The Inspiron 1525 is Dell's version of the "budget" laptop, a step down from their high spec XPS gaming laptops. I bought this laptop as it is constantly rated as one of the best budget laptops on the market. Lets see if those claims are justified.
Specifications As you may know, an unusual thing with Dell is that they only sell laptops online, and all products can be fully customised to meet your specifications. For around £329 you can buy the base level specifications of an Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T1400(1.73Ghz), 2Gb RAM and a 120Gb hardrive. More than sufficient for an entry level laptop. However these specifications can be customised up to a 2Ghz processor, 4GB RAM and a massive 250Gb hardrive. This would cost about £160 more than the base specifications. Other
optional add-ons include a built in 2MP webcam (£20 extra), a larger capacity battery and a Truelife (glossy finished) screen.
For the purpose of the review, my laptops specs are: 2.00Ghz Processor, 3Gb RAM and 120Gb Hardrive. I have the built in webcam, and the plain matte screen.
Physical Features The Inspiron is a sophisticated looking laptop, despite being a little bit on the bulky side. Its dimensions are 14.05"x10.08"x1.0-1.48" (its wedged shaped) and it weighs 6lbs.
On the outside of the case you will find: 4 USB ports, 2 headphone sockets, 1 microphone socket, an SD/MMC slot, CD-RW/DVD drive, an Expresscard slot, wireless switch, S-Video Out, VGA out, HDMI Port, IEEE1394a, an ethernet port, a fax and modem port and the power socket. Phew, well I can't tell you what all that does, but I can say it more than meets the needs of an average computer user!
Opening up you will find a nice 15.4" widescreen display, a full size keyboard (which is a dream to type with), a smooth contoured touchpad, some touch-control media buttons and then a power and mediahome button. Speakers are located above the keyboard.
The laptop lids are available in 8 solid colours or 4 special patterned designs. Some of these are of a glossy finish while others are called "Satintouch", a rubbery but smooth finish that supposedly prevents scratches and fingerprints. I must say its a nice texture and Ive had no problems.
Quality The laptop feels of good quality, however a few parts creak slightly, the keyboard paint feels a little delicate and the screen wobbles ever so slightly when typing (this is annoying). Another problem is the lack of a travel lock (those little latches usually found at the top of the screen that click the laptop shut). This laptop has none, and so the is held shut by gravity alone, so when held upright there is a gap of an inch between the screen and keyboard.
Features The laptop is pretty fast in use, and comes with Windows Vista built in and all the trimmings of most other laptops. It also comes with a variety of media software (which is all controllable by the dedicated media buttons above the keypad).
Webcam The built-in webcam is an optional feature, which sits right above the screen. The camera is 2MP, and looks very clear in use. The laptop comes with brilliant webcam software featuring face tracking, voice and image effects. You can literally get up and have the camera try to follow you round the room, a little creepy but cool nontheless.
Hard-Drive Being new to laptops, I hadn't been warned about hard-drive capacity. 120gb DOES NOT mean 120Gb of usuable space, instead you get about 100Gb. So I'd recommend getting the 160Gb hard-drive to be on the safe side.
Battery The laptop is available with either a 6-Cell, or 9-Cell battery. With the 6-Cell you can typically expect between 2-4hours usage a charge depending on how processor heavy your usage is.
Any Catches? -The lack of a travelock -Screen Wobble -Touchpad freezes occasionally -Keyboard paint
Overall Id recommend this laptop to anyone seeking a basic starter laptop, student laptop etc. But also have a look at the Acer Aspire and Toshiba Satellite ranges before making your decision. If you do join the 1525 club and are looking for a sleeve, the Crumpler Gimp15" sleeve fits perfectly.
EDIT: I am going to expand on this review at a later date. Anything you want adding, just comment and Ill put it in!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Product is fine but dont bother buying from them direct due to poor customer service/ norights (-) Product is fine but dont bother buying from them direct due to poor customer service/ no rights
(+) cool and quite robust trackpad, good display,64-bit windows 7 (-) few connectors,dell drivers only, not realy for gameing (most models), finger print prone!
Panasonic UJ-220, 12.7mm tray-type BD Writer which is the next generation of storage, ... more
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Postage & Packaging: £5.00 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Great price, Amazing Laptop, it comes in a wide Variety of colours ... .. . Wow ! Disadvantages: I can really honestly say that I have nothing to complain about !
James-89 27.10.2008 (27.10.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Dell Inspiron 1525
Advantages: Great price, Amazing Laptop, it comes in a wide Variety of colours ... .. . Wow ! Disadvantages: I can really honestly say that I have nothing to complain about !
James-89 27.10.2008 (27.10.2008)
·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Dell Inspiron 1525
Advantages: Can take it into Best Buy for Geek Squad. This is convenient, because Best Buy has many locations. Disadvantages: Slow, keypad breaks easily, internet issues, overpriced.
taylorb82 25.06.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Dell Inspiron 1525
Jun 30th, 2008
(Jun 8th, 2008)
very helpful by (100%):
