Dell Latitude D600

I have used this computer in the past, and have found it to be a decent machine. In the beginning, I was having trouble with the wireless card (Intel 2200BG). The connection to the server would frequently reset when the router (WRT54G) was set to G-mode. However, Dell sent another card and it appears to have fixed the problem. Before, I had a Dell Inspiron 4150. The 4150 was a reliable notebook, but it was getting a little old. The Latitude D600 is thinner and a little lighter than the Inspiron 4150. Although other reviewers may complain about the construction of the D600, it is solid in my opinion. I can lift the computer from the corner without a problem. Furthermore, I am pleased that the back cover of the screen is aluminum. The computer does not feel cheaply built. It feels more solid than the Inspirons that I've held. The left palm rest does get warm, but it doesn't really bother me. The hard drive is positioned near the top of the palm rest on the left side, and it's expected that the hard drive will get warm. It doesn't get too hot, though, and I'm using a 5400RPM drive. I chose the D600 instead of the D610 because I wanted to use my 512MB (DDR) memory chip and my 80GB HHD that I had before. Also, I preferred having a thinner notebook. From what I understand about the D610, the HDD connection is different, and the memory is DDR2. I rarely play games, so I do not think the slight increase in bus speed (400MHz vs. 533MHz) will make a difference. Besides, I've used computers with 533MHz and 800 MHz FSB, and this one appears faster than some of those. I think software can make a bigger difference speed-wise than slight increases in specifications, especially for non-gamers. The two things that disappoint me with this notebook are the keyboard and the mouse cursor. The keyboard does not feel solid underneath, therefore, it bows slightly downward when I press a key. Also, if I use the pointing eraser on the keyboard along with its buttons, there are times when the cursor starts drifting up, and the touchpad is unresponsive until the cursor eventually stops drifting. Other than that, I am pleased with the notebook. I keep it on a flat surface so the vents can function properly, and the hard drive usually stays below 51 degrees Celsius (usually 47 to 50C), which is well within the operating limits of the drive. If you place the notebook on a soft surface, such as a blanket, then the vent will be blocked and the heat will not dissipate properly. After a while, you can expect hard drive failure. With any brand or system, if it's vented properly and the hard drive temperature is within the limits, then it has the same chance of failing as another hard drive from a different manufacturer.