Dell Inspiron 1525 Available (in Australia)

The rumored Dell Inspiron 1525, the update to the existing Inspiron 1520, has appeared for sale on the Dell Australia website.

The Inspiron 1525 has the option of new cover designs, no longer are you restricted to the eight solid color lids, but you also get a choice of more funkadelic patterns. Including such things as stripes or waves.

The specs configuration options don't change a whole lot from the Inspiron 1520, other than the fact there's no dedicated graphics card available on the Inspiron 1525. The assumption is that this is because Dell expects buyers to go for the XPS M1530 15.4" notebook if they want graphics performance, whereas the Inspiron 1525 is for those that are looking for a cheaper machine. The other big news is that the Inspiron 1525 cuts down on weight from the Inspiron 1520 by over .5lb and is much thinner than the bulky Inspiron 1520.

Prices start at $1,398 AUD ($1,220 USD) for the following configuration:

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7250
• 160GB HD
• Windows Vista Premium
• Intel 3945 802.11g wireless
• 2GB RAM
• Intel X3100 graphics

 

Hm, interesting. This definitely puts more differences between the Inspiron and XPS lines.

 

Whats with the only graphics card being the intel x3100?
The new covers are pretty good.

 

Good news. And happy holidays, ye Aussies!

 

Indeed, this is quite interesting. The 1525's chassis bears more than a passing resemblance to the 1530's. You can especially note this by taking a look at the side view and ports. Seems like it's been slimmed down significantly, about the same thickness as the 1530 (probably the only difference is the lid's dimensions) and barely heavier. Definitely much more appealing than the 1520, from a portability point of view.

 

This is stated as being a 1520 update.. but no dedicated GPU? That means, if the 1520 is phased out there will only be the XPS for gamers? Or do the two systems co-exist? And why would 1525 have HDMI and no BD option? First the 1520 with BD and no HDMI and now 1525 with HDMI and no BD? Can that be.?

 

That's what i want to know - will the 1520 and the 1525 coexist then? Seeing the 1525 has no dedicated graphics card option...


No BD for the 1525 as it doesn't have a dedicated graphic card that is required for BD playback. On Dell's site the minimum for BD playback is T7250 and at least a GeForce 8600M GT - this allows you to chose the option for the BD drive.

 

I get the feeling since the 1530 and 1525 are so similar aside from graphics, they want to keep it that way and phase out the 1520. Since adding dedicated graphics options to the 1525 would encroach a great deal on the 1530's space, it doesn't make much sense from a product line point of view.

 

wow if theres a overpriced laptop...this is it.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if they added a dedicated graphics option soon (after they sell their stock of 1520s, maybe).

 

I'm thinking a 8400m in the 1525. Like the chuck232 said, a 1525 with a 8600 gt is going to encroach on the 1530 huge. I believe a 8400m can handle the BD requirements. At least it does on the HP's. So if they at least offer the 8400m, they could offer a BD player. If dell does not offer the 8400m then the added HDMI is marketing fluff. Whats the max resolution the x3100 can output? I hear the next generation intel integrated may be up to the job.. but hearing Dell may try to pawn off a system with HDMI and X3100 is unfortunate. I think dell should compromise and put the 8400m. That way it won't infringe on the 1530's territory too much. That would also put it toe to toe with the HP's dv6500t with essentially the same form factor and internals.

 

Thats a word I haven't heard in a while...

 

Nonsense. The x3100 can output high resolutions fine (including WUXGA). I don't know how well it can do BD playback... but even if I'm just getting an x3100 I'd want HDMI anyway just to get a clearer picture (compared to VGA) of my desktop on an external display.

They should still offer a dedicated graphics option though... and I expect them to do so.

 

I don't think the X3100 will work with a BD player. I can't think of one manufacturer that has that combo. My bets dell will offer a 8400m at some point and it will be a copycat of HP's pavilion. It would be nice if they used the stronger GPU. But the price point and features would hurt XPS sales I am afraid.

 

Weight: Starting at 2.70 kg
Width: 35.7cm
Height: 2.5cm front - 3.7cm back
Depth: 25.6cm

which translates to

5.95 lb
14" width
10.7" depth
0.98" - 1.45" thickness

for Americans, which is a good improvement from...

Weight: Starting at 6.40 lbs (2.90 kg)10
Width: 14.12" (35.8cm)
Height: 1.47" (3.7cm) front - 1.65" (4.5cm) back
Depth: 10.59" (26.9cm)

 

Blu-Ray will be coming as an option in late January. Or so I hear

 

There won't be any dedicated graphics options for the Inspiron 1525, Dell has stated that the XPS is for gamers and the 1525 is not. The reason they were able to thin the profile down was because they knew they didn't have to account for a hot dedicated graphics card being part of the mix.

 

Of course, you realize Dell is essentially handing the budget laptop line to HP now? Look at the 1525's price! Sure, with the loss of the dedicated graphics the XPS sales are going to boost, but how many COMMON people actually buy the XPS systems? (no really, I'd like to know ) How many common people actually say, "Hey! Look. This XPS 1530 games better than the Inspirons and the HP's; I don't care if it costs $1500 compared to the $1000 of the HPs!"

I guess I'm just ranting though. Just making a point.

 

Colors I wouldn't care about, but lower weight and slimmer design is always an improvement.

 

So you guys are saying 1525 won't have a dedicated GPU, right? then technically, 1420 would more then more powerful then 1525? I mean, It really doesn't make whole lot of sense to me why they do that... I think they would stck in Nvidia 8400m or perhaps ATI HD 33(4)00 when they come out which will be soon

 

I don't entirely believe that. The M1530 is slimmer, but still has dedicated graphics.

 

This is a bad idea. The 1525 is pretty much fixing a problem that doesn't exist. It's a step backward for a company that prior to it seemed to really be moving forward.

The overlap of the XPS M1530 and the Inspiron 1520 isn't exactly killing either line as far as I can tell, and that's probably because put simply: one is premium, the other is not. For the extra money you get a nicer, lighter shell and build.

More than that, it actually alienates the casual gamers who couldn't really pony up for the XPS M1530.

What's next? Cutting the dedicated graphics of the 1420s and forcing everyone to go up to the XPS M1330?

 

I'll take the black one with the racing stripe, please!

Oh wait, there's no dedicated graphics option? Never mind, then.

 

Get the Vostros

Anyway, does Dell actually think they can win over customers by selling weaker laptops in funkier designs? Well, not that all buyers are aware that it's totally weak compared to what it's replacing.

 

Nice move with HDMI...

 

Thanks for that reply Andrew. So your saying no dedicated graphics and BD may come for the 1525 in the end of January. This is interesting since that would mean the integrated x3100 would have to manage the BD drive. Generally I see manufacturers require the 8400m for the BD option. Not that the X3100 can't handle the job (but I don't know that it can either). I just can't think of any off hand that has that combo. The 8400m takes less space and produces less heat then the 8600 gt. I am assuming it might fit.

This does not seem logical since HP's are around the same size and layout but offer both BD or HD DVD and the 8400m. Here comes the 1525 costing as much or more as HP's DV6700t with the same look and features except no dedicated graphics. Does anybody else see this as a really bad business plan for Dell?

 

You're right in saying there's not too much of an overlap between the M1530 and the 1520, currently. However, the premium features of the M1530, including the lighter weight and thinner build are incorporated in the Inspiron 1525, so there are far fewer differences. That's why you won't see dedicated video. Otherwise, aside from a few aesthetic differences, there wouldn't be much to separate the XPS M1530 from the Inspiron line. Remember, before the M1530, there was no other 15.4" laptop in Dell's lineup that incorporated dedicated graphics. Now that it's here, it makes sense that Dell would want to differentiate the lines.

As for the price, I'm not sure why everyone's complaining about it. You should all know by now that prices in the US will typically be lower after you include the ridiculous coupons you get. Let's put it this way - take a look at the 1520 and 1525 side by side on the Dell Australia site - there's a $200 difference, and around $170 of that is made up by the T5450 -> T7250 upgrade. So assuming that carries over to North America, look forward to $700-800 1525's.

 

NOOOOO! no dedicated GPU?
my dell coupon won't work on XPS =(
This sucks, what do i buy now?

 

Yeah, right now Dell won't even sell you an Inspiron 1520 with Intel x3100 graphics... you get this error message:

I'm sure they'll offer some sort of dedicated graphics card... they may not offer anything as powerful as the 8600M GT though.

 

Choose X3100, Gf 8400GS or 8600GT.
Do you guys actually look before you talk? I mean ever?

And the prices do not forget that is in Australien $ AND includes sales tax. plus of course the rip the Ozzis of extra.

An you can choose highres screen three different resolutions. Compared to that the XPS is a piece of sad XXXXX.
M.

 

Is this what Dell has become? Selling underpowered and overpriced laptops with almost nice design? They think they're Sony or what?

 

Thinner and lighter is the way to go, always.

 

Thinner and lighter... and weaker?

 

Hello guys it is NOT weaker. Hold on a sec use your eyes, brain and think. How is a 2.4Ghz Prozzi up to 4gb ram and a Geforce M 8600GT weak?
M.

 

Where does it say about a 8600? The only graphics listed is the Intel one.

 

Look at the website, choose to configure the laptop then you can choose between Intel, 8400Gs or 8600GT.
M.

 

it won't get an LCD-Screen, so next to top-graphics there is another differentation to the 1530.

the 1530 will be for technic-enthusiastics, the 1525 for standard-user (web, office, videos etc.)


if prices are fair, this probably will substitute my inspiron 6400. as in germany there was no 1420 the other option would be a vostro 1400 (maybe 1405 vostro when updated??)

 

Sure about that? You may have chosen the 1520 and not 1525.

 

Look again.. I don't see the dedicated GPU's here: http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/notebooks_good?c=au&cs=audhs1&l=en&s=dhs


Only the x3100 listed at this time. But if Andrew is correct that it will have BD option added later, then can the X3100 handle the job? Can anyone list one example of a laptop with Intel integrated gpu and BD? If the 1525 is to indeed have BD, then I am convinced that a dedicated GPU will have to follow.

 

Buy the $499 special and forget about it. LOL You can't use aero without upgrading the graphics. It should be a choice for the Vista Offerings.

 

The lack of processor options (only the T7250 available at this moment) leads me to believe that other options will be available in the future, with regards to graphics cards and other stuff.

 

Unlike majority of members at this forum, the vast majority of actual laptop users don't play games on their laptops, therefore the lack of 8600GT is no issue for 1525's intended customers, where as much smaller footprint is the definitive plus from the bulky 1520.

I do agree that XPS1530 needs better screen option, though - be it LED panel or Dual-lamp. The current 1530 LCD is average at best, won't compare with MBP or FZ at all.

 

More photos here: http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/pro...n&s=dhs&cs=audhs1&~lt=popup&~tab=highlighttab

 

A sensible observation with a high probability of being correct.

 

whats an OZZIS???

 

I hope you're joking. Sound it out.

 

I think it sounds like Aussie tax??...

 

Same in New Zealand - We've got it on our website as well .
We use a similar website to the ausies though.

OZZIS is Ausies, and "Rip Off" not "Rip Of" .

 

You are right. I must have clicked on the 1520. Big pitty.
I am still hoping for something simlar as a ? 1425 ?
If they offered all these options with the sleak design choices and !without! the bulk it would have been my laptop. As it is I am still eying the Asus V2s.
I like the XPS series, but neither the 13 nor the 15 has other resolutions than 1024x. That is just plain ridiculous for a "premium product". My 3 year old Fujitsu beats them hand of. It is just lacking a dedicated GPU and it starts to show a lot of mechanical wear.

Ozzie means Australians, and we are always ripped of by at least 30% more money for less value. In that respect dell is much much better than the rest - you get all the options in Oz you get elsewhere (including the warrenty!!) and only a moderate extra price.

M.

 

God, it'd be horrible if there wasn't an option later on for dedicated graphics, at least the 8400 should be available...I mean, at this point, its less powerful than the smaller and lighter and cheaper (not by much, but still less expensive) Vostro 1400 and Inspiron 1420.

What the hell is Dell thinking?