Great Value from Dell!
Written: May 06 '03
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Pros: Processor Speed, Stylish, and Affordable!
Cons: Fixed CD-RW drive, Touchpad mouse hard to get used to
The Bottom Line: If you are in the market for a new laptop, Dell's new Inspiron 5100 will cater to your needs for speed, storage, and productivity.
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| rjsjayhawk's Full Review: Dell Inspiron 5100 (5100BS1) PC Notebook |
I chose this laptop as a result of days of searching Epinions.com and constant visits to Dell.com, checking out their seemingly daily changes to laptop specials. I was frustrated, as I could configure the same system hour after hour and receive a different price each time. You just have to know when you have acquired a good deal and pull the trigger. I did, and for only $1600 am *very* happy with my purchase.
Here are the specs for my laptop:
Intel Pentium 4 2.66GHz processor
512MB RAM (266MHz 2 DIMMS)
15" Super XGA+ Display
32MB ATi Mobility™ Radeon™ 7500 Video Card
30 GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
24X CD-RW drive
harman/kardon HK-395 Speakers
Microsoft Windows XP Home
Microsoft Office Small Business
3-year Warranty with 3-year Complete Care coverage
For only $1600, I'd say that I got a heck of a deal on a relatively high-end laptop. Sure, it's not a featherlight, but I wanted a desktop replacement that would leave me a desk! For five years, I have been using a PII 233MHz Compaq, and it took up my entire desk. As an entering graduate student, I found that having a clear desk might actually promote good study habits ;)
Back to the computer:
It shipped to me MUCH earlier than anticipated. I placed my order online, and within 24 hours it was in the boxing stage. I had it set up in my room within 7 days of ordering (I chose the lowest cost shipping method - for those of you who cannot wait, they do have next-day shipping options).
Everything worked perfectly out of the box. The battery was pre-charged, Office had been preinstalled (even though I wish it hadn't -- I prefer to do things like that on my own), and the speakers were a snap to hook up. Within a few minutes, it was up and pumping out GREAT sound from a CD I was playing.
The computer is extremely fast (though keep in mind that my previous unit was a PII 233). My roommates are all impressed by the fact that it completely out-performs their 6-month old desktops. I took pride knowing that I even paid less for my system than they did theirs. Who says laptops are always more expensive?
For those of you concerned about portability, don't worry. This is a very manageable 8lbs. Placed in my backpack, it feels like any ordinary graduate-level microbiology text. I plan on purchasing a carrying case for it, and can't understand those who deemed this a "monster" with regard to size.
Also, the keyboard feels *FINE*! It is not "squishy" or "plasticy." It is solidly built and although I am planning on purchasing a full-size USB keyboard (I enjoy Microsoft's natural keyboards), it is very well constructed.
I wish Dell would have kept the joystick-mouse found in the center of the keyboard. The Inspiron 5100 has only the touchpad. Perhaps I am not as used to this as others, but I would much prefer having an externally-connected mouse. I purchased the Microsoft Intellimouse optical for this reason.
Also, for those of you wanting a removable media bay, the Inspiron 5100 will not accomadate you. I only have the need for a CD-RW so this does not impact me at all. If you are looking for a system in which you can insert an internal floppy, etc., look elsewhere.
All in all, a great system. Be patient when ordering a system. Waiting a day or two can mean the difference between $200-300 in savings with all of the daily specials run by Dell.com. Also, check out deals found on the internet. Anandtech.com's "Hot Deals" forum is great for finding out about good deals on computer systems. I spent five days examining the internet before making my purchase and feel that I got the best possible deal for this excellent system.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1600
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
Screen Size: 15 inches
RAM: More than 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30
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Epinions.com ID:
rjsjayhawk
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Reviews written: 1
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