The Dell Precision m6400 is not a laptop, it is a mobile work station. For the work I do I required something that was portable, however offered me the power of a desktop.

The Dell Precision M6400 gives me exactly that, and I am not going to go through all the possible configurations of this machine. For that you need to go visit Dell

What I do want to tell you is my experience thus far with this beautiful computer.

Overall Performance and Satisfaction Levels
I have read a couple of reviews on the Dell Precision M6400 and it seems I am not the only one who is more than happy with this mobile workstation solution from Dell. My only regret is asking Dell to downgade from Vista to XP as I feel this machine would easily cut through Vista’s bloat. (But that’s a “weekend mission” for some other weekend)

The backlit keyboard

The full backlit keyboard (includes numpad) is a great keyboard with Dell not taking many short cuts here. Black keys do require excessive cleaning, however I would have it no other colour. I am not an expert in button tactility, however I am comfortable with the Dell keyboard and found no real gripes.

The back-lit keys make all the difference when in you in a dark room (should you find yourself in one… with your laptop… with no other light…). My only concern is Dell omitted to put lights behind the volume lower/higher/mute buttons which has a nuisance value to it, when you consider the only real time I may choose to work in an entirely dark room is when I decide to watch a DVD on my laptop and want to increase/decrease the volume. The track pad could also do with some kind of illumination. (you too Apple Macbook Pro)

Battery Life
Firstly you will get a shock when you see the size of the Dell Precision M6400 Battery Pack. I am talking about that box in between the power outlet and your laptop.

The power pack is literally the size of a brick and I cannot fathom why the size. The battery itself seems average in size, but then I will be honest and have not sat comparing battery sizes of laptops, nor do I plan to.

The battery has a great lifespan which averages between 2-3 hours for me depending on what I am doing. Not that I have used a multitude of laptops, but a nice design feature about this laptop is that the power connection is at the back of the laptop.

Logical, me thinks, and wonder why other laptop manufactures don’t follow suite?

Construction
The laptop construction is high quality and solid, with metal being used for some of the casing. The plastic doesn’t feel as plastic as let’s say: “HP”. Dell advertise the shell is metal, which it very well is, however don’t expect a Macbook Pro however I am not highly displeased with the design.

It is important to note that the laptop is heavy and big. If you require mobile processing power, expect weight and size.

Conclusion
It is difficult giving a full review of this machine as it comes in so many variations and flavours – making it highly customisable for the individual. Dell targets the Precision M6400 to the individual who requires mobility and power and in those two departments the Precision M6400 delivers.