Dell Inspiron 3800 14.1" Laptop Review

Dell Inspiron 3800 can be considered as the most excellent computer for the business and home environments. Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop comes with Intel celeron processor with a speed of 600 MHz that provides enormous speed. The laptop is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98 Operating System. This notebook has got 12.1 inch display with tremendous clarity. The memory of this laptop is 32 MB SDRAM and it can be upgraded to run a greatest of 512 MB RAM. The Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop consists of ports such as 9-pin connector port, S-Video connector and 25-hole connector parallel port. Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop comes with 1 W channel stereo internal speakers. The graphic processor used in this notebook is ATI Mobility M1 graphics accelerator that offers advanced graphical experience.

The system we reviewed -- which we tested under both Windows ME and 2000 Professional -- was a high-end configuration featuring an 850MHz SpeedStep Pentium III processor, 128MB of RAM and a 20GB hard drive. However, the key difference between the Dell Inspiron N4020 AC adapter and other desktop replacement systems is that it uses a desktop chipset, the Intel 815E, that significantly boosts the system's performance in key areas such as hard disk throughput. In our benchmark tests, the Inspiron 8000 was impressive, returning an overall Business Winstone 99 score of 37.2 under Windows 2000. The 815E chipset and the powerful 32MB ATi Mobility M4 graphics controller also ensured healthy component benchmarks. We did run into one performance problem with the Inspiron 8000. Incompatibilities between the 815E chipset, the system BIOS and Windows ME meant that our BatteryMark 4.0 test failed to complete. Unfortunately, this isn't just a technical glitch: it's also an inconvenience for users because the power-saving SpeedStep applet is not loaded.

Dell has roving promos all the time from free S+H to free components and upgrade. Each promo lasts for about 2 weeks, so if you don't care for what they are offering, you can wait a couple of weeks and see what they're offering next time. I ordered my notebook with a free 2nd battery for the 2nd modular bay, which doubles the time I can use the notebook on Dell Inspiron N4020 battery.

The Inspiron 3800 delivers style and affordability in a lightweight design. Choose from a wide range of options and colors to create the computer that is just right for you.

The 12GB IBM TravelStar hard disk is removable, and the memory sockets are readily accessible beneath a panel in the base, but we did notice that the 128MB supplied occupied both sockets, so if you need to upgrade you will lose a 64MB module. The existing memory count should be sufficient for most users, though.

The low price, user-friendly features, and excellent documentation and support of the Dell Inspiron 3800 make it worth a look. The Inspiron, available in your choice of forest green, dark blue, maroon, or midnight gray, comes with both a pointing stick and a touch pad. Our 6.7-pound test model came with a CD-ROM drive; we recommend you opt for the DVD-ROM drive, a $149 upgrade. Also note that Dell may be offering this model with a Celeron/500 or Celeron/600 by the time you read this, not the Celeron/550 we tested. As a multimedia player, the Inspiron is adequate but not specially provisioned. You cannot play an audio CD without turning on the computer, for example, and there are no separate hardware media controls. Performance and Dell 0M4RNN battery life (2:48) were solidly midpack.

Dell Inspiron 3800 comes with 12.1 inch display and it is an integrated graphics multimedia Laptop. This Laptop is available at reasonable price and it uses Intel celeron processor for the superior performance. Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop is totally customizable and it comes with wonderful keyboard and perfect structure. Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop uses video-out port for watching video on a TV.

The left bay takes batteries only, while the right can be used for options like a CD-RW, Zip, LS-120 drive, a second hard disk or a second Dell Inspiron N4020 battery pack. There's a software utility that allows you to hot-swap drives, excepting a hard disk of course, and the floppy module can be run externally from the parallel port if the main bay is already in use.

All the requisite connectors are here, including a pair of USB ports, S-Video, and -- in a first for a Dell notebook -- IEEE 1394. A mini-PCI slot lets you choose between a 56Kbit/s modem only or a combo card that adds a 10/100 Ethernet Dell Inspiron N4020 adapter. SpeedStep problems under Windows ME aside, the Dell Inspiron 8000 is one of the fastest and most capable desktop replacement notebooks available.

The Inspiron 3800 laptop by Dell contains specifications that work well both in the office and at home. Dell Inspiron 3800 Laptop is primarily designed for small and average business class users and home users. Dell Inspiron 3800 Laptop is appropriate for the users to complete their needs. Dell Inspiron 3800 Laptop is very powerful and it helps to finish the tasks speedily.

The Dell machine offers a good keyboard, good Dell 0M4RNN battery life and plenty of power and features for an attractive price. The only downside is the construction of the case, which we'd like to see toughened up a bit.

Specifications:
Intel Celeron 500 MHz (100MHz bus)
32KB L1 cache, 128KB on-die cache
14.1" TFT XGA Active-Matrix Display
8MB ATI Rage Mobility M1 2X AGP video
32MB SDRAM memory
Dual Pointing: Point Stick & Touchpad
6GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive, .5MM
Modular 24X CD-ROM drive
Modular Floppy Drive
Internal Modem V.90 56K Modem (ordered)
Xircom v.90 56 model PC card (received)
Windows 98SE w/ WinME upgrade
Microsoft Works Suite 2000
Norton Antivirus 2001
9-cell Lithium-Ion Battery, 53WHR
2nd battery (Free promo)