A tough and muscular, though not particularly bright laptop. (Dell Inspiron 1520)

Member Name: CanuckIslander

Product:	Dell Inspiron 1520
Date:	15/11/08 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Invincible, good battery life, simple and clean.

Disadvantages: Touchy about programs you put on it, lets viruses waltz right in.

I bought one of these in May this year, and it was extremely unreliable at first. It crashed frequently, and it let a virus walk in and (then croaked for good at the end of August). I managed to wipe it at the expense of all of my files, installations not to mention and extensive library of music, photos and some work. Since then I have been careful about keeping it free of drivers and downloads that could lead to the same disastrous end as the last time, and it's now holding up quite well.

On the plus side, when you watch what you feed it it is a very capable machine. If I make sure to shut it off at least once a day, it performs quite well. It's not really a fashion or media statement, but since August it has been a reliable workhorse of a laptop. The few issues I've had were resolved very quickly and easily. The screen is a thing of beauty, and the keyboard and touchpad are just the right size and design for easy use. Also, it's really durable physically--it's survived a few ugly mishaps.

As far as strange little practical quirks, the biggest issue I can find is that the power plug falls out really easily, and it's on the back where it's difficult to find the hole when you plug it in again. Also, since you can't see it, you don't realize it's fallen out until you happen to glance at the battery meter.

Summary: It's a tank, but you have to be careful on what you feed it.

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