Dell Inspiron 1420 |
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Last Updated: May 23, 2008
The Dell Inspiron 1420 offers a powerful computer for a few hundred less than other models. None of the other models can offer a dual core processor, discrete graphics, and high res screen for under $1,100. The only thing I don't like is the silver keyboard. I prefer black or dark grey keys for easier legibility.
Dell Inspiron 1420 for Under $1,050
| Part | Model | Comment |
| Processor | 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo800MHz FSB | This is the least expensive processor with the fastest Front Side Bus (FSB). A faster front side bus makes the entire computer faster and is a desirable upgrade. |
| Windows | Home Premium | Home Premium includes Aero Glass, which is what makes Vista look like Vista (or Mac OS X). |
| Screen | 14.1 inch widescreen1400×900 | The 1420 only comes in 14.1 inch widescreen. The larger resolution of 1400×900 compared to 1280×800 is noticeable and you'll have to scroll less because of it. |
| Video card | 128MB GeForce 8400GS | Integrated video cards like the Intel X3100 are slow and lack features. Buy a discrete (separate) video card instead. Windows Vista and simple games will respond faster. Photo-realistic games require a high end video card that is typically found in a $2,500 notebook computer. 1080i or 1080p HD video software requires a 256MB video card, so this notebook is a bad choice for HD video editing. |
| Memory | 2GB | |
| Hard drive | 160GB, 5400rpm | I use 15GB on my notebook, so 160GB is more than large enough. |
| DVD | 8X DVD burner | While everything can play DVDs these days, I like the upgraded DVD burner to make home movies on DVD and to backup the digital photos on the road. I mail the DVDs home during the trip. If the notebook is stolen or the hard drive crashes, at least my photos make it home. The notebook can be replaced, but the photos can't. |
| Wireless | 802.11g | 802.11g is for most home networks. 802.11a/g is for MIMO home networks for added speed. 802.11 draft-n has replaced MIMO, but has incompatibilities issues. Stick with 802.11g. |
| Bluetooth | None | If you have a bluetooth headset or mouse, then consider adding it for $20. I'm not sure if a Bluetooth enabled cell phone can link to a notebook computer. |
| Webcam | Included | Windows Messenger is free with Windows and works well as a video phone. We talk to family in a different country for free using a broadband internet connection, Windows Messenger, and a headset with noise canceling microphone boom. An integrated webcam means it's one less thing to pack and one less gaudy accessory. |
| Battery | Standard | The standard, 6 cell battery is small and might last for 2 hours. If you're never unplugged that long, then the low weight, standard battery is fine. The extended, 9 cell battery has more cells for longer lasting power. It is heavier, costs more, and is larger. What's a mystery is how much larger the battery is and how it will change the shape of the notebook. Some batteries on some notebooks add space underneath the keyboard to tilt the back of the keyboard slightly upward. Others stick out an inch from the back. Dell doesn't mention this and the larger battery might make the notebook too big to fit in a standard size carrying bag. You can always buy one of each. |
| Sound | Standard | Skip any upgrades. The tiny, $0.01 speakers can only sound so good and an upgraded sound card isn't going to improve that. |
| Mouse | Standard | A mouse if far more productive than a pointing stick or mouse pad. A wired USB mouse gets it's power from the notebook battery. I don't have to monitor the mouse battery and the notebook battery. However, a wireless mouse looks cool and the battery should last for 3 months. |
| Office 2007 | Buy separately | Buy Microsoft Office 2007 and install it yourself rather than buying it through Dell. You'll save money and you'll have the original CDs in case you ever need to reformat the hard drive. |
| Warranty | 1 year, mail in | Warranties are almost 100% profit from for companies that offer them. If anything is going to break, it will do so in the first 90 days. Mailing in the notebook for repairs is a bad choice for students or someone who depends are their computer every day. Upgrade to an on-site repair warranty, but read the fine print to see what is not covered. Reformatting the hard drive might be part of the fix, so backup your data religiously. |
Dell Inspiron 1420 for Under $1,200
I'd recommend the same as above, but with these changes.
| Part | Model | Comment |
| Processor | 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo800MHz FSB | 2.4GHz in the standard. |
| Hard drive | 160GB, 7200rpm | The faster speed is most noticeable during bootup and application load times. Photoshop Elements can take 30 seconds to load, which is a painfully long wait. |
| Mouse | Upgrade | Find one that matches your hand as well as personality. The best one might be one that Dell doesn't sell. |