Inspiron 1520 owners lounge

Does anyone who owns an Inspiron wish that he/she had purchased a Vostro instead? (Or does anyone who has owns a Vostro wish that he/she had purchased an Inspiron instead?)

I have quotes right now for both the Vostro 1400 and the Inspiron 1420 - the two divisions of Dell have negotiated prices over the phone that are very close to each other, so price is not the issue.

I think I like the look of the Vostro better, and having better support from the small business sector of Dell.

I'm not concerned about peripherals such as differences in the software provided, but only about the hardware, including both the appearance and the performance of the notebooks themselves.

(A looser battery, as mentioned in the Vostro, wouldn't bother me.)

It would be a great help to know about owners who would make the same choice for a Vostro again, and also about owners who would choose an Inspiron instead, if they had a chance to go back in time and change their notebook orders!

Thanks for your help!

 

You listed all the differences I can think of between the machines.

I really see no other reason besides the fact that you can get the Vostro w/ XP (and that can only be negotiated over the phone for the Inspiron).

 

This is my first post in the 1520 owners lounge as a 1520 owner (received it today)

I love it so far. The screen seemed a little washed out at default settings, but I lowered the gamma a little and it is beautiful now.

I get a 4.6 on the Windows Experience Score.

Processor 4.9
Memory 4.8
Graphics 4.6
Gaming graphics 5.1
Primary hard disk 5.2

I love this machine! I just wish they included the darned remote.

 

Order date was Aug 1st.

 

Did you get DHL express ground and how long did it take to ship?

 

my screen has been better lately! i actually perfectly love it nowww. ree.

just wondering, i know someone messaged me about the contrast buttons, but where can you find the gamma, etc to play with display settings?

 

Just right-click on the desktop, go to NVIDIA Control Panel > Display > Adjust desktop colour settings

 

I got a phone call saying my laptop will be delayed until August 28th. I chatted with a dell agent being angry and all. She said it would be shipped in 2-3 business days. However, this morning i got an email saying it has shipped and will be here Tuesday. I have NEXT DAY DELIVERY...shouldn't it be MONDAY????

 

nexy day delivery is more like a 2-3 day delivery. But if you are lucky, you'll get it the next day.
Mine is suppose to come today, i have next day shipping, yet its been 2 days. who knows

 

My laptop shipped yesterday via DHL ground. Estimated delivery was Monday 8/20. Just checked the tracking # and it looks like its on the truck for delivery today!!!!!!!!

 

Oh why do I have to work today...

Purolator:
2007/08/17 07:55 On vehicle for delivery
2007/08/17 04:03 Shipment In Transit
2007/08/16 15:00 Shipment In Transit
2007/08/16 14:59 Received
2007/08/13 17:30 In Transit in U.S.

Can't wait to get my hands on my 7120...

[edit]
Doh, posted to wrong group, sorry about that all
[/edit]

 

7120 ? is this at least a Dell model ? we're the 1520 owners here, yup, you're right

 

I did have some issues with headphone noise with my computer. Once I switched those **** headphones they gave me there is no more noise

 

Sorry for not replying sooner. But a big thanks to CitizenPanda and Gospodar regarding my query a few days ago on the graphics card and display. I think you two have convinced me to keep the display and graphic card pretty basic.

I have another couple of questions to add for whoever might be able to help me out. Again, the purpose of this 1520 is NOT for gaming or movie viewing but rather for reading text, downloading pdf files, spread sheet work, web browsing, multi-tasking, etc.

1. How much of an advantage might it be (for my application) to upgrade from the T5250 to the one of the Santa Rosa processors instead (say the T7100 or T7300)? I am wondering if it might be of some benefit when multi-tasking and maybe decrease heating, increase battery life, etc.

2. Having read quite a lot about problems with the 1520 display – it has been a little bit of a concern for me. I am getting more comfortable with the Dell 1520 screen though considering some of the recent comments that it really is an issue of attempting to work outside the display's native resolution (which with my basic display/graphic needs I won't be doing). Can anyone expand on this? I have looked at the HP 6500 series at retail and I don’t really mind their brighter/glossy screens (in fact I think they might even help these old eyes out a bit – again in my late 40’s ….. on the verge of getting bi-focals). Has anyone here done a comparison of the two (preferably a native 1280x800 apples to apples comparison) -- or have any feed back as to whether the Dell display is as good as the HP. I have read that Dell downgraded their screens on the 1520 versus the 1505 --- but I don’t know that this is fact. I also wonder if the reason we don't hear much about these problems with HP's is that the majority are sold at retail with basic displays that are kept at their native resolution rather than high resolution displays that are not. Comments?

Thanks again for the help. Really appreciate it.

 

ahahhahaha

"dell shipment ID: XXXXXXXXXXX has been shipped"


that's what i want to hear!


i ordered it on the 4th and the est ship date was the 27th, just 2 weeks B4 college starts (any i have to move out on the 15th, sept.) Anyways, its been exactly two weeks since i ordered it and they sent me a conf. email about 2 hours ago. Should be here wed or fri.

i got:

-Alpine white inspiron 1520
-5400rpm 160gb hd
-2.0ghz core two duo
-8600gt :yes:
-2gb ram
-bluetooth/remote
-6-cell/9-cell x-tra batt
-del wireless-g card (always can upgrade)
-1440x900 glossy screen w/ 2.0mgpix webcam
-student works suite (word excell, powerpt, ect...)


cant wait
cant wait
cant wait
cant wait!

 

since you're not gonna be gaming, i suggest

-slowest hd (unless load times are a quintessential part of your laptopping experience)
-slowest processor
-lowest screen resolution size (easier to read text, but get the 1440x900 if you need the real estate for multi-document viewing-at-once) make sure to get it in matte, easier to read generally


also, as i see you are not using this pc for gaming, i really think you should either get the inspiron 1521 or a hp pavillion. reason is
-seems like you dont need "that" much processing power
-seems like you don't want any need for a special screen
-generally, the slower the clock, the less power (processor speed)


i would have gone with an hp had it not been for the college discounts (removed like 700 bux), the graphics card, or the support (always been on the good side with dell). Also, hp's tend to be a little "flexy" compared to the "behemoth" 1520...but i love hp's designs, very new-age and technical, while the inspiron series has always been a bit, well, boring. That's why i got the alpine white color to offset the looks, (and because i want to be a Mac, haha )

i suggest you go and configure some hp's on their site, or just go to the store...

 

Just ordered my brown 1520, should ship Sept 13


Dell Inspiron 1520
Espresso Brown
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium + Belkin Easy Transfer Cable
DISPLAY High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050)
VIDEO CARD 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
MEMORY 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
HARD DRIVE Speed: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
OPTICAL DRIVE CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
WIRELESS NETWORK CARDS Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
BLUETOOTH OPTIONS Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
INTEGRATED WEBCAM Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
BATTERY OPTIONS 9-cell Primary Battery and 9-cell additional Lithium Ion Battery
SOUND OPTIONS ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi® Xtreme Audio Sound Card I chose Security with Value, Plus,or Premium Warranty Bundle
OFFICE SOFTWARE Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007 - Word, Excel + PowerPoint
DellCare Premium
DATASAFE ONLINE BACKUP DataSafe included with DellCare Service bundle

I was able to use the Dell Coupon to save $325, get the upgrade from 1g of RAM to 2g RAM and 1 more year of onsite service

the total price not including tax was 2091 Seems pretty good to me.

 

wow that sounds like too much

 

that has to be too much, i got practically the same laptop for 1450.

ONLY difference is i didnt get office because i already have it

 

A few other considerations for buying the newer Santa Rosa based systems is longer battery life and lower operating temp.

 

Hey guys,

Can you give me more details about your systems? I configured it online and the CSR was able to give me about $150 more off.

I spent a lot of time on this site and forum researching. I can post more specific details here, but if you guys don't mind helping me out a little.

Thanks in advance.

Tim

Inspiron 1520, Intel Core 2 Duo T7300, 2.0GHz, 800Mhz, 4M Cache
313-5397 Expresso Brown Color with Microsatin Finish
311-7215 2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
320-5462 High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050)
320-5639 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
341-5556 120GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
420-5769 Internet Search and Portal
310-9093 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP INSP 1520
420-5924 Icon Consolidation Application
420-6436 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
420-6556 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
420-6995 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP
420-7024 Media Direct 3.3
420-7244 Dell Support Center 1.0
463-2282 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access
430-0493 Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron
412-0917 Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0, for Inspiron
313-5197 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
420-6464 Roxio Creator Basic
430-2337 Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini Card
320-5691 Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
412-0968 Creative Earbud EP630
462-3905 I chose the promotional security package with service
312-0526 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 1520
312-0528 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Additional Battery, for Inspiron 1520
461-3063 No ISP Requested
420-6589 Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition
960-7391 1 yr Automated PC Tune Up
950-7447 4 Year Limited Warranty
420-7094 DataSafe Online 10GB for Dim/Ins/XPS
420-7091 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS
420-7273 Dell Support and PC Tune-up 1YR
986-2667 Dell On Call, 30 Days, Getting Started Assistance, Unlimited Incidents{POS}
984-1649 Dell On Call, 13 months Extended, 5 Incidents{POS}
987-7228 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year
980-3613 Type 15- Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Week ends, 24x7 Technical Support, 3 Year Extended
987-7227 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
983-3080 Type 15- Third Party At HomeService with Nights and Weekends, 24x7 Technical Support,Initial Year
987-4827 Insp Datasafe 10GB,1YR,DHS
420-6592 Network Associates McAfee 8.0 English, 3-Year Subscription
412-0359 Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
900-9753 Warranty Support,3 Year Extended
960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year
420-6995 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP
986-4359 Bundle LoJack Theft Recovery Service - 4Year
960-9189 CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 4 Year
430-2348 Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod
320-5819 Espresso Brown color w/ 2.0M pixel Camera
310-8628 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
310-9348 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
988-0089 DataSafe included with DellCare Service bundle
464-7521 Special Offer - $150 off
Subtotal: $2,019.46

 

Does that price include the $325 discount coupon ?

641C0DMGDKFLLQ

 

Yes it does.

 

Dont buy ram from dell, there's was a sale for 1GB ram at fry's for $25 after rebate, and you can get it online for much cheaper than dell

 

Just a note on build quality as it was formerly a major concern...

I have written that I thought the quality of my system was excellent and found no flaws that others have found in their systems. I also received 3 systems at the same time.

I just sold one of the other systems and the new owner opened up and we examined it here (at my residence) and also played with it for awhile.

Similarly with that system, it appeared to be of a very high build quality with no squeal, loose side hinges, dented palm rest, bubbled jeyboard, misfitting hdd cover or improper fitting cover.

He was very very happy...

 

Hey everyone! I just ordered my Inspiron 1520, but now I'm starting to worry about my choice of screen . I hate to bring this debate to this thread, but if anyone can answer my questions, it's you guys.

Basically, I ordered the glossy 1440x900 screen, and after reading some of the threads here, I started to get a little concerned about graininess. While some people are complaining that the graininess is unacceptable, others are saying it can be easily fixed by lowering the gamma and upping the contrast. What is the general consensus these days?

Also, people are saying I can look up the exact maker of my panel. How would I go about doing this and which panel makers would I want to avoid?

Any help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Inspiron 1520 - Ordered August 19
Midnight Blue
Core 2 Duo T7300
2GB RAM
120GB 7200RPM HDD
GF 8600M GT 256MB
WXGA+ LCD 1440x900

 

hmm... I don't think there is a general consensus at this point.

It was my observation that the real graininess problem began to die out after the first batch of orders were received and complained about. I thought that many of the other who reported graininess after that point were likely influenced by the earlier reports and neglected to turn up the resolution to native and adjust the contrast (gamma) before reporting graininess in the screen.
(NOTE: that won't help if your screen IS actually grainy)

But I could definitely be wrong.

 

ok... it will be FINE, i jsut got the laptop (review coming, all) and i see some graininess, but you REALLY have to look for it....a nd i'm really anal aboutthat kind of crap. soo.... you will have no problem.

lowering the controls will yield some , but not many affects...so, i think you'll be fine, i lvoe this laptop!

 

So anyone got an opinion on where I went wrong the deal I got? It seems decent enough to me, but then again, what do I know?

 

This thread needed a bump.

 

Yeah, it makes sense that most of the graininess reports are due to people reading about it and looking EXTRA hard for any hint of graininess. I think most people are being really picky about it and not realizing that there will be some trade-offs for such a competitively priced machine. i.e. Dell using cheaper (but not necessarily all that bad) components.

 

I've never noticed graininess on my Inspiron 8100's monitor. I have 1600 x 1200 resolution. Since seeing all the posts about the problem I now see what ya'll are talking about. It looks almost like there is a pattern that is not unlike the pattern on a pair of jeans that is more visible on some colored backrounds than others. Since I've been used to this for the last 6 years it doesn't bother me and it's unlikely that the new screen will bother me. I just hope the thing arrives before this one completely breaks down.

 

mine came yesterday and im loving it so far

 

I also received mine yesterday. The screen looks pretty good to me. I have an LG LCD. I think I have the headphone noise, but it didn't seem too bad, but I didn't listen for very long.

 

Please help me, I am so desperate!
Ordered on 7/27, EDT 8/24. Today I got a mail stating that the new EDT was 10/1!!!! That can not be true!
I know that most people got it a lot earlier than their delayed shipping date said, but to see OCTOBER on the screen simply made me cry..

 

I have no graininess and I heard about the reports before I got my laptop (and was being pretty picky looking for it). Everything asides from the headphone jack has been amazing with this laptop so far.

 

Brings me back to one of my initial questions. Are the Dell screens as good as HP screens (am thinking of an apples to apples comparison in native resolution)?? Or, has Dell actually cheaped out in this regard? Maybe the Dell screens are actually better? .... anyone?

 

And not really talking about minor grainy issues ..... more about clear and crisp text.

 

I have a 1280*800 anti-glare Samsung from the first batch of 1520's (got mine 7/26 I believe) and I didn't notice any problems with it at all.

 

There were never grainy problems with the anti-glare (matte screens). The only screens that were affected in the Inspiron series were the glossy (TL) ones.

 

From what I'm reading, HP has got some of the best screens out there right now, and the Dells don't come close. My speculation is that the Dell screens aren't BAD per se... they're just not living up to the high expectations that the enthusiasts on this site have.

 

Very good explanation...

To quote the review for the HP dv6500t:

The dell screens aren't bad, as mastershake said, they're what you'd expect from a budget laptop.

Here's the screen review from the 1520:

 

calling on all 1520 owners...


im about to order either a 1420 or 1520 and price is not a factor

1.do you find the 1520 easily portable ?
2. is it worth getting 2.2 ghz over 2.0 ghz for 100$???
3. which screen is best? i want to go with 1440 glossy on 1520 is that the screen with problems?
4.does the 6cell batter come out of the 1520?

PLEASE ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS SINCE I HAVE TO ORDER SOON!

thanks

 

comon someone PLEAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE?!

 

1. Very easily portable. It is not a light notebook, but the weight is well distributed.

2. No. The T7300 is the best bang for your buck b/c of the extra 2MB of cache. The extra 0.2 Ghz in the T7500 will not provide a noticeable difference.

3. None of the screens are guaranteed to have problems, but the WXGA+ that you want has been most heavily afflicted. Many new owners with that screen don't notice anything wrong however. To make sure you don't get a grainy screen, you'd have to order the WXGA matte.

4. You could take it out, if that's what you mean. It doesn't come out just through normal stress and use.

 

I don't have my yet so I can answer only from pictures I've seen and things I've read.

1. I hear it's pretty bulky and heavy so it's not the most portable 15.4" laptop.
2. I would say no. The performance increase at this point is not worth the $100.
4. The 6-cell does not stick out of 1520.

I thought he was asking whether the 6-cell sticks out of the laptop like the 9-cell... Hmm, guess we'll know soon. =p

 

I'm still waiting for mine. ESD is this Friday for next day delivery on Monday, the start of my classes. Hopefully, it happens *fingers crossed*.

 

I haven't received my 1520 yet, but based on what I've read...

1) For a 15.4" laptop, the 1520 is a little on the heavier side. To what degree, I'm not sure.
2) The consensus is that the best price/performance ratio goes with the 2.0 Ghz T7300 processor. Personally, I don't think an extra 200 Mhz is worth $100, but if you want maximum performance, go for it.
3) The only screens that I don't think have any complaints are the 1280x800 non-glossy (matte) screens, while the 1440x900 glossy screens seem to have the most. Many people say it's the glossy coating on the screens that are causing the problems, so you're taking a little bit of a gamble going with a glossy screen. But if you want the extra space on your screen, you don't have much of a choice. You can search the Dell forum on this site for more on the whole graininess issue, but my speculation is that the problem is overblown and you shouldn't be expecting a perfect, stellar screen anyways for the price you're paying.
4) It's only the 9-cell battery that juts out of the back. The 6-cell should be flush with the edge of the laptop.

I hope I've been helpful.

 

THANK YOU all for the response....i think im gonna go with the 1520 as well, i rather have something an inch bigger but last me longer than a 14" that is going to be outdated in a year...

and in q4 i meant does it stick out? lol sorry to be confusing

how long do you guys think the average wait time is for the basic jet black and the regular wireless card?

thanks for all the input

 

Jet Black will give you the fastest shipping time, and the wireless card is generally a non-issue.

The screen is the most important factor in determining your ship date at this time (at least from what I've seen). You're likely to get faster shipping from the WXGA (matte) and the WSXGA TL screens.