Dell Inspiron 6000: a first look
Published: 20 Jan 2005
The Inspiron 6000 from Dell will be among the first notebooks to hit the market with Intel's new Sonoma technology. According to Intel, Sonoma will deliver faster data processing, and users -- particularly gamers and graphics pros -- should see less audio and video chop, quicker task execution, less power consumption and longer battery life as a result. The Inspiron 6000, a desktop-replacement notebook with multimedia aspirations, will be available with a Celeron or Pentium M processor at speeds up to 2.13GHz.

In addition to the Sonoma technology, the Inspiron 6000 offers a number of improvements over the Inspiron 5160, which it will replace in Dell's home/small business line-up. Upgraded features include a 15.4in. wide-screen display (available in WXGA, WSXGA and WUXGA resolutions), a slightly slimmer profile (though it's about 2.5cm wider), a better keyboard layout, optional Bluetooth, front edge media controls and four USB 2.0 ports. Also onboard are an S-Video output, FireWire, VGA, 10/100 Ethernet and modem connections, plus a multi-format, double-layer DVD burner. Hard drive capacities will range from 30GB to 80GB.
Configured with the upgraded Pentium M processor, 512MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, a 15.4in. WXGA display, and the DVD burner option, this system will not be the cheapest option available. Also, Dell lists the Inspiron 6000's weight at 3kg, but our scale said 3.2kg (3.6kg with the compact AC adapter). That's not unreasonable for a desktop replacement, but certainly not your lightest option.
Preliminary testing of the Inspiron 6000 shows only modest gains in speed and performance over systems with similarly clocked, last-generation Pentium M processors (with a 400MHz frontside bus as opposed to 533MHz). We'll be posting a full review of the Inspiron 6000 and other Sonoma systems in the coming weeks. Starting at around £900 (inc. VAT), the Dell Inspiron 6000 will initially be available only with integrated graphics; the discrete graphics version is scheduled to ship early in February, with a 100GB hard drive option due to appear in March 2005.
Related articles
Inside Intel's Sonoma
Tech Guide Intel's latest portable computing platform is here. We lift the lid on the improved CPU, chipset and wireless components, and outline the benefits that mobile professionals are likely to experience. [19 Jan 2005]
Full Talkback thread
1 comment
New Products
Dell Adamo XPS: a first look
More details have finally emerged on Dell's ultra-thin, ultra-stylish Adamo XPS. Check out our preview and image gallery.
iPhone 3G S: a first look
Apple's third-generation iPhone will be available on 19 June. Here are the highlights from its unveiling at the WWDC 2009 keynote.
Dell Adamo: a first look
Dell's much-anticipated Adamo, a high-end 'luxury' notebook, has finally been announced. Here's a hands-on look at a pre-production version.
Enterprise Smartphones Special Report Special Report
Nokia E63
Review Although it's missing some features (chiefly HSDPA and GPS), Nokia's E63 is a well-thought-out, ergonomic and affordable smartphone.
Review Acer DX900
Review HTC S740 on Orange
Lenovo repurchases mobile phone arm
Lenovo has bought back the mobile phone arm that it sold to a private equity firm at the start of 2008, the company said on Friday. The manufacturer sold Lenovo Mobile to the Hony... More
Jabra Stone Bluetooth headset
I don’t get on very well with Bluetooth headsets. But it is not a prejudice against them. I don’t get on well with those flat, saucer-like in-ear headphones either. My ears are just... More
Ion pleases the eye and kills off the...
The netbook has been a rapidly evolving beast. The idea was initially unveiled about four years ago by the OLPC initiative, who wanted to bring out a cheap educational tool for the... More



















