Dell Inspiron 1420 Review

is the paint quality really questionable? intending to get white?

is the surface smooth or rough type? coz if its rough...it will b harder to clean any dirt off.

 

I just got my new Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop through the mail about 2 weeks ago. Here are the specs:

Premium Deep Rich Red with Soft Touch LCD back color
2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm
Glossy, high contrast widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 Inspiron 1420
160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
Media Direct 3.3, Insp 1420
Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron
8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive for Inspiron
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card
Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
Creative Earbud EP630
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for Inspiron 1420
Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod
Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
Windows Vista Premium System

There are a few things that I would like to address from the previous posts.

Battery: The picture on the website did seem to portray a slimmer battery appearance. Although, I opted for the 9-cell, and it makes it pretty bulky, although I haven't had any problems with cases. The battery life is awesome though, 5-6 hours with Power Saver and about 4-5 hours with higher performance.

Weight: True, the laptop is heavier than most 14.1" but you have to admire it's durability. I already dropped it and aside from a small nick, it's still in pristine condition. So, for a clutz like me, this is ideal.

Sound: The speakers really don't sound like "real life". For one, I can't get the volume as loud as I had on my 1701 that I traded in for this one (I sold it, I only wish Dell had a trade in policy). However, the microphone is out of sight!! I got the optional built in mic/camera package and it picks up wonderfully. No static, it responds perfectly to the voice commands. It's simply the best mic that I have ever had.

Screen: I got the glossy screen as you can see and I love it! The colors are so crisp and clear. However, it could be a bit brighter.

The bluetooth and wifi functionality has worked great so far. I'm just waiting for my bluetooth remote, so we'll see how that works out.

Overall, it's a great laptop. I already seem to be using it more than my Dimension desktop that I bought last year. I think I might have to upgrade the desktop now.... The price was a little more than I would have liked to spend(approx $1400 w/upgrades), but, I've always had an excellent experience with the Dell brand and I think that I will continue to buy from them. It's definitely an improvement even over the 17" Inspiron (in the old design) that I bought last year as well.

Hope this review was helpful. If you have any questions about this particular computer, you are welcome to email me. [email protected].

Paul

 

Is anyone else having issues with the finish on the cover of your 1420 blackening around the edges or simply rubbing off?

I purchased the green model less than 3 months ago and it has spent most of that time on my desk. I recently took a short business trip and carried the laptop along in the laptop case I had purchased from Dell and after the trip I noticed how badly the finish had damaged.

This was basic normal wear and tear--I think it's unacceptable that the paint would just rub right off.

I talked to Dell technical support and they informed me that their warranty does not cover "cosmetic damage" but I do not feel this is acceptable. If the product was produced in such a way that the finish wipes right off this isn't exactly my fault.

Anyone else? Am I alone here?

 

well the review in this forum already said that the paint chips easily..
that's why i got the vostro...all black which is essentially the same laptop.

 

We purchased a 1420 last December.
Initially it was very slow and quirky. Becoming accustomed to Vista can be a tedious endeavor. A Boot-N-Nuke, followed by a fresh Vista install, minus all the bloatware woke this thing up.

the Specs are:
1.5Ghz Core 2 Duo
8400M GS Video
4GB of RAM (after market of course)
(some capacity) 5400 RPM HD

I know its not designed to be a gamer, but I can play Day of Defeat: Source at 100-200 FPS @ 1024x768 w/medium settings. (DoD:S is a Mod for Half-Life 2)

The over-all reliabilty is pretty good.

It can get hot when utilizing the VGA out to our TV when Streaming Movies. I think we may invest in a cooler pad. (Suggestions on which to buy?)

The one thing I must suggest people avoid is the "Sound-Blaster HD" ($25) Upgrade. It's only audio software that really has no advantages over the Standard C-Audio. This software also FORCES you to register an account to authenticate it, if you ever need or want to reinstall. It's literally paying $25 for a headache, nothing more.

Aside from that it's been a great machine despite Vista.
Hope this helps someone.

Best,
pants!

 

Additional Notes:

Our Paint is not peeling. However this device rarely travels.

Our Speakers sound good. Just use the C-Audio Equalizer to tune it all in.

Video Card. Don't bother with the Intel X3100, the upgrade to the Nvidia 8400GS is very well worth it for promoting longevity.

 

How if compared with Dell Vostro 1400 ?

 

nice laptop. but mine are better

 

I have the 9 cell and it gets just a little over 5 hours with max brightness, wifi, and internet.

 

that very good..im on a 9 cell. abt 6 hrs middle settings no wifi....but with 8 percent wear on the battery.