Dell 640m for the chess patzer

I want ..

The Intel Core chips (Core and Core 2 duo) is really great. These notebooks run faster while using less power resulting in longer battery life. I remember a year ago, the typical battery life of a notebook was about 2 hours. Now it’s common for notebooks to run 4-5 hours.

Today even an off-the-shelf Core Duo processor can match the speed of the four-processor system on which Fritz was running in 2002

Chessbase - The last man vs machine match?

I ran thru Dell Malaysia and the price tag for this patzer’s ideal notebook is RM 3,120 (USD 880). Major difference between this model and the previous Dell Inspiron 6400, is the screen for this model is smaller at 14.1 inch and consequently also lighter (2.5kg). Added 1Gb RAM (absolutely necessary) and hence the higher price tag.

Specs

• Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo Processor T2050
• 1.60 GHz, 2MB Cache, 533 MHz FSB
• Genuine Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition 2005
• Genuine Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition 2005 (English) Media
• 1-Year Limited Warranty (Next Business Day On-site Service - parts & labour)
• Intel(R) Media Accelerator 950 Graphics Up to 224MB shared system memory
• 1 ExpressCard Slot, (DOES NOT SUPPORT PCMCIA CARDS)
• Internal Dell(TM) 87 Keys Keyboard (English)
• Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet
• Intel(R) 945GM Chipset
• Dell(TM) Image Restore
• Internal 56K Modem
• RJ-11 Modem cable (AP)
• 65W AC Adapter
• 14.1″ WXGA TFT Display ( 1280 X 800 res)
• 1024MB (2 X 512MB) DDR2 SDRAM
• 80GB SATA Hard Drive
• Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Combination Drive with dual layer write capabilities
• Roxio Creator LE and Roxio MyDVD LE
• Microsoft(R) Works 8.5 - OEM version
• Word Processor/Spreadsheet/Database/Calendar/Powerpoint viewer/Email Tools
• Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945 Dual Band 802.11a/g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card
• Integrated Stereo Sound
• 6-cell 53Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery
• Dell Light Weight Nylon Case
• TV-out cable w/ SPDIF
• Free Upgrade from DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive to DVD+/-RW Combination Drive

Couldn’t get it this Christmas like I planned after the DATMO 3 tourney. Defilnitely have to get one before DATMO 4.

PS:
Reading the notebook reviews online for this model, here is a summary:

Pros:

Cons:

There is the first generation Core Duo and second generation Core 2 Duo.
You can upgrade the CPU to a Core 2 Duo but I don’t think that little speed gained justifies the cost. Also, it won’t be noticeable for a typical chess player to get the CPU upgrade. Sticking with the plain old Core Duo is ok.

Ordering from Dell Malaysia will take about 2 weeks (including weekends). Eg: If I order today, Dell estimates the delivery date to be 9th Jan 2007.

For those who can’t wait to know when your order will arrive, you can track the order via Dell’s website.

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