The One We Use Most
Written: Mar 18 '02
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Pros: Many positives- Speed, vivid details, portability.
Cons: Minor negatives- speakers and the weight.
The Bottom Line: The Dell Inspiron 8100 laptop computer sets you free.
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| strategery's Full Review: Dell Inspiron 8100 Series |
Without a doubt, the Dell Inspiron 8100 gets more use than any other computer at our household. I like to use it online to study the stock market, shop online, and explore the internet. I can take the laptop with me out into the sunroom or even to bed. When I'm babysitting in the evening, a Sesame Street DVD can occupy the youngsters while I am using the desktop or otherwise occupied. When we take a long weekend to get away from it all, we hedge our bets and take the Inspiron so we can stay connected.
I first started dreaming about a laptop as my hours online increased. Sometimes, I felt isolated working away in my downstairs office. How much more efficient it would be to be able to work where ever I desired. How nice it would be to be around the family in the afternoons. Soon I was looking around for a laptop. Because I own a Dell and receive those splashy catalogs in the mail, I naturally gravitated to their products.
I went to their website and explored my options. I'm sure that I chose the 8100 mainly on price and value. It wasn't the highest rated and it wasn't the lowest. It was in the comfortable middle. I probably got more computer than I need but... you know how it is.
I went with the basic 1 GigaHertz Intel Pentium III microprocessor. That seemed like plenty of power to me but they say you need a lot of muscle to run the higher end applications such as games and movies. You can get as much as 1.3 GHz but I have been happy with just the one GigaHertz. I sometimes watch DVD movies but haven't played any games on this computer.
I opted for the 15" monitor instead of the 14". You can get the 15" monitor with either 1400 x 1050 pixels or 1600 x 1200 pixels. I was tempted to upgrade to the higher resolution screen but decided to restrain myself. The Super XGA screen is just fine. The resolution is very good and I can enjoy viewing a movie via the screen.
One of the features that I originally wanted was the wireless web option. After investigating this option, I reconsidered. I discovered that I would have had to get the wireless networking card as well as a base station in order to get online. This would have added over $400 to the purchase price. That additional cost plus the fact that I would surely have to upgrade or change Internet Services led me to opt out of the wireless idea for now.
Adequate battery life is always a concern with a laptop. I find the Inspiron's lithium ion battery lasts for well over two hours even when I'm using the notebook for a high power draining application like movie watching. For more mundane task such as writing, the battery should stay charged all evening. Dell offers a second battery so that you can always have a fully charged battery waiting in the wings. It's well worth it in peace of mind alone to get the second battery.
The Inspiron 8100 has a hard plastic outside covering. It is fairly durable and will withstand normal wear and tear. I always keep it stored away in it's nylon case when I or the girls are not using it. Dell offers a more protective leather carrying case. Call me a worry wart but, I wish that I'd opted for that case instead.
At first, I found the keys on the keyboard a little cozier than what I was accustomed. After a bit of use I became used to the more snug arrangement and now I prefer using this keyboard to the more roomy desktop layout.
The computer comes with a 3 year limited at home warranty. As I understand it, Dell will repair or replace you messed up computer for about any reasonable and normal cause. Just don't take a hammer to it our set the thing on fire and you are okay. I try to take extra care with my laptop and store it in its case when not in use. Still accidents happen and even though I've never had to put the warranty to the test, it is nice to have this protection.
The only negatives that I can find with this computer are small ones. They would be in the marginal sound quality and the heavy weight. When watching a great movie in vivid detail the slightly shallow sound from the onboard speakers can be a minor distraction. The other thing that takes away from an otherwise pleasurable experience is the heaviness of this unit. I was surprised at the mass. It is only seven pound but it feels like it weighs more.
I use the Inspiron just like a desktop that doesn't tie me to my desk. The speed, screen quality, and overall capacity are all that I need. I am amazed at how much versatility Dell is able to pack into this computer. If you are looking for the most advanced top of the line laptop, there are better choices. I you are looking for a reliable notebook computer that can do advanced applications consider the Dell Inspiron 8100 . I has met my needs and expectations.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1887
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Screen Size: 15
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strategery
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