Product Notes: Dell Latitude D630

May 9th, 2007

Dell announced the Latitude D630 today, which is based on Intel's Santa Rosa laptop platform. Note that the Latitude D630 is not currently available with a discrete video card and thus does not meet Information System's & Computing's (ISC's) mid-weight laptop specification (though it does meet the value laptop specification).

Changes

The Latitude D630 includes many of the newly available Santa Rosa features. Specifically, FireWire is now standard. Newly available optional features include Intel 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Intel's Turbo Memory.

Ordering Notes

Several notes when ordering a Latitude D630:

1. The Latitude D630 enclosure is generally similar to the D620 it replaces, though it does include a few new ports and capabilities.
2. All Latitude D630s include the latest versions of Intel's flagship Core 2 Duo processor.
3. Having at least 1.0 GB RAM is essential for the optimal functionality of any modern laptop.
4. The Latitude D630 includes Dell's Wi-Fi Catcher wireless network locater.
5. With any mid-weight laptop, ISC continues to strongly suggest a discrete video card instead of integrated video. Dell expects discrete video cards to be available for the D630 in late June.
6. As with any mid-weight laptop, ISC suggests that LSPs consider purchasing both a high-capacity (9 cell) and a mid-capacity (6 cell) battery along with an extra AC power adapter for the Latitude D630. Providers may also wish to consider Dell's range of port replicators and docking solutions, which include a port replicator and a mini dock.
7. The D630's connectivity options including 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0. The 802.11n standard has not been finalized as of May 2007, and so currently shipping 802.11n products may not work correctly in the future without a firmware update. ISC is no longer actively discouraging their purchase and use, but advises that the buyer beware. ISC believes that Bluetooth is a good choice for most D630 users.
8. Though Dell has made it part of the default configuration for the Latitude D630, ISC does not believe that Gold Technical Support is the correct choice for all Schools and Centers. ISC intends to follow up on this particular issue in a more detailed communication.

See ISC's Laptop Computer Purchasing Guide for more configuration hints. As of May 2007, configuring a Latitude D630 to the value laptop specification can be done for approximately $1,200.

ISC sees the Latitude D630 as being a competitive choice among mid-weight laptops available in mid-2007, when it becomes available with a discrete graphics card.

--John Mulhern III, Senior Project Leader, ISC Technology Support Services (May 9th, 2007)