Dell Laptop Inspiron 2200

.../> Cost:
As usual, Dell play with the prices via various 'offers'. The one I went for at the time gave 'free' delivery plus a HD upgrade from 40GB to 60 GB. I could not find anything with the same spec, including the wireless which I considered essential, at that time for the same price point.


CPU/Memory:
Well, what can you expect...well, for me this is actually the fastest PC I've ever owned so I'm very happy ...
...to pay double for the Dell stuff). With 512 it runs fine for basic email, IE and WP stuff.

Connectivity:
Three USB ports (all in a row at the back) is enough for most souls, though I would have had firewire on my wishlist along with integrated bluetooth. A £10 bluetooth dongle does the trick but is a bit more messy. The wireless LAN works fine over a reasonable distance and I like the ability to turn it off/on via function key. ... more

Having recently had the opportunity to spend six months overseas on sabbatical I decided I could not get by without my daily computer/internet fix. Not already having a notepad, being a tight wad and visiting a place I was not sure of the security of I went looking for something cheap but adequate to the task.

My general philosophy with computer gadgets, when I feel the need to get one, is to never buy the current technology leading edge, but what was last years leading edge repackaged as the new entry level. This is essentially what the Inspiron 2200 is (ok, maybe not that leading edge a year ago but I'm sure you get the general idea, if it was fantastic then then now its much cheaper and I want to do the same things as a year ago then it must be a good thing).

To quote Dell, the Inspiron 2200 will 'Meet all of your basic computer and personal productivity needs including e-mail, Web surfing, word processing and more.' I can report that it 'does what it says on the tin'. However, if you want a hot rod, do anything CPU or GPU intensive then give it a miss; also, if you want to look trendy/fashionable etc steer clear. However, if like me you are not embarrassed to be seen drving a 1.2 litre Vauxhall Corsa Club because it competently does the job then this may be the tool for you. I bought mine in November 2005. They delivered within two days, earlier than advertised.

Basic specs:

Intel® Celeron® M Processor 360 (1.40 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 400 MHz FSB)
15" standard format screen.
256MB DDR RAM
60GB HD
DVD/CD-RW
Integrated Intel® 900 GMA with up to 128MB of shared video memory
56K V.92 Modem
~3KG
3 USB2.0
Wireless 54g LAN
10/100 Ethernet
Touchpad
Windows XP Home
90 day return service

Cost delivered: £409

Cost:
As usual, Dell play with the prices via various 'offers'. The one I went for at the time gave 'free' delivery plus a HD upgrade from 40GB to 60 GB. I could not find anything with the same spec, including the wireless which I considered essential, at that time for the same price point.

CPU/Memory:
Well, what can you expect...well, for me this is actually the fastest PC I've ever owned so I'm very happy (my desktop is an an AMD AthlonXP2000 box). Play games?...not for you then unless they are 2D, strategic or other relatively non demanding or dated. Memory out of the box at 256MB is totally inadequate...XP needs a minimum 512 so I ordered an extra SODIMM from elsewhere (no need to pay double for the Dell stuff). With 512 it runs fine for basic email, IE and WP stuff.

Connectivity:
Three USB ports (all in a row at the back) is enough for most souls, though I would have had firewire on my wishlist along with integrated bluetooth. A £10 bluetooth dongle does the trick but is a bit more messy. The wireless LAN works fine over a reasonable distance and I like the ability to turn it off/on via function key. Modem works fine as a backup to real connectivity. Standard microphone and earphone connectors are supplied. No PS2 stuff wasting space.

Storage:
60GB mediocre speed HD; works for me and seems good at this price point. DVD reader only in my version though a writer is a cost option. CD writing works fine and only whispers at full speed (don't use whilst on battery though as it will suck you dry). Supplied OEM software is Sonic stuff which is the usual cut down version that trys to sell you it's big brother; not to my taste, I'd rather load an OEM Nero suite.

Input:
I personally do not like the two button touchpad, probably having spent many years using my company supplied Thinkpad 'nipple'. However, it is ok as a standby if you have no room to bring a mouse along or place to use it. The pad utility allows adjustment of sensitivity, speed, button assignment etc. Usefull function keys (the blue shift ones) are for volume, brightness, CD eject , Standby, Hibernate, Wireless on/off, battery utility, screen switch and mute. Keyboard has decent travel and I like the 'tappity tap' noise it makes.

Power:
Battery life is advertised as ~2.2 hours and that is actually what I seem to be achieving at the moment. It recharges relatively swiftly. If you want a higher capacity then that is again a cost option. The PSU is the usual switch mode brick on a string thing, cable length an adequate 2m in all.

Screen:
This would have been considered good maybe 3 years ago; now the viewing angle is well below average compared to newer technolgy and is probably my only real gripe with this kit. However, at this price point it is to be expected.

Audio:
I had not realised when I ordered it but it does not have a microphone. Not a particular problem for me because I prefer a headset for IM conversations but I guess I thought they were standard. Volume of audio from the stereo speakers was significant. Not sure of the quality as I rarely play any music of a standard above that you get from 56k streamed radio. Volume control is via function key.

Gripes:
Screen viewing angle is pants.
Must be used on a firm and flat surface if obstruction of the fan air intake is to be avoided. It gets very hot beneath in any case.

Would I buy one again? No, but only because it is no longer available AFAIK and appears to have been replaced by the 1300...otherwise yes, I feel I had my needs met at a good price. 

...less