Still no 1720 review?

While I'm pretty bummed on the lack of durability of the current HP Pavilion series, for a desktop replacement that's not as big a deal. I have the E9400-1705 (Inspiron) and it's "ok", but nothing special. It has good graphics performance, but the screen is kind of washed out. The HP may just be a better choice when it comes to 17" if you're not going with an uber-expensive XPS.

 

<<<< WORK IN PROGRESS >>>>

ok. I got my 1701. I have the best luck when ordering from Dell. I ordered my 24" monitor early one morning and actually got it delivered to my house in < 48 hours. I ordered this laptop on the 7/17 and received it at my house on 7/23.

ok..here is what I am noticed so far...

first...here are my specs:

• Cost : $1,956.60 before taxes
• Spring Green Color with Microsatin Finish
• Inspiron 1721, AMD Turion 64 x 2 TL-64 (2.2GHz/1MB)
• 2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
• 160G 5400RPM SATA hard drive
• ATI RADEON Xpress1270 256MB HyperMemory
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition, English
• 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
• 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
• Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod
• Dell BH200 Bluetooth 2.0 EDR EDR Stereo Headset
• 13 month Dell on call support
• Lo Jack

• PROS
  • the screen is just amazing...I am running at 1920X1200 and it is just so beautiful.
  • very bright screen..lights up the dark room when I am working
  • the setup of everything went very quickly.
  • screen is VERY sturdy. I have an ibook and when I open/close the screen the entire screen bends a little bit, which always concerns me. This thing doesn't even budge a bit.
  • speakers are pretty loud. other laptops that I have had were very quiet. Always had to use headphones to listen to anything...not with this one.
• CONS
  • takes a bit of time to completely load everything, but that is most likely due to the fact that I am using a 5200rpm drive and not a 7200rpm one.
  • wasn't used to using McAfee and was having problems with gaining access to the web..but as soon as I figured out that McAfee locks all of that down with their firewall, simply turned it off and was able to continue.
  • First time to use Vista, but as soon as I turned off the User Account Control off and set a couple of screens to classic view, I am alot happier. It kept on asking me if I wanted to allow the computer to do something to the system
  • The numberpad on the keyboard is kinda weird. I am used to not having it available on a laptop and having the actual keyboard in the actual center of the handrest. I will just have to get used to it.
  • the mousepad/fingerpad/whatever is not 100% useable in my opinion. I will be using my finger to move around and then it will not always move.
  • the Dell BH200 Bluetooth 2.0 EDR EDR Stereo Headset that I bought "appear" to be very flimsy. When I opened up that box I was like WTF is this? I have a large head and they didn't exactly fit comfortably. I want the wireless capability with them, so I will see if I can make due.

personal preferences for later on...I will be upgrading to the 7200 rpm drive as well as maxing the RAM out at 4gb. I usually run 3+ ssh sessions, Aqua Data Studio, Eclipse Studio, Adobe Photoshop, Thunderbird and and Firefox. Want to make sure I always have enough RAM if I need to open up anything else.

I am currently downloading PCMark04 to get some numbers. Will post them when I am done.
<edit>well....PCMark04 doesn't work with Vista...so I have to find another free benchmark tool.

 

Most women want a 13 inch...the question is if she can handle it...wink wink nudge nudge .

 

mmcreroy,
Thanks for the quick evaluation of the 1721. It seems like I am getting what I expect. Are you writing a full fledge review? This site is seriously lacking a 1721 review.

Please let me know what your benchmark prog says.

 

Quck question to anybody having 1900X 1200 Res True -Life screen on 1720:-
a) How's the glare/reflections ?
b) Would you recommend it to a programmer?
c) Readable in Sunlight (Compared to normal matte screens) ?

Cheers
AG

 

There are some others on here that were wanting to do a full fledged report and I didn't want to take away their thunder. I have never done one before but I am willing to finish out that post with as much information as I can get and be as informative as possible. I have browsed over a couple of the other reviews and will take reference from them.

I am a programmer and I love this resolution...I have not had a chance to use it in the actual daylight, since REAL programmers hate sunlight...just kidding.

I really like the glossy screen...it adds SOO much quality to the picture...not to mention the brightness of the screen is incredible...can almost light up my bedroom when I am working on it.

 

mmcrorey,
I can understand why you would not want to steal anybody's thunder, but if they haven't gotten around to it, I don't see why you can't write one.

BTW: Do you have a ATI Radeon Card?

 

no worries...I will do my best and answer as many questions as I can.

here is the card I have...and there was only one card available in my configuration: ATI RADEON Xpress1270 256MB HyperMemory

 

That is what I have.
Have you loaded any games on it? I am hoping it run Simcity 4 at least!

 

nope...no games...this is my development machine...so no games on it. sry...

but I have GREAT news for you...other than saving a lot of money on Geico insurance..

there is a website http://systemrequirementslab.com that I use to test any machine's capabilities for gaming. here is the screenshot for Simcity 4 Deluxe Edition.

I can do any other games for anyone interested.

 

Man...you just made it worth my while. Thanks a bunch!
No other games to ask about now... I may think of some later!

 

In your quick review, you said that it takes awhile to load everything. Is this because of some bloatware? And exactly how much bloatware is on the 1721?

 

no...no bloatware..unless you count mcafee...I guess I need to go back and reword a bit...I am used to using windows xp64 bit on my desktop and it loads really quickly. I will time the next reboot.

 

Does anyone know if Dell has any plans to put an 8700 in the 1720?