You Might Commit Homicide With this Lap Top!
Written: Feb 17 '01 (Updated Mar 09 '01)
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Pros: This baby is built like a brick house,but one that is coming down
Cons: Freezes too much-false promises of internet services
The Bottom Line: I think all things considered ,Dell needs to get there tech people, products, and help on the same page. DO not buy.
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| bwyckoff1's Full Review: Dell Inspiron 5000 R600LG |
After a long journey filled with computer store fraud, lawyer involvement, and the Attorney General moving his troops against a store that scammed me into buying someone’s used computer, I finally got the computer I wanted, the Dell Inspiron 5000 laptop. This computer has many advantages and a few disadvantages as well.
I must in all good conscience amend this article. For the last three weeks I have been through hell with this machine. I will explain further.
The Advantages of this Laptop
1. The portability of this computer is wonderful. It is compact and yet sturdy. This is not a flimsy lightweight. It has a little heft to it. I personally wanted a laptop that I could use as a home-based computer system. I did not have the space to operate a full size computer and Dell makes this model, which serves as a nice substitute for a computer that needs a full size desk to accompany it. This is a computer that can easily be folded up and taken on business trips which makes it perfect for the executive on the run too.
2. The screen size
The full viewing area on the screen is 9 inches height by 12 inches in width. This gives you tremendous viewing area compared to other laptop screens I had seen on the market. I find the colors bright and true. The brightness can be controlled on this machine by key combinations. I find there are not too many issues with glare on the Dell.
3. The Flexibility
Dell has the advantage over store brands in that you get to choose different options and they construct your computer to your own needs and specifications. I thought having the 64 MB was too small and so for one hundred dollars more got the computer changed to 128 MB. There was also the option to get a CD burner device built in to this model. The sales people were knowledgeable and helpful. If you felt you did not need an option they were low pressure and did not push. I like that. Basically, many options can be altered and changed to your specifications. I found the prices for these options fair and reasonable.
4. Software Installed
This computer came with the Windows 2000 professional Millennium Edition. It also came with Norton Anti- Virus Protection, MS Works Suite 2001, Music Match and Dell Net.
All the software that came with this laptop will basically get you started on doing all kinds of business applications. If you have used Windows before the new edition is not all that different.
5. The Key Board and Touch Pad
The keyboard is a nice level and smooth touch keyboard. In searching for a new laptop I found some key pads raised up a notch higher than normal. I found these very difficult to maneuver around. On the Dell the keys are nicely positioned and light to the touch. The keyboards on all laptops are now positioned in the rear of the machine so as to help with the problems of carpal tunnel syndrome. The resting of the wrist directly onto the main body of the keyboard takes some getting used to. I had an IBM ThinkPad and the switch to the Dell took some time. The touch pad is a device centered in the base of the Dell Laptop. It is a nice large size and has a super feather touch to it. A light touch of the pad will move the cursor anywhere you need to go. I like this much better that the IBM center red ball that served the same purpose.
6.Ease of Ordering
The sales help on their toll free number were helpful and knowledgeable. I like the fact that I was ordering the product directly from the factory. My bad luck with being scammed at a local computer shop made this aspect very advantageous. The time projection to get my computer was about two weeks. In actuality, I had the computer shipped to my home through UPS in 8 days. Not bad.
6. Reputation
The company itself has a very good reputation for making a quality computer and I look for that when I am buying a high price item. I wanted a Pentium 111 computer that works quickly and efficiently and for the most part the Dell Inspiron delivers. The guarantee of three years technical service behind the computer meant to me that the product must be good, I was wrong in presuming this. There is toll free technical support.
The Down side
1. The computer freezes quite a bit. I really haven’t ascertained whether it is the fault of AOL or the computer itself. Once a day this computer freezes. It is easy to rectify by holding down the power button and shutting it down for a few moments, but for someone in the middle of important paper work this could present an issue.
2. Dell Net
I have a real issue with false advertising and consumer fraud. Dell Net is a contractual statement by Dell stating they are giving you free one-year Internet services through MSN…The trouble is you cannot hook up to the internet through MSN. All you get is busy server messages and never the opportunity to register and use the service. This is a fraudulent claim by Dell. If you are using this particular incentive as a bonus issue to buy this brand of computer, look elsewhere.
3.I assumed the lack of internet ease a problem with the dial up isp services. After trying MSN, Earthlink, AOL, and finally ATT I have concluded there is something wrong with this laptop. Two modems, One motherboard later this machine has totally frozen up and out of use. I had to fight with them to replace this computer.
4. If you are over the 30 day money back period and something goes wrong with a part in this computer, Dell is replacing the major components with refurbished parts. Can you imagine spending 2,000 for a machine that isn't working properly and then having the audacity to replace the parts with components that were faulty in someone elses computer? I came upon this by mistake. I am sharing this important fact so you know what you are getting when you buy Dell.
5. The computer contractor they sent to my home to fix my computer left the computer in a frozen state. This is unacceptable.
If you take all this into consideration, I think this is a laptop you need to pass on.. As a laptop,I will not recommend it.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 2,200
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: Don't Know
Screen Size: 15
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-ROM
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20
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Epinions.com ID:
bwyckoff1
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Member: Barb wyckoff
Location: New York
Reviews written: 337
Trusted by: 259 members
About Me:
Film Critic-Painter-Writer- Professional Artist
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