The best Laptop for me! Is it for you too?
Written: Jan 30 '04
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Pros: Medium weight, Easy to use, Great customer service, good warranty, not the most expensive model.
Cons: Not extremely light. Price is not low-budget compared to lowest cost laptops.
The Bottom Line: Great Easy to Use Company, from Company with Excellent Customer Service. Perfect Simple Laptop for the Beginner or Intermediate user.
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| mh004g's Full Review: Dell Inspiron 4150 (INSPIRON 4150/) PC Notebook |
I've had my Dell Inspiron 4150 laptop for over a year. I ordered it out of frustration. We'd had our desktop for a while, and it was relatively slow and tended to crash occasionally. It had been my husband's during college and was a cheap model his parents had purchased.
One day I went to school (I'm a grad student) and realized that some of the information I needed was in reference books that could not be removed from that section of the library, and there were no computers in the reference section.
I had two choices: spend a ton of money copying pages that I needed or make myself crazy trying to take down notes that in the hopes that I'd be able to write down everything I needed.
I chose a third option: I went home and ordered a laptop and had it delivered quickly, then went to the library and worked on my paper there.
I'd already been thinking about a laptop for a while, knowing a moment of frustration like this may arrive, and had decided on Dell. Why? Dell has consistently had computers rated as best buys by Consumer Reports, I've had friends who have Dell computers and have been happy with them, and their ads are memorable (guess all that advertising money they spend is well spent!).
There's also another reason I chose them. I don't like department stores, or other store that carry a multitude of items. I like stores that specialize on one or a few things, I can walk in and know what I'm shopping for and know that I won't have to run in circles to find someone in "that department". I shop for clothes in stores that I know I'll like, and that only carry clothes. I felt I wanted the same kind of specialization from the company I would buy my computer from. Dell sells mostly computers and computer related equipment and software. I know that the people helping me are trained in those things and will not have to "find someone" to help me.
My choice has proved a good one. The Dell Inspiron 4150 has given me NO PROBLEMS. The only glitch I've had is that I contracted the windows virus that went around a while ago. But, Dell had a hotline set up and instructions on it's website, just for those things. When I called (I called the general number because I didn't know about the hotline) I was immediately transfered to someone who helped me. I was given clear and concise instructions for ridding my computer of the virus, and it worked. I was so happy to have a company I could call that would deal with that directly, and I didn't have to call Microsoft or some other company. This is one example of the great customer service I've experienced!! I've also had good experiences when calling with questions about my computer or software, it's always been quick service by knowledgable sales or tech people.
When ordering the computer, I found the salesperson very helpful. I was able to do some easy comparison shopping on the Dell website first, then called. The man who helped me was friendly, patient, and willing to accommodate. He asked me what I'd use the computer for and what types of uses others in my home would have for it. I explained to him that I'm a student with a need for basic software, personal finance software and that we were not into using the computer for multi-media purposes, but wanted something that could be used for that in the future if we wanted to. I'd already decided that the Inspiron 4150 might be best for me (at $1799 with all of the additions I wanted including a CD burner, personal finance software, a laptop bag and a $99 printer, this was also within our price range). He confirmed that this would be the best for me, though he even recommended one that was a little cheaper (I wanted the fastest and most efficent computer for what we could afford, so I stuck with the 4150).
The salesperson was not pushy and did not try to sell me on items I didn't need. He was upfront about the options and recommended that I think on it and call back! He also worked out express shipping for no additional cost.
As for the computer itself - I am not a computer wiz, so I can only tell you my experience, which won't be a highly technical description. But, if you're like me, you probably don't want that anyway.
It came with a free upgrade to a 40 (GB, MB?) hard drive and has a decent size screen (15"). My computer is easy to use, it comes with a variety of basic software that I find useful. I can't remember which programs I paid extra for, but I know that I have the total MS Office package, the Dell Picture Studio (which is WONDERFUL to have since we just bought a digital camera - it offers very easy ways to edit and print photos), and several accessories. The control panels are easy to understand and there is a Dell Help Center icon that leads you right to the company and it's very helpful website.
Also, the computer came with 6 months free of both MSN and AOL internet providers. This was great because not only did we have free internet connection for 6 months, but we also had the ability to try 2 different providers (we settled on MSN in the end). This was great, since if we didn't like one we were able to use the other.
The internal speakers are decent, the screen is bright and clear. Colors come through quite true and although it's not incredibly light, it isn't heavy either.
The warranty is also quite good, something I always think is important (and you don't have to pay extra for it). Dealing with the company directly eliminates headaches of having to go through a middle man to get to the company.
I'd definitely recommend Dell. As for this computer, I'd say it's a great medium weight basic laptop for most users. If you want a very high tech or multi-media capable computer, I'd say move up the line to the more expensive models. Excellent laptop for students or basic home or business use.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1700
Operating System: Don''t Know
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: Don''t Know
Screen Size: Greater than 15 inches
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 41-50
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Epinions.com ID:
mh004g
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Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 2 members
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