Inspiron 1420 Questions, Comments and Concerns

So this is basically a thread where you can talk aout your Inspiron 1420 ONLY.

I'm going to start with a few comments about the Inspiron 1420 I just ordered not one hour ago. First, I am very excited about my purchase and am looking forward to it arriving. Second, I am eager to play around with it and explore what it can do.

But I have some concerns as well. Concerns I will translate into questions for others to answer for me (thank you in advance if I do not reply).

1. On the front of Inspiron 1420, I have noticed that there seems to be somewhat of a "bulge" on the small piece of plastic where the dual headphone plug-in's are, and it almost seems to be "sticking-out" from the rest of the front. Is this the case, or am I just seeing things?

2. I have read a number of reviews about the 1420, and they all state that the notebook does not have a latch, but instead keeps itself closed with spring-tension. After calling Dell (and chatting with reps online) to confirm whether this is true or not, they told me that there was indeed some sort latch, or something similiar to hold it in place. What's the deal with this?

 

good thread, sticky this please. lets make this the official 420 page.

 

i can't answer any of the questions you have asked because i don't yet have my 1420, but i'm wondering what the estimated shipping date for your 1420 is... and what color did you order? THANKS

 

Midnight Blue - About 1 month

 

1 rep for you

 

I'm not quite sure what you mean about piece of plastic at the front. There is a little flat panel at the front with the earphone and mic inputs. However it is flush with the front, it doesn't stick out or anything. It may look like it does because it is flat whereas the other edges on the case are rounded.

There is no latch. There is a little handle thingy to lift the computer lid open, but it doesn't attach to the bottom or hold the thing closed. That said, I haven't had any problems keeping it closed, it is held pretty securely, a lot like my flip cell phone.

 

Yes, the headphone and mic ports are flush...as previously answered.

But let me elaborate a little bit more in regards to the latch. It's true, there is no latch...no it's not magnets, it's just like a really stiff spring that keeps it in place. There are positives and negatives to it, it's a lot nicer looking but a lot less practical. Like, you cannot open it up with one hand...if you lift it up from the lid, you actually after the first 4 inches or so lift the entire notebook up, it's so strong you need to have your other hand hold it down.

 

Could these springs wear out faster than the springs on a computer with a latch?

I also have another question; the wi-fi catcher and 8-1 media card reader; do the placements of these buttons bother anyone?

 

They don't bother me. {shrug} And I don't know about the springs wearing out. The hinge seems very solid, in fact the whole laptop seems way more solid than my 600m.

 

does anyone know if dell is going to offer any other special offer along with their 325 off 1299. it seems like their site did away with free Ram and HD, so the prices for a similar spec'd computer are very expensive compared to yesterday and i dont see myself purchasing a computer now.

 

Another question regarding the 1420:

Does the battery rattle or is it loose? I have read on the Vostro 1400's review that the battery is loose and seeing that they both are very similar machines, I am concerned that this is the case for the 1420 too.

Can anyone please confirm or deny this?

 

It's possible that they could, but you never know how long you'll have to wait. That's why I ordered mine the day before it expired.

I don't know for sure, but I suspect that it's not true for the 1420. I'm sure that Dell was aware of the Vostro's raddling battery, and made sure that the 1420's was secure.
Of course, someone who actually HAS the 1420 in their hands would know better...

 

There is a tiny bit of play with my battery. The funny part is that I only really noticed it when someone posted about it on here. It doesn't really rattle, as in it's going to fall out. If I push on it I can wiggle it maybe 1/10 of an inch up and then back down. However it is securely fastened in place so it's not like it comes out when I do this.

 

Thank you very much. That puts me at ease, as I plan to order a 1420 very soon. Btw, my system specs are going to be the same as yours

 

Well they *could* however I suspect the springs outlast the useful lifespan of the laptop without much trouble. There is nothing high tech, its just a single hinge that works like a flip phone so I doubt it would be a common failure point.

The 9 cell I have on my 1400 (same design as the 1420) has a lot of movement to it. I ordered the 6 cell, possibly that will be better. Also I hate how the batter sticks out for just using the laptop around the house. If the 6 cell wobbles, I am going to fix it with some tape.

 

I also don't like the look of 9-cell battery. The 6-cell is perfect, because it doesn't stick out the back.