I've had my 700m since a few weeks ago and I'm still in love with this machine!~
2.0 Ghz | 1 gig ram | 80 gig hard drive | Windows XP Home SP 2
Pro's:
+ Widescreen
+ Quiet keyboard
+ Speedy Performace
+ Gorgeous Screen and Brightness
+ Reliable Wireless Connectivity
+ Light Weight and Portability
+ Quiet CD/DVD reading when listening and watching music, movies, etc.
Con's:
- Extended Battery Size
- Intel Extreme Nonsense
- Cheap, loud mouse buttons
- Fan is constantly on when Firefox is open/used
- Microphone port issues: Very severe static issues
- Loud cd/dvd reading when installing games, sofware, etc.
- Gets pretty warm where you rest your left hand onto the laptop layout.
- Microphone, Headset, and firewire port is on the front side of the laptop
- Accidently hitting the mousepad when typing. So lets so I'm typing and I accidently hit the mouse pad, my cursor is off the screen and I'm basically not typing onto the program. Gets me frustrated when taking extensive notes in class!
So far I've tested many games:
Gunbound, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike 1.6, GTA: III, Guild Wars, Maplestory, Need for Speed Underground, Ragnarok Online, Unreal Tournament: GOTY Edition (the really, really old/first one), Warcraft III and Expansion, World of Warcraft, X-Men Legends II and many more!
Soon to be Tested:
Age of Empires II
Quake III: Arena
StarCraft
Warhammer 4000: Dawn of War.
With that said, I'll later post snapshots and in-game demos of how the games ran and under what settings. But for now I'll put in my say about the current results (also, I have reformatted the laptop, so perhaps I'm getting even better results than expected).
High Performance:
Counter-Strike 1.6
Gundbound
Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
MapleStory
Megaman X4 (PC Version)
Ragnarok Online
StarCraft
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Outcast
Star Wars: Jedi Knight III: Jedi Academy
StepMania
Unreal Tournament: GOTY Edition
Moderate Performance:
Call of Duty
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Warcraft III
X-Men Legends II
Poor Performance:
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Guild Wars (Even with new, updated drivers)
Need for Speed Underground I and II
Word of Warcraft (Even with new, updated drivers)
Commentary:
Later I'll post/re-edit my results with more details, snapshots, and demos. All in all, this is a great laptop. It's perfect for typing on the go and runs the games that I need when visiting friends, lans, and such. As for that new 710m model? I'm sorry, but I'll take a usb headset (Plantronics 500--to fix that mic probelm) over that ugly, white keyboard any day of the week; black > white/grey in my book. I hope this helps for those who are considering purchasing the 700m/710m. And yeah, you'll have to get used to the typing for a while, but I was able to adjust with my hands. And as for the screen? Just plain gorgeous!
Neoprene Carrying Case:
Sony VGP-AMC1 Neoprene Carrying Case for VAIO S Series Notebooks (Includes AC Adapter Case)
The website above has customer reviews and images of the carrying case with the 700m. Mine just came in a few days ago and it's a perfect fit! This is perfect to avoid minor scratches and tear when your laptop is in a backpack or in a carrying case.
----------------------------------------
I just recently updated some drivers to see if there are any improvements whatsoever. Results:
Dell Inspirion 700m/710m Drivers for Windows XP/2000:
Intel Mobile Chipset: Release Date: 03/09/2006
Chip Set: Intel Mobile Chipset, Driver, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Multi Language, Multi System, v.7.2.2.1006, A09
Description:
The Intel(R) Chipset Software Installation Utility installs Windows* INF files to the target system. These files outline to the operating system how to configure the Intel(R) chipset components in order to ensure that the following features function properly: - Core PCI and ISAPNP Services - PCIe Support - IDE/ATA33/ATA66/ATA100 Storage Support - SATA Storage Support - USB Support - Identification of Intel(R) Chipset Components in the Device Manager
Download
- http://support.dell.com/support/down...&fileid=149851
Dell Notebook System Software: Release Date:03/09/2006
System Utilities: Dell Notebook System Software, Utility, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP x64, English, Multi System, v.4.1.0, A20
Description:
Notebook System Software (NSS) is a utility that provides critical updates and patches for your operating system. Install the NSS program to gain support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel Pentium-M processors, CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD drives, Infrared (IR) communications, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell portable computer, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port, and D/View family of docking devices. NSS automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.
Download
- http://support.dell.com/support/down...&fileid=150407
Intel® 82852/82855 Graphics Controller Family:
Graphics Driver Ver: 14.19.50 [Windows XP/2000]: Release Date: 2/8/2006
Release Notes for Graphics Driver:
- ftp://aiedownload.intel.com/df-suppo...G/relnotes.htm
Download
- http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scri...ition&lang=eng
[Note: Uninstall current drivers/software before installing]
----------------------------------------
Gunbound:
A little blury due to the resolution differences of the game and laptop screen, but runs very smoothly. Come on it's Gunbound, what machine can't possibly run gunbound?
Counter-Strike 1.6:
Runs kind of laggy due to my run on a wireless connection, but so far it runs pretty smooth [Constant 30fps at the very least]. I'll later test out de_aztec with smokes and such with my config, fps, screenshots, and demos. Remember to try to avoid the smoke gernades and I would suggest to play in 800x600.
Call of Duty:
This game runs fair compared to how it should run on most gaming systems. It satisfies those who're interested specifically towards single player gaming. That being said, try to tilt up the screen to get a better view in dark areas and stay away from the fire for the video lag will cause a big slow down.
Grand Theft Auto III:
Talk about being surprised that this game ran better than expected. If having played the PSP port of GTA, this game will run to your liking. It runs pretty smooth and raising the in-game brightness helps the gameplay. Hopefully GTA Vice City and San Andreas will run as smooth as GTA III on the 700m, but it's very doubtful. Still, this game has my thumbs up in performance and gameplay.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City:
Ah, GTA: Vice City. This game looks gorgeous even under 16-bit @ 800x600. Just to be able to drive the streets of Miami while listening to the 80's is a blast on the 700m. People be my side in my classes basically had this look of of awe as they watched me ride a motorcycle high in the air and crash to one bloody end. Anyways, this game gets my thumbs up!
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas:
Ah, GTA: ... San Andreas. Again, players are taken back into GTA in the world of the 90's. This game would've been another hit on my list, but because of the slow downs, bad keyboard + mouse control scheme, and bad graphics (under 16-bit. if you plan to run 32-bit, the game will run incredibly slow!). I'd avoid this game like the plague. If you have a ps2 or x-box, play San Andreas on them. If not, pick up the PC Versions of GTA: 3 or Vice City. This game just isn't worth your time, nor money on the 700m.
Guild Wars:
Mediocre to poor performance. Just to slow for my taste. Maybe I should drop all system settings in order to make it run better.
Guild Wars (With New, Updated Drivers):
Even with the new updated drivers, the gameplay is still the same--which is horrendous. It's not worth to play such a gorgeous game on a system like this one. I've seen what Guild Wars is suppose to look like with the highest settings on, so I'd suggest to stay away from this game. But if it's only gameplay that matters to you, I'd still look elsewhere.
MapleStory:
This cute lil mmorpg runs very smooth, but the downfall is the fan. If you decide to lay on the coutch and play for hours on end you'll experience some heat running through the bottum of the laptop. Still, very fun game to take on the go on a wireless connection.
Megaman X4 (PC Version):
Hello again Megaman X and Zero. If you're one of the lucky ones who still has MMX4 around (PC Version), then you're in luck. Yeah, the game does have out of date graphics, but it's just too fun to play with Zero and his green blade! Well, if you were hesitant before to install this classic game onto the 700m, then go ahead and load it up! Even though it may be old, it's still holds its ground to live up the MMX gameplay!
Need for Speed: Underground:
This game is just simply impossible to play without the obvious vid card. I tried, but failed. No matter what settings you may have or how many gigs of ram and vram you may have, the game just won't run to your liking. Reality kicks you in the behind when your pushing the intel extreme to the limits.
Quake III: Arena:
Soon to come.
Ragnarok Online:
Runs very well for an old game. It takes up a lot of resources when passing through the water surrounded areas (mainly Izlude, but Bib is fine). Other than that, I would suggest playing in 800x600 fullscreen or else you'll run to trouble when passing through all the shops in Prontera.
Return to Castle Wolfenstein:
I've only played offline for the time being. It ran so-so and not much was to be expected out of this game. There are screen tears (also found in X-Men Legends II), so you have been forwarned. My assumption is that the online gameplay would be mediocre due to the lack of a graphics card. Anyways, I'd give it a try, but do keep your hopes way too up.
Starcraft:
Soon to come.
Star Wars: Jedi Knight III: Jedi Academy:
All I can say about the Jedi Knight (II and III) series is online play! My god, every Star Wars nerd will get their dreams filled when they load up an online game and slash lightsabers with one another! Well, if I was to run Jedi Academy without any trouble / settings, then my guess is Jedi Knight II would run just as great. Take the time to play online!
StepMania:
Just recently a cousin of mine lent me his stepmania collection. Just wow. Portable DDR on a machine is just crazy. The lights, the music, the crazy arrows all over the place. If you're into DDR, the 700m can handle it with ease. Overall, it's great, it's fun, and it's portible.
Unreal Tournament: GOTY Edition (Game of the Year Edition):
Wow, just wow! Runs pretty smooth (@ 800x600). I was really surprised by that. Playing somely on battery, I had a blast playing against the A.I. with only the mousepad.
Warcraft III:
It runs fairly well; It really depends on what's going on throughout the gameplay and what resolution. As others have said, it runs well during normal gaming, but it drastically slows down when mobs cross throughout the screen.
World of Warcraft:
Alright, many say that this game doesn't take much of a system to run, but forget all that. The server I tested out was Dark Iron and Kalecgos and it ran farely well for being a laptop. In Orgrammar, I had about 12-60 fps. 60 fps when I just stood still faced against the wall. 30 fps when running around. 15 fps when i use skills, fighting, visiting the crazy auction house, and so on. In my opinion, I don't mind such lagginess to the game. 800x600 resolution is fine. I have a desktop for the heavy duty games, so I have no complaints how the game runs on this laptop.
World of Warcraft: New Results:
Well, with the visuals of the game running at 800 x 600 and all the video settings turned all the way down/off, it still looks pretty dim and blurry due to resolution differences (700m Native Resolution: 1280 x 800). Now with the applied updates to the system the fps (frames per second) have been raised from 10 - 20 fps to 15 - 35 fps. Not really a big improvement, but the little increase in fps allows questing to be just a bit easier on the eyes. Still, WoW will be listed under Poor Performance, because the absense of a dedicated video card makes the game unbearable in gameplay. Good luck to those who can stand the fps drop from 35 fps to 12 fps when using skills, running around, pvping, and/or etc.
X-Men Legends II:
Something about this game's ability to have v-sync enabled just drives me crazy. If you play the pc port of this game, you'll see tears through the screen. Both my desktop and laptop seem to experience the tearing of the screen throughout the gameplay of X-Men Legends II. Still, I guess it is playable, but because the inability of the game's v-sync to the monitor I pass it up.
----------------------------------------
Counter-Strike:
Server: vm.nuclearfallout.net
userconfig.cfg:
cl_shadows "1"
cl_radartype "1"
cl_weather "1"
gl_fog "1"
developer "0"
fps_max "99"
net_graph "3"
net_graphpos "2"
cl_dynamiccrosshair "0"
rate "9999"
cl_updaterate "20"
cl_cmdrate "30"
or for the faster wired/wireless settings:
rate "25000"
cl_updaterate "101"
cl_cmdrate "101"
MapleStory:
World of Warcraft:
Grand Theft Auto III:
As for the drivers? Kind of in a bind of trying to remember what were the drivers i uninstalled, but what I did was that I uninstalled the dell drivers and installed the Intel drivers; the performance is a bit better than to be expected.
And yes, there are Gamma Options:
2.0 Ghz | 1 gig ram | 80 gig hard drive | Windows XP Home SP 2
Pro's:
+ Widescreen
+ Quiet keyboard
+ Speedy Performace
+ Gorgeous Screen and Brightness
+ Reliable Wireless Connectivity
+ Light Weight and Portability
+ Quiet CD/DVD reading when listening and watching music, movies, etc.
Con's:
- Extended Battery Size
- Intel Extreme Nonsense
- Cheap, loud mouse buttons
- Fan is constantly on when Firefox is open/used
- Microphone port issues: Very severe static issues
- Loud cd/dvd reading when installing games, sofware, etc.
- Gets pretty warm where you rest your left hand onto the laptop layout.
- Microphone, Headset, and firewire port is on the front side of the laptop
- Accidently hitting the mousepad when typing. So lets so I'm typing and I accidently hit the mouse pad, my cursor is off the screen and I'm basically not typing onto the program. Gets me frustrated when taking extensive notes in class!
So far I've tested many games:
Gunbound, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike 1.6, GTA: III, Guild Wars, Maplestory, Need for Speed Underground, Ragnarok Online, Unreal Tournament: GOTY Edition (the really, really old/first one), Warcraft III and Expansion, World of Warcraft, X-Men Legends II and many more!
Soon to be Tested:
Age of Empires II
Quake III: Arena
StarCraft
Warhammer 4000: Dawn of War.
With that said, I'll later post snapshots and in-game demos of how the games ran and under what settings. But for now I'll put in my say about the current results (also, I have reformatted the laptop, so perhaps I'm getting even better results than expected).
High Performance:
Counter-Strike 1.6
Gundbound
Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
MapleStory
Megaman X4 (PC Version)
Ragnarok Online
StarCraft
Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Outcast
Star Wars: Jedi Knight III: Jedi Academy
StepMania
Unreal Tournament: GOTY Edition
Moderate Performance:
Call of Duty
Return to Castle Wolfenstein
Warcraft III
X-Men Legends II
Poor Performance:
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Guild Wars (Even with new, updated drivers)
Need for Speed Underground I and II
Word of Warcraft (Even with new, updated drivers)
Commentary:
Later I'll post/re-edit my results with more details, snapshots, and demos. All in all, this is a great laptop. It's perfect for typing on the go and runs the games that I need when visiting friends, lans, and such. As for that new 710m model? I'm sorry, but I'll take a usb headset (Plantronics 500--to fix that mic probelm) over that ugly, white keyboard any day of the week; black > white/grey in my book. I hope this helps for those who are considering purchasing the 700m/710m. And yeah, you'll have to get used to the typing for a while, but I was able to adjust with my hands. And as for the screen? Just plain gorgeous!
Neoprene Carrying Case:
Sony VGP-AMC1 Neoprene Carrying Case for VAIO S Series Notebooks (Includes AC Adapter Case)
The website above has customer reviews and images of the carrying case with the 700m. Mine just came in a few days ago and it's a perfect fit! This is perfect to avoid minor scratches and tear when your laptop is in a backpack or in a carrying case.
----------------------------------------
I just recently updated some drivers to see if there are any improvements whatsoever. Results:
Dell Inspirion 700m/710m Drivers for Windows XP/2000:
Intel Mobile Chipset: Release Date: 03/09/2006
Chip Set: Intel Mobile Chipset, Driver, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Multi Language, Multi System, v.7.2.2.1006, A09
Description:
The Intel(R) Chipset Software Installation Utility installs Windows* INF files to the target system. These files outline to the operating system how to configure the Intel(R) chipset components in order to ensure that the following features function properly: - Core PCI and ISAPNP Services - PCIe Support - IDE/ATA33/ATA66/ATA100 Storage Support - SATA Storage Support - USB Support - Identification of Intel(R) Chipset Components in the Device Manager
Download
- http://support.dell.com/support/down...&fileid=149851
Dell Notebook System Software: Release Date:03/09/2006
System Utilities: Dell Notebook System Software, Utility, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP x64, English, Multi System, v.4.1.0, A20
Description:
Notebook System Software (NSS) is a utility that provides critical updates and patches for your operating system. Install the NSS program to gain support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel Pentium-M processors, CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD drives, Infrared (IR) communications, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell portable computer, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port, and D/View family of docking devices. NSS automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.
Download
- http://support.dell.com/support/down...&fileid=150407
Intel® 82852/82855 Graphics Controller Family:
Graphics Driver Ver: 14.19.50 [Windows XP/2000]: Release Date: 2/8/2006
Release Notes for Graphics Driver:
- ftp://aiedownload.intel.com/df-suppo...G/relnotes.htm
Download
- http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scri...ition&lang=eng
[Note: Uninstall current drivers/software before installing]
----------------------------------------
Gunbound:
A little blury due to the resolution differences of the game and laptop screen, but runs very smoothly. Come on it's Gunbound, what machine can't possibly run gunbound?
Counter-Strike 1.6:
Runs kind of laggy due to my run on a wireless connection, but so far it runs pretty smooth [Constant 30fps at the very least]. I'll later test out de_aztec with smokes and such with my config, fps, screenshots, and demos. Remember to try to avoid the smoke gernades and I would suggest to play in 800x600.
Call of Duty:
This game runs fair compared to how it should run on most gaming systems. It satisfies those who're interested specifically towards single player gaming. That being said, try to tilt up the screen to get a better view in dark areas and stay away from the fire for the video lag will cause a big slow down.
Grand Theft Auto III:
Talk about being surprised that this game ran better than expected. If having played the PSP port of GTA, this game will run to your liking. It runs pretty smooth and raising the in-game brightness helps the gameplay. Hopefully GTA Vice City and San Andreas will run as smooth as GTA III on the 700m, but it's very doubtful. Still, this game has my thumbs up in performance and gameplay.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City:
Ah, GTA: Vice City. This game looks gorgeous even under 16-bit @ 800x600. Just to be able to drive the streets of Miami while listening to the 80's is a blast on the 700m. People be my side in my classes basically had this look of of awe as they watched me ride a motorcycle high in the air and crash to one bloody end. Anyways, this game gets my thumbs up!
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas:
Ah, GTA: ... San Andreas. Again, players are taken back into GTA in the world of the 90's. This game would've been another hit on my list, but because of the slow downs, bad keyboard + mouse control scheme, and bad graphics (under 16-bit. if you plan to run 32-bit, the game will run incredibly slow!). I'd avoid this game like the plague. If you have a ps2 or x-box, play San Andreas on them. If not, pick up the PC Versions of GTA: 3 or Vice City. This game just isn't worth your time, nor money on the 700m.
Guild Wars:
Mediocre to poor performance. Just to slow for my taste. Maybe I should drop all system settings in order to make it run better.
Guild Wars (With New, Updated Drivers):
Even with the new updated drivers, the gameplay is still the same--which is horrendous. It's not worth to play such a gorgeous game on a system like this one. I've seen what Guild Wars is suppose to look like with the highest settings on, so I'd suggest to stay away from this game. But if it's only gameplay that matters to you, I'd still look elsewhere.
MapleStory:
This cute lil mmorpg runs very smooth, but the downfall is the fan. If you decide to lay on the coutch and play for hours on end you'll experience some heat running through the bottum of the laptop. Still, very fun game to take on the go on a wireless connection.
Megaman X4 (PC Version):
Hello again Megaman X and Zero. If you're one of the lucky ones who still has MMX4 around (PC Version), then you're in luck. Yeah, the game does have out of date graphics, but it's just too fun to play with Zero and his green blade! Well, if you were hesitant before to install this classic game onto the 700m, then go ahead and load it up! Even though it may be old, it's still holds its ground to live up the MMX gameplay!
Need for Speed: Underground:
This game is just simply impossible to play without the obvious vid card. I tried, but failed. No matter what settings you may have or how many gigs of ram and vram you may have, the game just won't run to your liking. Reality kicks you in the behind when your pushing the intel extreme to the limits.
Quake III: Arena:
Soon to come.
Ragnarok Online:
Runs very well for an old game. It takes up a lot of resources when passing through the water surrounded areas (mainly Izlude, but Bib is fine). Other than that, I would suggest playing in 800x600 fullscreen or else you'll run to trouble when passing through all the shops in Prontera.
Return to Castle Wolfenstein:
I've only played offline for the time being. It ran so-so and not much was to be expected out of this game. There are screen tears (also found in X-Men Legends II), so you have been forwarned. My assumption is that the online gameplay would be mediocre due to the lack of a graphics card. Anyways, I'd give it a try, but do keep your hopes way too up.
Starcraft:
Soon to come.
Star Wars: Jedi Knight III: Jedi Academy:
All I can say about the Jedi Knight (II and III) series is online play! My god, every Star Wars nerd will get their dreams filled when they load up an online game and slash lightsabers with one another! Well, if I was to run Jedi Academy without any trouble / settings, then my guess is Jedi Knight II would run just as great. Take the time to play online!
StepMania:
Just recently a cousin of mine lent me his stepmania collection. Just wow. Portable DDR on a machine is just crazy. The lights, the music, the crazy arrows all over the place. If you're into DDR, the 700m can handle it with ease. Overall, it's great, it's fun, and it's portible.
Unreal Tournament: GOTY Edition (Game of the Year Edition):
Wow, just wow! Runs pretty smooth (@ 800x600). I was really surprised by that. Playing somely on battery, I had a blast playing against the A.I. with only the mousepad.
Warcraft III:
It runs fairly well; It really depends on what's going on throughout the gameplay and what resolution. As others have said, it runs well during normal gaming, but it drastically slows down when mobs cross throughout the screen.
World of Warcraft:
Alright, many say that this game doesn't take much of a system to run, but forget all that. The server I tested out was Dark Iron and Kalecgos and it ran farely well for being a laptop. In Orgrammar, I had about 12-60 fps. 60 fps when I just stood still faced against the wall. 30 fps when running around. 15 fps when i use skills, fighting, visiting the crazy auction house, and so on. In my opinion, I don't mind such lagginess to the game. 800x600 resolution is fine. I have a desktop for the heavy duty games, so I have no complaints how the game runs on this laptop.
World of Warcraft: New Results:
Well, with the visuals of the game running at 800 x 600 and all the video settings turned all the way down/off, it still looks pretty dim and blurry due to resolution differences (700m Native Resolution: 1280 x 800). Now with the applied updates to the system the fps (frames per second) have been raised from 10 - 20 fps to 15 - 35 fps. Not really a big improvement, but the little increase in fps allows questing to be just a bit easier on the eyes. Still, WoW will be listed under Poor Performance, because the absense of a dedicated video card makes the game unbearable in gameplay. Good luck to those who can stand the fps drop from 35 fps to 12 fps when using skills, running around, pvping, and/or etc.
X-Men Legends II:
Something about this game's ability to have v-sync enabled just drives me crazy. If you play the pc port of this game, you'll see tears through the screen. Both my desktop and laptop seem to experience the tearing of the screen throughout the gameplay of X-Men Legends II. Still, I guess it is playable, but because the inability of the game's v-sync to the monitor I pass it up.
----------------------------------------
Counter-Strike:
Server: vm.nuclearfallout.net
userconfig.cfg:
cl_shadows "1"
cl_radartype "1"
cl_weather "1"
gl_fog "1"
developer "0"
fps_max "99"
net_graph "3"
net_graphpos "2"
cl_dynamiccrosshair "0"
rate "9999"
cl_updaterate "20"
cl_cmdrate "30"
or for the faster wired/wireless settings:
rate "25000"
cl_updaterate "101"
cl_cmdrate "101"
MapleStory:
World of Warcraft:
Grand Theft Auto III:
As for the drivers? Kind of in a bind of trying to remember what were the drivers i uninstalled, but what I did was that I uninstalled the dell drivers and installed the Intel drivers; the performance is a bit better than to be expected.
And yes, there are Gamma Options:
And does this Intel driver provides us with the options to change the gamma settings??? 
