Dell Inspiron 1520 Laptop Review

Computer Deals brings you all the best computer deals on the web including reviews of the latest Dell Inspiron 1520 Laptop Computer. Computer Deals recommends and these third-party reviewers:

The Dell Inspiron 1520 is a 17" desktop replacement targeted towards younger consumers, most of whom are in school. This notebook competes against such notebooks as the HP dv9500t and Toshiba P200/P205. The 1720 offers a wide range of hardware configurations, as well as 8 different color options to be customized exactly as you want it. Processors range from the T5250 all the way up to the T7700, RAM from 1GB to 4GB, HD from 120GB to 500GB (250GB x 2), display resolutions starting at WXGA+ up to WUXGA, and color ranging from jet black to sunshine yellow.

As with all of Dell's computers, the pricing and options for the 1520 can vary greatly depending on your region. Here are the specifications for the system as reviewed:

* Microsatin Finish in Spring Green
* Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 4MB Cache)
* 2GB RAM at 667MHz
* 160GB 7200 RPM HD
* 256MB Nvidia Geforce 8600M GT
* 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
* Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card
* 15.4” WSXGA+ Display with TrueLife
* Integrated 2.0 MP Webcam
* 9 Cell Battery
* Windows Vista Home Premium
* “DellCare Plus” Warranty (three year warranty with Complete Care and a few “extras” like 10 GB of online storage)

My final cost was $1,640.55. I chose not to include internal Bluetooth or Bluray, but they are offered as options in most markets. I placed the order over the phone as I have found that is the best way to ensure a quick confirmation. Of course, the order confirmation was the only quick and convenient thing about dealing with Dell's customer support.

Reasons for Buying

The 1520 is a new direction for me in laptops. My last two have been 12.1” ultraportables—the Dell 700M and the XPS M1210. While I prefer the smaller size in most cases, I'm traveling much less now and have really been feeling the need for more powerful graphics and more screen real estate when gaming. I seriously considered the Asus G1S, but could not justify the cost. When Dell announced their new Inspirons, I was sold immediately. I loved the ability to customize the exterior and must admit that choosing the color was the hardest decision I had to make. The price was definitely right for me.

First Impressions

The 1520 arrives in a very boring brown box in a very boring white Styrofoam shell. The following items were included in the box:

* CDs including all preinstalled software and drivers
* Product Information Guide
* Contacting Dell Guide
* Dell Inspiron 1520 Owner's Manual
* Creative Ear Buds
* A/C Adapter

The ExpressCard remote control mentioned in other reviews is not included by default; you must request it when you order your system and may be charged for it. When I first unwrapped the laptop, I was shocked by how vibrant the color actually is—it is brighter and richer than it appears in pictures. I had been using an M1210 and an E1505 and the 1520 looked much larger even than the E1505 due to the absence of white bumpers to break up the outline. The design is truly sleek and beautiful—I spent several minutes admiring the exterior before I even powered it up.

Build and Design

This is the first computer I just enjoy touching. The finish on the lid has a pleasant, almost rubbery tactile surface. Dell's term for it is “Microsatin,” and I have to agree with that description. My first concern was that the material would scratch, but after some vigorous scratching with my thumbnail I was unable to produce a mark.

Top view of the Inspiron 1520 (left) compared to the E1505 (right). (view large image)

Because of the lovely rounded edges, the notebook does not appear overly thick, especially while open. However, at 14.12” x 10.59” x 1.47”, it is rather large for a 15.4” laptop. With the 9-cell battery, it weighs slightly less than seven pounds. While it is great for occasional traveling, at this size it is probably a poor choice for people who are frequently on the move, such as business travelers or students who want to carry their laptops to class. At the same time, the 1520 does feel sturdy enough to handle being bounced around daily.

In the 1520, the hard drive, battery, and power indicator lights are located to the top right of the keyboard. The lights extend to the side of the computer and can be viewed while the laptop is closed. This is a pretty nifty feature for some, but may be irritating to those who keep their laptops in their bedrooms and like to sleep in complete darkness as the power indicator light alone is pretty bright.

Right side views of the Inspiron 1520 (bottom) and the E1505 (top). (view large image)

One disappointment for me is that the 1520 retained a similar latching system to the E1505. It does not feel especially strong, and the release is a little awkward. There is a little play while the laptop is closed; the latch does not hold it firmly shut. The media buttons along the front are also not as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the laptop. While functional, they are hard to press and the blue backlight shines through in such a way that imperfect paint on the buttons is highlighted.

Style note: Dell is currently offering really chic-looking Belkin bags in colors to match the new Inspirons. I personally did not purchase one because they are not yet offering the sling bag in the Dove/Tarragon color to match my computer.

Screen and Camera

The screen on the 1520 is solid with very little screen flex. I was unable to produce any rippling of the LCD even with some decent twisting. The WSXGA+ resolution is a great fit for me—I have plenty of room to work with but text doesn't seem too small. This particular screen does seem a little grainy, though. There is about 1/4” of light leakage along the bottom of the screen, but I have not found any dead or stuck pixels.

he 2.0 MP camera and the integrated microphone are located above the screen, just under the latch release. They are very unobtrusive—there's just a tiny square for the camera lens and three small holes for the microphone and indicator lights. The picture quality is markedly improved over the last generation of Dell integrated webcams. The performance is adequate even in lower light situations.

Speakers

In the 1520, the speakers have been moved from in front of the palm rests in the E1505 to under the front edge of the computer. I would have preferred for them to be above the keyboard somewhere, but at least where they are now you are less likely to block them with your hands than you were on the E1505. The speakers get surprisingly loud without too much distortion, and sound quality is quite good. I will add a caveat here that I am used to M1210 speakers, so my definition of good sound is probably going to be less demanding than some others.

If you opt for the webcam and integrated mic option, you will also receive a pair of Creative ear buds. These provide really nice sound reproduction and even include three different sizes of rubber earpieces for comfortable in-ear use.

(Read more at http://www.notebookreview.com)

Related Dell Computers

Dell Inspiron 1501
Dell Inspiron 1420
Dell Inspiron 6400
Dell Inspiron 1520
Dell Inspiron 1720
Dell XPS M1330
Dell XPS M1530
Dell XPS M1730

Dell Inspiron 530
Dell Inspiron 530s
Dell Inspiron 531s
Dell XPS 720

Click Here to go directly to DELL Computers Australia