Dell Inspiron 8200: A COMPLETE REVIEW
Written: Oct 16 '02 (Updated Jan 12 '04)
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Pros: Fast processor, razor sharp screen, fast video card, CD-RW/DVD combo
Cons: Weight, no USB 2.0, cheap latch, plastic palm rests, weak security cable slots, buzzy power-supply
The Bottom Line: Looking for a desktop replacement and don't care about weight, the Inspiron 8200 is worth your consideration. I would buy this computer again.
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| professor101's Full Review: Dell Inspiron 8200 (8TWORH) PC Notebook |
== JANUARY 2004 UPDATE ==
Since buying this computer in the Fall of 2002, I have used this computer as my main computer for my home business 5 days a week, 8 hours a day -- all without a single incident. I love my Dell computer and when the time comes to replace it, I will ONLY consider replacing it with another Dell laptop.
== A COMPLETE REVIEW ==
Recently I needed to purchase a laptop for my home business use. I strongly considered the IBM ThinkPad T-Series, but the Dell Inspiron 8200 won out in the end for various reasons. Everything else being relatively equal, I placed my order with Dell namely because at the time they offered a better graphics card: the NVIDIA GeForce4 440 Go with 64 MB of DDR RAM (IBM offered a 32mb ATI card). Gaming is also important to me as well.
-- DEALING WITH DELL --
Before I ordered I placed a phone call to Dell to get some questions answered. I must have called the wrong department listed in their catalog because I got a lady who basically said, “I’m sorry, I’m new and have no clue what you’re talking about. Let me transfer you.” I was then transferred and curtly informed by a young lad that I had the wrong department. Being transferred again I reached someone in tech support who knew the marketing lingo, but none of true specs. Then he had the audacity to ask if I wanted to place an order with him. I said not at this time and would most likely do it via the web when I was ready. He then went off on me stating that I had just wasted his time and that he wouldn't get a commission on my sale. I apologized that Dell had set up their payment structure that way and that he had to take it out on me, but I restated that I was the customer and could choose when, where and how I was going to purchase my computer.
Thankfully this adventure with Dell had a happy ending. Her name is Shannah at ext 40216 (800-624-9896). I had another question (was all the software included on CD’s or just preloaded – all CD’s are included) and she answered them all for me. She also asked if I wanted to place an order, and I said not yet, but give me your number. The next day I was and decided to place the order through Shannah instead of through the web. For two reasons, order processing was 24 hours faster through a sales representative than was ordering via the web. Plus, the web only specials were available through her as well (but check on this before you order – I ordered on the last day of the special).
-- INITIAL REACTION --
When I first opened my box shipped via UPS (arrived days before I expected it) and pulled the laptop out I said "wow, this sucker is big and heavy". If I had to commute by train, bus or airplane often, I may consider a lighter laptop. While only 8 pounds, it adds up in a typical laptop bag full of papers and other work related stuff.
-- CASE --
The case design is stylized with various curves, indents and emblems. Others complain about the dated look, but it has a contemporary look compared to a plain ole black box. Not as cool looking as an Apple notebook, but better than some.
- Palm Rests
The one thing I really don’t like are their so called “palm rests”. Offered in various colors to personalize your laptop, they are nothing more than colorized plastic snap ins. The least they could do is add some padding to really make them a rest. I assumed black palm rests where the default color, but mine came with silver palms rests. I can’t stand the look. But if you’re into that kind of thing, there are 8 different styles you can choose from (for an extra cost).
- Screen latch
I have found the latch on top of the screen to be cumbersome to use. It has a very cheap feel and is difficult to open. Even with one latch, it still takes me two hands to open it.
-- Security Cable Slot
I just purchased a Kessington Security Cable on eBay for when I'm at a client site and need to lock it down from walk-aways. I know these cables can be easily cut, and if someone is determined to steal a laptop they will. However, it's like locking your car doors - hopefully the thief will look for an easier target first.
Anyway, the Dell comes with two slots to secure the cable, located on the right and left. The right slot would be the logical choice because it doesn't block other plugs, but when I placed the cable in the slot and gave it a slight tug, the case bent out. I played with it a bit more and came to the conclusion if given a stronger tug I could break the plastic edge, thus freeing the laptop. While I'd prefer to keep my laptop case in one piece, I did not try it. The left slot received the same test and held much better, however the location isn't as ideal as the right as it blocks an input plug (has a TV icon next to it) and is also very close to the CD-RW/DVD player and could be in the way when ejecting. Also in the way of the phone cord or ethernet cable on this side as well.
Would I trust the Dell case to hold up to someone really determined to take my desktop, I give a worried no. If security is a major issue for you, look at the IBM ThinkPad which has much stronger slots that feel robust and have no give.
-- SCREEN --
My model came with a UMAX screen, but I upgraded for $50 to their Ultra-Sharp screen. There is no difference between the Ultra-Sharp and the UMAX except the elimination of the laptop sweet spot. What do I mean? Most LCD screens look best when viewed straight on, but the Ultra Sharp gives you 170 degrees of horizontal viewing, added brightness and increased contrast for these viewing angles. A person sitting next to you can now view what’s on the screen. Not good if you use your laptop on the train or airplane and want some privacy, but when surrounded by people you want to see what’s on your screen – this does the job very well.
The native resolution is 1600x1200, and on a 15” screen, everything is hyper small. I’m used to running this resolution on a 19” or 21” monitor, and to require this on a 15” screen is basically insane. It took me a couple days to get used to the small resolution and now I have no problem adapting to it. However, those with poor eyesight might have some trouble reading the small text.
One advantage to the small resolution is the increased screen real estate now available. For example, I can have a web browser open at 1024x768, and still have room on the screen to dock instant messenger or MP3 players without obstructing the view. Also, if you run programs that have a lot of floating toolbars (Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc) you have places to put them out of the way.
-- KEYBOARD --
Full size, very comfortable and the keys are where you expect them to be. There are separate volume buttons, and programmable buttons. My backspace button has a slight squeak to it.
One thing I miss dearly from the IBM ThinkPad is their integrated keyboard light. A small thing, but something I used rather regularly.
-- POINTING DEVICES --
The Dell comes with not one, but two pointing devices: a pointer pad and an eraser head stick. Why they provided both I don’t know, but it’s the best of both worlds. I became proficient at using the eraser stick on the IBM ThinkPad and use it extensively on the Dell, while others will swear by the touch pad. Simply a matter of preference and Dell provided that for you.
However, if you use the eraser stick, the left/right mouse buttons are curved into the design of the case and took some getting used to using. They are indented more than one would expect. However, the buttons for the pad are extremely easy to use.
Perhaps I haven’t found the correct setting yet, but I don’t believe I can set the speeds for each pointer separately. The eraser stick speed is just right to move around a screen of this size, but I spend forever pushing the pointer around with the touch pad.
One thing I like is I can plug a mouse in while the computer is already on and I don’t have to reboot.
-- WinXP --
This has nothing to do with the review of the Dell, but since it comes preloaded I just wanted to say that Microsoft finally got it right. Having been on Win 3.1, Win 95, Win2000 and now WinXP, this is the operating system that Microsoft should have started with. A rock solid battleship – I haven’t crashed yet. And the wizards actually work and do what you want them to.
-- SOFTWARE --
Dell provides the CD’s for all the software preloaded on the machine. Dell preloads some trialware programs as well.
6 months of free AOL or MSN are available as well.
-- HARDWARE --
Hard drive is quiet. My floppy drive is rather noisy, but it could simply be the diskette I’m using. The 56K modem logs into MSN at around 46kbps.
It's worth mentioning that the CD player is relatively quiet. However, the clearance does not allow one to play CD's that have a label attached to them (i.e. a label you put on your own personal CD-R). The label makes the CD drag and not spin at the correct speeds. Once the label is removed the CD works fine (be very careful when removing an adhesive label). No problem playing CD's you would buy in the store.
The Inspiron 8200 does not support the USB 2.0 standard yet.
-- GRAPHICS --
The graphics are smooth and fast. Then again, I was used to a 4mb card on my desktop, so I’m easily impressed.
One thing to be aware of: if you play older games, they don’t support resolutions beyond 1024x768. This results in the game being stretched to 1600x1200 (the setting of the screen) – which creates a slight out-of-focus view. Why not just set the screen resolution to 1024 instead of 1600? Well, laptops use LCD screens and the do not have the same characteristics as do computer monitors. On a computer monitor, the image is set to draw at a different frequency and can show you 640x480, 800x600 or 1024x768, etc. But an LCD screen doesn’t create the image the same way, instead it activates the crystals in the screen which are set at an exact resolution – in this case 1600x1200.
-- POWER SUPPLY/AC ADAPTER --
The AC adapter gets really, really HOT! Reading the Dell manual, one learns that this is “normal”. Well, it may be “normal” for Dell, but the ThinkPads had much cooler adapters.
However, the current power supply shipped with this model has a very serious flaw, which has been discussed at length on Dell's support pages. Namely, when you plug the audio output from the laptop into a high-end stereo system/amplifier you start to hear things: static, rumblings, electronic noise. However, when you run on battery only, it all goes away. Strange. Thankfully, the easy solution is to buy a 3-prong to 2-prong plug converter, which eliminates the ground wire. It is good to note that even when using the original 3-prong plug, you can't hear these sounds on the laptop speakers or even headphones. It's only when listening on a high-end stereo system that is more sensitive.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2600
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): 21-30
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Epinions.com ID:
professor101
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Member: Chris Arndt
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 3 members
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