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31 out of 33 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Get this laptop, its awesome! I'll tell you why."
Pros: Everything about this system is great. Best laptop and best bang for my buck
Cons: I have no major gripes with this laptop. I would like the white trim to be black- much like the XPS Gen2
Summary: I am fully pleased with the Dell inspiron 9300. I had read many reviews for this system, asked user opinions, watched videos about this laptop and done any other kind of research that I needed to- all for about 6 months! I have dont a lot of homework and research to make sure that this was a good investment. I can tell you that it was the best choice that I have ever made! I actually have no basis of comparing my system to other laptops because this is my first one, but I can say that is has provided everything that I wanted in a laptop.
I bought this system with the following specs:
1.6Ghz processor
512 DDR2 RAM
Media Center Edition Windows XP
256 Nvidia GeForce Graphics card
Cd burner, DVD player
extra 9 cell battery
WUXGA+ Widescreen with TRUELIFE
I have also upgraded the RAM to 1.25Gigs of Ram (I took out one 256 RAM module and installed 1 GB in its place).
As I said, I found the right time to purchase this system and it cost me about 1500 dollars minus the RAM upgrade. With the upgrade, this system costs about 1650 with tax and shipping (installing the aftermarket RAM myself).
This system is super fast and can play games extremely well. (Especially because of the graphics card and RAM).
I have read about the complaints that people have had with the WUXGA+ w/ TRUELIFE display. They claim that it has "sparkles" and it is unbareable. I would like to say that I am FULLY PLEASED with the TRUELIFE display. The display is very bright, it plays games beautifully, my friends and I can view my screen even when they are sitting to the side, and best of all...the screen has little to no glare at all when I am using the computer! (with the exception that you may see the window in a dark room- which can be easily changed if you move the screen so the window or light source is outside of your view). This screen only has a small relfection when it is OFF or when completely black and in a room with a light source. It has NO reflection when I am using an application or program, or simply idling. Something that I cannot say for other brands so-called "Ultrabright" or whatever their gimmic is. Honestly, Dell has the best TRUELIFE display over any competitor. I was scetchy about whether the glare was going to be a nusance and would inhibit my gameplaying or viewing, but that is completely untrue. I enjoy it greatly and I dont regret getting TRUELIFE one bit. (I would say not to worry about TRUELIFE if all screens that Dell supplies with the system are the same as mine- you may want to confirm with dell that you will get the best version of TRUELIFE if there are different versions- I know this one is great so it is possible to get a great screen).
I like media center very much. I would say that you should get it if you like to view movies, pictures, or other files in a great setup environment and with ease of access- all in one place. Its great so that you dont have to open different windows to get to files to show friends and family. You can also use media center to watch tv and pause live tv- kinda like tivo.
I dont know what the difference between the graphics cards is, but I got the 256 Nvidia GeForce instead of the 128 or 64 Radeon simply because I wanted the best available to play the latest games. The GeForce also rates extremely high with the top of the line graphics cards in comparison with Frames per second, processing speed, (with and without AA) Its a great graphics card and I dont regret getting it either.
This laptop is great. I heard how it was going to be heavy and bulky, but that is just not the case. Although it is a 17 screen, I have NO complaints with the size, its perfect. It makes 15 inch screens seem too small to me now. The laptop weights about 8lbs, but honestly, it is not heavy at all (considering how it runs and what it has under its hood). I would take it anywhere, no problem. I plan to take it to Europe and I still have no regrets.
The fans are constantly on so it runs VERY cool. It doesnt even get hot at all. The fans are quiet and I barely notice them. They NEVER get loud, just constant quietness- its great.
As I said before, my complaints are minimal. All I gripe about is the design. I would rather the system have the black trim instead of the white (just like the XPS Gen2) I think it would look much better in black and silver. You should see if Dell will consider changing cases if you order one, its worth a shot.
The speakers are fantastic. The sub does a good job giving it lower sounds, but for being so small, it cant really do too much. It is great for its size, an added bonus.
My friend has an Powerbook G4 and I noticed that his Harddrive would speed up and make all of this noise (like it was revving its engine). I have NEVER heard my harddrive (80Gig 5400RPM) make a peep. I can barely hear it, if at all. NEVER revs up on me.
The cover is extremely sturdy. When I lift the screen from one corner, there is no flex at all. If feels very sturdy and strong.
The key board is fine for me, some wish that it had an added number pad, I really dont care because it has a virtual number pad on the keyboard if you need it.
The keys are fine to me. Some have said the keys were a little loud, (which is true) but it doesnt bother me that much. I definately dont want to sit at the front of class while the teacher is talking though! They arent as quiet as other keyboards that I have heard.
The mouse buttons are a little "clunky" too. They are somewhat loud when you push them. I dont care about this, but they arent exactly quiet enough.
The touch scroll for the mouse is somewhat touchy, but with a little adjustment and some getting used to, its fine to me.
Great system altogether, and I HIGHLY recommend it to students, gamers (I play games on it occationally, but it seems to do well at any time), possibly fulltime gamers on a budget (its gets most bang for the buck), business, travel can be done if gaming or movie viewing is a priority, and for a desktop replacement for sure.
Just a great system altogether and dont forget, its a Dell and backed by a great company with great products.
My first laptop, my first dell product, and I do not regret either.
- 2 replies to this review
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I own one of these laptops. If you own one or are thinking of buying one, you should Google "Dell vertical lines".
These LCD screens fail predictably. Owners inside the United States have not been able to convince Dell they are defective as of January 2007. Owners of out of warranty models in Canada and Europe have been successful in getting replacements.
Good luck. -
fyi u can buy a skin for it
