• With technological progress moving at a breakneck pace, it can feel like computers are obsolete only months after they are released. Computer maker Dell released the Inspiron 600M in 2003, and according to Notebook Review it remained on the shelves until 2005. The secret to its longevity on the market was a combination of high-quality specifications designed to make the computer versatile and durable.
  
  

Operating System

• The user interface and operating system are the way the computer communicates to the user and vice-versa. The Inspiron 600M came preloaded with Windows XP, updated to Service Pack 2. This Microsoft operating system was the dominant OS for years and is still widely used as of late 2010.
  
  

Display and Graphics

• The 600M was designed for maximum portability and features a 14.1-inch Super Extended Graphics Array (SXGA) capable of resolutions up to 1280 by 1024 pixels. Controlling this display is an ATI Mobility RADEON 9000 AGP 4X graphics accelerator chip which features DirectX 8.1 support operating on 32 megabytes (MB) of dedicated DDR memory.
  
  

Processor

• At the core of a computer's performance is the processor, which determines to a large extent how fast a computer can run complicated activities as well as how many activities can be run at the same time. The 600M is outfitted with a Pentium M 725 processor that could run at speeds of up to 1.60 gigahertz and had a 2 MB memory cache.
  
  

RAM

• RAM acts as a computer's short-term memory and gives the user the ability to handle complicated tasks such as gaming. This computer included 512 MB of 266 MHz RAM.
  
  

Storage

• Storage, or ROM, acts as the computer's long-term memory and stores files, documents, programs and settings. The 600M includes a 60 gigabyte (GB) Ultra ATA hard drive which can transfer information at up to 4,200 rpm. Other storage options include a 24X DVD read and CD-RW burner combo unit which can burn up to 700 MB per disc.
  
  

Connectivity

• The Dell 600M features an internal 56K modem, an integrated Ethernet port and a dual band internal wireless network card that operated on 802.11 a/b/g frequencies.
  
  

Dimensions

• Portability was key to the design of the 600M and the overall measurements of the laptop are 12.4 inches by 10.1 inches by 1.3 inches with a weight of about 5.6 lbs.