Change the dpi setting/size in display properties to a larger dpi, 120. And you can change the icon size and the text size for windows, boxes and such in there also.

The slowness could be caused by SpeedStep. Set it to always on in power properties and in the BIOS set it to MAX power when plug in (connected to AC). You don't say what CPU speed you have but most of the time the notebook will run at near half speed unless you set it to always on. It is a feature of speedstep to save power. Supposedly it will go to full power when you really need it but I have never found that to work.

No having just a DVD drive will not reduce the weight, there is no real difference in weight between the two. It's the battery that weighs the most. It's just part of the deal.

As to the size it all depend on what you want. If you really want something SMALL look at tablet PCs. Yes the 300m is smaller and lighter but it doesn't have the power or the battery life the 600m has and the screen is very small, I think 12 inches that's small. It's all up to you. Then again if you get a high res screen you will have the same problem. You should of got the XGA screen with 1024x768 res. This works fine on my C610 and C600. I fined them easier to use than my i8200 that has 1400x1050?? res. So if you have the 14.1 screen with the 1400x1050 res then I feel your pain.

You will probably notice a change after you change the Speedstep.

Also, with the 300m - the DVD drive is not integrated into the actual laptop - it is a seperate piece of hardware that you will hook up to it. That kept me from getting that one. And oh yeah , the battery life of it also.

You also didn't mention how much Ram you had installed.

thanks for the suggestions!  I will try them tonight.

Regarding the ram, I have 256 but I didn't think it would be THAT much slower if I didn't add a lot of programs and files.  The plan was to upgrade on my own since Dell's upgrade seems a bit expensive.  I'm really trying to pay the bill off when it comes since I'm using Dell financing, so I figured that was an upgrade I could do later.  The cpu is p4, 1.4.

Regarding the display, do you think it's enough of a difference that I should return this one and order a different configuration, if changing the dpi doesn't help? 

Regarding the 300m, I notice when look I at the refurbished models that the memory description seems odd.  Is there some sort of imbedded memory, and then a slot for the actual upgradeable memory?

300m has one stick of ram (128mb) soldered (sp?) into the motherboard inside the system, and external removable ram chip.  I've used both the the 300m and 600m.  300m is smaller and only weighs a pound or 2 less (without the docking station), IMHO the 600m is a far better machine.  Just about every item on the 300m is factory removable only (according to warranty ).  Really just depends on what you want the system for and how you'll use it

try upgrading to at least 512. i installed another 512 into my laptop for 112 dollars. performance is a lot better now. also change ur settin to maximum performance.

600m 1.4-M, 768 ddr 2100 ram. 30 gig HD. 32 meg video.

About the display - it sounds like a lower resolution display would probably be best for you. Though changing the DPI settings would improve things for you - Alot of text in both software and on websites is in images - so it will still be just as small even if you change your font settings. My mother has the exact same problem with her Inspirion 8200. She told the Dell guy that she had very bad eyesight - so the guy told her that she absolutely HAD to buy the highest resolution screen. I can't believe the dishonesty of that jerk. She has just struggled with that display. I would reccomend returning the laptop and getting a different screen. Actually - I have a 600M with a XGA screen (much lower resolution - so it would be a better fit for you) - I'd be very willing to trade you for your SXGA screen (and I'd add in some cash as well to make it a fair trade).

But either way - I definitely think you should try to get an XGA screen - you will be happier with it.

hi,

I am planning to install another 512 to mine.. I am wondering if any 200 pin ram, 2.5 cl, ddr2100, 266mhz would work in 600m?? kinston or crucial..

or are there other specific things that I should consider?

another question. when we install addtitional ram, is the rest of the system's warranity cancels or it does not matter?

thanks

right now I have 600m 1.4-M, 256 ddr 2100 ram. 30 gig HD. 32 meg video. SXGA screen