Desktop Alternative? I'm not so sure...
Written: Aug 15 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Powerful and fast
Cons: Pricey, doesn't suit my needs
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| LizaKM's Full Review: Dell Inspiron 7500 (G650YT) PC Notebook |
I have written a review about this computer once before, but I decided that I really didn't get my feelings across, so I would try again. I bought a Dell Inspiron 7500 laptop last April to replace my failing Gateway desktop. I decided that I wanted a laptop because I play lacrosse in college and I am on the road quite a bit. I am also a computer science major, which requires a fairly powerful computer. Dell advertises this laptop as their "Desktop Alternative." I thought, great, this is what I need. Maybe I didn't look into it enough, but so far I haven't been too thrilled with this notebook.
The desktop alternative? Sure, it's HUGE! I can't express that enough. The chassis is about 2.5" thick and it weighs close to 10 lbs. This is quite the package if you're planning on travelling! I can handle it when I stick it in my back pack, but I would never recommend it for the frequent flier. If I had to carry this thing for very long, I'd break my back. I must admit though, I love being able to just stick in the car and bring it home whenever I need it.
So let's talk specifics. Just how much power does this computer have? Is it really the Desktop Alternative?
* Processor: 750 MHz Intel Pentium III with Speed Step Technology. In English, this computer is quite fast, with a hot processor and the ability to conserve energy if running on battery.
* Memory: You can chose how much RAM you want, base is usually 64 MB. I chose 128MB, because I usually have many applications running at once and I don't want anything slowing down.
* Hard Drive: I chose a 12 GB hard drive, but you can choose anything from 6MB to 30 MB. It all depends on your needs.
* CD/DVD drives: You may choose either, but I have a 8XDVD/ Floppy drive combo. The DVD player usually runs great, I can even hook it up to my television and run a movie right from my computer on the big screen. The gripe I have is that sometimes, it will just quit. You have to restart the computer and try and find where you were in the movie. It's quite annoying.
* Display: 15" Super XGA+. It is a wonderful screen. It is quite large for a notebook, and the picture is clear and crisp.
* Video: 8MB ATI Mobility-P 3D Video with 2X AGP. I don't know much about this, but it looks great to me!
* Modem/Network Adaptors: I have a 56K modem and a 3Com 10/100 Fast Ethernet PC Card. It is quite a pain to alternate between the two when I go home from school. The computer seems to lose its recognition of the drivers for the Ethernet card every time I go back to using it.
* Operating System: Windows 98 Second Edition
* Bundled Software: Norton Antivirus, Microsoft Small Business Office 200, lots of other Microsoft software.
External monitors, printers, etc are also available directly from Dell, but I won't get into that. I must mention my problem with peripherals though. I have a web-cam and a scanner that I use fairly frequently. Being such a powerful computer, it should be able to handle these add-ons. The web-cam it can take for about a half an hour and then it freezes and stops responding. I have tried several different programs for the web-cam, but to no avail. The scanner doesn't work at all. As soon as you open the program, it freezes and quits. (I am not using these devices at the same time) I have had no luck with technical support from either companies. Dell keeps telling me the same thing and it does not work.
So as to the answer to my first question, this computer can be the desktop alternative to a certain user. If you are looking for power and speed, the ability to run many programs at once, this computer will work for you. If you are looking to use this to run all sorts of peripherals, lots of software, etc, look elsewhere. I have not been happy and don't sincerely recommend it, but I suppose for certain uses, it is decent.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
LizaKM
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Member: Liza
Location: Boston
Reviews written: 64
Trusted by: 42 members
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