Dell Inspiron 1525

Dell Inspiron 1525: The Facts

• Processor: 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo T7520 processor
• Ram: 2GB (standard, up to 4GB available)
• Screen: 5.4-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) CCFL Screen
• Hard Drive: 120GB
• Features: 8X Dual layer DVD/RW, Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, Dell Wireless, 4x USB 2.0 ports, Integrated mobile broadband

The Dell Inspiron 1525 is a very stylish, slim laptop, it is in fact 25% smaller, 30% slimmer and a good deal lighter than it's predecessor, the Inspiron 1520 and comes not only in eight colour options, but is also available in four new patterns as well. What makes the Inspiron 1525 so good, is how well balanced it is, offering great usability and features to nearly everyone, with the exception of gamers due to the absence of dedicated graphics offering only the integrated Intel Graphic Media Accelerator X3100. As with most Dell laptops, the 1525 is very customizable, with various choices of screen quality (15.4" widescreen XGA with a resolution of 1280 x 800, with or without TrueLife technology and a higher resolution 1440 x 900 widescreen with TrueLife) and RAM (up to 4GB) offered on the website, giving you the choice of not only how it looks, but also how it performs. The Inspiron 1525 also makes a good account itself when it comes to usability, equipped with an ergonomic keyboard, touchpad and media buttons prolonged computing is surprisingly pleasant.

Ready out of the box, the operating system installed is Windows Vista Home Premium, meaning you'll be less restrained than by a more basic package, with many useful office applications. Another impressive, and for some, extremely important feature of this laptop is battery life. If you need a notebook for use on long commutes or for work in the field, the 1525 is hard to beat.

Several connectivity options are also available: 4 WiFi configurations are offered, as is Bluetooth. Fitted with a family of antennas, Dell have put a lot of work into their wireless solutions allowing you to get connectivity wherever you are. Options of HMDI, D-SUB, S-VIDEO, four USB ports, FireWire and 5-in-1 memory card reader are also available.

Despite the shortcoming of no dedicated graphics options, at best average speakers and a glossy LCD that is prone to fingerprints, the Inspiron 1525 is a great improvement on its predecessor, currently boasting an overall rating of 9/10 and comments such as "well worth the money in my opinion and well recommended."

Dell Inspiron 1525: The Verdict

A super laptop for almost anyone,the Dell Inspiron 1525 is our "Best Overall Laptop." Much improved from its predecessor the 1520 this laptop has a great balance of features, customizable design and performance. It appears Dell are very confident in this laptop too, as one set-up comes with a free 3 year in home guarantee.