This is the first laptop I've owned (as opposed to used) and I must say I'm loving it. This is the first laptop I've *ever* been impressed by in terms of speed. Both desktop apps and games run extremely well on this machine (though the kudos go to Nvidia for the gaming performance, not Dell :).

I got the P3 1GHz processor and upgraded to 512 MB of RAM (from Crucial, Dell's RAM prices are insane). DVD drive and 15" UXGA screen.

I do have my complaints though:

1. The copy of XP that came with this machine is not a "full" copy. You can't install it on anything except for the laptop. What if I decide I want to install some other OS on my laptop and move XP to my desktop? Shouldn't Microsoft enforce this rather than Dell?

2. There's no way to customize the software that Dell installs on their machines when ordering (that I know of). For example, they install the whole Works suite automatically. I spent the first hour or so on the machine uninstalling stuff.

3. The nylon bag that you can order from Dell is great quality, but it's too small for this laptop, and not the right shape.

4. The screen has very little brightness/contrast adjustability. For example, watching a fairly underlit DVD (e.g. Final Fantasy) it looks pretty bad, the glare is very noticable.

5. The overall construction feels somewhat delicate. The panels feel very "snapped" together (as opposed to screwed). Durability could be a problem.

6. Weight. I wish laptop companies would move the good video cards into their light machines. As it is, the Inspiron in my bag with extra battery and AC adaptor is pretty heavy.

Given the above complaints, I'm still *very* happy with this machine. I just can't get over getting 30-40 fps in Unreal Tournament on a laptop (at 1024x768 no less!)!!

Definitely recommended.

Note: I've noticed that people say the speed step technology doesn't work in the 8100. Mine works fine, so maybe Dell fixed it.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1870.00
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 15
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20