Dell Inspiron 1525
Encyclopedia
The Inspiron 1525 is a notebook computer designed and distributed by Dell
as part of their Inspiron
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, 2008
. 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 Laptop
. On January 6, 2009, the Inspiron 1525 was superseded by the Inspiron 1545, which gives mostly higher-end configuration options at a lower starting price, but lacks features such as the HDMI port, LED indicator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.
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. 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. Strangely this model contains a SIM card slot underneath the battery compartment. However reading data, or using Internet from SIM cards is not possible without a separate Wireless modem
card.
.
, Windows XP
, or Windows 7 Operating System pre-installed. Other software provided with the laptop includes:
On February 18, 2008, it was announced that Ubuntu 7.10 would be available as an optional operating system for the laptop.
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. Another problem is a design flaw of the trackpad button sticking, requiring the replacement of the entire palmrest assembly. Users have also reported numerous hard drive problems, many related to overheating.
Furthermore, many users have encountered a problem with their CMOS battery not functioning (caused by a faulty motherboard), leading to computer clock problems, and eventually the inability of the computer to charge. Unfortunately, Dell refuses to acknowledge this design flaw, further frustrating users.
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.
Dell
Dell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
as part of their Inspiron
Dell Inspiron
Dell's Inspiron computer product line started as a range of laptop computers targeted at the entry-level, budget, a Mobile Celeron or Mobile Pentium II processor with SDRAM, and had a high starting price of $2,799...
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, 2008
January 2008
January 2008 was the first month of that 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 Laptop
Dell Studio
Dell's Studio brand is a range of laptops and desktops targeted at the mainstream consumer market. The computers sit above Dell's Inspiron and below the XPS consumer lines in price and specifications...
. 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, T2390, or T2330, or Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, T5450, T5550, T5750, T7250 or T8100.
- 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 (Previously changed to 965 Express).
- LCD Display: 15.4" widescreen with a 1280 × 800 resolution, 15.4" widescreen with a 1280 × 800 resolution and TrueLife, or a 15.4" widescreen with a 1440 x 900 high resolution and TrueLife.
- Hard Drive: 80 GB, 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB or 320 GB SATA at 5400 RPM.
- Optical Drive: 8X tray-load dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive, 2X tray-load Blu-ray Disc Combo drive or 2x Blu-ray Disc burner.
- Battery: 4-cell (48 Whr), 6-cell (56 Whr), or 9-cell (85 Whr) Lithium Ion.
- Camera: Integrated 2.0MP webcam.
- Wi-Fi Card: Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g half mini-card (Previously changed to 1395 802.11g/n 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, 1 FireWire port, and 1 power adapter connector.
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. 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. Strangely this model contains a SIM card slot underneath the battery compartment. However reading data, or using Internet from SIM cards is not possible without a separate Wireless modem
Wireless modem
A wireless modem is a type of modulator-demodulator which connects to a wireless network instead of using telephone or cable television lines...
card.
.
Software
The Inspiron 1525 typically comes with a version of the Windows VistaWindows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
, Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
, or Windows 7 Operating System pre-installed. Other software provided with the laptop includes:
- Dell MediaDirectDell MediaDirectDell MediaDirect is a software application that is published by Dell, Inc. and is pre-installed on the computers they sell. It attempts to provide DVD and CD playback and recent editions include features such as an address book and calendar. It is a custom version of CyberLink PowerCinema...
media player - Microsoft WorksMicrosoft WorksMicrosoft Works is an integrated package software that is produced by Microsoft. Works is smaller, less expensive, and has fewer features than Microsoft Office or other major office suites. Its core functionality includes a word processor, a spreadsheet and a database management system...
Office Suite - Roxio Creator DVD/CD authoring software
On February 18, 2008, it was announced that Ubuntu 7.10 would be 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. Another problem is a design flaw of the trackpad button sticking, requiring the replacement of the entire palmrest assembly. Users have also reported numerous hard drive problems, many related to overheating.
Furthermore, many users have encountered a problem with their CMOS battery not functioning (caused by a faulty motherboard), leading to computer clock problems, and eventually the inability of the computer to charge. Unfortunately, Dell refuses to acknowledge this design flaw, further frustrating users.
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 laptopsDell InspironDell's Inspiron computer product line started as a range of laptop computers targeted at the entry-level, budget, a Mobile Celeron or Mobile Pentium II processor with SDRAM, and had a high starting price of $2,799...
- List of laptop brands and manufacturers
- Dell Studio LaptopDell StudioDell's Studio brand is a range of laptops and desktops targeted at the mainstream consumer market. The computers sit above Dell's Inspiron and below the XPS consumer lines in price and specifications...