The
Inspiron 1525 is a notebook computer designed and distributed by
DellDell, Inc. develops, manufactures, sells, and supports personal computers and other computer-related products. Based in Round Rock, Texas, Dell employs more than 76,500 people worldwide ....
as part of their
InspironDell's Inspiron computer product line started as a range of laptop computers targeted at the entry-level, budget, and mainstream consumer market, with some earlier models targeted at the high-end consumer market. The first Inspiron laptop, the Inspiron 7000 was released in 1998, used a Mobile...
range. There is also an AMD variant known as the Inspiron 1526. The laptop is the successor to the Inspiron 1520, and was released in
January, 2008January 2008 was the first month of the year. It began on a Tuesday and ended after 31 days on a Thursday.-International holidays:* January 1 - New Year's Day* January 1 - Independence Day * January 7 - Christmas...
. This computer is available to purchase on the Dell website, where it can be customised to the user's specification.
On June 26, 2008, this laptop was followed with the release of the Inspiron 1535, otherwise known as the
Dell Studio LaptopDell's Studio brand is a range of laptops and desktops targeted at the mainstream consumer market. They differ from Dell's lower-end Inspiron models by offering slot-loading optical drives, media keys, more cover design options, faster processor options, HDMI and eSATA ports, LED-backlit screens,...
.
The
Inspiron 1525 is a notebook computer designed and distributed by
DellDell, Inc. develops, manufactures, sells, and supports personal computers and other computer-related products. Based in Round Rock, Texas, Dell employs more than 76,500 people worldwide ....
as part of their
InspironDell's Inspiron computer product line started as a range of laptop computers targeted at the entry-level, budget, and mainstream consumer market, with some earlier models targeted at the high-end consumer market. The first Inspiron laptop, the Inspiron 7000 was released in 1998, used a Mobile...
range. There is also an AMD variant known as the Inspiron 1526. The laptop is the successor to the Inspiron 1520, and was released in
January, 2008January 2008 was the first month of the year. It began on a Tuesday and ended after 31 days on a Thursday.-International holidays:* January 1 - New Year's Day* January 1 - Independence Day * January 7 - Christmas...
. This computer is available to purchase on the Dell website, where it can be customised to the user's specification.
On June 26, 2008, this laptop was followed with the release of the Inspiron 1535, otherwise known as the
Dell Studio LaptopDell's Studio brand is a range of laptops and desktops targeted at the mainstream consumer market. They differ from Dell's lower-end Inspiron models by offering slot-loading optical drives, media keys, more cover design options, faster processor options, HDMI and eSATA ports, LED-backlit screens,...
. On January 6, 2009, the Inspiron 1525 was superseded by the Inspiron 1545, which gives mostly higher-end configuration options at a lower starting price, but lacks features such as the HDMI port, LED indicator lights and dual headphone jacks. The laptop was discontinued on February 26, 2009, leaving the Insprion 1545 as Dell's 15-inch budget laptop.
Overview
Despite selling in high numbers, the Dell Inspiron 1520 received widespread criticism regarding its size, and small screen. The Inspiron 1525 was intended to address some of these issues. The 1525 has been described by reviewers as weighing approximately six pounds - half a pound lighter than the 1520. This laptop can be considered as a mid-range Dell computer, between the small 1420 model and the expensive XPS M1530 model. The laptop also fixed a flaw that plagued Inspiron laptops for a decade; they were bulky and boxy, but the Inspiron 1525's chassis used a new wedge design that appears on all of Dell's current laptops.
System specifications
Since the user is able to customise the unit, included hardware varies from laptop to laptop. However, there are several components which are generally fitted as standard in each unit:
- Processors: Intel Celeron 540, 550 or 560, Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2370 or T2390, or Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, T5450, T5550, T5750, or T7250.
- Memory: 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, or 4 GB of shared dual channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 667 MHz.
- Chipset: Intel GM965 Express Chipset.
- Graphics Processor: integrated Intel GMA X3100 graphics.
- LCD Display: 15.4" widescreen with a 1280 × 800 resolution, 15.4" widescreen with a 1280 × 800 resolution and TrueLife, 15.4" widescreen with a 1440 × 900 resolution, 15.4" widescreen with a 1440 × 900 resolution and TrueLife.
- Hard Drive: 80 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB or 320 GB SATA at 5400 RPM.
- Optical Drive: 8X tray-load dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive or 2X tray-load Blu-ray Disc Combo drive.
- Battery: 4-cell (48 Whr), 6-cell (56 Whr), or 9-cell (85 Whr) Lithium Ion battery.
- Camera: integrated 2.0MP webcam.
- Wi-Fi Card: Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g half mini-card or 1490 802.11a/g/n half mini-card, or Intel Next-Gen 4965AGN 802.11a/g/n Wi-Fi card.
- Bluetooth: Dell Wireless Bluetooth Internal 355 (2.0 EDR).
- I/O ports: 1 Fast Ethernet port, 1 56K modem, 1 S-Video output, 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Express Card slot, 1 VGA port, 1 HDMI output, and 1 power adapter connecter.
The most notable difference between this laptop and its predecessor, is that the 1520 model was fitted with a dedicated graphics card whereas the 1525 is not. It has been speculated that this is an attempt by Dell to appeal to a wider market of computer consumers. It should be noted that during testing, the integrated graphics card performed well against the dedicated graphics cards in other laptops. In a recent processor speed test, the Inspiron 1525 placed 14 out of the 18 tested computers. The touchpad has been upgraded from that of the 1520, with one which is designed to allow faster scrolling through web pages.
Software
The Inspiron 1525 typically comes with a version of the
Windows VistaWindows Vista is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
or
Windows XPWindows XP is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, and media centers. The name "XP" is short for "eXPerience"...
Operating System pre-installed. Other software provided with the laptop includes:
- Dell MediaDirect
Dell MediaDirect is a software application that is published by Dell, Inc. and is pre-installed on the computers they sell. It provides DVD and CD playback and recent editions include features such as an address book and calendar. It is a custom version of CyberLink PowerCinema developed and...
media player
- Microsoft Works
Microsoft Works is an office suite produced by Microsoft. Smaller, less expensive, and with fewer features than the Microsoft Office suite, its core functionality includes a word processor, a spreadsheet and a database. Newer versions have a calendar application and a dictionary while older...
Office Suite
- Roxio Creator DVD/CD authoring software
On February 18th, 2008, it was announced that Ubuntu 7.10 would be made available as an optional operating system for the laptop.
Customization
The user is able to decide which components they wish to be included, during the ordering process, by selecting from a range of hardware on the website. These possible components include a range of processors, operating systems, graphics cards and various peripherals. In addition, Bluetooth and an integrated mobile broadband card can also be installed upon request, and the default battery can be replaced with an alternative.
Reception
The Inspiron 1525 has received a great deal of positive attention. General computer users welcomed the relatively low price, as well as the easily accessible volume control keys, and hardware reviewers have praised the customisability of the laptop, as well as its system specifications and light frame.
In general, users have made positive reference to the screen, with some describing the display as "flawless", as well as the inclusion of a webcam and dual headphone jacks. Some reviewers claim that the battery life is a good point of the system.
Despite being a high-selling model, and receiving a large amount of positive feedback, the Inspiron 1525 has also attracted some level of criticism. Some critics feel that the sound quality is unfit for a recently produced laptop, claiming
"raspy-sounding speakers take some of the shine off the 1525's entertainment appeal", whereas others have criticised the system's performance and battery life. It has been pointed out that the positioning of the cooling fans render the laptop incapable of supporting high-end graphics cards.
Some users have encountered technical problems, many of which center around the webcam and built-in microphone. A common complaint is that the supplied fan is irritatingly loud, and many people have attempted to discover loopholes to bypass this issue. Some users have pointed out that the placement of the headphone sockets on the front of the unit leads to inconvenient trailing wires upon connecting speakers.
It should be noted, however, that due to the customisability of the laptop, most reviews available online refer to different versions of the 1525, containing varying pieces of hardware.
See also
- Dell Inspiron laptops
Dell's Inspiron computer product line started as a range of laptop computers targeted at the entry-level, budget, and mainstream consumer market, with some earlier models targeted at the high-end consumer market. The first Inspiron laptop, the Inspiron 7000 was released in 1998, used a Mobile...
- List of laptop brands and manufacturers
- Dell Studio Laptop
Dell's Studio brand is a range of laptops and desktops targeted at the mainstream consumer market. They differ from Dell's lower-end Inspiron models by offering slot-loading optical drives, media keys, more cover design options, faster processor options, HDMI and eSATA ports, LED-backlit screens,...
External links