- Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
-
41 out of 44 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"A REVIEW FROM AN ACTUAL OWNER!!!!"
Pros: Small and light --- great screen and built in feature --- the keyboard it large enough for long term typing --- fast enough for any non gaming user.
Cons: Short battery life (with 3 cell battery)
Summary: First off: This review is written by someone who OWNS this computer, not by a nerd who spends his or her time ripping into things just because it's 4am, they can?t sleep, and they hate there life. Furthermore, computer selection is a personal thing. No one computer will be right for everyone, especially in the ultra compact market. But if you're tired of lugging around a monster computer when really all you need is a perfect compact laptop then the X1 is right for you.
The way technology is going you don't need a top of the line computer to run almost all applications. I am not a gamer and find it funny that people invest $3000+ dollars on computers that gets used for gaming. If you like videogames then get an xbox. If you need a computer for work and school then you don't need to get the latest video card or processor.
The 1.1 M processor has really impressed me. When I bought this computer I was worried that I was downgrading from a 1.6 Pentium 4 Sony, but all in all I think the X1 is faster. I opted to not buy the larger HD or extra ram because I am planning on upgrading the ram myself and using an external drive for at home storage that won't be needed on the road.
This is my first Dell and I am very impressed with the quality. The laptop feels really solid (not cheep like so many people say). The screen is nice and bright and the resolution makes it so there is lots of useable space. The keyboard is not small at all in my mind. Some laptops make important buttons (like tab and comma keys) ultra small for some reason. This is not the case with the X1 and I know I will have no problem writing for hours on this computer. But please note that I do not have monster hands.
The battery life isn't great. I stayed with the 3 cell battery because I didn't have extra cash to put into the machine right away. The six cell battery does bulge out the back of the machine but I have not tried it and don't really wish to comment about it.
One last thing I wish to talk about is the fact that Dell licensed the design of the X1 from Samsung. From the pictures I've seen the Samsung machine is far sexier with blue lights everywhere and a strong metal case. Some people have ******* about this calling Dell a bunch of silly names. Again I don't understand why people feel this is such a problem Dell has licensed the design to a great looking machine and has made it cost effective enough for the masses to buy. Plus, the Samsung model is not available in North America and costs over $1000 more for a very similar product.
I can say that if you?re in the market for an Ultra compact computer then this is a great option for you. It has all the most important features built into a strong and sleek little package. Plus for just $170 (CAN) I have a warranty that will protect my investment for the entire time I expect to be using the computer even from drops and spills.
Enjoy your purchase!
- 4 replies to this review
-
So you are assuming we are all nerds and your not. Mr Blue Balls is it? YOU ARE A NERD, who doesn't know how to be nice. By the tone of your "comment" I can tell right away your an as$H0le. I own 2, yes 2 X1's whoa, does that make me cooler than you? 2 X1's that are only good for using around the house or in the yard on the wireless. The X1's are so friggin slow. The screens are dim, The hard drives are slow, the processors are slow. I have both the 3 cell and the 6 cell batteries. The 6 cell batteries just prolong the torture of waiting for the laptop to do something. by the way there is no pcmcia slot so forget about using a broadband card like verizon's it won't fit. Some rocket scientist at Dell thought it would be fun to put a compact flash slot sorta like an AXIM handheld.
I did just buy a Latitude D420 with a core duo, integrated verizon wireless, fingerprint scanner, bluetooth, the works, now thats a ******* laptop. -
I have own a compaq, a toshiba (and it only lasted a year) and this was an emergency buy, because my toshiba start acting funny, when i was doing my thesis. I typed 250 pages, plus more than 50 tables, so i had to use word, excel,acrobat, and the internet, and all at the same time. I have a desktop, with a big screen and all that jazz, but i worked in this laptop so fine an comfortable, that i won't go back to other brands after owning this dell.And i had to travel a lot with the laptop, and with this was totally different, besides the fact at airport securities it is so easy not to be hungry and almost fainting of taking in an out a heavy laptop.
Yes the battery life is not great, but the weight is something my back appreciates (a lot!)
I don't use the laptop for gaming, and for the part of the heat, yes, is a con but i buy a lap desk, and besides of not getting the heat i prevent my laptop from sliding from my lap, and yes if you are planning to use internet and everything i will recommend to have the second battery. I think in the future i will buy one, but for now i'm not away from a place where i have electricity so i could charge the battery. -
Dell no longer making the brand new unit but they are still offering the X1 at Dell Outlet. Thanks for a detailed review. Just would like to know if you have any later problems with your notebook, any major services or repair? I bought a Duo core XPS M1210 with 9 cell battery and it is too heavy for me to carry it around. I plan to return it and exchange for something lighter. Any suggestions will be appreciate.
Sincerely,
Vu Tran -
I have 2 other laptops that I have been lugging around for 10 years (not at the same time) and when you are a one-finger typer like me, a full size keyboard is not necessary.
The speakers are suprisingly good and the screen, although not the 18" you have at home is clear, crisp and easy to view.
It is so light. No more heavy shoulder carry bags as you can "throw" this little marvel into your carry-on.
I did upgrade it a 2 MHz (I like speed), added an additional 512 MB Ram (1 gig total) and 80 GB HD. I do expect to edit some home video and rip it to DVD.
I did buy an extra battery as I do go places where I can't always plug into a wall socket and I like to watch movies because I sometimes have "unusal" waiting "experiences".
I also got XP Pro so I can network the machine with others.
Once you start to use the X1 you will completely forget about the smaller size. As a seasoned laptop carring pro, I can tell you, smaller is better.
If you "sweet talk" Dell they will give a nice price break making the deal really great.
Warm regards,
Gary
