Review - Dell Inspiron 1520 notebook computer

TIP-TOP LAPTOP: Dell's Inspiron 1520 packs in a lot of grunt, but you'll pay for it.

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The release of Dell's new Inspiron 1520 laptop computer based on Intel's new Santa Rosa processor platform is an update to the popular E1505 model which was released in 2006.

First off the bat you will find some nice enhancements to the look of the 1520 as opposed to the older E1505 as Dell looks to make the laptop more visually appealing to the consumer.

Dell now offer a choice of 8 case colours for customers who want something a little different - Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Sunshine Yellow, Ruby Red, Espresso Brown and even Flamingo Pink as well as the standard Jet Black and Alpine White.

The lid of the Inspiron 1520 is also coated in a touch-friendly rubber-like "Microsatin" finish.

One point to note about the chassis is that it is quite large when compared to other 15.4-inch notebooks. It also weighs 3.2kgs - quite heavy if you're lugging it around with you all day every day.

While the exterior of the laptop looks snazzy, I was a little bit disappointed when I opened the lid to find the same styling as the E1505 model.

Once I powered on the unit I was very impressed with the performance of the new Intel Santa Rosa platform.

Windows Vista Home Premium booted very quickly and even when I had multiple applications running as well as playing a DVD it handled everything I threw at it with aplomb.

Dell also offers a Blu-ray Disc Drive as a configuration option (unfortunately this was not included in my evaluation model).

I was blown away by the clarity of the UltraSharp Wide Screen display. Images were crystal clear and watching a movie on it was a pleasure.

The graphics card also performed admirably when gaming and it handled Vista's Aero Glass Desktop Theme comfortably.

One point to note is that the glossy screen option that the evaluation model came with was very difficult to view under bright lights or outside in direct sunlight.

Personally I'd go for the anti-glare finish, although you will sacrifice better contrast and colour if you go for the matte finish.

Dell's Travel Remote Control is a nice extra, allowing you to control Windows Media Centre content from the comfort of your armchair. It also slots neatly away in the card slot of the laptop when not in use.

The built in Intel Wireless-N adapter worked great, even when the laptop was some distance away from the wireless access point.

The Inspiron 1520 also included Dell's Wi-Fi Catcher Network Locator which allows you to search for available wireless signals even when the notebook is turned off, in hibernation or in standby mode.

All in all, the Dell Inspiron 1520 is a solid and powerful laptop computer with a plethora of bells and whistles.

Dell offers the Inspiron 1520 in various configuration options to suit your budget.

From $1749 at www.dell.co.nz

Hardware Details of the machine I reviewed:
Intel Core Duo 2 Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mb FSB/4MB Cache)
15.4" UltraSharp Wide Screen SXGA= (1680x1050) display with TrueLife
2GB (1GBx2) Dual-channel 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
160GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
NVIDIA GeForce Go 8600M GT with 256MB DDR2 dedicated graphic memory
DVD=/-RW Dual Layer DVD=R write capacity
9-cell 85WHr Li-Ion Battery
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN and 56K Modem
Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini Card
8-in-1 Memory Card Reader
VGA video output & S-Video
IEEE 1394 (Firewire) & 4 USB 2.0
Dell Travel Remote Control IR
Integrated 2MP Camera and Dual digital array microphones
Bluetooth 2.0/Consumer IR
Colour - Black

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