The Dell Inspiron 1520 series consists of two models. The Inspiron 1520 is built around an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and (in the case of higher-end models) the new Centrino Duo platform, while the Inspiron 1521 trades Intel for an AMD Turion 64 X2 processor and chipset. Aside from processor choices, Dell is also offering color choices: if buyers don’t like the traditional white or black case, they can opt for red, blue, green, yellow, brown, or pink. We’ve seen colorful laptops before–most recently in the Sony VAIO CR series–but we’ve never seen a colored laptop with as many configuration options as the Dell Inspiron 1520 series offers. Add to that such media-friendly options as a built-in Webcam or Blu-Ray disc drive, and the Dell Inspiron 1520 series will definitely appeal to home users who want a solid all-around laptop with a high degree of customization.
Though the Inspiron 1520 series’ feature set is largely average for the midsize category, a few key items stand out. For example, the laptop’s 15.4-inch wide-screen display can be configured with a sharp 1,440×900 or even sharper 1,920×1,200 native resolution. Users who want always-on connectivity can opt for integrated WWAN from Sprint, Verizon, or AT&T (though you’ll have to subscribe to the carriers’ data service). And buyers of the Intel-based Inspiron 1520 will have the option to include a Blu-Ray drive in their system–still a rare choice outside the realm of premium desktop replacement laptops. Of course, these finer features will drive the Inspiron 1520 series well above the $749 starting price, but many home users will appreciate the option to customize their laptop to fit their needs and lifestyles.
Dell has also borrowed a few handy design features from its other laptop lines and incorporated them into the Inspiron 1520 series. Read the rest of this entry »
Recent Comments