Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Dell 600M vs. Toshiba M2, RAM installation

by MinFaile Oct 2, 2004 3:42PM PDT

I'm looking for a powerful, light computer (<6 lbs). I am going to be playing simpler games, programming, running some work programs, watching(out to TV and on the computer)/burning DVDs, listening to mp3s, using a PVR to record TV, using bluetooth, and carrying it in a backpack.

I am debating between the Dell 600M and Toshiba M2 and would like to know people's opinions on build quality/durability and customer service. Right now, the 600M is cheaper, but I've heard some grumblings about Dell and am worried. I am not really looking at the HP/Compaq contingent, as they are heavier and bigger.

I am going to get a 2.0 gHz processor, 80 GB HDD, 64 MB video card, etc.

I need to get at least 1024 RAM to run the applications I need at work (they say 2 GB is better), but that is pricy. I have heard that getting a little bit of RAM on a laptop and replacing it with RAM bought elsewhere is a nice way to save money. How hard is it to do this, do you replace one or both DIMMS, and does doing this invalidate the warranty?

Thank you!
~a new forum member

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Re: Dell 600M vs. Toshiba M2, RAM installation
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 2, 2004 11:23PM PDT

Read the SODIMM install guide at http://www.crucial.com/support/install.asp

As to the warranty, I find I have to put the old sticks back in, show the problem to get the warranty honored. Some may not like this, but I know to do this.

I also want to note that many more are now starting to learn that warranty doesn't cover software issues. If your machine catches a "pest" then you may end up paying for its removal if that is done by the vendors support.

Toshiba, Dell and HPs are in the mix of 100+ laptops at the office. I can't say anyone is significantly better in the areas you asked about. I do want to note that some bang around their notebook and grumble when they break it. Don't do that. It's not a brick.

Bob

- Collapse -
Re: Dell 600M vs. Toshiba M2, RAM installation
by KenSanramon Oct 5, 2004 9:49AM PDT

If you want to get under 6 pounds you are looking at a Pentium M (Centrino) notebook with a 14.1" or smaller LCD.

The HPZT3000 and the Toshiba M35S456 are both outstanding 15.4" widescreen notebooks but they are in the 6.2-6.5 pound range.

You can read the post from someone recently on these forums that cannot stand the heat on the wrist rest area (from hardware underneath) on the Dell 600M. Also, its rating at Cnet is not great (above 8.0 is recommended and that model is not at that level).

Note that HP business has a HPnc6000 model that weighs 5.5 pounds and is rated 8.5 at Cnet. It does not have firewire but it has everything else you might need.

Also, HP has a brand new model out that has DVD/CD functions without booting the computer. The only drawback of this model is that it uses shared (integrated) video RAM but that is ok for some. This is the DV1000 at HPshopping.

You should make sure the notebook you order is 512mb RAM 1 stick (notebooks only have 2 slots) and then order the 2nd RAM stick yourself (to get to 1mb). On the Compaq X1360US (Compaq X1000) I have only the 2nd RAM slot is easily accessible (take off screw under notebook, ground yourself, pop in module in correct direction -- make sure both notebook battery is pulled out and A/C is unplugged). You can get a Kingston or similar PC2700 512mb RAM module for under $100 when on sale after rebates.

The Toshiba M2 is fine but that is a Techra (business) model so also look at the HPnc6000 if you are in that price range.

- Collapse -
Re: Dell 600M vs. Toshiba M2, RAM installation
by KenSanramon Oct 5, 2004 9:52AM PDT

The general rule of thumb is that if the manual shows you how to install extra RAM, etc it is ok to upgrade it yourself. People put in their own hard drives also (usually accessed also from under notebook) and the new hard drive would not be covered but you could put back the old one as Bob already stated if getting warranty service.

It if generally not advisable to remove the keyboard from the top and access the internal electronic components but the 2nd RAM slot (at least on HP. the hard drive bay, etc are accessed easily from underneath without disturbing other components or removing more than 1 screw to access the connector.

- Collapse -
Re: Dell 600M vs. Toshiba M2, RAM installation
by spollac Oct 6, 2004 11:54PM PDT

Don't get the Dell 600M if you want to use it as a laptop. If you use it consistently and for any length of time (an hour?) the bottom left (where your hand rests to use the keyboard) gets hot and your hand, palm and wrist gets baked. The machine can't be used as a laptop except intermittantly for this reason. Some people have tried to solve the problem with gel pads, but it is only a work around to the real problem. So if you will use your machine alot, don't get the Dell.

Back to Laptops forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info