by Dell
(6)Buy new:
14 used & new from $495.55
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Product Images
Review & Description
Meet the Inspiron 15R - a 15.6" laptop computer for your everyday needs. With an attractive, stylish design and mobile technology, this laptop features everything you want for everyday computing. The Inspiron 15R offers a modern black palmrest. Not to mention Intel Pentium Dual Core processors, a Dell Dock and optional facial recognition software, all at a value within reach.
Wrapped in curvy edges and smooth lines, the Dell Inspiron 15R in mars black (model i15R-1570MRB) seamlessly travels by your side without getting in your way. It features a 15.6-inch high-definition display and it weighs less than 6 pounds--perfect for taking along on your commute. The full-size, ergonomically designed keyboard (with 10-key pad) gives your fingers plenty of space to stretch out and get comfortable, and youll also appreciate the brushed metal appearance of the smudge-proof palm rest.
Burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i3 processor--with 4-way multitasking processor power to work on four tasks simultaneously.
Stay connected wherever you roam with the built-in, ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, and chat up family and friends with the integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam. Other features include SRS Premium Sound for an excellent stereo surround soundstage, and a touchpad with integrated scrolling and gestures makes using the laptop more intuitive and simple to use.
This Dell notebook comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version). Youll also experience new ways to deliver your best work with Office Starter 2010.
Specifications
- 15.6-inch high-definition LCD with 1366 x 768-pixel resolution for native HD 720p display. It also provides TrueLife high-gloss/anti-reflective technology, which features a sharp contrast finish thats well suited to immersive 3D games and watching videos.
- 2.53 GHz Intel Core i3-380M dual-core processor for a fast, responsive PC experience (3 MB L3 cache). Intels Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking.
- 640 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
- 4 GB installed RAM (DDR3, 1333 MHz)
- Intel HD Graphics for an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and excellent 3D capabilities with support for Microsoft DirectX 10 games--an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.
- 8x multi-format DVD drive supports reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
- Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks (plus backwards compatibility with older wireless routers).
- Built-in stereo speakers with 4 watts of total power (2 x 2W)
- SRS Premium Sound enhancement for a rich audio experience
- 1.3-megapixel webcam
Connect the 15R to a compatible HDTV or monitor via the HDMI port (see larger image).
The Dell Inspiron 15R includes a combo USB/eSATA port for ultra-high speed data transfers to compatible external hard drives (see larger image).- Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
- Preloaded with the Microsoft Office Starter 2010 free software offering with selected functionality of Word and Excel for your text and spreadsheet tasks. Plus, if you decide you want the full suite, just purchase a product key to activate an ad-free version that also includes the latest Outlook, PowerPoint, and Publisher programs.
- Dell DataSafe Online optional online backup service (additional charges applicable) offers data protection by enabling you to back up data to a safe, remote storage site using a broadband connection. Dell DataSafe Online is designed to be easy, flexible and secure. After setup, it will automatically back up data and help protect against software, hardware and catastrophic failure.
- 6-cell battery
- Measures 14.8 x 10.31 x 1.34 inches (WxDxH)
- Weighs 5.83 pounds
- Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty; 24/7 phone support
Connectivity & Expansion
- 2 standard USB 2.0 ports
- 1 eSATA/USB combo port that enables you to connect to compatible external hard drives for lightning fast transfers of large multimedia files--up to 5 times faster than via a standard USB port.
- HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable.
- Additional video output: 1 VGA
- Fast Ethernet (10/100)
- Multi-format memory card reader including compatibility with Secure Digital (SD), Hi-Capacity Secure Digital (SDHC), Hi-Density Secure Digital (SDHD), Multi Media Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS Pro), and xD Picture Card (xD)
- 1 headphone, 1 microphone
Whats in the Box
This package contains the Dell Inspiron i15R-1570MRB notebook PC, AC adapter, rechargeable battery, and printed documentation.
Included Software
McAfee SecurityCenter with Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Firewall (30 day trial); Microsoft Office Starter 2010 (reduced-functionality Word and Excel with ads with no PowerPoint or Outlook, it is not a trial or a subscription)
The centrally located, easy-to-use Dell Support Center application offers provides personalized support resources. Conveniently located on your PCs desktop with quick links to service, support and system resources. Youll be able to keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently through automated fixes for common configuration issues.
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
The Best Entertainment Experience On Your PC
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, and rewind TV or record it to watch whenever and wherever you want. For the best entertainment experience, choose a PC with Windows 7.
Peek behind open windows to get a quick look at your desktop (see larger image).Windows 7: Your PC Simplified
Simplifies everyday tasks, works the way you want, and makes new things possible.
- Improved desktop navigation features like Snap, Peek, and Shake, make it easier to manage all of your open windows.
- Creating a home network has never been easier. You can even share files and printers with all the PCs with Windows 7 on the network.
- Find virtually anything on your PC--from documents to songs to email--just by typing a word or two with Windows Search.
- Designed to make your PC sleep and resume quicker.
- Watch, pause, rewind and record TV with Windows Media Center to watch whenever and where ever you want*.
Create, Connect and Share with Windows Live
Windows 7 and Windows Live bring it all together for free. Get the free set of programs that make it simple to create and share amazing photos and movies, organize mail, and stay connected with your closest friends.
- Get 25 GB of free online storage with Windows Live SkyDrive.
- Sync files on your PCs automatically with Windows Live Mesh.
- Share photos during video chats with Windows Live**
- Easily edit photos and combine the best parts of multiple photos into one perfect photo with Photo Fuse.
Windows Live is available for free at download.live.com.
Complete your PC Experience with Microsoft Office 2010
- Microsoft Office Starter 2010 includes reduced functionality versions of Microsoft Word and Excel with advertising. (Note that PowerPoint or Outlook are not included.)
- Purchase Office 2010 today and get the most out of your new PC.
Read More..* Additional hardware may be required. Not available in all countries. (See windows.microsoft.com/products/windows-7/system-requirements/ for more information.)
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** Requires a compatible microphone, speakers or headset, webcam, and broadband connection.Find Low Prices
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Dell Laptops Inspiron R
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SpecificationsProcessor Intel CoreTM i5 2410M
Speed : 2.3GHz
Cache : 3MBMemory 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Display 15.6" Display System Graphics 1024MB NVIDIA GeForce GT525M Hard Disk Drive 640GB SATA HDD 5400RPM Optical Drive Blu-ray Disc Combo Drive Web Cam 
Wi-Fi Bluetooth Dimensions 13.50" (W) x 1.20" (H) x 9.68" (D) Weight 4.89 lbs Power 48 WHr I/O Ports USB 3.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0 with E-SATA
HDMI v1.4 Port
VGA Port
LAN Port
AC adapter connector
Audio jacksNetwork Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030
Intel Centrino Wireless-N + WiMAX 6150Sound SRS Premium Sound Battery 6-Cell Lithium-Ion Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Dell Latitude E6500 Specifications
Dell Latitude E6500 SpecificationsRead More..
Display
Diagonal Size : 15.4"
Max Resolution : WUXGA (1920x1200)
Technology : UltraSharpTM Display with High Brightness
Diagonal Size : 15.4"
Max Resolution : WXGA+ (1440x900)
Technology : LED Display
Diagonal Size : 15.4"
Max Resolution : WXGA (1280x800)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® Quadro® NVS 160M5 256MB DDR3
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Processor
Type : Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor
Chipset
Intel® 45 Express Chipset
Memory
Dual Channel DDR2 Memory
Total slots : 2
Max : 8GB
Bandwidth: 800MHz
Hard Drive
Up to 250GB 7200rpm Fall Sensor
Up to 160GB 7200rpm Encrypted Hard Drive with Fall Sensor
Up to 120GB 5400rpm Encrypted Hard Drive
Up to 250GB 5400rpm
Solid State Drive
Up to 128GB
Optical Drive
DVD-ROM
CD-RW/DVD
DVD+/-RW
Mobile Broadband
Dell Wireless 5720 (EvDO & GPS) Mini Card
Dell Wireless 5530 (Tri-band HSDPA 7.2/HSUPA 2.0 & GPS) Mini Card
Communication
Modem : 56K v924 Internal Modem (optional)
LAN : 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
WLAN :
Dell Wireless 1397 (802.11g)
Dell Wireless 1510 (802.11 a/g/n 2x2)
Intel® WiFi Link 5100 [802.11a/g/n (1x2)]
Intel WiFi Link 5300 [802.11a/g/n (3x3)]
Bluetooth :
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth® 2.1 (optional)
Dell Wireless 410 Bluetooth® 2.1 with UWB (optional)
Audio
2 speakers
Digital microphone (optional)
Interface
1 x IEEE - 1394
1 x Docking connector
4 x USB 2.0
1 x VGA
1 x Display Port
1 x RJ-11 (optional)
1 x RJ-45
1 x eSATA
1 x USB PowerShare
1 x headphone/speaker out
1 x mic
Slots
Card Reader : 5-in-1 card reader
ExpressCard 54
PCMCIA
Smart Card Reader
Contactless Smart Card Reader
Camera
Integrated webcam (optional)
Power
Battery :
4-cell extended life
6-cell extended life
9-cell extended life
84Whr high capacity (optional)
AC Adapter : 90W with cord wrapping
Security
Steel-reinforced Cable Lock Slots
Media Module and Hard Drive Locks
Fingerprint Reader OR FIPS Fingerprint Reader (optional)
TPM 1.2
Encrypted Hard Drive provides full disk encryption (optional)
ControlVault – secure credential management within a trusted boundary
802.11 Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
802.11i (WPA2)
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) 802.1x with EAP modes and compatible with CCX 4.0
Operating System
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 32-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate 32-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Genuine Windows Vista® Business
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
Dimensions and Weight
Width : 358 mm (14.1")
Depth : 257 mm (10.1")
Weight : Starting at: 2.3 kg (5.2 lbs)Dell Latitude E6500
Monday, July 28, 2014
Dell Vostro 3750 Specs 17 3” Business Laptop
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Dell Vostro 3750 notebook is designed for small business. The big 17.3” LED anti-glare display has a resolution of 1600 x 900. The Vostro’s switchable graphics boosts graphics perforamnce. Vostro 3750 laptops use a high-performance NVidia video card for graphics-intensive tasks. When it detects that you require less power, it automatically switches the visually smart Intel integrated HD graphics. This laptop offers up to 6GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333 Mhz memory and up to 500 GB 7200 rpm SATA HDD. It features Blu-Ray combo, 8-in-1 card reader, 34 mm ExpressCard slot, HDMI , 15-pin VGA port, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, one USB 2.0/eSATA combo port, and array microphones. The spill-resistant keyboard can guard against minor liquid spills. Vostro 3750 is available in three colors : Lucerne Red, Brisbane Bronze and Aberdeen Silver.
Dell Vostro 3750 Specs
Display
Diagonal Size : 17.3”
Resolution : 1600 x 900 (HD+)
Technology : LED anti-glare display
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT525M with 1024 MB dedicated graphics memory
Integrated Intel® 3000 Graphics Media Accelerator
Processor
Type : Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM quad-core processor
Speed : 2.0 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
Cache : 6 MB L3
Type : Intel® Core™ i5-2410M dual-core processor
Speed : 2.3 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
Cache : 3 MB L3
Type : Intel® Core™ i3-2310M dual-core processor
Speed : 2.1 GHz
Cache : 3 MB L3
Chipset
Mobile Intel® HM67 Express Chipset
Memory
Up to 6GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333Mhz SDRAM
2 DIMMS slots
Storage
Up to 500GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
Optical Drive
Tray load:
8x DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R write capability
Blu-Ray combo
Inputs and Controls
Full size, spill-resistant keyboard with numeric keypad
Optional backlit keyboard with numeric keypad
Standard Gesture Multi-Touchpad
Audio
Array microphones
Interface
1 x USB 2.0
2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 2.0/eSATA combo
1 x Network connector (RJ45)
1 x Headphone/speaker out
1 x Microphone jack
1 x HDMI connector
1 x 15-pin VGA video connector
Slots
Card Reader : 8-in-1 card reader
34 mm ExpressCard
Camera
Integrated FHD camera
Dell webcam
Power
Battery :
6-cell Li-Ion
9-cell Li-Ion (Optional)
AC Adapter :
90W Slim AC Adapter
65W and 90W Slim Auto/Air/AC Travel Adapter (optional, available in selected countries)
65W Slim AC Adapter
Security
Fingerprint Reader and 250 GB Encrypted HDD with Wave Software
Fingerprint Reader with DigitalPersona® Software
Absolute Data Protect (LoJack Starter) (US only)
McAfee Security Center
Cable lock chassis security slot and padlock
Dimensions and Weight
Width : 418.4 mm (16.47”)
Depth : 286.7 mm (11.29”)
Height : 30.8 – 34.8 mm (1.21 - 1.37”)
Weight : starting at 3.0 kg (6.62 lbs)
Operating System
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Color
Aberdeen Silver
Lucerne Red
Brisbane Bronze
Dell Vostro 3750 Gallery
The different types of dell laptops are
Read More..1. Ultraportables:Laptops have screens typically less than 12 inches diagonally and weigh less than 1.7kg. Their primary audience is usually business travelers who need small, lightweight laptops. Ultraportables are often very expensive and house power-saving CPUs and almost always have integrated graphics.
2. Thin-and-lights:These are the Laptops which weigh between 1.8kg and 2.8kg with a screen size of 12 or 14 inches diagonally.
3. Medium-sized laptops:These are usually having screens of 15 - 15.4 inches diagonally and weigh around 3-3.5kg.
4. Desktop replacement computers:These are powerful laptops mainly used in a fixed location and infrequently carried out due to there weight and size. They provide more space for powerful components and a big screen - usually measuring 15 inches or more for desktop replacements and often have limited battery life due to their hardware, rarely exceeding three hours.
Dell manufactures its products close to the customers. The assembling of desktop computers for the North American market takes place at Dell Laptops plants in Austin, Texas and in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with servers built in Nashville, Tennessee. Dell, Inc. assembles computers for Europe in Limerick City, Ireland. The major competitors of Dell are Apple, Hewlett-Packard/Compaq, Packard Bell, Sun Microsystems, Gateway/Emachines, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba, and MDG Computers in Canada. Enthusiast market competition takes place with Alienware, now which is a Dell’s division- Falcon Northwest, Voodoo PC, WidowPC, Sin Systems Inc. and other manufacturers. By August 2003, Dell Laptops lowered their product prices by 22% in an attempt to generate more sales; however this disappointed shareholders, sending it shares down by 2% in late Wall-Street trading, amid fears of a sector-wide slump.
Dell Latitude E6220 Specs
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Dell Latitude E6220 offers ultramobility with its sleek and lightweight 12.5-inch HD LED display. This laptop uses Intel HD Graphics 3000. E6220 provides go-anywhere productivity, confident security and efficient manageability in a durable design. Dell Latitude E6220 has a choice of Intel Core i7-2620M, i5-2540M, or i5-2520M processor. The memory supports up to 8 GB DDR3. For storage it offers up to 256 GB Solid State hard drive, up to 320 GB 7200 rpm hard drive, and up to 250 GB 5400 rpm hard drive. The Dell Fast Response Free-Fall Sensor and StrikeZone™ protect data from unexpected mishaps. This laptop computer has Mobile Intel® QM67 Express Chipset, an optical drive, Gigabit ethernet LAN, Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth 3.0, a VGA port, an HDMI port, three USB 2.0 ports, card reader, and 34mm express card slot.
Dell Latitude E6220 Specs
Display
Diagonal Size : 12.5”
Resolution : 1366 x 768 (HD)
Anti-Glare LED display
Graphics Card
Intel® HD Graphics 3000
Processor
Type : Intel® Core™ i7-2620M dual-core processor
Speed : 2.7 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz
Cache : 4 MB L3
Type : Intel® Core™ i5-2540M dual-core processor
Speed : 2.6 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz
Cache : 3 MB L3
Type : Intel® Core™ i5-2520M dual-core processor
Speed : 2.5 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.2 GHz
Cache : 3 MB L3
Type : Intel® CoreTM i3-2310M dual-core processor
Speed : 2.1 GHz
Cache : 3 MB L3
Chipset
Mobile Intel® QM67 Express Chipset
Memory
Up to 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1333 Mhz
2 DIMMS slots
Storage
Up to 256 GB SSD
Up to 250 GB 5400 rpm hard drive
Up to 320 GB 7200 rpm hard drive
Optical Drive
DVD-ROM or DVD+/-RW via E-Modular Bay II
Communication
LAN : 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
WLAN & WiMAX :
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6205
Intel® Centrino® Advanced -N + WiMAX 625013
Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300
Dell Wireless 1501 (802.11 b/g/n 1x1)
Dell Wireless 1530 (802.11 a/g/n 2x2)
Mobile Broadband & GPS options :
Dell Wireless™ 5630 Multi-mode HSPA-EVDO Mini Card (Gobi™ 3000) with A-GPS
Dell Wireless™ 5550 Single-mode HSPA Mini Card with A-GPS
Bluetooth : Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth® 3.0
Inputs and Controls
Single Pointing Keyboard
Backlit keyboard (optional)
Multi-touch Touchpad
Audio
High Quality Speakers
Integrated Noise reducing array microphone
Stereo headphone/Microphone combo jack
Integrated HD video webcam and Dell Webcam Central software (optional)
Interface
3 x USB 2.0
1 x Network connector (RJ-45)
1 x Stereo headphone/microphone combo jack
1 x USB/eSATA combo
1 x HDMI
1 x Docking Connector
1 x VGA
Slots
Card Reader : yes
1 Full and 2 Half Mini Card Slots
34 mm Express Card
SmartCard Reader
Optional Contactless SmartCard Reader
Camera
Built-in webcam
Power
Battery :
3-cell Li-Ion 30 Wh with ExpressCharge™
6-cell Li-Ion 60 Wh with ExpressCharge™6
6-cell Li-Ion 58 Wh 3-year Warranty battery
9-cell Li-Ion 97 Wh Extended battery slice
AC Adapter :
65W or 90W AC Adapter
90W Auto / Air DC adapter (optional)
Security
Optional Fingerprint Reader
TPM 1.2
Dimensions and Weight
Width : 309 mm (12.2”)
Depth : 226 mm (8.9”)
Height : 24.7 mm (0.97”)
Weight : Starting at 1.44 kg (3.15 lbs)
Operating System
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 32-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium64-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 32-bit
Genuine Windows® 7 Ultimate 32-bitDell Latitude E6220
Friday, July 11, 2014
Dell Inspiron 1011 Netbook Laptop Manual
Read More..You can download Dell Inspiron 1011 Netbook laptop manual free. Follow the link below to download the user manual, otherwise known as repair manual for the laptop or technical guide for Dell Inspiron 1011 Netbook laptop or PDF manual.
If you have found problems to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 1011 Netbook laptop, feel free to email us and we will try to send you a working link to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 1011 Netbook laptop as soon as posible.
Download Link For Dell Inspiron 1011 Netbook Laptop Manual
Dell Inspiron B120 Laptop Manual
Read More..The Dell Inspiron B120 notebook is a great standard notebook that is best for official work and comes with some great credentials. The Dell Inspiron B120 notebook manual comes in a PDF format, which has all the information you need on the notebook.
If you have found problems to download the manual for Dell Inspiron B120 laptop, feel free to email us and we will try to send you a working link to download the manual for Dell Inspiron B120 laptop as soon as posible.
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Dell Inspiron 1546 Laptop Manual
Read More..The technical manual for Dell Inspiron 1546 is otherwise known as repair or service manual for netbook. Either you are searching for a repair or service manual, try our links below.
If you have found problems to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 1546 laptop, feel free to email us and we will try to send you a working link to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 1546 laptop as soon as posible.
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Thursday, July 10, 2014
Dell Inspiron 1521 Laptop Manual
Read More..You can download Dell Inspiron 1521 laptop manual free. Follow the link below to download the user manual, otherwise known as repair manual for the laptop or technical guide for Dell Inspiron 1521 laptop or PDF manual.
If you have found problems to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 1521 laptop, feel free to email us and we will try to send you a working link to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 1521 laptop as soon as posible.
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Dell Inspiron 2650 Laptop Manual
Read More..The Dell Inspiron 2650 laptop manual covers all the technical areas of the laptop. Find easy instructions to understand all the specs of the laptop. Whether you need to repair or even do a service. You will find easy to understand tips on the Dell Inspiron 2650 laptop with diagrams and explanation.
If you have found problems to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 2650 laptop, feel free to email us and we will try to send you a working link to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 2650 laptop as soon as posible.
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Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Dell Inspiron 640M E1405 Laptop Manual
Read More..Having problems with your Dell Inspiron 640M/E1405 laptop with missing manuals. You can now get all your technical problems sorted for Dell Inspiron 640M/E1405 laptop by following our links.
If you have found problems to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 640M/E1405 laptop, feel free to email us and we will try to send you a working link to download the manual for Dell Inspiron 640M/E1405 laptop as soon as posible.
Download Link For Dell Inspiron 640M/E1405 Laptop Manual
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Dell XPS 14 Review
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Introduction
Dell is up there as one of the top personal home computers sold in America. This was not always the case, as they beganas company producing desktops for corporations. In 1993, they introduced a line of high end consumer computers named XPS for Xtreme Performance System. It was seen as a very high performing machine that set a new standard in personal computing. The next milestone for XPS came in 2005 when revamped its lineup introducing gaming focused computers that competed directly with extreme high end systems such as Alienware and Falcon Northwest. The other companies typically offered more customization in areas such as lights, fans, and paint jobs. On the otherhand, the Dell XPS line was noticeably less expensive than the rest of the field due to Dell’s superiority in mass producing and shipping. After acquiring Alienware, Dell decided to scale back the XPS line so to not have two direct competing lines of computers. The time of “The XPS” was over. Just like how Porsche stopped making the Cayenne with a V8 and switched to a less powerful V6 in 2006, the XPS stopped being produced with the top of the line specs. Gone are the days of the red pain jobs, liquid cooling, and LED lighting.
Specs
14 inch
NVIDIA GT 420m-higher middle end games
DVD burner
Intel i5 M 460 2.53 GHz
4 GB RAM
Bluetooth
500 GB harddrive
Outside
Welcome to the new XPS. The aluminum front cover and bottom covers in combination with a black plastic casing around the edges is just kind of…unexciting. The acronym represents Xtreme Product System, yet there really isn’t anything extreme about the exterior. I’m not saying this a bad thing, it can actually be a very good thing if you are looking to carry around a powerful computer and not show it off. The XPS of a few years ago for example, would have glowing red LEDS on the outside to show everyone around what you were packing.
Oddly, the back of the computer sticks out about an inch. A majority of the ports rest on this “bar”. The bar is pretty sleak and fits in with the rest of the machine, but obviously the computer would be more compact if these parts were built in. I do notice when carrying it, that I it puts less hand pressure on the screen than say, carrying a computer with out that back part jutting out. Another odd feature is that instead of having LED signal lights on the front, there sits just two on the bar. This way the guy sitting in front of you will know that your battery and hard drive are operating properly. This doesn’t really matter, I don’t think these lights are useful anyway. What is on the bar though is a little lightup XPS logo.
From the front view it is actually surprisingly sleek. It has no slots or ports on the front, a rareity for PCs. The right side begins with an optical dirve (DVD burner or BlueRay Drive) and SD card slot in the same color as the aluminum casing. Then clad in black is the eSata and Ethernet port. Working my around the back, there is a group of ports immediately around the corner, and then a USB port and kensignton lock slot on the far end. The first group of ports includes HDMI, mini Display, and the power. The port placement is not the best on these sides. The Ethernet slot is in the perfect place. For whatever reason, it is just perfect. Does that really matter though? Who really uses ethernet that often these days anyway? College kids, that’s who. I’ll get to that later.
I don’t really understand why Dell decided to go with the mini Display port, over the full size one. Especially since most of their machines use the full size display port. The only company I know of that consistenly uses mini display, is Apple. It could just be a trend, or this will just make cord finding a little more difficult. The HDMI location makes perfect sense, the right corner on the back. What I don’t understand is the power port. It doesn’t line up with anything, it is just the third port on the bak. When you think about it, it is the most often used cord, so it shoudl probably be in a more convienent location, that is easily found. They could the Mac route with it being the port farthest to the back, or the Lenovo route with it being on the back in a corner. Instead, it is in an ambiguous spot that you kind of have to tilt the computer forward to find it each time you want to plug it in.
Also, I don’t understand why there is a USB port on the back, and the eSata port is on the side. eSata ports go directly to the motherboard, and when using to plug in an external harddrive, it is just as quick as having an internal drive. These external drives typically need a second power source, so these are the larger ones that plug into the wall; these are not drives you want to be lugging around. This port is really only going to be used when at a desk, so easy side access is really not necessary. While it can also act as a USB port, this really should be on back and a normal USB cord on the side(plug in an Ipod on that side with an external drive in the back).
The left side of the XPS just makes more sense than the back or right. Then again, it really would be hard to screw this up. It has a USB port towards the back, then the mic in, the S/P Dif port that also acts as a headphone port , and the normal headphone port. S/P Dif is the same size as the headphone jack, which is why it can also act as a headphone jack. It is actually a high performance audio out jack usefull for home theatre systems when plugging this into a TV via HDMI. Towards the front sits a large vent, I have not felt much heat coming from it, and it is pretty quiet.
Inside
Opening up the screen reveals that, like the outside, is much more conservative than in the past. The keyboard is perfectly rectangular, with the only non neccessary addition is the MaxAudio bar that has three buttons, each opening up its own menu of settings. The first one on the left opens Windows mobility center. Here you can see and control battery life, volume, brightness, other displays, keyboard backlight, bluetooth, wireless. The two most unique and useful features are the instant launch button, and the function key row. The instant launch button is the middle key next to the windows mobility center key. This is basically a function or custom button; you can have it do anything from open a certain program, open the optical drive, or put the computer to sleep.
The function key row selector is a very useful and unique ability of this computer. Most PCs are restricted to having to use the the function key in tandem with using a media control on the F-keys, or something like screen brightness. Macs on the otherhand are the opposite. Pressing play/pause does not require the function key, but using the F-keys does. Many games, especially online based ones, use the F keys for hotkeys or other features; having to use the function key everytime would be annoying. Multimedia enthusiasts on the otherhand would be happier to use the play/pause without using the function key. The XPS is targeted not only towards gamers, but multimedia buffs, so this feature is very useful, especially for someone who likes to do both and have the option to change it.
The trackpad is slightly off centered to the left. I really think it should be dead center, but it doesn’t really matter. The built in backlit keyboard is fantastic. It is not automatic as the Apple computers are, but it does have two levels of brightness that shares the F6 key. Making it not automatic is actually kind of nice in a way, that way there is no flickering of it on and off as there is on my Mac when it is not sure if it should be on or not. Will the backlit keyboard be most often used on a dimly lit airplane? More likely to be used in dark room jammed with gamers at an LAN party when using plugged into TV while watching a movie through the BlueRay player.
Recommendation
While the XPS line used to be the top of the line for gaming, this is no longer the case. Even loaded with the most expensive upgrades from Dell, the XPS cannot run todays games at the highest detail settings with playable frame rates, let alone tomorrows games. Even as an average level gaming computer, this is still a powerful machine. It is very well rounded in terms of what it can accomplish with games, multimedia, and processing demanding tasks. While a Macbook is an obvious choice for someone looking for purely a multimedia machine, the XPS not only sounds better, it also packs a much more powerful processer and graphics card. On the gaming side, something like the Alienware line is much better. When carrying around an Alienware machine though, you stick out like a sore thumb, and everyone will know you are into gaming.
In the end, the XPS falls somewhere in between Mac like multimedia with it’s Mac dock like feature, and an entry level gaming system. With the XPS you can game when you want, blast tunes from the fantastic speakers, and then walk into your internship, meeting, or classroom with it and not be judged like you would carrying in an Alienware notebook. I’m not bashing Alienware by any means, but anyone carrying one is immediately pinned as a gamer. If you want to keep your recreational and business/academic lives separate while using the same machine, the XPS may be the answer. This could be the perfect computer for college students, businessman, or really anyone who needs a normal conservative looking machine but enjoys a little gaming on the side.
Photo courtesy of Dell.comSubscribe to: Posts (Atom)