Not a bad laptop, however, it's not perfect either.
Written: May 23 '03
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Pros: Easy to use, effective, good touchpad/keyboard, stable overall.
Cons: Very heavy, small quirks here and there, lack of support anymore.
The Bottom Line: For my first dive into the laptop market and I was not disappointed with this machine. Stable, fast, and consistent.
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| uofmstudent's Full Review: Dell Smartstep 250n Notebook Computer |
The Smartstep line seems to have all but vanished off of dell.com's website, integrated into their Inspirion line that dominates the laptop collection. However, this last incarnation of a dying brand carries plenty of power and is very easy to use.
I was looking for a powerful laptop that would be able to handle the demands of more hefty programs like AutoCAD and Photoshop, especially since the U of M requires Architecture students to now buy themselves a laptop in order to be "responsible and flexible". Never mind the fact that the total package ended up costing $1,700, but I digress...
My friend, who has built all my previous desktops (currently on my 3rd custom one, 4th overall), recommended this site to me. At first, the prices are very alluring, especially when dell.com quotes them so low but they suddenly explode by hundreds of dollars to put even the simplest parts in them. This was the most powerful computer that was in my price range. The Inspirion 8200 was the top of the heap during that time; this was only a step down. Now, I can't recall everything about the computer's specs (especially since I'm not proficent with the technical aspects), but this is just an overall look at the system:
Monitor: 15" SXGA
Processor: Pentium 4, 2.4 Ghz (400Mhz FBS)
RAM: 512MB DDRAM, PC2100
Hard drive: 40GB Ultra ATA
Media: 24x CD/RW-DVD combo drive (burns at 8x maximum speed) and floppy drive (getting rare nowadays)
Operating system: Windows XP Home
Modem: Internal 56K, external wireless internet/LAN card (bought separately from Dell)
So, the order was made and I patiently had to sit back. Of course, I was slightly disappointed that it took Dell 4 weeks total to build the computer and ship it to my house. Much to my chagrin, their carrier was UPS, whose lackidaisical service continues to infuriate me (my laptop sat in the frigid cold for 12 hours...obviously, it was like ice when I got it). The day I received the laptop was truly a memorable day. I waited for it to warm up and eagerly turning it on, it worked like a charm.
I know what you're thinking; get to the laptop already! I'll handle it in a simple list:
-Monitor: The font, kept at 1400x1050 pixels, is crystal clear, but like many laptops, once you go off of that adjusted resolution, things get a bit blurry and less defined. I've had a couple of programs that caused the display to get screwed up, but nothing a restart couldn't fix. What makes me wonder is the small markings that are on the LCD screen. You can see them if light is directly reflecting on them, but invisible when in use. I can't seem to clean them off and I don't remember them being there when I first got it (since I've been extremely prudent with the laptop, I don't believe I caused it). Technicalities aside, it is clear, effective, and not too straining on the eyes (take breaks after a couple of hours, it helps). Games, being at different resolutions, will not be as clearly defined as the desktop or other applications, but this is not an issue with me. I had to get used to the fact that tilting the monitor affects how bright it appears, and sometimes, when something seems too dark or too light on this monitor, it's the opposite on more traditional ones, but overall, it's a decent piece and very sturdy (no problems as far as being loose like on other models).
Keyboard/Touchpad: I admit that the touchpad took some getting used to. I hated it at first because dell configured it to count as a click practically every time you put your finger on the pad. I was beginning to think that the machine was having issues (I'm paranoid, so sue me). I found the utility and was able to thankfully correct it. However, if you disable that program, the touchpad returns to its default settings. Other than that, I've adjusted to it, and have yet to experience any problems. I even appreciated the scrolling button that dell grafts on the machine, reminiscent of the wheel on many mouses of today. The keyboard is quiet, comfortable, and effective, though I sort of miss the number pad (dell has one, but is extremely cumbersome because you have to disable some keys to use it). It's a resiliant piece, but you have to be careful. My finger caught the edge of the J button and flicked it right off the keyboard twice. Thankfully, it can be snapped back into place (with practice), but keys can easily snap out of place if you got lazy digits like me.
CD-ROM/DVD drive: This is perhaps the most issue-prone piece of equipment on the machine. I've had several instances where it will just stop reading CD-RWs. I will take one out, put in another and it will still display the contents of the former one...in fact, it even lets you browse the former CDs contents as if it was still there. Refreshing didn't help, swapping CDs didn't help; the only cure was to restart the system. Other than that, it has been problem-free thus far. I used the installed Roxio Easy CD creator and the 8x burn speed seems a bit slow (my desktop does 52x), but it was adequate for my limited needs. The laptop also plays DVDs with little problem. Once the movie starts going, I have yet to have skipping or fluttering, although the graphics (the card is a Radeon Mobility with 32MB DDR RAM) are clearer on my DVD player and desktop (using a Geforce 4 Ti4200). Expectedly so, but it is still clear and more than able to play movies satisfactory.
Sound: Sound has been slightly quirky. The volume dial works well and Dell placed the speakers on the side of the machine, so you rarely muffle the sound. Once all the system volumes have been amplified as well, it actually comes out pretty loud, though I like the headphones better when using the laptop. However, on some rare instances, when you have headphones on, an incessant buzzing sound ensues, growing louder when the fan is running. It doesn't happen all the time, and I have no idea what caused it. I downloaded the drivers for the sound card to no avail. It's not really an issue that requires a return to dell because it's very rare (and the music easily overpowers it). I also find that music (hard drive or CD) will skip if you have the wireless network card and CAT5 plugged in together (why do that in the first place is beyond me).
Floppy drive: Yes, the Smartstep has a floppy drive. And unlike Dell's vexating decision to excise these moribund parts from their future systems, it has been helpful (although it has yet to be successful at mounting a disk).
System/Performance: I'm a very picky person when it comes to this. I should appreciate the fact that the system has only crashed once in the last 3-4 months (with no repercussions) and that it has been able to do things my former desktop sputtered and froze at (like working with 30x50 inch compositions in Photoshop), but sometimes, it's still too slow at some moments. Sometimes, it's slow to start up Internet Explorer or Outlook Express, or it'll be pokey with Simcity 4 (yes, it's taxing on all machines, new or old). Sometimes, booting up seems too long for my tastes (though it only takes about 20-30 seconds). In most cases, it's proven to be very versatile with just about anything I throw at it. It was a definite improvement over my last desktop and still a powerhouse in its own right. It also opening my eyes to Windows XP, especially since that was the operating system of choice. Although it's not very adept with a few miscellaneous programs and accessories, it has been few more stable then Windows 98 and is customizable with a bit of tinkering and searching. I have all my favorite programs up and running with little problem, so I definitely think it's a system strongpoint.
Other things: Just a quick list of other issues not covered elsewhere in the report:
-I like the streamlined design of the machine, though the grey color is not my favorite. I was very relieved to see the LCD monitor snaps into place when it is down, making it very sturdy and enduring.
-The machine is quite heavy, I'd honestly say 8-10 pounds. In a case, it's not so bad, though the shoulder strap wears on you after a while, and carrying it alone still gets slightly uncomfortable after a while. It was a very large battery placed inside, which with the CD-ROM (which slides out easily once you unlock it), takes up well over half of the total weight.
-Dell makes it pretty easily to open up certain parts of the laptop for replacement or upgrades. The CD-ROM can be slid out after being unlocked, and the RAM and battery are placed behind additional hatches, the former requiring a screwdriver to open. Not that I plan to modify the original system, but it's a fairly friendly configuration.
-Battery life is typically 2.5 - 3 hours total. I use the AC adaptor most of the time, but with the battery, the laptop still runs well. There is a seamless transition between power supplies (battery to AC and vice versa); I can't even notice a difference in the programs I'm running or the slightest skip when the computer registers the change. It also has a very handy power meter on the bottom of the screen for reference (typical, but seeing as this is my first laptop, I didn't expect it).
-The laptop has 2 USB ports for various accessories. I've encountered little resistance except for a smartmedia reader that even amid a Windows XP driver (from Olympus), it still has some small errors here and there.
-There are ports on the side for the wireless network card to be inserted into. I bought a Dell brand card, and I've never had a single issue with it. Plugged in, installed the software, and seemlessly, has operated consistently.
Overall, the Smartstep 250N is a decent machine with a lot going for it. While I'm not sure about Dell's customer service (having yet to deal with it), I'm satisfied that I ordered with them, and have been extremely pleased with the machines. All computers have little problems or quirks that get to you, and this is no exception. However, once you look past and see the system underneath, it's a good value for the money and a stable, reliable computer that could easily become your best friend.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1,600
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 15 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40
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uofmstudent
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