
Weight:
3.1 lbs
System Type:
Notebook
Built-in Devices:
Speaker
,
Wireless LAN antenna
Embedded Security:
Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip , SmartCard reader
Processor:
Intel Core 2 Duo U7700 / 1.33 GHz Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory:
L2 cache
RAM:
1 GB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 533 MHz
Card Reader:
Card reader
Floppy Drive:
None
Hard Drive:
40 GB - 4200
Optical Storage:
CD-RW/DVD - External
Optical Storage (2nd):
None
Storage Removable:
None
Display:
12.1 TFT active matrix 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
Graphics Controller:
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Audio Output:
Sound card
Telecom:
Fax / modem - 56 Kbps
Networking:
Network adapter - Ethernet
,
- IEEE 802.11b
,
- IEEE 802.11g
,
- Fast Ethernet
,
- Gigabit Ethernet
Wireless NIC:
Dell Wireless 1395
Input Device:
Keyboard
,
Touchpad
,
Track stick
Voltage Required:
AC 120/230 V
Battery:
Lithium ion
OS Provided:
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic Service Pack 1, With media
Manufacturer Warranty:
3 years warranty