A Solid Workhorse, But Not a Racehorse

By no means am I a computer expert. Still, I’ve gone through my share of PCs and laptops since I got my very first home computer way back in 1994, and I’d like to think that I know a few things about them. Because of that, I end up doing a lot of troubleshooting and triage at work when someone is having a problem and the IT people are nowhere to be found. And thanks to that, I’m often asked for advice when someone is buying a new personal PC.

And my standard response is always a question: what do you intend to do with your computer? And really, that’s an important question, certainly apropos to the Dell Latitude D620. Because if you’re looking for a blazing-fast, super charged gaming computer with flashy graphics and a high definition screen, go buy an Alienware. But if you simply want a solid workhorse that you can use for net-surfing, word processing, spreadsheets and such, this one might just suit your needs.

I must admit that I didn’t buy my D620. Rather, it was issued to me by my employer. I use it to work from home, and I use it with a docking station at the office. So it’s running at least eight hours a day on average during the week, and usually a few hours a day on weekends, too.

My configuration is as follows:

Intel Centrino Duo CPU, 1.66 MHZ Processor
1 GB RAM
50 GB Hard Drive
14.1 in. Widescreen WXGA TFT Active Matrix
Windows XP
Four USB ports, two side, two rear.
DVD R/RW removable drive
Standard I/O and video output
Ethernet and Phone jacks
Wireless LAN
TCP/IP Slot
Audio out/in Jacks


Performance is respectable. As I mentioned, there is no dedicated graphics card, so gamers need not apply. But my D620, as configured, is perfectly suited for multi-tasking with a number of applications through direct LAN or wireless connection. Typically, I will run some combination of the following:

SAP (multiple screens, multiple instances)
Lotus Notes
Sametime IM
Internet Explorer
Microsoft Excel
Mcafee Virus Scan

I also run several internal proprietary programs as well, a few of which are memory and processor hogs. Still, my response time is generally fast, and seek time on the hard drive is at least as fast as on my desktop PC. The Wi-Fi works well and is generally able to pick up and carry even low signal networks. A small “Wi-Fi” indicator light built into the chassis also lets me know when I’m in range of a network.

The keyboard takes up about half of the chassis, and the keys are easy to the touch and of adequate size, sometimes such that I actually prefer them to my normal keyboard. The mouse is controlled by either an “eraser” type button between the G, H, and B keys (but does anyone really use this thing?), or the standard touchpad just beneath the space bar. That latter is my preference, not overly sensitive and easy to get accustomed to. I also like the external volume controls, including the mute button, that allow you to quickly and easily alter or silence the speaker. This is particularly handy when I’m in a meeting, booting up and forgot to turn the sound off.

Battery life is fair, and I can get about three hours from a full charge with average use. If I’m just web surfing or word processing and the fan does not come on an additional half an hour to hour is not uncommon. When the fan does come on, it’s relatively quiet. Using the DVD drive consistently (as with watching a movie) will give you about two hours of use.

Burning discs is a cinch, and the pre-loaded software will allow you to easily copy a CD or DVD by mirroring data on the hard drive. This is not, however, recommended in battery mode, as the steady use of the DVD/CD drive and hard drive will considerably use up your power supply.

The case seems good and sturdy. I’ve never dropped my D620 (nor do I intend to if I can avoid it), but I suspect that it would likely withstand normal use and perhaps even a bit of abuse quite nicely. Appearance is as functional as the D620’s performance. Finished in sleek black and metallic silver, it is perfunctory if not elegant, appeasing if not pleasing.

The wrist-rest protrudes a bit from the front and doesn't really accomplish anything in my opinion. Rather, it just looks awkward and is not at an angle that allows me to take advantage of it.

Weight is not a limiting factor at about 6 pounds, but the D620 is a bit heftier than other laptops in its range. It weighs a bit more than my daughter’s Gateway or my son’s Acer, with fewer features than those laptops have. I attribute this to the case, designed to protect, and that’s a fair trade-off actually.

The D620 throws off a fair amount of heat when in use, but no more than average. When using this computer I can leave it propped on my leg without too much discomfort. The heat will be measurable but not quite enough to be uncomfortable.

My biggest gripe about this PC is the display. The screen size is certainly adequate enough, but overall I find it dull and even slightly difficult to see in direct lighting situations. Still, it gets the job done in so much as this is a “workhorse” laptop. And the display is good enough for a fair picture when playing movies on a long flight.

Overall, the Dell D620 strikes me as a solid option for work, net-surfing, and word processing. More of a mule than a racehorse, it gets to the finish line all the same, and at a fair price to boot. I would give it three and a half stars, but for Epinions I’ll round up to four.