The desktop replacement's second-generation 2GHz Pentium M (code-named Dothan) helped it clock the best performance scores we've seen among Pentium M laptops. The spoils continue with an expansive, 15.4in display; built-in Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless; and a smart-card reader. All of these features and more make the Dell Latitude D800 a must for employees seeking top speed in a well-designed portable.
The Dell Latitude D800's 4.3-by-35.8-by-27.4cm, 3.36kg case outweighs the thin-and-light cases of Dothan competitors such as the HP Compaq Business Notebook nc6000 by more than a 450 grams. Yet with this girth come many perks: such as a broad, 15.4in display; a familiar, desktoplike keyboard; and both a touchpad and a pointing stick. The system also offers almost every port possible, including FireWire, Gigabit Ethernet, S-Video out, four USB 2.0 ports, a parallel port, and even a serial port. The latter dinosaur represents a nod to Dell's long-standing corporate customers who may still use old peripherals based on serial port technology. Finally, the Dell Latitude D800 features a swappable internal bay for its included DVD/CD-RW drive and optional modules, such as DVD+R/+RW or a second battery. Each module works with all members of the Latitude D-series family, helping businesses buy fewer modules to share among employees.
Features
A handful of additional Dell Latitude D800 features are worthy of note. The system sports the hottest wireless components du jour: 802.11b/g and Bluetooth. It also includes a smart-card reader, which accommodates secure cards containing your personal passwords and other info. Writing info to these cards requires optional software, which Dell sells, starting at AU$91.30.
Performance
The Dell Latitude D800's 2GHz Pentium M processor, 512MB of 266MHz SDRAM, killer 128MB Nvidia GeForce FX Go5650 graphics chip, and 80GB hard drive made quick work of CNET Labs' benchmarks, bumping the laptop into the top Pentium M performance spot.
Its 250-minute battery life proved slightly less impressive compared to the lives of other Dothan-based notebooks, such as the 325 minutes of the Acer TravelMate 8000.
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donnieb
26/11/2007, 02:54 AM
rating
9/10
I've had this laptop for 2 years also, and its the best laptop I've ever had. Very solid, and excellent processing. I just increase the RAM to 2GB and purchased a DVD RW+ R- R+ drive, at a cost of €100 for the lot for the two. And it runs better than some of the newest laptops. Overall and excellent work and desktop replacement PC.
Pros: Excellent Graphics Card, 4 USB Ports, Firewire port, Wireless Card is one of the best in a laptop. Never any hardware problems and excellent screen.
Cons: May be a little heavy, but! this could also be for the pros side, as it makes it more solid to use.
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05/09/2006, 04:34 PM
rating
9/10
I haven't had a problem yet and i"ve had it for 2 years
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flonkbob
24/05/2005, 08:51 AM
It ain't heavy, it's my laptop!
I've been using my D800 for several months now with no hardware related issues. The wireless works great without any antenna add-on; the battery life is wonderful (I get 4+ hours no matter how hard I'm hitting it) and the usability is greatly increased by the size of the keyboard and screen. Sure, it's a little heavier than some others. That's okay with me, I needed a draft horse.
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