5. ... And In Pictures, Continued

The keyboard is laid out according to the current standard. We like how the audio-video control buttons are located to the right of the keypad, as well as a rocker control switch for regulating the volume above the keyboard and the mute button right next to it. The WLAN module can be conveniently turned on and off with a keyboard shortcut.

The device is one of the few on the market that has both a touchpad and a track stick, ensuring that any user will get by with a mouse substitute. However, the touchpad can't be disabled with the click of a button, as with other devices. Nevertheless, power writers in particular, and gamers as well, will greatly appreciate this feature.

On the right side of the device, the 4x DVD+R/+RW burner is located in a multi-bay slot. If necessary, this can be replaced with a 48 Wh backup battery ($99/116 euro). This will lengthen the battery life up to 60%.

On the left side of the case in the front are the audio ports, the lone PC card slot and a FireWire port. The IR port is located under the PC card slot.

The two USB 2.0 ports are on the back, as are the parallel and VGA ports. The Inspiron 8600 also has a serial port and a proprietary S-Video output. The package includes a cable for a TV connection.

The 10/100 Mbit Ethernet port, now de rigueur in notebooks, and the modem jack, have been relegated to the back of the case, on the right.

Two SO-DIMM slots are available for memory upgrades. Both are conveniently accessible through an easy-to-remove panel on the bottom of the case. The battery has a charge indicator consisting of a row of LED lights.

When the display is opened up, the case makes an annoying creaking sound. Generally, testers were left with the impression that the case was unstable and not very warp-resistant.