MultiMedia Play House (Dell Inspiron 9400 Superb)

Member Name: Trish70

Product:	Dell Inspiron 9400 Superb
Date:	07/02/09 (142 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast running, multi media powerhorse

Disadvantages: Weight

After many years of using a standard computer, I decided for ease of use and sever lack of space in the house it was time to turn to a laptop instead of buying a new house! Therefore, my search started. For something that not only I could use for college and work but also a machine that I could run DVD's and CD's without comprising the image and sounds.

After going through numerous shops and finding nothing a. that really jumped out at me and b. they did not quite have the packages I wanted so I went on line to Dell.

After major searching within my price bracket, I brought the Dell Inspiron 9400 Multi Media with Media Direct. Although with Dell you have the option to 'build' the computer to your specific needs this is how I built mine.....

Specifications
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N04945 Inspiron 9400

Base - Intel Core TM Duo Processor T2300 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 cache 667 FSB)
Microsoft Operating System - Genuine Window XP Media Centre Edition 2005

Memory - 1024MB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2x512)
Video Card - Intel Media Acellerator 950 Graphics up to 128mb shared system

Hard drive 100GB SATA Hard Drive
No Floppy Drive - but who needs one with the new keys out nowadays!

CD/DVD Drive - You can have this with both CDRW/DVD (RW)
Wireless network - my system has a intel pro WLAN 3945 Intenal Wireless for D processors which work really well with the Wireless Netgear.

Applications - with most Dells you can choose the majority of applications. Being in full time work and doing a degree course I needed applications that I could use for work and pleasure. So I have Microsoft Office 2003 Small Business, which has all the standards applications of word, excel, outlook, as well as publisher, PowerPoint, Contact Manager. Combined with the other programmes within the Media Centre which I will talk about a bit later I found these enough for me.

Anti Virus Software - optional MacFee

Power Supply - Ac Adapter 90w Power Cord
Standard - Warranty - 1 Year collect and return service

Primary Battery - 6 cell, 2.5 - 3hrs
Adobe Reader - English 6.0

Operating System Backup and Recovery by Symantec
LCD 17" WideScreen WXFA

The laptop also came with a free printer and carry case.

How I have found the Inspiron 9400 Multimedia to use!
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The Inspiron 9400 does come with Centrino Duo, which a feature is recommended when buying laptops, and the wireless technology seems to come as standard, fast and efficient

With the 17" widescreen I have found the screen ample enough when watching a DVD and suitable when doing basic essays and reports. I have also found this size screen very helpful when working on more complicated flow models and organisational charts.
Design
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The layout of the laptop is standard keyboard with the exception of not having the extra mouse in the centre of the keyboard but the touch pad is slightly lower than the rest of the 'arm rest' so there is no chance that you can hit it by mistake.

Above they keyboard there is the additional Media Direct Button next to this is the green LED for shift lock, Caps WIFI buttons and the standard computer on/off button. With the contrast of the green LED buttons against the silver background of the laptop, are easy to see.
Media control buttons (up/down on sound, play/fastforward/rewind are located on the front edge of the machine.

Dual Core Technology
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Ahh life saver, I don't know about you but I do like a bit of music when I am working whether it is listening to the radio via the internet or listening to the latest Goo Goo Dolls CD. I have found that this lap top with the dual core technology enables multi - tasking to be taken up with the programs freezing or slowing down too much (there has been times I have run virus scans whilst writing an essay with the intranet open)!
USB Ports
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Well I have never had so many. The Inspiron 9400 has two USB to the left side, next to the CDRW/DVD and four at the rear. This is handy for someone like myself who does not necessary need to carry the lappy around everywhere but can leave the printer, laptop cooler, and if you desire trackball mouse plugged in 24/7

Media Direct
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This feature was new to me but I have the ability to have all my multimedia files, from pictures to camcorder films of my holidays, music to having an on line spot light for internet access to TV programs. All of which the quality of sound and vision is overall a lot better than I expected and I think that if I had gone for the option of real life vision then I would been even more impressed.
Battery Life
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Although my lappy spends most of its time plugged into it AC adaptor there are a few occasions when I use the battery and I have been surprised that with the amount of programs that I have used that the battery lasts approx 2 - 3 hrs before failure.

Gaming
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I am not a huge fan of games in fact I can not stand them I am more of a music/movies kinda lady however the odd game of Solitaire that I have played the graphics have been ok but for those avid gamers out there it would be worth checking to see if the games specifications would run ok
DVD's
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After watching a couple of stand up comedians on DVD I was impressed with colour quality however you need to have a little distance between the screen. If you are sat at a normal typing position you can see a little 'haze' around the images occasionally. But the colours are clear and bright. I have had a couple of problems playing some DVD's though media centre as it will not support the format but with Cyber DVD I found that I am able to change the region to play most DVD's, saying this as a lover of Action/Sci Fi movies there is again the 'haze' if you sit at a typing position but overall the picture quality is pretty good and you have the option to purchase a remote control from Dell as well.

Sound
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The Inspiron 9400 has built in stereo speakers and subwoofers, which provides a good sound for music and DVD's
Weight
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A little hefty at 7lbs

Size
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39.5cm x 29.5cm x 2.5cm
Surfing
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I have found with the Centrino Duo I have been able to surf at good speed with no freezing or failure and this is often when I am listening to music at the same time!

Additional information
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There is also the ability to network the lappy as well.
Colour Silver.
Price
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Although the price varies depending on your, specifications the price ranges starts at

Inspiron 9400 - Superior Widescreen Multimedia notebook £939 Inc vat (two years ago).

I would recommend this lappy for those people like myself who need something for report writing, business planning but also like to have the personal use of multimedia toys. A definate for students as well who do not necessarily have the room for DVD player, TV, and radio!

This review can be seen on both my Dooyoo at dooyoo .co.uk (Trish70) and Ciao at ciao.co.uk (Yocal) accounts.

Summary: Dell Inspiron 9400

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