Dell Inspiron 1525 Review

So what you are trying to say is...only NBR readers/posters play computer games? There are plenty of people who don't play games here on NBR and more so who doesn't give toss about a dedicated GPU. ''Normal'' users? define that for me please...

 

Integrated graphics,i.e GMAX3100 would run Vista without any hiccup.
It's also able to run Vista Aero very well. Make sure you bump your RAM to at least 2GB while choosing integrated graphics.

 

Another note on aesthetics: I absolutely loathe the new placement of the media keys. In my opinion, they're absolutely perfect on the bottom. Great for leaning back in the easy chair, with the laptop on a desk, and watching a movie. Keys are easily within reach, without needing to sit up to reach over the keyboard.

 

What differences are there between the quality of a notebook sold in Asia and EU and the US? Are they not made by the same manufacturer?

Dell aren't very big because people dont do much internet shopping in Asia. Design wise that a personal preference is it not? The HP thing...prove it Acer big in EU? Are you kidding me? There are countries other than Maylasia, singapore, thailand etc, (in that area) you know?

2 times more? Go on then show me What so called ''innovation'' have ACER provided?

http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp;jsessionid=Z53BVCY1DTPR2CQJAFICFGAKBEAUMIWD?containerId=prUS20914007

Wrong[/B


I am not here to bash ACER...I am just simply correcting someone who's got their facts wrong.

 

I just ordered this for my wife, in pink of course. :laugh: She will use it mostly for internet, email, movies and a few java games and will love the form factor, even if she doesn't know what form factor means. While I agree with many of the posts and would have liked a dedicated graphics option, this appears to be more of a niche marketing move by Dell, emphasizing style over options. Meanwhile I'm waiting for the LED screen so I can finish buffing up the 1530 I'll be ordering.

 

Very nice review!

 

... acer... I doupt they are #1 and if they are they won't be there long. there support is... well, lets say talking to my broken acer laptop is more productive...;

anyone else try and get replacement out of them? yah, trust me its as hard as they say it is, I got one after 10 months of phone calls and emails.

nice Dell, give me a 8400gt or HD2400 and I am sold.

 

Boring? Cheap looking? Compare to what? Fortunately, that's just your opinion. I think it's a pretty snazzy looking machine. I've seen these out at the Dell Kiosk, and they're every bit as nice as anything in the big box stores. I say keep up the great work Dell. For the money, the 1525 is a great deal.

 

Dell blog mentioned the 1525 to have a wireless USB.

Any comment on this and how is this thing beneficial compared to BT?

 

My point exactly, so your beef is?


Define for you? look around. Mom and pop. Everyday "not so computer literate" Joe. People that generally wont play very graphics intensive games. the X3100 works fine for the applications that they want to use them for, yes, even games.

You are right about the part of NBR regulars that dont play games. I don't play games on my notebook because I just dont have the time for it. So I don't lament the lack of a dedicated graphics chip.

And if you dont play games, why would you need a dedicated graphics chip?? So you can accelerate Vista? lol


If you are hard core enough, you'd have a dedicated desktop gaming rig.

 

So what you're trying to say is...only NRB user play computers games on notebooks? Because you said that only NBR user care about GPUs in notebooks...no? So no one else plays games on their notebooks except for NBR users...ok...

So a dedicated GPU dosent help HD video playback...ok then.

Also...there are no such thing as a casual gamer according to you...

If thats what you think fair enough mate...

 

Oh, A dedicated gpu doesn't help, unless it's a specific format played in a specific player (mkv files aren't aided at all).

 

It says in the review that they offer a 1440 x 900 option but I can't find the option anywhere on the Dell site. When I called tell ( a couple of times) no one has any recollection of an option ever existing.

Any ideas on why the option was removed and if we can expect it to return?

 

Can a better video card be added in later? WTH? WHY take it out The NIGHT I DECIDE TO ORDER THE 1520!!!

EDIT: LOOK WHO I FOUND!!

http://www.dell.com/content/product...nb_1520?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~tab=bundlestab



but now i want to wait and see if the 1525 gets the video card, I want to not have the feeling of falling behind

 

the only reason dell doesnt have better graphics options, is simply cause they want to get rid of thier line of 1520s

 

No. dell Might release a version with a dedicated gpu later, but you still can't upgrade from the integrated one.

 

That is correct! I owned several dells, but they became so bland, I got an HP the last time. A truely beautiful machine. (see sig). BUT, after 8 months of flawless operation, the wireless quit working and I just yesterday had to send it in for a new motherboard/cpu as apparently those dv/v 6000 series had a heating issue that damaged the motherboard/cpu and in turn the wireless.

When I get it back, I plan to sell it before something else happens and was considering a 1520, but also read where that had a heating issue also? Anyway, this new 1525 seems to run cooler, and also looks very nice, so I'm considering that one now. I'm also considering the Gateway - T5450 Laptop - Garnet Red too.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=4Q3XZJ54BLLIVKC4D3LVAHA?skuId=8651069&st=notebooks&lp=10&type=product&cp=1&id=1195599779501

Any advice?

 

Worked real well with my notebook and I run several open pages and at least 8 hours a day. I don't do games, but a lot of PhotoShop work. I really think the dedicated graphic is a lot of hype.

 

I considering buying a 1525 Inspiron with this configuration:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
250GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
................................................

Can anyone with this configuration tell me if the system is getting hot enough to get you worried. Right now I have a old 7515 Gateway laptop (2.6Ghz Athlon, 1Gb Ram, 100GB hard drive) and is hot enough to use it as a stove.

My main concern is the 250GB hard drive.

 

You know, I like this laptop other than the integrated vs. dedicated graphics card problem. I was going to buy one today (Staples is selling it for $599 with 160 GB hd and some other upgrades) and upgrade the video card myself to an NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GS card. Can't I just do that and add some RAM to get it up to 4 GB? I was also going to upgrade the chip to a Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T7300 or T7250. Can't I do that either? I know it would void the warranty but that's okay. I'll swap it back if I have any problems. BTW, great review, which was very helpful as is this discussion. Thx.

 

No. If the notebook has an integrated card it can't be upgraded, period. So if/when a version comes out with a 8400M GS/9400M GS/whatever, it will have a different motherboard.

 

Thanks for the quick response. Bummer. I guess it would have a different motherboard as one is integrated into the motherboard. Didn't think about that. I'm a bit new to laptop hardware. I don't like the buttons along the front edge of the previous versions including the 1520 or I'd consider that one. Just looking for the right one for me. thx.

 

No probs mate. You're here to learn. We have knowledge to teach.

Hmm, consider the vostro 1500 (same as the 1520, but in all black, and maybe a bit cheaper, depending on coupons and where you are). Or better yet, start a thread in " What notebook should I buy". Just remember to Fill in the FAQ.

 

Thanks very much partner. Just sent this reply to Jerry who wrote a nice detailed reply to my pm.
===========================================
Hi, Jerry
Thanks so much for such a detailed reply. You guys are great. I came upon your review by looking up that model on Google. And you wrote a very thorough review.
Actually I was thinking of, and may actually buy, a HP dv9700t, which just came out. They have a $400 off coupon right now for ones at $1199 or more. I configured one the other day with all kind of good stuff and it came out to $1278 including tax and I think the shipping was free.
Here's the setup:
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
Processor
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.00 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
Display 17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
Memory 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Graphics Card
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS!!
HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
Hard Drive 240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
Primary CD/DVD Drive Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer!!
TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
Primary Battery High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
===================================
So that's a lot of really nice components. I will have to wait 2-3 weeks or maybe more. You know how that goes. I was concerned about the battery run time and am interested in those realities. I'll look here to see what I can find on that. I wanted to use this with a docking station at home with an HDTV as a large main monitor. I do a lot of graphics work - Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, and may do some video, After Effects, and 3d work, Maya, etc. too so I guess I should be getting better components. Not sure about the Blu-Ray option, which is half off at $175, and I may go for the T7500 2.20 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache option too, but I don't want to wait too long to order this as the $400 discount will be filled up and void.
Anyway, thanks again for your help. Very much appreciated.
Best,
Bruce
PS Now I see in looking around the site more I would be very well served in posting to the "What Notebook Should I Buy?" thread which I'll do tomorrow. What a great site this is!

 

BTW, FWIW, I waited too long to purchase the HP dv9700t. The coupon used up its allotment and expired this morning before I had a chance to get it. A good lesson for me about how this works and one I'm sure most of you already know. Oh, well. Snooze you lose.

 

Well, couldn't one just change the motherboard to one that has the better gpu then? I know it is more spendy, but it can be done providing the chassis is the same... right?

 

If you did that wouldn't the ports on the sides line up differently though? Not like a desktop.

 

at that point it would be cheaper/more worth it to get a new laptop. And the motherboards aren't easy to install or come by.

 

that wasn't the question... the question is; Can It Be Done?

For an example, if I was to keep my notebook and I "could" swap out the motherboard for one with a dedicated gpu, I'd wait a few months and watch eBay for a "Parts" notebook. They come up there all the time and at a fair price.

 

What happened to the 1440 x 900 resolution option mentioned in the review?

 

Yeah...that's a good question. I ordered a 1525 last week with the 1440x900 screen but it disappeared yesterday on the Dell Canada site. I wonder if it's quality issues or if they ran out of stock and won't be expecting any for a while???

xdreamer2

 

Man, I'm jealous of those that got the 1440 x 900 screen in the eyeblink it was available for.

The system fills all my basic non-gaming needs except for that low low resolution.

 

Actually i just did an exact build of a hp dv6700t compared to the same specs of my dell inpiron 1525. and the hp dv6700t was 160 dollars more. my 1525 was $823 and the 6700t was $985. the only thing about the dv6700t that is better is the optional graphics card upgrade. but to the normal consumer they arent concerned with that. i think thats why dell sacraficed the graphics card to make the dell smaller and lighter. i can see why they made that change. im sure they want to push the xps for people that need those graphics. but overall im glad i went with the inspiron 1525 as opposed to the dv6700t. i will say this the dv6700t is a great computer. and both the 1525 and the dv6700t are ranked the top for all around computing use in my opinion.

 

I think 1525 has some problem with vertical viewing angle. Also back lighting isn't consistent when you see top to bottom. It's more visible when you set the desktop background as Black. Has anyone facing this problem?

 

If I already placed my order, and the order is in production status....would I still be able to call tech support and have dell contact the factory and upgrade to the 1440x900 resolution.

Im very disappointed that this spec was not listed as an option on the website, yet others were able to get it when calling. I heard sometimes dell resmoved specs from the website that are high in demand, but are still available if you call and order.

if they do not offer to upgrade, i wonder how the handle the customer service when you say you want to return your order.

 

I just ordered one and after the discounts and coupons got it for $699 with the 7250 Core Duo 2, 250gb HD , 2gb Ram, webcam etc I thought I got a prett ydecent laptop for the Price. I really wanted to buy one of the new Peryn Macbook's but basically its the same spec machine for almost double the price and I could'nt justify that.

 

I bought the lappy with T2330 CPU and 1440x900 Display. Everything is pretty much ok, linux works perfect with the hardware, BUT:

1. This touchpad is the most crappy pointing device I've ever seen. The
texture is just awful, no grip at all!

2. I have no idea why it gets sometimes loud. Normally it works at about 40-50 degree and even with closed lid and nothing running on it the fan gets sometimes loud enough to hear it. The kernel manages the cpu frequency perfectly so it stays at 800mhz when unused, but the fan remains running

Anyway, its not a bad computer, but they could have added a better touchpad.

 

it seems to me that this is more of a casual notebook that anyone could get. i think Dell was aiming for a "sweet spot" when it comes to price as it only costs 499, which i believe is cheaper than what the 1520 was. With so many "cheap" notebooks today that are aimed to be portable with good battery life, I think Dell made the 1525 in order to complement this demand. Especially with the covers and all. . .

 

I wish Dell would release a Vostro variant with an all-black chassis. That would look much cooler and professional than the silver scheme IMO.

 

I'm surprised spitz says the touchpad sucks.. I thought this was the new generation of touchpad integrated into teh palmrest casing. the new dell e series latitudes are supposed to come with dual input touchpads.. I guess that's like multitouch

 

I think the touchpad is the hottest part on the laptop.
With very, very dry fingers and cold touchpad it works ok.
But the grip is just not there.
Here I have Lenovo N200 and its touchpad is like sandpaper 100 and works better imho.

 

does anyone have pictures?

 

Yes, this laptop is some problematic in touchpad part. even the Touchpad is small.Buttons are uncomfortable some, as well. The bestway is carrying mouse or wireless mouse and leave touchpad.

 

Is the fan noise a big issue?

 

Well damn, I wish I read this review after I spent hours trying to contact dell and other manufacturers about how to upgrade the graphics card. <-- Gamer

Anybody got an idea if I can upgrade this things graphics card to NVidia since the current one sort of fails when I play online games?

If you can email me at [email protected] I'd appreciate it.

 

No, you can not.

 

Any suggestions on what I should do then since NVidia doesnt work? Maybe other drivers?

Or am I just, for lack for of a better word "screwed" -_-

*Edit: thought I should add the screwed question incase somebody gives me a vague reply that it cant be done but since Im not that computer literate I'd take that as theres a possibility and spend hrs finding it.

 

It's not software. You can't physically add anything else. No go. You need a new computer.

 

Ugh._. so I guess aside from changing the motherboard I'm screwed ._. Well thanks for responding youve been a big help. Usually I just get one of those ask other manufaturer response -_-. I'll call up dell and c if its possible to change the motherboard and repost it here incase somebody runs into the same problem I do and wants the only hopefully possible solution.

 

Yeah, you can't do that either...