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. First, media controls along the front edge, similar to those found on the XPS line of laptops, let you easily control disc playback. From the Latitude line, the Inspiron 1520 has adopted a built-in Wi-Fi Catcher, which lets you detect wireless networks even when the laptop’s lid is closed or the computer is powered off.
As often happens with configurable laptops, the price of the Dell Inspiron 1520 series can vary widely depending on your component and feature choices. But we even like the look of the baseline Inspiron 1520 configuration, which incorporates a Core 2 Duo T5250 processor (based on Intel’s previous-generation architecture), 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, and a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive for $849. Buyers looking for an even lower price can opt for the baseline Inspiron 1521, which trades the Intel processor for an AMD Turion 64 X2 and costs just $749. These budget-friendly processors won’t outrun the latest-generation components, but they should prove sufficient for most home users’ needs.
Dell Inspiron 1520 Specification:
General
System Type Notebook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, Wireless LAN antenna
Width 14.1 in
Depth 10.6 in
Height 1.8 in
Weight 6.4 lbs
Color Alpine white
Notebook type Budget, Mid-size laptops (6-7.5 lbs.)
Screen type Wide-screen
Wireless capabilities 802.11b, 802.11g
Processor
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 / 1.5 GHz
Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
64-bit processor Yes
Data bus speed 533 MHz
Processor features Intel 64 Technology, Enhanced SpeedStep technology, Execute Disable Bit capability
Chipset type Mobile Intel GM965 Express
Cache Memory
Type L2 cache
Cache size 1 MB
RAM
Installed Size 2 GB / 4 GB (max)
Technology DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz
RAM configuration features 2 x 512 MB
Environmental Parameters
Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
Humidity Range Operating 10 - 90%
Storage Controller
Storage controller type Serial ATA/IDE
Storage
Floppy Drive None
Hard Drive 160 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Storage Removable None
Hard drive type Standard
Optical Storage
Type DVD±RW
Optical Storage (2nd)
2nd optical storage type None
Card Reader
Card reader type 8 in 1 card reader
Supported flash memory cards SDIO, Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card, XD-Picture Card, Memory Stick Pro
Display
Display Type 15.4 TFT active matrix
Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
Widescreen Display Yes
Features Glossy
Video
Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Video Memory Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0
Audio
Audio output type Sound card
Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio
Multimedia Functionality
TV Tuner Type None
Input Device(s)
Input device type Keyboard, Touchpad
Telecom
Modem Fax / modem
Max transfer rate 56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications ITU V.92
Networking
Networking Network adapter
Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
Wireless NIC Dell Wireless 1390
Data link protocol Ethernet, 802.11a/b
Networking standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory, 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/54
Interfaces 4 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Display / video - S-video output - 7 pin mini-DIN, 1 x Audio - Line-in, 1 x Audio - Line-out/headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x Microphone - Input
Power
Power device form factor External
Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
Battery
Technology 6-cell Lithium ion
Installed Qty 1
Battery capacity 56 Wh
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & support type 1 year warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Battery - 1 year - Pick-up and return, Technical support - Display
Operating System / Software
OS Provided Vista Home Premium
Software Drivers & Utilities, Microsoft Works 8.0, Adobe Acrobat Reader, AOL (with 6 months membership included)
Technoreviews score this Dell inspiron 1520 from 0-10 is 6.9
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