sean.blog

I thought I would spend a few minutes to write up a quick review of my new Dell 1420.  I have had the laptop for a couple of weeks now, and I really have been very happy with the way the computer is working.  You can refer back to my original post about ordering the laptop to see the specifications of the new machine.  I am so far happy with my chosen configuration, it seems to be quite speedy and responsive to everything I have done.

Let me hit on a few highlights of the 1420:

1. Colorful:  One of the reasons I liked the 1420 was the colorful top (lid).  I choose the Spring Green (which I would actually call Metallic lime green) and I am happy with the way it turned out.  From any distance the lid looks great.  If you get really, really close though you can see a few tiny black spots in the finish.  Not a huge deal, but something to note.  It is important mostly because Dell delayed the shipments because they were having problems getting the painting done right.  The lid has a different texture/feel to it than the rest of the case does, which is kinda cool.  I am note sure how well the paint on the lid will hold up over time, I guess we will just need to wait and see.
2. Battery:  Let me mention 2 things here.  The battery seems to be lasting between 2.5 and 4.5 hours depending on what I am doing.  With the display on full bright and wireless on (I always have wireless on) I am getting between 2.5 and 3.0 hours.  This is a solid amount of time, meaning that the battery does not simply die at this time.  This is simply the time it takes to get the little warning triangle on the power meter.  I would guess another 20 - 30 minutes is possible at that point.  With the display on less than full, I get up to 4 hours which is nice.  I did get the extended ife battery, and it does stick out the back of the laptop.  That is ok, except that the battery is just a little lose in the compartment, and it rattles when I am carrying it.  ind of annoying.  Overall, I am happy with battery performance.
3. Display:  I was a bit worried about the glossy screen, but I really don’t have any issue with it so far.  I can see where it would be a problem sitting in an area with bright or unusual lighting, but I generally don’t have that issue.  I am very happy that I upgraded to the 1440×900 display.  It took extra time, but I think at a lower resolution I would have found the 14.1 display too small.  This combination of physical size and resolution seems to be a good fit.
4. Overall:  I like the keyboard, Media Direct is cool, the buttons are well laid out, the performance is great.  I have to recommend the Dell Inspiron 1420. 

This is my first personally owned laptop.  I have always used my laptops from work, and made them my own where I could, but it is very nice having my own machine.  I did impulse buy a Moss Green Timbuk2 Commute today, which fits the 1420 very well.

I think my desktop is feeling a bit lonely.

Tags: dell, inspiron 1420, review, green, laptop, computer