Help with Inspirion 1520 specs please

Vaffanculo HP, I'm going back to Dell. I've never put together a notebook before and was wondering what you experienced Inspirion users think about a few specs. I do not play any games at all. My job depends on Internet research, typing documents, films and music. I use Firefox, like to pick and choose my own programs, I despise bloatware. Excellent screen resolution is a must as is speed and flawless no fuss wireless. I want to have this notebook for a long time, it will rarely leave the house. Is there a big diff. between 2.0 or 2.2 processor speed, which wireless card do you think is the best, is there much diff. with the screen resolution choices also battery. I've never used Yahoo Music Jukebox so what do you think of that option? Any suggestions appreciated.
I've spent 2 years messing around with HP's time consuming malfunctioning notebooks, every day there is some sort of problem. I'm running it over with my car when I get my new Dell. I want something that runs like a Swiss watch but I'm not a high demand user.

 

I would have to recommend the dell vostro line to you, namely the vostro 1500. It is nearly the same thing as the inspiron 1520, but all black and it comes with no bloat ware. If i were you, i would get:

• 2gb ram
• 120-160gb hard drive
• nvidia 8400gs video card
• wxga+ or wsuxga screen
• 2.0 ghz core 2 duo
• windows vista business
• intel wireless g card
• 9 cell battery for lots of battery time

 

As nizzy has pointed out, the Vostro 1500 is the way to go. If you're in Italy, as I infer from your nice incipit, you can save some 200 euros by getting a sexy all-black panther.

If you do not game, the 8400 GS will give you the hassle-free configuration of a dedicated nVidia card (if you plan to install Linux, it's a bonus: the driver are now excellent). And probably you might want the Intel wireless N card that comes with three antennas and IIRC gives better performance (in terms of signal to noise ratio, so to speak) with older ieee 802.11 technologies.

No, I do not think the 2.2 cpu will give you enough boost in performance to compensate for the extra bucks you should run. The T7300 is the sweet spot in core2duo lineup, go with it you won't regret it.

I can't comment on the screen since I am a matte fan, and those come only in 1280x800 resolution.

PS
If you don't run a business, don't worry. Just call Dell and tell them you want a Vostro and you will pay the VAT. They'll let you have it.
If you want I can give you the number of the Dell rep who sold me mine.

 

i agree with the vostro. it seems there are less problems with the screens on the vostros.

make sure you request that you get an LG screen (dell number xk309, model lplf300) when you purchase the computer. make them promise it to you in writing.

that way, if you get one of the cheap screens, you will be able to upgrade. this info is for the wsxga+ screen, not sure how the brands work out at other resolutions.

make sure you get a year or more of in-home service, so if you need to replace the screen, it can be done at home!

i have the T7300 processor, and after tweaking vista with some of the guides on this forum, it's zipping along nicely.

my 160 gb, 7200 rpm hard drive is great. if you want this, you may need to ask for it as it isn't currently in the online selection.

the nvidia 8400 GS video card is more than enough for my needs. no gaming for me either.

make sure when you buy batteries that you do NOT buy an extra. unless you are actually using the extra on a daily basis it is a waste. this is because the lithium ion batteries used nowadays will 'age' whether you use them or not! so if you buy two and only use one- the unused battery will decline just like the used one in a couple years. there are ways of lessening this decline (putting it in the fridge/freezer), but i would just get one battery, use it till it wears out, then get another.

below is a possible configuration... you may want wireless N and a 7200 rpm drive, though...
word!

 

don't buy 2 gigs from dell(it's not worth the money), simply get one gig and then buy additional ram from newegg...

 

Just learned from another thread. Do upgrade the video to at least 8400M, otherwise you'll only get a 65W power adapter and may take a very long time to charge the battery.

 

i think the 2 gigs is free. big v is right- you can get the 2 gigs cheaper elsewhere, unless it's a free upgrade from dell, don't get it...

 

Yes, I saw the 2x1GB kit for $50 after rebate today.

 

Inspiron and Vostro are well identical, just a different color case and software configurations.

But if it's business all the way, I'd say Vostro because they are cheaper from my understanding. Plus you'll get a business tech support I'd hope is even more quicker then the typical consumer one..

Get the T7300 CPU, it is the sweet spot. If you really think 200mhz is gonna make life easier then over clock it..Theres w.e amount of extra cash in your pocket.

Get the dedicated graphics.. it's worth it, gamer or not. Pretty much now every program coming out now takes advantage of the GPU when ever it can. If you're gonna run vista it's obviously the right choice..

The wireless on these notebooks is freaking mad, I was getting a signal and I was in the court yard at the office which is surrounded by brick walls.. it's in the middle of the building, you can go outside.. and it got a signal. pretty sick.

Vostro, Inspiron, all the same jazz with minor differences. get w.e suites your needs.

 

Thanks for the awesome responses. I thought the Inspirion could also be custom ordered in black. I'm willing to pay extra to get a beautiful machine that will be good to me. I've suffered enough with this HP porca puttana.
I'm going to the Dell store tomorrow to take a look at the Vostro.

 

All the recommendations were good... I just recommend you go with the Intel 3945 card and skip the N until it is a ratified standard. I get amazing reception from this card compared to my i5160's Broadcom Dell Wireless card...

A bud of mine also had a Broadcom card in his new HP and it couldn't get a signal while my card was getting 3 bars...

 

frazell: do you experience a significant boost in performance from a 2gb to 4gb ram? i'm considerin upgrading my ram, but i'm not too sure if it'll be worth it. i do a bit of gaming and spreadsheets and tend to multi task alot.

 

no 32-bit os supports 4gb...yet... but for gaming, right now, 2 gigs should be enough..

 

I spoke with Dell and they told me the xk309 model lplf300 screen is not available, only can get a glossy screen, also I can only get the Inspirion 1520 with XP not the Vostro. Here is the system they designed for me coming in at around $1500:

Base Unit:
Inspiron 1520, Intel Core 2 Duo T7500, 2.2GHz, 800Mhz, 4M L2 Cache (222-9009)
Processor:
Jet Black Color with Matte Finish (313-5395)
Memory:
1.5GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm (311-7214)
Monitor:
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800) (320-5460)
Video Card:
128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M G Insp 1520 (320-5484)
Hard Drive:
120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (341-4768)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows XP Home Service Pack 2, English, for Inspiron (420-4766)
Operating System:
XP DELL RESOURCE ,BACK-UP DVD 1520 (313-5812)
Operating System:
Media Direct 3.3 (420-7024)
Operating System:
Thank you for choosing Dell (310-8617)
Operating System:
Image Restore (412-0689)
Operating System:
Windows Media Player 10 (420-4928)
Operating System:
Internet Search and Portal (420-5769)
Operating System:
DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP (420-6995)
Operating System:
Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access (463-2282)
Operating System:
Dell Support Center 1.0
Operating System:
Icon Consolidation Application (420-5924)
NIC:
Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron (430-0493)
TBU:
ADOBE ACROBAT READER 8.1 DIM/INSP (420-7468)
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive:
24X COMBO CD-RW/DVD (313-5196)
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive:
Roxio Creator Basic (420-6464)
Sound Card:
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0 (313-4783)
Processor Cable:
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card (430-2307)
Documentation Diskette:
NO WEBCAM OPTION (320-5692)
Bundled Software:
MS WORKS 8.5 (412-0915)
Factory Installed Software:
Norton Internet Security 2006 90 Day Trial,OEM (412-0903)
Feature
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Prim (312-0525)
Service:
3 Year Limited Warranty (950-3339)
Service:
1 yr Automated PC Tune Up (960-7391)
Service:
Insp Datasafe 10GB,1YR,DHS (987-4827)
Service:
DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS (420-7091)
Service: DataSafe Online 10GB for Dim/Ins/XPS (420-7094)
Service:
Soft Contracts - Banctec (412-0360)
Service:
Warranty Support,2 Year Extended (950-5442)
Service:
Warranty Support,Initial Year (960-2780)
Service:
Thank you for choosing a Limited Warranty and Service Contract (986-5848)
Service:
Dell Support and PC Tune-up 1YR (420-7273)
Service:
Type 15- Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Week ends, 24x7 Technical Support, 2 Year Extended (982-8392)
Service:
Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year (987-7228)
Service:
Type 15- Third Party At HomeService with Nights and Weekends, 24x7 Technical Support,Initial Year (983-3080)
Service:
Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year (987-7227)
Misc:
AOL for Broadband (412-0933)
Misc:
Earthlink (412-0934Misc:
NETZERO ISP (412-0935)
Jet Black color w/o Camera (320-5841)
You have chosen a Windows XP System (310-8624)
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (310-8319)
Basic digital Music,Photo and Game experience (412-0943)
DataSafe included with DellCare Service bundle (988-0089)

 

i know the 32-bit Vista doesn't support 4gb ram, but i just wanna know if the upgrade is very noticeable. want to hear from someone who actually has it in their laptop. i'm intending increase my ram to 3gb. right now everything is running smoothly. was hoping the ram would help improve gaming.

 

If you upgrade your 32bit OS running laptop to 3GB, you may not be able to use more than 2558? MB of it before hitting some of the limits.

Some of your 4GB address space is used by drivers and the OS for other things.

My I1520/V1500 is due to arrive on Tuesday and I'll be upgrading it to 2.5GB now and 4GB if/when I go with 64 bit Vista.

-J

 

Hey Moody, did you check the same config for Vostro 1500? It may save you a few hundred dollars there.

 

Dell told me you cannot get XP with the Vostro, really don't want Vista. It is more than I was expecting to spend.

 

just got off of online chat with Dell to discover I can get XP with the Vostro. I've been reading about the grainy screen problem with the Inspiron so I haven't ordered it yet. The screen and graphics are one of the components that are super important for me. Dell will not let you have a choice of screen . I'm going to check out the same config on the Vostro. Besides price what is the big diff between the two notebooks.

 

u can always make a return on ur screen and other parts that are faulty. u can even return the whole system within 21 days.

 

I read a post that said Dell will not replace the screen: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthrad.php?t=167789&page=26
I've been in hell for a year dealing with HP and getting them to honor their warranty. I'm not ordering a $1500 notebook that has a known grainy screen problem.

 

dude, if u'll be persistent enough and will actually get to talk to people(dell reps/managers) that know their stuff, i see no problem with u getting a replacement. just hope for better though i got my 1280*800 screen(most of them shouldn't be grainy), non-grainy, and i love it!

 

Went to the Dell store and the 14" and 15" screens were without a doubt noticeably grainy. Someone was using the 17" so I didn't check that one out. Vista desktop looked fine at a glance but go to a program with a white background and you can really see it. In the white there are grey specs, kind of looks like the screen is dirty, not good at all. While I was speaking with the sales guy and brought it to his attention he admitted that he saw it too. He and his co-worker said they hadn't heard about the issue so I told them to come here and read about it which they immediately did. I've read on other forums that people are having this issue and Dell won't replace the screen. I hope Dell sorts this out, I really want this notebook, it's hot! Does anyone know if this Samsung #3350 is being put in all the Inspiron notebooks? I asked on Dell live chat but they wouldn't tell me.