Dell has unveiled its first Core Duo-based notebook, the Inspiron 9400. The 17in-widescreen monster is a Centrino-branded machine, and ships with either a 1.83GHz Core Duo T2400 CPU or a 1.67GHz Core Solo T1300 chip. Upgrades to the Core Duo T2300, T2500 and T2600 processors are available on a build-to-order basis.

The basic box contains 1GB of 667MHz DDR 2 SDRAM, an Nvidia GeForce Go 7800 Ultra graphics chip with 256MB of DDR video memory, and an 8x DVD±RW optical drive. The display is a 1920 x 1200 job. The Core Solo model ships with an 80GB HDD; the Core Duo system a 100GB unit.

Both versions incorporate the usual 56Kbps modem and - since the 9400 is a Centrino box - an Intel ProWireless 3945abg 802.11a/b/g wireless adaptor. Bluetooth isn't part of the basic spec, but you can add a Bluetooth 2.0 module as an extra. Wired 10/100Mbps networking is built in, along with six USB 2.0 ports, DVI-D, VGA, a FireWire connector, S-video output and a five-in-one memory card reader.

Dell claims the 9400 delivers 3.2 hours' battery life. The 9400 weighs 3.6kg and measures 41.5 x 39.4 x 28.8cm. Pricing starts at £1,249 for the Core Solo model, rising to £1,449 for the T2400-equipped version and £1,966 for the full monty. ®

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