Inspiron 1520 owners lounge

Don't forget that even though the SB card for the 1520 is a "software edition", it allows game players to utilize EAX - which is something the standard card can't do.

 

only the HD decoding is software ..
otherwise is a hardware card, better than most of the cards in present laptops.

 

So why are so many people complaining!!??

Seriously, it wasn't a $200 upgrade, I think it was only $20 or $40

 

25$ but that's not the issue here. if people don't have the chance to opt for different audio cards (most of the laptop vendors don't offer but one audio option), then everything is working perfectly! that's the nature of human being. he will never be content with what he has. he always complains about what he has and wants more. do you truely believe that if Dell had only the HD Audio 2.0 option available, we would still hear complaints? don't think so

 

I do All I've been reading on these forums are complaints about pretty much anything and everything! :twitcy:

 

If you have a pair of Hi Fidelity headphones you will notice the difference between the Creative card and the integrated sound card. They have one analog line out both for headphones and external speakers.
this are the main advantages of the X Fi card: http://www.soundblaster.com/products/x-fi/


The Creative X FI sound blaster has as well an optical line out where you can connect a system which support such a connection.

 

And lets get something straight: I only want to point the advantages between the 3 versions of sound Dell offers for Inspiron 1520 and share my experience in this domain. I'm not complaining about anything.

maybe others will do a better selection knowing all this information.

 

petty22, nobody ever said that Creative are not good cards. they are the best! but you usually don't do sound production/compression for which the hardware version of Creative will better help.. that was my only point!

 

I know. I've seen so many "Whaaaat? The nvidia sticker was put on crooked? Thats a deal-breaker! Im returning mine!" and similar threads.

The screens Ive seen have looked absolutely beautiful, so "graininess" isnt a problem for me. Some have said changing earbuds has eliminated any static, so I'm sure if the initial earbuds are too cheap, then that wont be insurmountable.

And now that you can load drivers that allow fully-clocking the graphics card, I no longer have any concerns. Still a week away from receiving mine though.

 

Has anyone received a 1520 with the Hi-Res, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1440x900) yet?

How does it look?

It seems that is the piece that is delaying my order until August 8th. I can't complain because it was clearly stated that the WXGA+ would delay shipping. I'm just curious if anyone has got one yet?

I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that it won't suck. I haven't seen many 15" WXGA+ (1400x900) screens, so I'm hoping it looks "just right" (between the other two options 1280x800 and 1680x1050).

 

the WXGA+ (1440x900) is the brightest of all choices (250 nits) and for sure, will give you the best color definition. but I hate the glossy screens so I've chosen the anti-glare one. And, yes, the bigger screens are the main reason in delays but there are other reasons too: the 7200rpm HDD, the T7700 processors, the Creative audio and maybe, the webcam.. i'm not sure about all of these thou...

 

The WXGA+ is 13% brighter than the WXGA, and 25% brighter than the WSXGA.

(The WXGA is 10% brighter than than WSXGA)

The WXGA+ and WXGA are very limited with viewing angle though, and that is where the WSXGA shines.

 

too bad they all have really bad graininess

 

One can compare them all here and I would never opt for better viewing angles and worse brightness (20-50 nits) and contrast (less 100)

that's not true! see both reviews

 

According to this link, the WSXGA has 400:1 contrast, not 300:1 like in the link above, but this is for European Dell. WTH?

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/l...en_inspn_nb?c=uk&l=en&s=bsd&~lt=popup&ref=CFG

And about the 200 nits brightness, is it really THAT bad? I have a Dell 2007WFP that is 300 nits, but I only have it set to 15% brightness and it is plenty bright.

 

hmmm.. you made a point here! some of the Dell folks are lying us
but which ones?

 

It makes me wonder if there is a different contrast ratio between the Chi Mei and the AUO panels, and if Americans are getting the AUO's and the Europeans are getting Chi Mei's.

 

Thats a distinct possibility.You may have nailed it.

 

Ive noticed that both the european AND US sites have stopped listing the 'Graphics bandwith' info for ther graphics cards on the "Help me choose" pages.


Ive also noticed that in Europe, the 8600M-GT has shader model "3.0" whereas the US version has shader model "4.0"

Whats the difference?


US page:
http://www.dell.com/content/learnmo..._inspnnb&~lt=popup&~series=inspn&~tab=details

European page:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/l...cs_inspn_nb?c=uk&l=en&s=bsd&~lt=popup&ref=CFG

Also, Europe doesnt offer "Flamingo Pink" but rather "Bubblegum Pink" Lol

 

this is a huge mistake on the european site! the correct generation of the shader is 4.0 and the 3rd generation was many years ago

 

I have, I love the screen. I wanted to upgrade to a 1440 x 900 because I'll need the extra real estate for video editing. The text is only slightly smaller than what I'm used to on my old Dell desktop, but I generally like the screen. I'm not a computer genius or anything, though, so I haven't really had anything to compare the screen to.

I ordered my Dell 1520 on July 16...and it arrived at my house on July 20th. Four days seems pretty short to make and deliver a computer. Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 GHz processor, Ruby Red 15.4 inch 1440 x 900 WXGS+ screen, 2GB DDR2, 160 GB 7200 RPM, Intel Integrated Graphics x3100, Microsoft Vista Home Premium, CD/DVD writer, Integrated High Definition Audio, Integrated webcam. How did they ship this computer in four days?

So far, everything is working pretty smoothly, although twice already the computer randomly shut down when I was surfing the web. Has anybody had this problem? Should I be worried about the computer randomly shutting down when I've only had the computer for two days?

Also, the integrated webcam was supposed to come with Creative earbuds, but I never received mine. I'm going to try to call Dell and inform them of the missing earbuds. Has anybody had any missing items in their package and had them shipped or at least gotten a discount for it?

 

WTF??? 4 days? I ordered mine on the 13th with the same screen but with the 8600m GT and 5600RPM HD and its still in production.

 

Any advice on upgrades to this already great deal?
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=129994&t=551935&highlight=aafes
I was thinking about adding the wireless N card (as I have a N router and am not sure if I can use the Linksys N notebook card I am using in my IBM T23-anyone know if there is a size problem between the express card slot and the older slots?).

Upgrade to Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition [ Add $29.00 ]?

Advice on video card?


Inspiron 1520 - $609(no tax and free shipping)

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic Edition
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Jet Black [-$20]
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
CD writer / DVD player (Combo Drive)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)

 

woo hoo! my 1520 is shipping. Man I ordered it last monday and it shipped out on friday, I should get it by this tuesday, sweet, it went fast.

 

I wonder if you change something in the order, like another HDD, it will delay the shipping?

 

yea, almost definatly.

 

Just changed my order again to a 1440x resolution screen (I didn't realize it was the brightest option, that was the selling point for me), though this time I didn't cancel and reorder. For aboslutely no reason, they offered me free next day shipping. I guess they're handing them out like candy these days, I didn't even get mad or anything, lol.

or, rather, i would have changed my order, if i didn't get bounced around on hold for 45 minutes and STILL not have it be changed. I'll call when I get out of work today. *mad*

 

Hi All...I just joined the club...


Inspiron 1520,
Intel Core 2 Duo T7100, 1.8GHz, 800Mhz, 2M L2 Cache
Flamingo Pink Color with Microsatin Finish
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
McAfee 8.0 English, 3-Year Subscription
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Prim

All for $1164.00
Estimated Ship-July 30

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PS This will be my first non-self built pc!!!

 

So my laptop shipped before I could change the screen on it, and my DPA account for whatever reason didn't have the funds available from the laptops I had cancelled previously...so I'm sending the original shipment back, ordered another with the configuration I want, will try for next day shipping by *****ing and moaning, or maybe even a credit back or something, because my order process turned to hell pretty quick.

With any luck, I should be getting my 1520 sometime in early August for just over $1400.

 

After reading pages 1 to 33 of this thread, i cant wait but post my excitement too! I'm crazily waiting for it too!

Dell Inspiron(TM) 1520 Notebook
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T7100
90W AC Adapter
Integrated Stereo Sound
Dell(TM) Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module
Targus Pulse II Nylon Backpack Fits up to 15.4" Screen
Spring Green Color with Microsatin Finish and 2MP camera
15.4" Widescreen WXGA (1280x800) Display with TrueLife (TM)
120GB SATA Hard Drive
McAfee(R) Security Center(TM) 8.0 - 15 Months OEM (English)
Dell(TM) Media Direct
Internal 56K Modem
Dell(TM) Travel Remote Control
Noise Isolation Ear Buds
NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR3 dedicated graphic memory
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945 Dual Band 802.11a/g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card
2GB (2 X 1024MB) 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
Genuine Windows Vista(TM) Home Premium 32 bit (English)
Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Combination Drive with dual layer write capabilities
Roxio Creator 9.0
Targus USB Wireless Mouse
6-cell 53Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Microsoft(R) Works 8.5 (Does Not Include Microsoft(R) Office 2003/2007 Software)

All for S$1,780 (around USD 1157)

The specs came from Dell Support after checking @ order status page.
Bought from Dell Roadshow here in Singapore last July22, Sunday, and now its current status is Ship from Factory! Estimated date of arrival is Aug 3 Hope i get it in good condition, don't want the hassle of returning, like what ive read here in this thread.

 

hey guys,

so here is my setup:

Jet Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1440x900)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
No Webcam Option
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Netgear WGR614 54mbps Cable/DSL Wireless-G w/ Firewall
DellCare Plus
No Dell On Call
I chose Security with Value, Plus,or Premium Warranty Bundle

My coupons:


Dell Home Customers: Save $273 off this Dell Inspiron 1520!
-$273.00

Save 7% off your total system order with the DellCare Plus Bundle!
-$124.04

Total: $1,691.96

Now, it won't let my use my student discount coupon for $250! Any suggestions?

And are some of my upgrades even worth it for the current price? (I think I'm going to downgrade to the 120gb harddrive, and I'm not sure if the T7500 is worth the extra $100)

 

well. I'm officially joining this thread. I have ordered my 1520, and I can't wait for it to arrive.

btw, awreck, i think you made this same post on another thread , and I answered it there too... upgrade to 7200 RPM and definitely drop to T7300.

 

Yea, I did. I think I'm going to go down to 7300, but I'm still not sure if 7200rpm is worth it. I've read it doesn't matter in most cases plus it generates more heat.

So you decided to go with the 1200x800? I'm thinking about it too...

 

I'm looking at getting an Inspiron 1520, just trying to see what areas I can reduce the price on. Is there much didfference in performance between the 1.8 processor with 2mb cache and the 2.0 processor with 4mb caches, I don't really know anything about processors.

Thanks,

 

What are you looking to be doing with your notebook?

 

Work on office, internet, the ocassional game but I'm not a big gamer. Would like the ability to play some recent games though.

 

I would go with the 2.0

Also go with the geforce card. I suggest 256 if you want to stay recent with gaming, but if you are really trying to cost-cut, 128 would be ok

 

ok, thanks, just got the issue of which screen to decide on now. I've read alot of opinions on here about the different resolutions and grainyness that I'm just confused as what to go for now. 1280x800 is slightly cheaper but not by that much.

 

I'm having the same problem. I want 1440, but apparently, they are the worst for graininess so I am considering going with the 1280x800 glossy

 

Hello everybody, new in the club...
Ordered my 1520 (see specs below) in Sweden today.
The preliminary delivery date is "On or before Aug 27"!!!! ARGH!

Admittedly they had a good offer on this one right now (that's why I bought it, and apparently a ton of other people too).

It seems the options vary greatly between countries; My wife is american and she was thinking of ordering it on the American page and pick it up next time she visits her mother but we decided not to.
As for differences, it seems here you cannot get the 1520 without the 2 Megapixel webcam, which is included in the price. It also seems you cannot go lower on the CPU than the 1.8 T7100. Same for the graphics and RAM, the options are locked for 8600GT (that is the reason I bought it anyway, but I find it curious) and 2Gb memory.
I noted that in the US the option with T7300, 2Gb and 8600GT shows up as a "gaming system" (Dell GoGame site).

Anyway. Intend to use this one primarely for gaming, but I am not in any way a "Gamer" (I hope you guys get the distinction ).
Until now I have used a homebuilt desktop machine with a 2.4 Ghz processor (of the first type, really slow), 768Mb RAM and an ATI 1550 card.
The reason for a laptop is simply that I can sit on the kitchen table playing and not block the desktop machine (so that my wife can talk to people at home whenever she feels like it).

The games I had in mind are Neverwinter Nights 2 (Which I know will run nicely, that is already confirmed), CIV IV (which should do the same), and in the future Mass Effect and quite possibly SPORE and some other God / RPG games.
As far as I can tell from extensive research, this system would handle those nicely despite the T7100 (everybody says so except people on gaming sites ). The difference here was roughly $200 between T7100 and T7300, and I simply could not afford this. (If the diff had been around $75 as it seems to be in the states I would have gone for the faster CPU).
Is this correct? will I be able to play new games that comes out in the next year at "upper mid settings"? I don't care if I can't go 1600 x whatever at high settings (as the display is only 1280 anyway).

Here are my specs:
Dell 1520, blue - T7100 1.8Ghz
2Gb RAM - 256Mb GeForce 8600GT
15.4" 1280x800 display - 2Mpixel built in Webcam
120Gb harddrive - 9 cell battery

 

I'm joining the lounge and here's the spec's and price of my 1520.

Inspiron 1520, Intel Core 2 Duo T7300, 2.0GHz, 800Mhz, 4M Cache 1
Expresso Brown Color with Microsatin Finish 1
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm 1
15.4 inch Wide Screen WSXGA+ TrueLife LCD for Inspiron 1520 1
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT 1
160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 1
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English 1
DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP INSP 1520 1
Internet Search and Portal 1
Icon Consolidation Application 1
Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp 1
DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP 1
Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access 1
Media Direct 3.3 1
Dell Support Center 1.0 1
Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron 1
Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0, for Inspiron 1
8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive 1
Roxio Creator Basic 1
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy 1
Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini Card 1
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam 1
Creative Earbud EP630 1
Network Associates McAfee 8.0 English, 15-Month Subscription 1
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Prim
Bluetooth

Total $1391.52 OTD - Did I get a good deal

 

Hi!
I ordered my 1520 yesterday in Germany. Hope it won't take that long to get it. My display is WXGA, so maybe that can spped things up a bit.
Does anyone have experience with installing XP on the system?

 

Oh you're probably all asleep right now...

 

I ordered mine Inspiron 1520 with the 2,2GHz Intel CPU! Im so looking forward to get it on my desk soon!

 

I ordered mine (germany) july 13th and the status page says its not even in production yet :/ (got the wxga+ scrren btw)

 

@awreck.

yeah. I would've gotten the 1440x900 glossy, even though i personally prefer the anti-glare. but after hearing about the graininess i decided 1280x800 would be perfectly pleasing to me. I really don't need the extra pixels anyways.

 

Politeness demands that I answer in English.
How do you pay? I canceled my order today, because I chose EC-card payment which slows it down. I will now reorder and choose credit card. Additionally I now want the brown cover (used to want the blue one). Don't ask me why!

 

Hello,

I ordered a 1520 to replace my 10 yr old xps. The xps was so reliable that there was no question that a Dell would be my next computer also. I do music as a hobby, and want to use the 1520 as a home studio as well as for some oral documentation work, hopefully documentation using film down the road, so some video editing, hopefully, although nothing professional.

Since I have ordered the 1520, I have read a lot about the soundcard/headphone issue with these computers. I’m starting to wonder if ordering the 1520 was a mistake? And if Dells quality has dropped? The 1520 looks like such a nice computer for the money, and my old Dell was such a workhorse, very few problems.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

I just a 1520... Check out the specs in sig.

Are there any games that the 1520 cannot run? Thanks.

 

Is all their talking about at least from what I have heard on my system is a slight hiss when you have no sound coming out. As I am listening to music just abou 24/7. I have never noticed any additional noise when the sound is actually engaged. I had this problem on a desktop once with an audigy card. But as long as something is coming out the speaks, you don't hear it. If you didn't have something coming out, why would you have the headphones on? I don't hear any extra noise at ALL from the speakers in the laptop.