$80 is a small price to pay to almost double your battery life. I purchased my dell 6000 (excelent laptop, recomnd 100%), through an separate online store, and I didnt have a battery option. I could only get the 6 cell. The battery lasts aprox. 3 hours., I often find myself having to stop working and go plug it in somewhere when the low battery warnings start flashing. A 9 cell battery sells for $180. I would definatly make the additional investment.
Also the 6000 runs on the new Sonoma platform (next generation Centrino), and is more efficient in its battery usage then the 8600 (now discontinued replaced by the 9200) was.
I am about to order an inspiron 6000 with the new 20% off coupon code. My question: Since there haven't been any posts about battery life with the 6000, how much of a difference will the 9 cell battery make and is it worth the extra $80? What is interesting is that the 8600 only came with a 9 cell, but the 6000 has the 6 cell standard. (Cost cutting?) Any ideas on projected battery life with the 6 cell?
Thanks!

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic