Intro
Talk about your first impressions. Reasons for buying.
System is for the Mrs. She likes my back-lit keyboard so it was one of the features we were looking for. Bonus: to get it you also generally get mid/upper level systems.
Specs:
See form filled in.
What's in the Box:
Power supply, Media (not OS), well packaged for shipping. Temporary kb/screen protector sheet, warranty booklet, manual
Design
What do you think of the aesthetics of the notebook?
The design is nice but one could argue that Apple/Mac have set the bar. I can say it looks current and could appeal to business and pleasure users. I like the look more than the Toshiba models we were looking at (with lighted kb)
Screen:
How is the picture quality of the screen? Viewing angle? Level of brightness? Adjust the level of brightness from the lowest to the brightest. Talk about how it reacts in daylight/nightlight. Are there any dead pixels?
The screen is the weakest part. It has HORRIBLE viewing angles. If correct angle is used it is very bright and looks nice - no issues to report. Ample range of settings avail for different conditions so you can adjust without losing quality. This screen is significantly brighter than older generations so if in a dark room I suggest dimming to be easier on the eyes. If doing graphical work turn on the lights
Keyboard
Is the keyboard comfortable? Does it come with a keypad? Does it get hot? Are the function keys useful? What are the function keys? (list them starting with F1)
If not a full size it must be really close. I had no issues typing for the short time I was using. Arrow keys are large! Yay! The lighting for the KB is even and has three settings available.
Touchpad
Is the touchpad comfortable? Is it in a good location? Is there a scroll pad?
Not as good as the Alienware touchpad but still decent. No complaints other than I find the buttons a bit small for the footprint this system has.
Features:
Well rounded but missing:
USB3.0 and Firewire. Might add more info on features later.
Multimedia Keys
Are there any multimedia keys? What are they functions? Are they useful? Practical?
Not any I bothered with. Will explore more later.
LEDS
Are there any LED indicators? Where are they and what are their functions?
Some. Unable to view HD activity light when system is in use as it is located behind screen when it is open. Odd. Will try to add more details later.
Wifi –
Is there onboard wifi? Is it easy to use? Does it get strong signals?
Everything normal. If it isn't broken I have no plans to fix it or explore much. Adding an access point profile was easy - like it should be. There was an annoying icon in the tray for Intel wireless even though it wasn't used.
Speakers
Are there speakers built in? What is the quality? Is there a subwoofer?
I can tell from the system sounds this has GOOD audio. JBL partnered apparently to set this up.
Input and Output Ports
No ports on the front but both sides and rear have at least one.
Webcam Pictures
Is there a built in webcam? How are the quality of the pictures?
HD 2MP camera. Not tested yet but is Skype HD certified.
Bottom:
Look at the bottom of the notebook. Is there anything abnormal? How many exhaust ports? Fans? Battery lock?
4 vented sections with a single sliding battery lock that doubles as an eject tool since battery sits flush (6cell)
Benchmarks
3dmark06: 6851
x264 encoding (r1342): (space reserved for results)
Size and Weight
Talk about the weight. Easy to carry around? Comfortable? Estimate the weight.
Reasonable size. Some of similar size weigh less though so do consider this if it is important to you. Easier to carry than the system it is replacing (weight/size) so we have no issues with this.
Heat and Noise
Talk about the heat and noise. Good? Bad?
Nothing bad. Under load you will be able to hear the fan but system seems to recover quickly.
Battery Life
How is the battery life while idling? Surfing the web? Watching videos?
Not fully tested. I think 3hrs for a new system is expected for light use.
Software
Is there any convenient software that ships with the notebook?
Accessories
Are there any useful accessories that ship with the notebook?
Yes, retail shops provide all sorts of things. Some are part of OEM but many are not. We have:
Backpack
Security Lock
Cooling pad
Screen cleaner/wipe with small brush
KB cover (rubber)
Headphones
Mouse and pad
Pros: In list form, summarize the pros
* Less bloat than prior Dell systems
* Able to buy in person (online is backorder)
* Good KB design and layout. Lighting is great.
* Good choice in processors avail and decent video card
* Brushed metal look reminds me of old XPS solid feel
* Recessed screen helps avoid key contact
Cons: In list form, summarize the cons
* Top of screen bezel was not fully seated. Easy fix.
* Price. Expect to pay more for KB. Performance not better for $
* Screen.
Conclusion:
In this market for the money our personal must haves made this a bargain compared to other systems. The Toshiba at nearly the same price looked dated and had less features. I can recommend this system based in initial impressions.
Talk about your first impressions. Reasons for buying.
System is for the Mrs. She likes my back-lit keyboard so it was one of the features we were looking for. Bonus: to get it you also generally get mid/upper level systems.
Specs:
See form filled in.
What's in the Box:
Power supply, Media (not OS), well packaged for shipping. Temporary kb/screen protector sheet, warranty booklet, manual
Design
What do you think of the aesthetics of the notebook?
The design is nice but one could argue that Apple/Mac have set the bar. I can say it looks current and could appeal to business and pleasure users. I like the look more than the Toshiba models we were looking at (with lighted kb)
Screen:
How is the picture quality of the screen? Viewing angle? Level of brightness? Adjust the level of brightness from the lowest to the brightest. Talk about how it reacts in daylight/nightlight. Are there any dead pixels?
The screen is the weakest part. It has HORRIBLE viewing angles. If correct angle is used it is very bright and looks nice - no issues to report. Ample range of settings avail for different conditions so you can adjust without losing quality. This screen is significantly brighter than older generations so if in a dark room I suggest dimming to be easier on the eyes. If doing graphical work turn on the lights
Keyboard
Is the keyboard comfortable? Does it come with a keypad? Does it get hot? Are the function keys useful? What are the function keys? (list them starting with F1)
If not a full size it must be really close. I had no issues typing for the short time I was using. Arrow keys are large! Yay! The lighting for the KB is even and has three settings available.
Touchpad
Is the touchpad comfortable? Is it in a good location? Is there a scroll pad?
Not as good as the Alienware touchpad but still decent. No complaints other than I find the buttons a bit small for the footprint this system has.
Features:
Well rounded but missing:
USB3.0 and Firewire. Might add more info on features later.
Multimedia Keys
Are there any multimedia keys? What are they functions? Are they useful? Practical?
Not any I bothered with. Will explore more later.
LEDS
Are there any LED indicators? Where are they and what are their functions?
Some. Unable to view HD activity light when system is in use as it is located behind screen when it is open. Odd. Will try to add more details later.
Wifi –
Is there onboard wifi? Is it easy to use? Does it get strong signals?
Everything normal. If it isn't broken I have no plans to fix it or explore much. Adding an access point profile was easy - like it should be. There was an annoying icon in the tray for Intel wireless even though it wasn't used.
Speakers
Are there speakers built in? What is the quality? Is there a subwoofer?
I can tell from the system sounds this has GOOD audio. JBL partnered apparently to set this up.
Input and Output Ports
No ports on the front but both sides and rear have at least one.
Webcam Pictures
Is there a built in webcam? How are the quality of the pictures?
HD 2MP camera. Not tested yet but is Skype HD certified.
Bottom:
Look at the bottom of the notebook. Is there anything abnormal? How many exhaust ports? Fans? Battery lock?
4 vented sections with a single sliding battery lock that doubles as an eject tool since battery sits flush (6cell)
Benchmarks
3dmark06: 6851
x264 encoding (r1342): (space reserved for results)
Size and Weight
Talk about the weight. Easy to carry around? Comfortable? Estimate the weight.
Reasonable size. Some of similar size weigh less though so do consider this if it is important to you. Easier to carry than the system it is replacing (weight/size) so we have no issues with this.
Heat and Noise
Talk about the heat and noise. Good? Bad?
Nothing bad. Under load you will be able to hear the fan but system seems to recover quickly.
Battery Life
How is the battery life while idling? Surfing the web? Watching videos?
Not fully tested. I think 3hrs for a new system is expected for light use.
Software
Is there any convenient software that ships with the notebook?
Accessories
Are there any useful accessories that ship with the notebook?
Yes, retail shops provide all sorts of things. Some are part of OEM but many are not. We have:
Backpack
Security Lock
Cooling pad
Screen cleaner/wipe with small brush
KB cover (rubber)
Headphones
Mouse and pad
Pros: In list form, summarize the pros
* Less bloat than prior Dell systems
* Able to buy in person (online is backorder)
* Good KB design and layout. Lighting is great.
* Good choice in processors avail and decent video card
* Brushed metal look reminds me of old XPS solid feel
* Recessed screen helps avoid key contact
Cons: In list form, summarize the cons
* Top of screen bezel was not fully seated. Easy fix.
* Price. Expect to pay more for KB. Performance not better for $
* Screen.
Conclusion:
In this market for the money our personal must haves made this a bargain compared to other systems. The Toshiba at nearly the same price looked dated and had less features. I can recommend this system based in initial impressions.
