Some stuff I learned from Dell rep

So I went and grilled a Dell rep about the Inspirons today and this is what I found out:

The Inspiron 1520 is 6.1 lbs stock version. The 1720 is 7.75 lbs. The expanded battery sticks out almost 1/2in from the back of either unit, and will add one-fifth of a pound to the weight. Battery life with a 6cell on the stock 1520 is 4-5 hours with moderate usage (non-gaming) and medium brightness. The rep quoted an 8 hour life with the 9-cell in the stock version (integrated gfx). Obviously if you upgraded your gfx card I would expect the numbers to tank a little.

Rep said it pretty quietly, but I can't get anything objective on that. =\

 

8-9 hrs?? I've never heard that kind of battery life in a laptop before

 

8-9 hours battery life would indicate something like a 10W/hr draw on the 9-cell. Most laptops these days (in the 15" range) pull something like 17-20w/hr. 10W/hr is pretty much impossible with something like the Inspiron 1520.

Well, maybe with the screen, bluetooth, wireless all off and super undervolted processor.

 

Yeah, 8-9 is what you would get in an ultra portable, with an extended battery... Ultra portables have smaller screens, and low voltage processors. Theres no way a 15/17" display with full mobile processors will get that kinda battery life, unless the battery is the size of the actual laptop.

I think 3 hours standard, 4.5 with extended is more realistic for the 1520 and 2 hours standard, 3 hours extended for the 1720.

 

I'll bet he did . . . he probably didn't want to be overheard by anyone who might call BS on that little white fabrication.

 

Uh oh...

I'd consider that B.S. They list 6.4 lbs. on their spec sheet. I'd believe the spec sheet, personally.

Says 7.62 on the spec sheet... maybe he rounded off.

I'm surprised if it doesn't stick out more, but maybe.

I'd take the battery life numbers with a HUGE grain of salt.

I personally wouldn't believe anything they say... they'll just tell you what they think you want to hear. If you have questions, and you can't find it in the spec sheets, I'd email... at least you'll have a copy in writing, so when you want to return the machine you have proof that you were lied to.

However, since battery life depends on so many factors, even when written on spec sheets, mfr.'s battery life numbers are usually exaggerated.

 

I talked to a tech support (not sales) rep today and was told that the 6 and 9 cell batteries on the 1520 fit flush underneath like they do on the E1505. I guess we'll see when someone gets one!

Laura