Dell Inspiron e1405 and Inspiron 640m Released (pics, specs)

Dell has released a couple of new 14.1" screen portable notebooks.  The Dell Inspiron e1405 is a Core Duo processor notebook available through Dell Home while the Inspiron 640m is available through the business side.

The Inspiron e1405 as seen on the Dell Home site (view large image)

Inspiron e1405 Specs / Inspiron 640m Specs:

• Available Processors:
• Intel Core  Duo Processor T2500 (2GHz/667MHz FSB/2MB Cache)
• Intel Core  Duo Processor T2400 (1.83GHz/667MHz FSB/2MB Cache)
• Intel Core  Duo Processor T2300 (1.66GHz/667MHz FSB/2MB Cache)
• Intel Core  Solo Processor T1300 (1.66GHz/667MHz FSB/2MB Cache)
• RAM: Up to 2GB DDR2 dual channel memory
• Screen: 14.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) or WXGA+ (1440 x 900) with TrueLife (glossy screen)
• Hard Drive: up to 100GB
• Optical Drive: Fixed bay (configurable at purchase only)  
• Combo Drive - 24x/10x/24x CD Burner and 8x DVD-ROM
• 8x DVD/CD Burner (DVD+/-RW)
• Ports:
• IEEE 1394 integrated port (1394 cable and software sold separately)
• 4 USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) compliant 4-pin connectors
• RJ45 Ethernet port
• RJ11 Modem port
• Video: 15-pin monitor connector
• S-Video: 7-pin mini-DIN connector
• 5-in-1 removable memory card reader
• Audio jacks: Stereo headphones/speakers miniconnector (same as line-out), microphone miniconnector
• Audio: Integrated stereo sound or optional extra Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy ADVANCED HD Audio.
• Graphics: Intel Integrated
• Weight: about 5lbs
• Price: Starting at $799 with a basic configuration

Inspiron e1405 (view large image)

The e1405 carries the exact same look as the 15.4" screen Inspiron e1505 and 17" screen e1705 -- that being silver with a white trim and media controls located on the front.  The e1405 features the new Core Duo processor.  Even with this new processor the price can be had for under $1,000.  If you configure it with a Core Solo processor the price can be as low as $749.

A 14.1" screen is a perfect size for those that need to be portable (i.e. not have a back ache from carrying a notebook all over campus), but also want a large enough screen so that you can have a comfortable viewing experience without too much scrolling.

Dissapointingly it appears there are no dedicated graphics options for this notebook, something many had hoped to see.  Certain features of the upcoming Microsoft Vista OS may require a dedicated graphics card, so this option is becoming more and more important to consumers.

The selection of ports is quite good though, four USB 2.0 ports is generous for this sized laptop and the optional built-in Sound Blaster Audigy is nice.  Some might miss having a DVI port option.  Also dissapointing to see is that the optical drive is fixed and cannot be upgraded after purchase.

The Inspiron e1405 is available now via Dell.com Home

The Inspiron 640m is available now via Dell.com Business