Dell Inspiron 1520 > Reviews (26)

My experience of Inspiron 1520, I will say from the start that my machine is four years old, and is literally hanging on by the skin of its teeth, but I will base my review on the overall opinion and usage of the laptop.

I actually had my laptop free through my internet provider, based on at the time that I signed into a new 2 year contract, and as I had wanted a laptop, it worked out better to pay £5 extra per month for 2 years and have a shiny laptop. Unfortunately I had no choice regarding the specifications of the laptop. At the time of receiving the laptop, it had Windows Vista Premium pre-installed; I found this version of Windows to be better than the XP, which my other computer had.

My main usage of the laptop was for writing assignments for Open University, so that I had the freedom and flexibility to work anywhere in the house.

Advantages.

• The computer had Windows Vista Premium, which I found to be a quick starter, and bright within the screen.
• The computer has 4 usb ports, 2 are located on the rear of the machine, and the other 2 on the right hand side.
• Has a DVD rewriter
• Was supplied with the original back up discs.

Disadvantages
Unfortunately I found a few.

• The computer does not like multi-tasking, more than one programme and it becomes really sluggish
• It's a heavy and bulky laptop
• It heats up very quickly, needs a constant air supply
• The battery life, within 6 months, the battery life was holding 45 mins, on 2 or 3 times a week usage, certainly not excessive
• The charger - I am now on my 3rd charger, don't seem to last long
• The keyboard, is not very stable, within 6 months, I had 3 keys that were broke
• Although it has 4 usb points, you can only use 2 at a time, as once you have a device in that blocks access to the 2nd usb point.
• The volume buttons, and play etc for DVD are on the computer, and if you have the laptop on your lap many a time the volume just comes on full blast, poor layout.

Overall whilst I had mine for free, I would not have purchased this model, as even as an entry level computer, it had too many niggles, and really needs putting out to pasture. Yes I am lucky to still get some use, as I keep it as an emergency computer, but I have to constantly have the electricity plugged in, and type away with missing keys.

I would have personally paid a bit more and had a better model.