Monday, April 13, 2009

Pingo Calling Cards - Free International Talktime Bonus


Pingo Calling Cards - Free International Talktime Bonus - Double Your Money Offer


Today we will go through Pingo calling cards, which are one of the world's leading international long-distance carriers. They work around iBasis network which is assurance of superior quality and reliability— in addition to the most competitive rates in calling.

Pingo provides reliable, high quality international long distance phone calling service with the savings of international calling cards.

Pingo offers many calling facilities, its just not there for international calls, but also for domestic calls, Whether its India, Canada, USA etc. You can check this out on their site. Similarly for calling other destinations like Dominican Republic, Kenya, Bangladesh, Philippines, UAE, Saudi Arabia etc. Pingo calling card is a very cheap option. and they charge no additional fees -- just a 98 cents USD per month account maintenance fee.

Pingo Calling Cards

What's the offer?

Pingo has introduced an offer of get double what you invest against your money. It means, if you purchase a 10$ calling card you will get 10$ free bonus. Not only this if you Sign up for Pingo you will get $5 in FREE calls.

How to Call From Pingo?

1. You have to dial the local or toll-free access number provided by Pingo.
2. At the voice prompt, enter your account number and PIN.
(Use PINpass and skip step # 2!)
3. For all calls, dial the country code and number you want to call and press #. (With Pingo Speed Dial, you can shorten this step to just one or two numbers!)
4. If you want to place another call, don't hang up—just wait two seconds after the other party has hung up and dial the new number and press #.


So if you are the one who don't mind spending few bucks and were looking for cheap international calls, Pingo calling card offer always looks like a cheap and good calling package.
Source: http://free-pc-to-international-phone-calls.blogspot.com/search/label/cheap%20calls%20to%20india

http://www.12voip.com

What is 12Voip?


12Voip is a free program that uses the latest technology to bring free and high-quality voice communications to people all over the world.

When you use the free 12Voip software, you can call regular phones in various popular destinations for free or call at an incredible low rate to any other phone on the planet.

You can also call all your online friends (peer-to-peer calls) as long as you like, for free. Just click here to download 12Voip; the download should take only a few moments depending on your connection speed.

How to Use 12Voip

12Voip rules^ top

Yes we do offer a FREE service, but to keep it this way there are some rules;
Before you buy credit we allow you to test our service to various popular destinations for FREE.
There is one limitation;
- you can call a maximum of 60 minutes.

After having bought your credit you can call our FREE destinations for 3 months!

To avoid abuse we set the rules:
- you can call up to 300 minutes per week to a FREE destination.
- when you run out of FREE days (the 4 months) the normal rate will be charged for these destinations. But of course you can buy new credit and you will get another 3 months of FREE calling.
- of course you can use your credit to call destinations which are not FREE, but still very cheap

System Requirements^ top

In order to use the software, your computer must meet the following minimum system requirements.

Minimum System Requirements:

  • PC running Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (with SP2)
  • 300 MHz processor
  • 128 MB RAM
  • 10 MB free disk space on your hard drive
  • Sound Card and a headset
  • Internet Connection broadband: Cable, DSL, with minimum 64 kbit/s up/downstream)

However, in order to take advantage of all of the advanced features of the 12Voip and to experience the best sound quality possible, we highly recommend the following configuration.

Recommended System Requirements:

  • PC running Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (with SP2)
  • 1 GHz processor
  • 256 MB RAM
  • 30 MB free space on your hard drive
  • Full duplex sound card (most sound cards made after 1998), headset
  • Cable, DSL or equivalent broadband connection to Internet

Downloading The 12Voip ^ top

The software is free to download and you can always get the latest version here. If you have any problems using 12Voip, please first make sure that you are using the most recent version of the software.

To download the 12Voip to your computer, simply click the download link. Save the installation file to your computer. Be sure to remember where you saved the file (for instance the Desktop).

Installation ^ top

Double-click the installation file you just downloaded to start installing the 12Voip on your computer.

12Voip starts automatically each time you start windows. With the 12Voip always running, other users will be more likely to find you online. You can change these settings at any time from the 12Voip program by selecting "options".

Starting the 12Voip for the First Time ^ top

The first time you start the 12Voip, you will be asked to choose a User Name and password. The User Name and password fields are required in order to use the 12Voip. You can choose any name but it must be at least 6 characters in length. If the name is already in use by someone else you will have to try another name.

Making your first 12Voip call ^ top

For a call to any online 12Voip user, simply enter the username in the textbox and click the dial button. For a call to any regular phone, enter the desired number in the textbox and click the dial-button. If you are calling a land line in one of our free destinations, the call will be placed at no costs at all. For all other calls, you will be asked to buy credits first.

Please note that when you call a number (even if it's local) you should always dial 00 + countrycode + areacode + subscribernumber)

Improving Sound Quality ^ top

To get the best possible sound quality, we highly recommend you try the following:

  • Use a headset with a built in microphone. Headsets are available for purchase at most computer retailers and will dramatically improve sound quality.
  • Tell your friend to get a headset. Note that voice quality is affected by the equipment on both sides of the conversation. The best way to ensure high quality sound is to have a headset on both ends of the conversation.

If you don't have a headset, you are still likely to improve sound quality if you:

  • Use headphones instead of your computer speakers
  • Try moving the microphone closer or further away from your mouth
  • Use an external microphone (note that most laptops use low-quality microphones)
  • Update your soundcard drivers
  • Note that if you don't own a microphone, you may be able to use a pair of headphones as a temporary solution by connecting these to the microphone jack of your sound card. Try it!

Tabs ^ top

12Voip is divided into several tabs, each with a specific purpose.

The Contacts Tab shows other 12Voip users which you have added to your Contact List. The icon next to the User Name indicates the Online Status of these users. You can right-click any User Name in your Contact List to see a number of choices for communicating with, or managing this user in your Contact List.

The Dial pad Tab shows you a graphic representation of the buttons you find on any ordinary phone, and they work accordingly.

Speed-dial text field ^ top

The Text Box near the bottom of the main 12Voip window allows you to call directly by entering their User Name or phone number and pressing enter.

Calling with 12Voip ^ top

There are several ways to call with 12Voip:

  • From the textbox, enter the User Name of another 12Voip user, or the desired phone number and press enter.
  • Double-click a User Name in your contact list.
  • Use the dialpad to make a call just like you do on a regular phone.
  • Or use the keypad on your PC.
  • Please note that when you call a number (even if it's local) you should always dial 00 + countrycode + areacode + subscribernumber

Version updates

We frequently upgrade our software. To find out about the latest changes click here.

Need more info?^ top

Check our frequently asked questions.


Call your Friends and Family for FREE!

12voip offers free phone calls to various popular destinations. Simply download the free application and start calling your friends and family for FREE!


Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
China (+mobile)
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong (+mobile)
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico [guadalajara]
Mexico [mexico City]
Mexico [monterrey]
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Panama
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico (+mobile)
Romania
Russian Federation
Singapore (+mobile)
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
United Kingdom
United States (+mobile)
Venezuela

Source : http://www.12voip.com

Mercedes Concept BlueZero


Mercedes Concept BlueZero

Mercedes-Benz has just released details and images of a new concept that taps into the German automaker's experience of sandwich floor packaging. Dubbed the Concept BlueZero and due to be unveiled at next month's NAIAS, the four-door hatchback is 4.22 meters long, seats five and is likely to form the basis of a new range of small eco cars slated for production in 2009.

The BlueZero's aerodynamic body borrows from the company's 2005 Bionic concept, featuring a monospace design with a closed front apron, converging character lines and rear fenders that partially cover the wheels. The DLO runs in a shallow arc from the steeply angled hood, tapering slightly at the sides and almost seamlessly (but for the roof spoiler) curving down to envelop a pair of high-tech-looking, inverted 'L'-shaped light clusters behind a transparent Lexan plastic screen/tailgate structure.

The car's modular, sandwich floor chassis layout - pioneered on the A-Class - has been designed to accommodate three drivetrain configurations. It can be propelled by a fuel cell, by pure electricity, or by a hybrid powerplant that combines the Smart's 1.0-liter combustion engine with an electric motor.


Source: http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/page/?portlet_action=true&action_wid=2738#143953


Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss


Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have released photos of the new limited-edition SLR Stirling Moss, which will be unveiled at the upcoming NAIAS. Only 75 models will be made available to current owners of the SLR supercar.

This limited-edition V8 coupe was developed to commemorate British motor racing legend Stirling Moss's many victories in the SLR racecars of the 1950s. Notable design features of this 2009 edition include an arrow-shaped form, a muscular rear end, and bespoke surfacing on the hood – which runs from the tip of the nose right down to the interior, thanks largely to the absence of a windshield.

Production of the €750,000 Stirling Moss edition will begin when the last of the regular SLRs rolls off the line at the end of May 2009, ending in December that year.


Source: http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/page/?portlet_action=true&action_wid=2738#143953


Acer introduces quad-core Aspire 8930G

Acer introduces quad-core Aspire 8930G

Acer today introduced a version of its 18.4-inch Aspire 8930G with an Intel Core 2 Quad Mobile Processor Q9000. The Aspire 8930G-7665 is Acer's first quad-core notebook. Other notable features include a full HD 1920x1080 display, Nvidia GeForce 9700M-GT graphics, and a Blu-ray disc drive. The 8930G-7655 is available now through authorized Acer resellers for $1,799.99 and is backed by a one-year limited warranty. Its full specifications are as follows:

  • Intel® Core™2 Quad Mobile Processor Q9000 (6MB L2 Cache | 2.0 GHz | 1066MHz FSB)
  • 18.4" WUXGA Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD (1920 x 1080)
  • 4GB DDR3 1066 MHz Dual Channel Memory
  • NVIDIA® GeForce® 9700M GT with 512MB dedicated video memory
  • 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
  • Blu-ray Disc/DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
  • 6-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
  • 802.11a/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
  • Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
  • Dolby Home Theater®
  • Windows Vista® Premium 64-bit
Source: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4758

Dell Vostro 1710


Dell Vostro 1710 Core 2 Duo 2GHz 17in Laptop (3GB/320GB/8-Cell/Vista Biz + XP Pro) $599 Free Shipping, Jan. 8 5 AM

Dell Small Business has the Dell Vostro 1710 Intel Core 2 Duo T5870 17" Notebook Computer w/ Vista Business + XP Pro for a low $599.00 Free Shipping. Tax in most.

Dell Vostro laptops feature magnesium alloy chassis, mylar sealed keyboard, and NO PRE-INSTALLED TRIALWARE.

6.5lbs; 17.0"; Intel Core 2 Duo T5870 @ 2.0GHz; 3GB RAM; 320GB HDD; DVD burner; 802.11b/g; Vista Business + XP Professional; 8-cell battery; 1yr warranty

For Dell Small Business, remember you can just use your own name when it asks for your business name.


Source: http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/vostronb_1710?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

New Cars

19 Jan 09
Peugeot 3008

Peugeot has launched the new 3008, the company's first crossover. Previewed by the Prologue concept unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and nearly identical in its overall aesthetic, the 3008 is positioned at the crossroads between SUVs, MPVs and traditional hatchbacks, and will be the French automaker's first vehicle to offer a hybrid powertrain.

The design of the production 3008 is virtually identical to the concept's, though the new car makes do with smaller wheels, a metal roof rather than an all-glass canopy, and the reptilian skin graft at the rear has been removed. Peugeot claims its non-conformist approach offers an original solution and optimal versatility to customers in search of modernity, practicality and driving pleasure.

Inside, the car appears to be an inviting and driver-oriented environment, with a center stack angled towards the driver. The upmarket interior aims to attract the same kind of buyers drawn to Nissan's highly successful short-wheelbase Qashqai. New technologies such as dynamic roll and grip control are claimed to enable the vehicle to blend a higher driving position with engaging driving characteristics and environmental efficiency.

18 Jan 09
Fisker Karma S concept

Fisker Automotive revealed the newest addition to its lineup at NAIAS 2009, exactly a year after the independent carmaker unveiled its first concept vehicle, the Karma.

Called the Karma S concept, the four-seat convertible was designed by Henrik Fisker with input from a newly assembled design team taken on to help bring the Karma sedan to production.

The design of the S is likely to make it to the showroom almost unchanged.

Related Article:
Fisker Karma S concept - Detroit 2009
Photo Gallery: Fisker Karma S concept

18 Jan 09
Lincoln C concept

Ford's luxury division revealed a surprise new concept at the 2009 NAIAS: the C-segment, six-passenger Lincoln C design study, aimed at upscale urban consumers.

According to Freeman Thomas, director of Ford's Strategic Concepts Group where the concept was created, "the Lincoln C is about efficiency without compromise".

The exterior design was concieved by David Woodhouse and Jeremy Leng, and the interior by Andrei Markevich and Matt Edwards.

For additional details on the concept car, see our 2009 Detroit Auto Show Highlights and check out the photo gallery below.

Related Articles:
Lincoln C concept - Detroit 2009
Photo Gallery: Lincoln C concept

17 Jan 09
Chrysler 200C EV concept
Chrysler unveiled the 200C EV concept at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this week. The new car is a four-seat luxury sedan that progresses the bodyside-to-DLO proportions of the 300C.

See the photo gallery below and read our Detroit Auto Show Highlights for more details on the concept.

Related Articles:
Chrysler 200C EV concept - Detroit 2009
Photo Gallery: Chrysler 200C concept
17 Jan 09
Lexus HS 250h

Toyota's Lexus division unveiled the HS 250h at the 2009 NAIAS. The new mid-sized hybrid will sit between the smaller IS and larger ES models in the company's portfolio, bearing an all-new design with a best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.27 (better than that of the new Prius).

For additional details on the new car and to see our own unique photographs, read our 2009 Detroit Auto Show Highlights.

Related Article:
Lexus HS 250h - Detroit 2009

16 Jan 09
VIDEO: Subaru Legacy concept
The Subaru Legacy, previewed in concept form at the 2009 NAIAS, marks the vehicle's 20th anniversary and signals the design direction of the company's next-generation sedan.

For additional details on the concept car, see our 2009 Detroit Auto Show Highlights and check out the video to the left.

Related Articles:
Subaru Legacy concept - Detroit 2009
Photo Gallery: Subaru Legacy concept


Source: http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/new_cars/page/?portlet_action=true&action_wid=2738#147178

Dell Precision M2400 User Review

Dell Precision M2400 User Review

BY: David, NotebookReview.com Contributor
PUBLISHED: 2/6/2009

by David Li

The Dell Precision M2400 is the Latitude E6400’s identical twin sibling. Built from the same chassis, the only differences between the two lie in the NVIDIA Quadro FX 370M graphics card and the metallic wave design screen cover. While the M2400 is marketed as a mobile workstation and geared towards video editing, animation and CAD manipulation users on the go, the reinforced magnesium alloy chassis and an equally impressive security system makes this particular laptop a great companion not only for road warriors, but for anyone seeking a robust and reliable machine.

BUY the Dell Precision M2400 Computer Workstation (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40GHz, MB, GB)

Dell, Inc. $1,324.00

see all pricing for the Dell Precision M2400 Computer Workstation (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40GHz, MB, GB)

Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor T9600 2.8GHz 6MB L2 cache, 1066 FSB
  • Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro FX 370M 256MB
  • Operating system: Windows Ultimate 64-bit
  • Memory: 4GB DDR2 800MHz 6-6-6 (2GB+2GB) [Tested with 2x2GB 800MHz 5-5-5 memory; Max RAM supported-8GB]
  • Display: 14.1" WXGA+ LED Back-lit Display (1440x900) Matte
  • Hard drive: 120GB 5400rpm SATA 2.5" [Tested with 500GB 5400rpm hard drive]
  • Optical drive: 8X DVD/RW Double layer Super Multi Drive
  • Ports: 3x USB 2.0 (one with powershare), eSATA/USB combo port, Express card, 5 in1 media card reader, VGA, display port, microphone-in, headphone-out, Ethernet, IEEE 1394
  • Wireless: Intel 5300 Link 802.11a/g/n
  • Battery: 9-Cell 85 Ah
  • Other features: Bluetooth 370, fingerprint reader, webcam, back-lit keyboard, smart card reader and contactless smart card reader
  • Warranty: 3-year basic limited warranty and 3 Year NBD on-site service.
  • Dimensions: 13.18” x 9.33” x 1.26”
  • Price: USD$ 1,007.14 (Refurbished, tax + shipping included)

Build and Design

As I briefly mentioned in the introduction, the M2400 is constructed with a magnesium alloy chassis which helps minimize overall flex and heightens durability. Similar to the Latitude E6400 series, the hinges are extremely robust which gives a strong notion of a brawny build quality. With a durable matte plastic exterior, the M2400 isn’t prone to fingerprints like many of the glossy consumer-class notebooks, yet stands out from most business-class units with a fashionable metallic screen cover.

The selection of ports is excellent and certainly sufficient for most mobile users. There are also docking options available, the E-port replicator ($129) and E-port Plus replicator ($199), for those whom require additional USB ports and/or dual monitor support.

Front: Screen latch, 5 in 1 media card reader

Left: Kensington lock, VGA, USB powershare, eSATA/USB combo port, smart card reader

Right: 2x USB, wireless toggle switch, wifi catcher network locator, microphone in, audio out, optical drive, express card slot, IEEE 1394 firewire

Back: Ethernet, display port, A/C in

One of my main concerns regarding the build is the lack of a hard drive caddy that could effectively provide additional protection to the drive. I am a little disturbed knowing that I am only two screws and a small nudge away from releasing the hard drive from its bay. Even when the hard drive is securely locked in place, there is still a little wiggle room and I would have preferred some physical barrier where my hands can not affect the position of the hard drive during normal operational use.

Screen

Equipped with the LG-Philips LPL0140 (aka LP141WP2) LED screen, the panel offers admirable luminance, average contrast ratios and typical viewing angles.

Despite listing an above average contrast ratio of 500:1 on the spec sheet, the screen appears to be slightly washed out, especially when the brightness is set at maximum. Vertical viewing angles are average while horizontal viewing angles perform slightly better. Graininess is non-existent and all text and images can be produced with high clarity. Although the screen isn’t quite perfect, it’s adequate for most mobile CAD users.

In terms of build, the screen suffers from no wobble and trivial flex. Applying pressure from the back does not cause any color distortions either. Like the Lenovo T series laptops, the M2400 is sturdy enough to be confidently picked up by the screen. Compared to the Latitude E6400, the screen on the M2400 feels more robust. On the other hand, the screen bezel feels frightening delicate and can be pried from all four sides with little effort. This however, doesn’t seem to jeopardize the overall build quality of the screen since most people will rarely run their fingers or sharp objects across their screens.

The ambient light sensor works flawlessly and unlike some of the Asus units I’ve used in the past, the sensor dims and brightens the screen perfectly for my taste. There’s also the option of disabling the light sensor for those who are not accustomed to the automatic light adjustment.

While this particular unit uses an LG-Philips panel, Dell also uses a Samsung screen for the M2400. The Samsung panel (SEC5442) is a tad more washed out, but still provides excellent luminance and similar viewing angles. The differences between these two panels are minute and are only noticeable upon close inspection.

Left-Dell Latitude E6400 with SEC5442; Right-Dell Precision M2400 with LPL0140

Speakers

Using the same integrated IDT high definition stereo speakers as the Latitude E6400, acoustics are average for volume and sub-par for quality. As expected from a 2 channel built-in speaker system, the speakers lack bass, and the treble-heavy audio can easily disgust any audiophile. As John Ratsey mentioned in his Latitude E6400 review, the large speaker grills are primarily decorative and the speakers itself are small ~12mm circular units that sit near the middle of each grill. If anyone should require better quality sound, a pair of headphones or external speakers would help overcome these limitations and suffice most people.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Being a night owl myself, the one feature I fancy most is the back-lit keyboard. It is shameful that many notebook manufactures still don’t offer this wonderful option. Needless to say, my overall typing experience is very pleasing. However, putting the fancy lights aside, the M2400 offers a full-sized keyboard with decent tactile feedback and good comfort. Flex is concentrated mainly on the upper right corner, but is not noticeable with normal daily usage since that particular section is used mostly by your pinky and uses less pressure than other fingers. It would be nice to see more dedicated hotkeys for media controls, but these features are often lacking in business-class laptops.

The touchpad is remarkably small (even the touchpad on the 12.1” Asus U6 has a larger surface area) and difficult to use. Tracking with the touchpad will often require multiple finger movements and can get annoying at times. Luckily, the M2400 offers a track-stick (similar to Lenovo’s trackpoint pointing device) centered between the G, H and B keys which allows easier and more versatile cursor movements. The touchpad buttons can only be described as soft and mushy and has slower tactile feedback than other laptops I have used in the past; it took me a little while to get used to.

Processor and Performance

Configured with the 2.80GHz T9600 Intel processor, NVIDIA Quadro FX 370M graphics chip and 4GB of memory, the M2400 can rip through programs with ease and provide enough multitasking power for most folks. Graphics intensive tasks may suffer somewhat from the GDDR2 graphics memory and a 64-bit bus width, but still be able to handle casual gaming and light CAD applications without issues. Below are benchmarks and CPU/GPU specifications to illustrate a more quantitative analysis of the M2400’s performance.

CPU-Z:

EVEREST, GPU Description:


Windows Experience Index:



3DMark06 comparison results:


PCMark05 Comparison results:


wPrime Comparison results:


HDTune:

Battery Life

The 85WHr 9 cell battery is able to provide enough power for 310 minutes of basic web browsing, instant messaging and word processing with the back-lit keyboard on and screen brightness set at minimum. Although this is less than what Dell has advertized, the figure is still fairly modest for a laptop with this particular hardware configuration. With the 84WHr extended battery slice, I suspect the battery life would double to ~600 minutes under the same conditions.

Heat and Noise

The cooling system on the M2400 is questionable. While the CPU can maintain its own temperatures effectively, the GPU is open to discussion. Unlike the CPU, the GPU and motherboard chipset uses a thermal pad instead of a copper plate for transferring heat to the heat pipe. Since thermal pads doesn’t conduct heat as efficient as copper metal, the Quadro FX 370M can spike up to 95°C during load while running graphics intensive software such as 3DMark06. On the contrary, idle temps run shockingly cool. CPU and GPU temps hold steady at 31°C and 48°C respectively. Operating with an E-dock Plus with an external monitor will increase idle temps by ~10-15°C for both the CPU and GPU.

Thermal pad contact:


Idle temperatures (on battery and without dock):



Idle temperatures (on A/C and with E-Dock Plus):


External temperatures are excellent and the M2400 can be used comfortably on the lap. Basic word processing and web surfing are well below the triple-digit temperatures.

Temperatures measured in Fahrenheit:

The noise from the fan is audible and can get a little irritating at times; especially when the M2400 is parked on the docking station running nothing but the necessary tasks for operating Vista and antivirus software in the background. During normal use without a dock, the fan isn’t as noticeable and runs at lower speeds.

Security Features

Being a business-class laptop, the M2400 is designed with several security features tailored to fit the needs for most businesses. If entering a password is not your preferred mode for logging into your system, the M2400 also offers fingerprint, smart card reader and a contactless smart card reader for your choosing. Every security feature can be accessed and configured in Dell’s ControlPoint Security Manager (already pre-installed and also available on the driver disk). Of course, the industry security standard, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is also part of the package.

Pictorial Comparison Between the Precision M2400 and Latitude E6400

Left: M2400
Right: E6400



Top: E6400
Bottom: M2400



Customer Service and Support

Within the past month, I have purchased 2 Dell laptops from the Dell outlet store. Although for each purchase there came minor issues, Dell was able to express ship a battery replacement and a missing restore disk that I received the very next day. I was reminded by the rep that the NBD (Next Business Day) warranty service was not part of my protection plan for my Latitude, yet I was still given the “NBD” treatment. Rumors say Dell’s marketing strategy is to under-promise and over-deliver; I won’t argue with that. Dell has also taken a step further to ensure customer satisfaction in which a rep will actively call to follow up on the delivery status and answer any questions or issues you may have with your laptop. I am very impressed with the quality of Dell’s after-sales service and the only negative words I can say is the 15-20 min wait to get an actual human customer rep behind the other line and the inability to view your tracking number and status online.

BUY the Dell Precision M2400 Computer Workstation (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40GHz, MB, GB)

Dell, Inc. $1,324.00

see all pricing for the Dell Precision M2400 Computer Workstation (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40GHz, MB, GB)

Conclusion

The Precision M2400 is an excellent match for business professionals and light CAD users. It is a distinguished laptop that offers brilliant processing power with a hint of style. The ruggedness and strapping build is expected from a business laptop, and the M2400 surely lives up to that standard. Although there are some minor setbacks, the M2400 is still a well-made system and can easily survive the daily bumps and bruises encountered by most frequent travelers.

Pros:

  • Excellent build quality
  • Impressive input/output port selection
  • Provides terrific power and performance
  • Wide variety of security features
  • Cool exterior (in terms of both aesthetics and temperature)
  • Exceptional customer service
  • Great security features

Cons:

  • GPU runs hot and fan operate loudly during load or when attached to the E-Dock Plus
  • No switchable graphics option to provide better battery performance
  • Cheap plastic screen bezel
  • Poor built-in speakers
  • Hard drive does not feel secure enough
Source: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4838&review=dell+precision+m2400