Good Laptop but battery life can compromise performance (Dell Inspiron 6400 Extreme)

Member Name: consumergood

Product:	Dell Inspiron 6400 Extreme
Date:	14/05/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use

Disadvantages: Battery after one year needs to be replaced

Bought this item directly from Dell.co.uk, with some customatization from the original specification but very easy to change with some helpful hints on each item you would like to change.
Delivered very quickly and also very easy to use straight away from the box, the quick start guide was very good and plain English.
Great features like the media direct button give instant access for the media facilities. The volume and cd/dvd button placed on the front external area of laptop is very helpful.
So far after 1 year and 3 months of use I had few issues from the processing time side ( I am heavy user of large Excel Spreadsheets ) but nothing to be worried for a budget laptop.
Internet connectivity great - I never ever had any problems from home, work or public wi-fi places. Also works very well wired.
The big negative as I noted on several reviews are the battery issue. There is a chronicle problem with the batteries for this model and brand. After exactly one year I started to receive an msg saying my battery life is gone and ask for a replacement. I found this a considerable point to be taking on account if you are looking for a 3 years laptop life as the cost of this battery is around £120 (from Dell web site info).
I complaint with Dell but they said this can't be exchanged anyway as this item is not covered from standard warranty anyway.
Last point on the battery issue is I start to receive an on-screen msg highlighting the battery life problem and showing a direct link to dell on-line store to ask for a replacement. I found this not very nice and I will try other brand next time as the battery replacement costs are 1/3 of the product cost.

Summary: I would recommend but after battery issue big no no

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