Redefining value in a versatile notebook, the Inspiron 1100 handles essential computing plus whatever your peripherals can dish out. Intel Celeron or Pentium 4 processors provide... more
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A review by sting_of_the_scorpion on Dell Inspiron 1100 - C 2.2 GHz - 14.1" TFT March 27th, 2006
Author's product rating:
Speed
Average
Look & Feel
Good
Comfort & Portability
Satisfactory
Robustness & Durability
Excellent
Value For Money
Good
Advantages:
actually quite durable
Disadvantages:
HEAVY fella
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I purchased this as my first and only laptop back in early 2004 (Feb), and it is still going strong.
Totally unmodified, and using all the original hardware, this laptop actually competes with the newer pcs out there, with its Celeron 2.2GHz CPU and 256MB RAM. In fact, if not for its integrated Intel 32MB AGP, this laptop would run most of the games available out there for WIn XP.
The CD RW drive is a touch slow, unless you got your hands on Nero7, Roxio 6 or Alcohol 120%, which can actually have the drive working at close to the rated 24X burn speed.
DVDs run beautifully on this laptop, with no skips or freezes (just be sure to put the laptop down first, otherwise you WILL have problems).
Oh, just do not try to burn CDs or play DVDs on the battery power alone, because it will go faster than a pizza at a weightwatchers' convention. I have never been able to burn CDs while on battery power alone - I am not sure if this is a hardware problem or a power conservation feature.
The 14.1" screen is not exactly much, but it is enough for work-related tasks. The keyboard spacing is pretty standard, and allows for extremely quick and easy typing, the touchpad takes some getting used to, but a numeric keypad is sorely missed.
It's lack of PS/2 ports for either an external keyboard or mouse is missed, but the laptop is equipped with USB 2.0 ports, although Dell could have put a few more of these ports on the machine, since everything is USB-connected now.
Linux fans will be glad to know that after testing with Linux Mandrake 9.1, Fedora Core2, Knoppix and Red Hat 9.0, the machine is compatible, with the exception of its internal Win modem.
Playing music on this machine is a waste of time, unless you are going to connect a pair of headphones or external speakers, since the speakers are so small, that the volume is even smaller - although, after connecting it to a Logitech 5.1 speaker system, I must say that its output was very impressive, for a budget-machine.
The only downsides to this machine are that it is not upgradable (you are stuck with the video card it came with), the CPU fan is mounted so that if you do use it in your lap, you would perm your pubic hair, there are no PS/2 ports, it is extremely heavy (for a laptop) and it came with a Celeron CPU, instead of a Pentium. Of course, for the do-it-yourselfers out there, changing the CPU, hard drive and RAM is just a matter of a few minutes and a reboot.
Windows XP Professional SP2, Office 2003 and Age of Empires III are installed on this machine, and it works beautifully. Linux also works very well, but linux buffs would prefer to use a home network to access the internet, since the modem is not supported, so far.
Of course, this laptop is no longer manufactured and laptops now ship with the popular Pentium M CPU. So, if you are buying a used laptop and come across this model, check for the casing first - it is not the most durable laptop, physically - but its internal components are among the better ones out there.
After sales service was fairly good - the rep stayed very patiently on the phone with me for a half an hour while I ripped apart the case to reset the LCD connector inside the case.
Oh, just make sure to burn backup copies of all your CDs that came with the machine because the updates are not exactly helpful, although the original files are available on Dell's website.
Because this was one of their cheaper machines, and I have seen this thing take some torture (try leaving this laptop on in the passenger seat, while driving in a pickup through 8-foot high underbrush with this laptop and a GPS) and I must say that I am considering going back to Dell for a laptop, should I need to get one soon, but this little fella just takes a lickin and keeps on ticking.
Recommendations: very good used laptop (or if you find one cheap at a clearance sale), and as soon as you get it, upgrade the laptop with a new hard drive, RAM and possibly a Pentium CPU, if still available.
UPDATE: 25 FEB 2007 If you upgraded the RAM and the hard drive, then you will find that you have machine that is Windows Vista capable - even with the original factory specifications. (And that's with the full Aero graphics engine and glass effects on the desktop).
Ubuntu and Mandriva Linux aren't completely compatible, since they have problems with the video adapter, but they work, anyways.
The battery that comes with the laptop now lasts only 45 minutes on a full charge, so an extra battery or a power inverter for the car is always a good idea.
The original hard drive that came with the laptop is starting to show signs of age, so I am considering upgrading to a 120GB hard drive.
Otherwise, this laptop really is well-built - and if you really prefer Intel's processors over AMD, then you should keep it - in spite of so many "hi-speed CPUs" out there, this one really works well, even though it's just a Celeron.
Because they have stopped making this laptop, Dell has stopped upgrading the software for it. So, all the drivers that were available online are still there, but are not updated - they only have one driver update for Windows Vista, and that's it.
Advantages: Fast, hibernation saves work Disadvantages: Rather heavy, hibernation is annoyingly slow
...inheritance i wqas bought a dell inspiron 1100. at first i didn't see the need in it as i already had two computers, but the dell inspiron 1100 changed my life! firstly, it's programmed under windows xp, making it easy to use with an air of freshness only given by microsoft. secondly, there's the keyboard, which is designed for even the heaviest of hands and, compared with a normal pc keyboard, seems like a breath of fresh air. thirdly, there is ... ...using it and was prepared to buy a seperate mouse. now though, i hate the thought of actually using a mouse. it is easy to use, much more sensitive and glides to the correct position with the movement of one, two or even all of your fingers! finally, with a built in dvd-rw and cd-rw i can edit and create files on dvd and cd and watch dvds and cds wherever i like. you may be thinking, but i don't need one, but here's something to pursuade you: 1. ...
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If you want a very reliable laptop computer that is up-to-date and has all the modern accessories a computer needs, with a well known and trusted brand name, then you are looking at the perfect laptop for you.
Whether you choose to use this high tech note book for personal or office use, it makes no difference; it can cope with any modern day tasks needed for your home or business.
One massive advantage with this laptop is that it is built to last, ... ...has its advantages.
Probably the best feature of this laptop, is the great battery life, fully charged you can expect much more free standing use than most laptops. Internet connection is easy and can be done wherever you see a phone line. With a touch sensitive mouse pad that lets you glide across the smooth LCD with ease, it is hard to imagine using the age old hand held mouse. Other great features include a very generous amount of hard disk space ...
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07.03.2005
A powerful bargain Review ofDell Inspiron 1100 - C 2.2 GHz - 14.1" TFTby
alitor99
Advantages: Excellent value for money Disadvantages: Heavy, no PS2 port for mouse
...keep the heat load down. I must admit that I do not really notice the lack of speed. Overall I am very pleased with my new laptop. At the price I consider it a bargain. I will happily go back to Dell when I want to buy a new PC ...
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09.05.2004
Not very Inspiron Review ofDell Inspiron 1100 - C 2.2 GHz - 14.1" TFTby
Anrol
Advantages: Cheap Disadvantages: Heavy, prone to faults in cd writer
I've had my Inspiron 1100 for 16 months and at first was really pleased with it. It was certainly a bit heavy, but I didn't need to carry it very often and it was one of the cheapest laptops around.
Just outside of warranty, it started to play up - not booting up properly saying that a device in the system modular bay wasn't installed correctly. This was caused by a loose fitting cd writer and happens at least three times a day. It's not just that ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Cheap Disadvantages: Looks cheap and is heavy
...a problem with the network connection and Dell collected it and had it for 10 days. They delivered it back with the memory wiped clean and the same problem still there. After numerous calls to their useless call centre I am no nearer having the problem sorted out. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Video Memory: Shared Video Memory (UMA) - DDR SDRAM
Audio
Audio Output: Sound card
Input device(s)
Type: Keyboard, touchpad
Telecom
Modem: Fax / Modem
Max Transfer Rate: 56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications: ITU V.92
Manufacturer's product description
Redefining value in a versatile notebook, the Inspiron 1100 handles essential computing plus whatever your peripherals can dish out. Intel Celeron or Pentium 4 processors provide affordable power while the 14.1-inch or 15-inch XGA LCD panel rivets attention to crisp images. The integrated modem and network card keep you in touch with easy connectivity, and two advanced USB 2.0 ports plug you into the latest multimedia peripherals, such as printers and MP3 players.
Networking
Networking: Network adapter
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
Power
Power Device: Power adapter - external
Voltage Required: AC 110/230 V
Power Provided: 90 Watt
Battery
Technology: Lithium Ion
Average Run Time: 3.5 hour(s)
Operating system / software
OS Provided: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Software Included: Microsoft Works 7.0, Norton AntiVirus 2003
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I got this laptop as a presant from my dad. It is run on microsoft Vista which in my eyes isn't the best software but it does what it's supposed to do. With wireless i could connect to the bt home hub. Its the best presant i have recived yet!
I may more
In a word - FANTASTIC - a brilliant powerful portable computer, I recently upgraded by old laptop, which looks like a relic of the 1960's. The Dell Inpspiron 1501 has everything that matters for the average user. Fantastic looks and also has the muscle more
This is the first time I have ever done a review on anything, so I hope this is of some use to someone. I have just recently (within the last month) splashed out on one of these and since no-one else has done so yet, I thought I would share my... more
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