Mid-sized Dothan Notebook Roundup: Dell, Gateway, and HP/Compaq

Dell Latitude D600: In the Field (cont.)

Display

The unit's 14.1" SXGA+ display is what we have come to expect; reasonably bright with crisp text at its native resolution, 1400 x 1050. With notebook pricing falling, we highly recommend going after a SXGA+ display, if you want a notebook with a 14.1" or 15.0" display. For us, at least, it just feels more natural than a XGA display, which is better suited for true ultraportables like Asus' S5200N.

In terms of brightness across the scheme of other notebooks, Dell's D600 (8 settings) seems to be brighter of the three on battery power. Though, HP (10 settings) seems brighter than the D600 on AC power. However, Gateway (8 settings) beats all three out when it comes to getting the display at its dimmest setting.

LEDS

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The LEDs are well placed and implemented in the D600. There are four LEDS visible when the display is closed (left to right: power - green when active, hard drive - green when active, battery status - green when charging, and wireless/Bluetooth - blue when active).

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There is another set of LEDs visible that are centered directly above the keyboard (left to right: number lock - green when active, caps lock - green when active, and scroll lock - green when active). The power button is also illuminated when the system is on/active. The benefit of Dell's design is that you know exactly what each LED represents by its illuminated symbol.

Above the middle LED, which is above the keyboard, sits the system integrated microphone; it's marked by a small pinhole.

Charger

The charger hasn't changed from their previous iterations, as it is the same one used for the consumer and business line. While it is a small detail, the rubber strap helps keep the cable clutter at a minimum.

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