The most recent iteration of the Dell Inspiron 15R-5520 ($599 list) offers the latest third-generation Intel processor, a newly designed chassis, and generally good performance for just under $600. This 15-inch desktop replacement laptop isn't loaded with features but it does provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and has a switchable lid. However, its battery life could be better and its shiny screen can be distracting.
Design
Like last year's model, the new Inspiron 15R-5520 is done up with a plastic lid and smooth rounded corners. Dell calls the finish "Moon Silver" but it looks more like a brushed black metal finish than anything else. A Dell logo sits squarely in the middle of the lid, and a band of metal trim envelops both the lid and the base. If you want to change it up a little you can remove the lid and replace it with a Fire Red, Lotus Pink, or Peacock Blue colored lid, available from Dell for $28.49 each.
The chassis measures 1.3 by 14.9 by 9.9 inches, similar to the Sony VAIO E15 (SVE15116FXS) , but at 6.05 pounds the Inspiron 15R-5520 is heavier than the Sony E15 by a little more than half a pound. The brushed metal keyboard deck is relatively smudge resistant and feels cool to the touch. It holds a chiclet-style keyboard with good-sized black keys that are responsive and offer just the right amount of flex without feeling mushy. You don't get a dedicated number pad on this model but you do get three Dashboard keys at the top of the deck. One key launches the Windows Mobility Center where you can change system settings, another opens the Dell Audio app where you can tweak audio settings, and the third is user programmable. The recessed touchpad matches the keyboard deck and provides plenty of room for accurate gesture control and the two oversized mouse buttons are whisper-quiet.
The Inspiron 15R-5520's 15.6-inch display has a 1,366-by-768 resolution and a glossy coating that will make you feel like you're staring into a mirror when the screen is dark or during scenes when there's a dark background. That said, the panel delivers a bright picture with vibrant colors and sharp image detail. It loses its luster when viewed from an angle, however; colors appear washed out when viewed from the side and the screen gets significantly darker if you tilt the panel too far backward.
Features
All four of the included USB ports are of the 3.0 kind, and one of them is a PowerShare port that allows you to charge USB devices while the system is turned off. Video outputs include HDMI and VGA ports, an Ethernet port, and headphone and microphones jacks. Wireless features include 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, and the optical drive is a tray loading DVD multi-drive.
Rounding out the feature set is a 500GB hard drive with Windows 7 Home Premium installed. Also installed is Dell Stage, an icon-driven interface that provides easy access to photos, videos, music, and Dell's DataSafe and Support Center utilities. There's a fair amount of bloatware installed as well, including trial versions of McAfee Security Center and Nero, an eBay link, and Windows Live Essentials. Dell covers the Inspiron 15R-5520 with a one-year warranty.
Performance
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 GPU performed as expected; it managed to churn out 24 frames per second (fps) on both our medium-quality (1,024-by-768) Lost Planet 2 DX9 and Crysis DX10 gaming tests, but it couldn't handle the high-quality settings at its native resolution (1,366-by-768).
The Inspiron 15R-5520 couldn't complete the MobileMark 2007 battery test so we used our anecdotal 10-hour DVD rundown test. It lasted 4 hours 29 minutes, but can't be directly compared to MobileMark scores.
The Dell Inspiron 15R-5520 is a capable desktop replacement laptop that delivers solid third-generation Core i5 power at a wallet-friendly price. It keeps pace with the competition performance-wise and is equipped with a generous selection of wireless options, but its shiny display and narrow viewing angles hold it back. If you require more storage and an extra 2GB of system memory, consider our Editors' Choice for budget laptops, the Sony VAIO E15 (SVE15116FXS). You'll have to part with an extra $150 though.
BENCHMARK TEST RESULTS:
COMPARISON TABLE
Compare the Dell Inspiron 15R-5520 with several other laptops side by side.
More laptop reviews:
??? 2go Convertible NL3 Classmate PC
??? Dell Inspiron 15R-5520
??? Vizio 14-inch Thin + Light (CT14-A2)
??? MSI GT70 0NE-276US
??? HP Envy 23-1050t
?? more
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/tXGQAOLtUZw/0,2817,2410183,00.asp
alicia silverstone park slope food coop anchorman sequel safety not guaranteed lifehouse al gore la dodgers
No comments:
Post a Comment