Uninspiring at such a price
Written: Sep 02 '00
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Pros: Astounding speed and power in a laptop
Cons: Heavy. Disaster with the sleep command
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| nakster1's Full Review: Dell Inspiron 7500 R500YT |
I read most of these other glowing reviews and decided that some negative viewpoints about this gargantuan laptop must be discussed. After owning this laptop for nearly seven months, I can tell you the good and the bad. Since you've read the other reviews talking about the good, I'll focus on this mighty laptop's shortcomings. My model has the PIII 500mhz, 128 ram, 12gb, 15", and DVD ROM.
1. This laptop isn't really a laptop.
A machine like the 7500 actually deserves desktop status. To pack all these features into a svelte black carrying companion is tough, and Dell succeeds with everything but the svelte part. I mean, the thing is a HEAVY machine, weighing over 10 pounds. Muscles will ache and strap marks will become a part of your shoulder as you carry your prized possession.
2. DVDs on your flight? Think twice.
Wow, a DVD drive. I've heard all the rich college kids now sport laptops with DVD drives that function as their entertainment system. Slightly older, working folks like ourselves envision the luxury of watching a DVD on our plane flight. Unfortunately, the juice ain't there. You'd need 2-3 batteries to watch one DVD. Also, the big screen is crisp and the best I've seen; however, it's too big when the laptop is unfurled in the eating tray. Also, that Dell is a tough squeeze on the plane tray. First class is better, but hey, they already have DVD or personal movies in first class.
3. Don't think about attaching this DVD to your home entertainment system.
Simply put, you can't do it. The audio and video outputs are unable to provide you with DVD output. If you want 5 channel surround sound and a picture, you have to buy a special DVD card (not available from Dell) that will cost you about $279. Ouch. This shortcoming is admittedly petty, but wouldn't it be cool if you could hook it up to be your mobile home entertainment system?
4. The suspend feature doesn't work
I think this is a Windows 98 problem, but I couldn't get the answer from Dell. They won't admit it exists. Anyway, if you suspend ("sleep") the computer and leave it alone for more than an hour, it's bye-bye time. The computer freezes and you will have to reboot. This is a killer problem. This problem applies even when the computer automatically puts itself to sleep.
5. The price? Get a microbook and nice desktop instead.
The premium you pay really isn't worth it.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 3100
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 401-500
Screen Size: 15"
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 9-12
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Epinions.com ID:
nakster1
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Member: N K
Location: Boston MA
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 3 members
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