Dell Inspiron 14 First Look

by Jerry Jackson

Dell recently took center stage with the release of the new Dell Studio 14z laptop, but for those students shopping for even more affordable notebooks, Dell has a surprise in store with the all new Inspiron 14. This 14-inch notebook isn't as thin and light as the Studio 14z, but the Inspiron 14 packs an optional built-in Blu-ray drive and dedicated graphics ... or you can pick up a base configuration in time for school for less than $500.

I recently spent some hands-on time with a pre-production unit of the Dell Inspiron 14 so that I can give you a first look at why this budget-priced 14-inch laptop offers a great balance between features and low cost. We still need to get our hands on a final review unit, but there are a lot of reasons that high school and college students will be interested in this notebook.

Overview of specs and features:
The Inspiron 14 might seem like a simple evolution of the Inspiron 1420 laptop, but inside the clean-looking chassis you'll find the same HD (720p/900p resolution) screen options found in the new Dell Studio 14z as well as options for Blu-ray and discrete graphics. Here's a quick look at the highlights:

Processors	Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Dual Core, or Intel Core 2 Duo processors
Chipset	Intel GM45
Memory	Up to 8GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Storage	SATA Hard Drive options up to 500GB capacity and up to 7200RPM speed
Optical Drives	DVD+/-RW or optional Blu-Ray Disc
Graphics	Intel GMA X4500HD (standard) or ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 512MB (GDDR2)
Audio	2 Speakers
Webcam and Microphone	Optional 1.3MP integrated webcam with facial recognition software and microphone
Displays	14.0" HD 1366 x 768 (WLED) standard 14.0" HD+ 1600 x 900 (WLED) optional
Wired Networking	Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN
Wireless LAN	Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Dell Wireless 1515 802.11a/g/draft n Intel WiFi Link 5100 (802.11a/g/draft n)
Bluetooth	Optional Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth (2.1) Internal mini-card
Media Card Slot	7-in-1 memory reader (Memory Stick, SD, SDHC, SDHD, MS Pro, MMC+, XD)
I/O Ports	3 USB 2.0, VGA, RJ45, headphone, microphone, ExpressCard/34
Operating System	32- and 64-bit options of Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 and Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 (Windows 7 Ready)
Battery	6-cell 56WHr Li-Ion battery, optional 9-cell 85WHr Li-Ion battery
Dimensions	1.0-1.5 x 13.3 x 9.4 inches (HxWxD)
Starting Weight	4.96 lbs (2.3kg)
Security	Kensington lock slot, Failsafe Theft Protection, DataSafe
Remote Access	Includes Dell Remote Access
Warranty	1-year limited warranty standard with options up to 4 years

Build and Design
The design of the Inspiron 14 looks like an enlarged version of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 and Mini 10 netbooks. At first glance you can easily see that Dell designers are trying to establish clearly identifiable designs for all Dell notebooks: all Inspiron laptops look similar, Studio laptops have the same general design as other Studio laptops, and one Studio XPS notebook likewise looks like other Studio XPS notebooks. At this point shoppers should be able to identify Dell's entry-level products (Inspiron), mid-range products (Studio) and high-end products (Studio XPS) with little more than a glance.

The chassis of the Inspiron is constructed from a combination of exterior plastics and an alloy interior framework for a balance of affordability, durability, and light weight. While the Inspiron 14 doesn't feel quite as durable as the new Studio 14z, the Inspiron 14 should survive the average use and abuse by college students ... although the plastics may start to show some wear and tear after some time inside a book bag.

The keyboard in the pre-production unit felt quite firm with good key spacing and a good depth to the key throw. There was some keyboard flex above the optical drive in the pre-production unit, but nothing that isn't normal for a budget notebook. Each key has a textured black finish and a relatively flat surface similar to the keyboards on the Dell Mini series of netbooks ... only larger. Unlike the Studio 14z, there is no optional backlit keyboard, so students will need to keep the lights on during late-night study sessions.

The touchpad on the pre-production unit of the Inspiron 14 felt much like a larger version of the touchpad found on the Dell Mini 9 and Mini 10, but that souldn't be much of a surprise since the design of this notebook is modeled after Dell's popular line of netbooks. The touchpad had excellent sensitivity, responsiveness, and smooth tracking. The touchpad buttons were easy to press with no annoying "click" when pressed but the buttons did feel a little "springy" in the pre-production unit.

At the time of launch the Dell Inspiron 14 is available with your choice of colors including, Obsidian Black, Alpine White, Cherry Red, Ice Blue, Promise Pink, Jade Green, and Passion Purple. Dell will also donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every order of the Inspiron 14 in Promise Pink in the US. Starting in August the Dell Design Studio will offer the Inspiron 14 in your choice of more than 120 different designs, so students can make their laptop as unique as they are.

The new Dell Studio 14z (left) and the Dell Inspiron 14 (right).

Performance and Features
We didn't have an opportunity to benchmark the pre-production unit of the Inspiron 14, but Dell made it very clear that this notebook is aimed at students who want a good laptop for general use at an affordable price and don't need all of the features found on the more expensive Studio 14z. For example, the Inspiron 14 lacks FireWire and eSATA and the starting price only includes Intel integrated graphics. On the other hand, the optional 1600 x 900 screen, optional Blu-ray drive, and optional ATI discrete graphics give the Inspiron 14 some impressive bang for the buck.

This is where the $449 starting price of the Inspiron 14 looks extremely impressive compared to the $649 starting price of the Studio 14z. Sure, the starting price of the Studio 14z includes a better processor, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics and a better selection of ports, but the Inspiron 14 still offers a built-in optical drive and dedicated 7-in-1 media card reader. Bottom line, back-to-school shoppers are going to have two very impressive options from Dell this year.

In terms of additional features, the Inspiron 14, like the Studio 14z, will offer FailSafe theft prevention: an option that helps protect your personal data in the event that your laptop is missing or stolen. With Failsafe engaged, you can track network information and the ISP location of your laptop when it connects to the Internet, and you can remotely erase selected files and render the laptop unusable until the rightful owner unlocks it.

Unlike the Studio 14z, at the time of launch the Inspiron 14 won't offer optional built-in mobile broadband wireless cards to allow you to stay connected to the Internet even when you're away from a Wi-Fi connection. However, the Inspiron 14 does come with Dell Remote Access; the optional premium version of which allows people to access content via their home network of personal computing devices including desktops, laptops, ultra-mobile devices, smart phones and web cameras.

We will have a detailed review of the Dell Inspiron 14 coming soon, so stay tuned to NotebookReview.com for an in-depth review of this notebook.

Pricing and Availability:
The Dell Inspiron 14 has a starting price of $449 U.S. and is available online this week and on QVC starting today. For more information on the available custom options, be sure to visit www.dell.com

The QVC configuration offered this weekend will include the following for $899:

• 2.0GHz Intel Pentium dual-core processor T4200
• 14" diagonal glossy widescreen display
• 4GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 320GB SATA hard driveIntel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD graphics
• DVD+/-RW drive, double-layer DVD+R write capability
• Dell 2GB DataSafe online backup/storage for one year
• Intel 5100 wireless-N mini card
• Integrated Intel high-definition audio 2.0
• Built-in 1.3 megapixel Web cam
• 6-cell battery
• 3-year Computrace LoJack for Laptops theft protection
• 1-year automated PC TuneUp
• Integrated 7-in-1 memory card reader
• Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, SP1
• MS Works Plus 2008, with Word 2003
• 15-month McAfee Security Center Subscription

Related Articles:

• Dell Inspiron 13 Review
• Dell Studio XPS 16 Review
• Dell Studio 14z First Look
• Dell Inspiron 1420 Review
• Dell Latitude 2100 First Look Review
• Dell Studio XPS 13 Review

 

What is the optional dedicated graphics then? I would think its a HD 4570 or lower.

 

ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 512MB (GDDR2) ... it's in the spec sheet/table.

 

It is probably heavier than the 14z?

 

Starting weight of the Studio 14z: 4.3 pounds

Starting weight of the Inspiron 14: 4.96 pounds

Both notebooks have their strengths and weaknesses. The biggest "potential" weaknesses of the Studio 14z is the lack of built-in optical drive, lack of built-in memory card reader, and only one graphics option.

That said, the Inspiron 14 has a worse port selection, worse build quality, it's heavier, and if you want an Inspiron 14 with better performance than the base Studio 14z then the price starts to add up quick once you start selecting upgrades.

Still, if you just need a low-cost notebook for school then the entry-level Inspiron 14 isn't too bad.

 

Like with Sony's NW: audio jacks are in a bad position if you are a right-handed mouse user and don't have enough space.

 

Haha.

Haha did it again.

Anyway, I'm really glad this went on the market anyway, even though It wouldn't be for me. It's a little underpowered for my taste. Either way, I'm sick of people deciding to sell stripped notebooks. The omission of optical droves, built-in memory card readers, and eSATA is disappointing to me, as I am someone who constantly uses all the features.

I guess whatever's the most economical then, since most people don't usually need an optical drive or memory-card reader or eSATA.

I just miss the time notebooks were built with versatility and features in mind rather than making them as small as possible. I'd admit that I'm as much of a sucker for good looks as everyone else, but not at the expense of port selection and versatility.

Hence my love for my current computer (in my sig) and the Sagers.

 

Fixed. That's what I get for typing fast on a Saturday morning before drinking my second pot of coffee.

The omission of optical droves makes me angry also.

 

So I'm guessing this has a similar chassis to the 1420-- namely, plastic with magnesium alloy reinforcement? What I really like about my Vostro 1400 is the magnesium alloy chassis. I picked up a 1525 or something that a college friend had, and that thing had way more flex than I like, and it was hot like an HP.

I guess if I want that business build quality, I'll be looking at the Latitude line or a Thinkpad.

 

Yep. Similar build quality to the old 1420, but with a design/look similar to an enlarged Dell Mini. Not bad, but not as impressive as the more expensive Studio 14z or Studio XPS 13.

Not all budget notebooks have blah build quality ... the Lenovo G530 "Value line" notebook has a starting price below $450 but has the best build quality we've ever seen in a budget notebook:

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=5022&review=lenovo+g530

 

The HD4330 isn't a big improvement from the 9400M... I think they are very comparable, if not identical in terms of performance. And probably 9400M lasts more on battery. Kinda disappointed with the dedicated graphics card option...

 

How does the build quality on the Studio 14z compare to the Studio 15? The Studio 15's I've handled in the store seem quite flexible to me.

 

Dellicious: There's a good chance that you were handling a 1535/1537, since those two indeed have floppy hinges, flexy screen covers, and creaky bases. The 1555 is significantly better.

As for this inspiron, I'm still waiting for Dell to really step up their build quality in a couple areas. I can't imagine a stronger hinge being that big a challenge, nor that big an extra cost. Also, motherboard flex must be minimized at ALL cost, since not only does this lose customers but it also drowns Dell with returns costs. The smaller Inspiron 9 & 10 were sturdy by virtue of their low weight and size, and larger laptops need correspondingly stronger builds.

While I don't like the 16:9 screen format, the standard WLED screens are impressive. Among many of my non-geek friends, Dell is beginning to become synonymous with bright, lush screens.

 

So this is marketed towards the same audience as the Studio 14z, huh. And they removed the optical drive out of that even though it's suppose to be the more premium product. This thing even gets discrete graphics, blu-ray and 8gigs of ram. What are Dell thinking...
Ripping off old folks on QVC with that price tag. You can get a better spec'd 14z for a lower price online, albeit without an optical drive. Not to mention better build quality, dimensions, weight, etc.

 

they should offer color replacement for the palm rest too. they used to do that. not everyones going to prefer their default non changable white palmrest. if this and other dell designs of this form were all black (or all something) it would look pretty good

 

How did you exactly determine this based on a preproduction sample?

 

cause thats what he got.

hes reviewing what was sent to him. if they send him a low quality product, and if hes an honest reviewer, then dont expect a positive response.

 

Darn, I wish Dell would go back to using Nvidia.

 

I wish I had that high res screen. 1280x800 is just a bit to little for me.

 

"Worse" does not mean the same thing as "bad" ... it just means "not as good as something else."

Even the product specialists working for Dell acknowledge that the Studio 14z has a better build quality than the Inspiron 14 ... that's just one of the ways that Dell justifies the higher starting price of the Studio 14z.

There are plenty of budget notebooks that have a worse build quality than the Inspiron 14, but based on the pre-production Studio 14z and the pre-production Inspiron 14 that I spent time with I think it's safe to say that the Studio 14z is built with a greater emphasis on build and design.

Again, the Inspiron 14 isn't "bad" but the Studio 14z feels "better" ... which in turn means the Inspiron 14 feels "worse."

Hopefully that makes sense.

 

I also would like to see another color rather than default color, white/mild silver for palm rest. Commenting on the QVC configuration, at $899, they should give us Core2 and discrete graphics as well as there are many notebooks out there with similiar price point that give these features.

 

Just another bulky budget laptop crippled by a 16:9 screen and it looks really like a cheap plastic toy. I would not waste a dime on this.

 

Are you kidding?! I would pay at least 25 cents! Think of what you could sell it for!

 

Yeah, you could sell it for, like, $449!

 

At least it's a notebook! Good enough for your average tasks. Good thing this gets a 4000 series from ATI. Only dedicated graphics option previously on the Inspiron 14 was a 8400 GS. And you know what the 8 series was good for.

 

I'm just glad Dell didn't try to call it a netbook, as it looks like an SUV style Inspiron Mini.

Price is the first thing most average shoppers look at, if it's under $500 you've got a much larger market to sell to, I'm sure this will interest a lot of people that want a basic laptop and don't care about tricking it out with the best available components. If you're going to do that, obviously it's better to go with a higher-end laptop that already starts with better components instead of getting milked on the configuration upgrade costs.

Thanks for the first look Jerry, some folks need to go easier on a guy who's working overtime weekend hours

 

You did a very nice review Jerry!

This lappy will appeal to someone!


Cin

 

The only major issue is the crippled 16:9 screen. This is more of a portable movie player than a laptop. Problem is nobody gives a crap about watching movies on a laptop.....what does this mean?

This means that Dell Inspiron 14 = FAIL.

Dont waste your money people.

 

Well, serious question: what is the beef with 16:9? Besides the adjustment and the slightly lower screen area, there are few arguments used. These arguments are just given too much weight because some traditionalists just plain don't like the change. That's fine, but I don't think 16:9 can single-handedly ruin a potentially good laptop.

I won't pretend to know, because I didn't get into the laptop scene until 16:10 became commonplace. Was there a similar reaction going from 4:3 to 16:10?

 

what kind of battery life should one expect with each battery offered?

 

Yes it is clear you are new to laptops. Going to 16:9 further cripples VERTICAL resolution/area. Vertical resolution is VITAL for web browsing, running MS Office, basically EVERYTHING other than watching stupid movies. Any laptop with a 16:9 screen is not really a laptop anymore, its a portable movie player that can run Windows, thats it. OS and App productivity is crippled.

Dont be stupid people. Stay FAR away from 16:9 screened laptops. The people must force Mfrs to STOP using these awful screens. As stated before the ONLY reason LCD Mfrs are switching to 16:9 is becuase its cheaper for them to produce. They dont care about anything other than cost savings.

 

Well, while you are right that I'm only two years new to laptops, I'm already well aware of all those things. I think it's just a value judgment; I personally don't feel the pain of moving from 4:3 to 16:10 because I moved from a 1280x1024 screen to a 1920x1200 screen. I'd imagine that at high resolutions, it wouldn't matter much; I mean, you'd have a lot of space on the left and the right on sites like YouTube, but I don't think the white on the sides would distract me.

I can understand that on a lower-resolution computer, the effects of 16:9 are more strongly felt, as they're struggling for vertical space anyway. But I don't think that me moving from 1920x1200 to 1920x1080 would kill me.

1280x800 to 1366x768 on the other hand would be pretty obnoxious. You do bring up a good point, although with the high-resolution screens that I prefer, I don't think it would affect me as much, as 1650x1080 would be the lowest I would consider going for a 16:10, 1920x1080 for a 16:9. It seems I just need that 1080 vertically.

 

I liked the Vostro line.

As far as the screen resolution debate goes, I like the 16:10 aspect ratio for the horizontal space it adds; I prefer it to a 4:3 ratio. However, the vertical space is important, and I really am not a fan of the 16:9 standard. A 16:10 ratio with a resolution of 1440x900 or more (depending on screen size) would be my preference.

 

Like it or not, 16:9 aspect ratio displays are the future. Dell, HP and Lenovo (among others) have already transitioned their consumer-oriented models to 16:9. Most business models are still 16:10, for now.

The argument that it "cripples" vertical resolution doesn't really hold up. Comparing 1280x800 to 1366x768, the 16:9 display has only slightly lower vertical resolution (768 vs. 800). Comparing 1440x900 vs. 1600x900, there's no loss of vertical resolution.

 

I have to say I'm likin this new inspiron 14. It has almost the same dimensions and weight as the HP dv3t (another portable I had my sights on). The dv3t has an HDMI port though, which may or may not be important.

Very interesting. I really do like the looks of this new inspiron though.

 

I'm a bit irritated with this website's and/or Dell's total and complete pandering to students. Everything I see now is made in reference to what a student's going to do with it, as if no one else uses these things.

 

Am I the ONLY one who knows how to type without looking at the keyboard these days?

 

It could be useful for a sleep-deprived, drunk student who inadvertently takes his/her hands off the 'home keys'!

 

ahhh! Enough with what STUDENTs need

 

I understand your opinion, and even share it to a point. But the simple fact is that students are Dell's target demographic for this laptop. That sets up a reference point as to which comparisons can be made with other laptops. The same way Alienware is made in reference to what a gamer is going to do with it.

 

im looking to purchase this laptop soon......is there anymore comments on the build quality of this laptop?