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Dell Inspiron 1525

Rohan Naravane, Feb 29, 2008 1807 hrs IST

Dell's multimedia monster goes easy on your wallet...

Expert Rating:

2 GB of memory, HDMI port, sharp display, good bundle, decent performance-to-price ratio

A bit heavy, touchpad not very accurate

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EXPERT REVIEW

Lately, Dell has been categorizing their laptops pretty well. Their Inspiron brand initially consisted of plain, mainstream, low-priced laptops. Their premium XPS range included sleeker models with better looks and additional features -- at a premium, of course. But the Inspiron range has followed the story of the ugly duckling, and is catching up with its prettier cousin in terms of looks as well as features. We're reviewing the Inspiron 1525 today. This 15.4-inch mainstream model seems like a multimedia monster at an enchanting price, so...

An eye-catching designer top design... Specifications

The four USB 2.0 ports are a welcome addition. So is the HDMI port. The Bundle -- Dell Inspiron 1525 Laptop -- Battery charger -- Dell Media Remote -- Drivers and software CDs and DVD -- Instruction manual -- Cleaning cloth -- Dell wireless stereo headset

The bundle has a lot of extra goodies -- like the headset and the remote <__PAGETITLE__The Basics__/PAGETITLE__> Design and Construction The Inspiron 1525 is available in many colorful tops. The model we received had a black top with grey designer strips -- catchy. Below the lid, we have an array of status LEDs. Next to these are two headphone jacks, a microphone jack, and a memory card reader.

Two headphone ports -- two people can be entertained at the same time! To the right is the Expresscard slot (which houses the Dell Media Remote), the CD/DVD writer, an S-video port, and two USB ports. Below the Expresscard slot is a switch to turn on the wireless. Push it further and it activates the Wi-Fi catcher.

The Inspiron has a standard tray-type optical drive, whereas the XPS 1530 has a slot-in drive With this, you can make the laptop scan for wireless networks even without turning the laptop on. It indicates this by means of an LED next to the switch. Since our model came with a 9-cell battery, you can see it protruding; a standard 6-cell battery will fit right into the casing. On the left are the power port, two more USB ports, a VGA port, the modem and Ethernet ports, an HDMI port, and a FireWire port. <__PAGETITLE__Design and Construction: 1 of 2__/PAGETITLE__>

The HDMI port helps deliver hi-def video and audio to an HDTV via a single cable Opening the lid reveals the 15.4-inch display. Our unit came with a 1440 x 900 pixel resolution display instead of the usual 1280 x 800. The crispness was prominent; it was adequately bright, too. Above the display is the 2MP webcam; the output is pretty good. Dell's Webcam Center software lets you capture snaps and videos, and also has nifty security-related add-ons like Motion Detection and Remote Monitoring.

The silvered interior looks nice too Next to the power key is the Dell Media Direct button, which lets you access Dell's Media Direct software (which in turn lets you access media on the laptop without booting into Windows). Next in line are the multimedia controls. The Dell's Media Direct interface boots up in just under 20 seconds. You get access to music, pictures, videos, and MS Office presentations. Above the buttons is the speaker grille; the speakers are pretty much what you'd expect -- under-powered. The bundled wireless Bluetooth headset that comes with the package helps. The headset is pretty light, but the build quality is questionable. It has a behind-the-ear design. Bass is good; mids and highs are so-so -- definitely not an audiophile's choice. (Remember that headsets increase the cost of the bundle by around 4000 rupees.)

The Media Remote is nice, too; it's got the usual media controls as well as a few navigation keys. The keyboard is silver in color (like the XPS) and is pretty good. The same can't be said about the touchpad. Even though it is well-sized and has vertical and horizontal scroll-lines, it is not very accurate. I've noticed this about most of the Dell laptops I've used; I must state that the ones on the XPS series have improved. The overall build quality of the laptop is above average, but it's definitely not the sturdiest one around. The bulk of this model makes it inconvenient to carry around too often. <__PAGETITLE__Design and Construction: 2 of 2__/PAGETITLE__> Benchmarks and Analysis All Dell Inspirons come pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium. And given the acceptable processing power of the onboard GPU, one can use the Aero interface on this one. We start with the Windows Vista Experience rating, which could be called the basic benchmark to analyze a system's overall performance.

On to the regulars: SiSoftware Sandra 2008

<__PAGETITLE__SiSoftware Sandra__/PAGETITLE__> Comparing the overall synthetic benchmarks to competitive models, we can see that the Dell Inspiron 1525 is a decent performer; it delivers the results that you'd pretty much expect from it. In real-world scenarios, the Inspiron 1525's performance can be rated as above average. It handled Windows Vista decently. I tried playing a 1080p video and it ran smoothly; it looked nice on the high-resolution display. PCMark 2005

3D Mark 2006

<__PAGETITLE__PCMark 05 and 3DMark 06__/PAGETITLE__> Here, we see the scores are pretty low as compared to those of the laptops we've tested earlier (which had dedicated graphics options from ATi or nVidia). Nonetheless, Intel has definitely improved their onboard solutions with their X3100 GPUs. I tried running Call of Duty 4 and it said the GPU wasn't capable of handling the game. So I tried NFS Pro Street. The game did manage to run, although the performance was mediocre. It didn't run smoothly even when the details were set to low. All I can say is that even though the laptop may be a decent performer overall, it is definitely not meant for today's games. It can probably cater to those stress-relieving Counter-Strike sessions -- nothing more. Battery Life The Inspiron 1525 unit we received had a 9-cell battery, which is more powerful than the standard 6-cell batteries you generally see on laptops these days. In the battery tests, the laptop is put on high-performance mode with full brightness. I played a movie from a DVD; it lasted two and a half hours under these heavy conditions. Thus, under power-saving mode, it should very well be able to give more than 3 hours. What We Think The Inspiron 1525 range starts from Rs 36,800. Our souped-up review unit's price came to Rs 48,560. Thankfully, the Inspiron 1525 without the stereo Bluetooth headset is available for Rs 44,560. If I wanted wireless sound, I'd rather spend the 4,000 bucks on a different pair of wireless headset (the Motorola S9, or the ones from Sony Ericsson). A similarly-configured Dell XPS M1530 would cost around Rs 55,000 (along with a more powerful GeForce 8400M GS graphics card). The only major physical difference between these two models is that the XPS is a bit sleeker and lighter. The price difference is a considerable 10,000 rupees. This has therefore gotten me into intensive thought; after much comparing, I'd like to say that the Dell Inspiron 1525 has a good mix of features and performance at a decent price. The only thing you'll have to live with is a bit of bulk and its inability to cater to gaming needs. If you want something sleeker and which can handle games better, the XPS M1530 deserves your attention. Review unit sourced from Dell India Pvt Ltd <__PAGETITLE__The Battery, and Our Conclusion__/PAGETITLE__>

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USER COMMENTS

I had purchased 1525 R510410 few days back. It is really very good with good funtionality, but the thing that I want to know is if I want to install any other OS then from where do I get the drivers to get all the functionalities as it is.

by Ambuj Garg, Noida, on May 08, 2008 08:03 PM, Report abuse Reply

u can install windows xp all drivers are available...

by karthick, coimbatore, on Jul 08, 2008 05:01 PM, Report abuse

nice

by ashwnai, new delhi, on Jun 09, 2009 03:59 PM, Report abuse Reply

I'm an engineering student and so i need a laptop which runs pretty efficiently on o/s like linux or unix. The use will mainly involve lots of programming & use of internet. Please advise on best affordabe model below Rs.45,000. thanks.

by Vishnu.S.Kumar, trivandrum, on Jun 08, 2009 06:53 PM, Report abuse Reply

Hi friendsT to know the detail for all dell laptops and to buy contact on 080 2510 6206

by ravi, bangalore, on Feb 12, 2009 10:37 PM, Report abuse Reply

Hello Dear All I need u r Help for DELL Inspiron 1525 hwo to activate Mibile Sim Card on its Mobile Mini Sim Card Slot wating for u r kind replay best regards

by akram druvish, kabul, on Feb 10, 2009 01:44 PM, Report abuse Reply

it is easy do it

by akram druvish, kabul, on Feb 10, 2009 01:46 PM, Report abuse

Hello Dear All I need u r Help for DELL Inspiron 1525 hwo to activate Mibile Sim Card on its Mobile Mini Sim Card Slot wating for u r kind replay best regards

by Fida Mohammad R, Mazar-e-Sharif, on Oct 05, 2008 05:50 PM, Report abuse Reply

i have the same problem do you resolve it

by kader, Tunisia, on Nov 21, 2008 01:14 AM, Report abuse

Where is the SIM slot located?

by benjaminjv, Gwalior, on Nov 26, 2008 11:22 AM, Report abuse

I have the same problem too...!!! Is it really a sim card slot.. If so, how to make it work??? Thank You

by Reignfred Ruiz, New Delhi, on Jan 12, 2009 06:18 AM, Report abuse

Hello, I need this 1525 model.With the below configuration 4GB RAM, 320GB HD ,Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.1 GHz),cash 6, speed 2.5. lcd 15.4, and vga gf8400 1GB. Please tell me the price & where can I get it in delhi . now, I am in rosewood hotel in india

by tabassom, delhi, on Jan 07, 2009 09:23 AM, Report abuse Reply

Dear Sir/Madam... I would like to inform you that I interested in buying good quantity of the above dell 1525 , please if available , may I have qute and info. about it.

by Diyar, Sulaimany - iraq, on Jan 01, 2009 11:18 PM, Report abuse Reply

Can windows XP be installed in inspiron 1525 ?

by umegur, Bangalore, on Dec 30, 2008 10:43 PM, Report abuse Reply

please send me dealer's & distributor's contact no.s & address in vadodara, gujarat. Please make it urgent.

by hemesh, vadodara, on Dec 27, 2008 04:12 PM, Report abuse Reply

please let me know price structure of this insprion 1525 model series with core 2 duo processor. please make it urgent.

by hemesh, vadodara, on Dec 27, 2008 03:52 PM, Report abuse Reply

Hello, I need this 1525 model.With the below configuration 3GB DDR2 SDRAM,250GB HD,(1280x800) TFT Display with TrueLife(TM),Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.1 GHz),blossom colour. Please tell me the price & where can I get it in delhi

by Parul, Delhi, on Dec 20, 2008 01:58 PM, Report abuse Reply

i want to purchaseDell Inspiron 1525 pls send me the quotation?

by Pratik Shah, MUMBAI, on Dec 19, 2008 01:15 PM, Report abuse Reply

i am an architect and i m planning to purchase a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop for my architectural profession.Pls guide me with the appropriate laptop configuration and quotation for the same.

by Pratik Shah, MUMBAI, on Dec 19, 2008 01:13 PM, Report abuse Reply

i want to purchase dell,1525 laptop.plsdirect the way

by gauri shankar, bhopal, on Dec 07, 2008 04:17 PM, Report abuse Reply

hello, I need this 1525 model.pls tell me quotation for 320gb hdd and 3gb RAM

by prakash, bangalore, on Dec 05, 2008 04:12 PM, Report abuse Reply

i want to buy this... send me quatation

by RISHI MISRA, DELHI, on Nov 19, 2008 11:25 AM, Report abuse Reply

what is the cost of del insprion

by venkatesh, chennai, on Nov 10, 2008 11:38 AM, Report abuse Reply

send me the final price list of dell inspiron

by rinku, mumbai, on Oct 13, 2008 05:30 PM, Report abuse Reply

I have bought dell inspiron 1525 @Rs. 43000/- from Delhi. Pl. let me know if the price is ok. The main features are C2D, 1.83/2GB/160GB/DVD RW/L/M/WFI/BT/15.4/2MP/V-BASIC with one year warranty.

by ram chauhan, Dehradun, on Jul 24, 2008 01:45 PM, Report abuse Reply

in chandigarh u get C2D, 2.16/3GB/250GB/DVD RW/L/M/WFI/BT/15.4/2MP/V-prem. with one year warranty. for the same price

by Anonymous, chandigarh, on Aug 03, 2008 02:39 AM, Report abuse

I got the same configration + sound blaster sound card + carry bag for Rs 39500 delivered to my doorstep direcly from dell. There was some offer so I got it for less price

by Mayank, hyderabad, on Oct 25, 2008 10:24 PM, Report abuse

39500?....take the here in chandigarh for 38000 plus bluetooth headphones.....

by anonymous, chandigarh, on Oct 25, 2008 10:50 PM, Report abuse

HOW CAN I BUY A DELL LAPTOP FROM U? IT IS VERY URGENT FOR ME.............

by ARUN NAIK, BHUBANESWAR, on Oct 20, 2008 09:54 PM, Report abuse Reply

SEND ME PRICES OF DELL INSPIRON LAPTOPS

by HEM, THANJAVUR, on Oct 14, 2008 03:54 PM, Report abuse Reply

i want to price list of 1525 model

by dhinesh kumar, kovilpatti, on Oct 01, 2008 09:45 PM, Report abuse Reply

I want to purchase dell inispiron laptop with 17'' monitor 2GB RAM and 160GB harddisk

by kumar biswal, kharagpur, on Aug 24, 2008 10:03 PM, Report abuse Reply

i have exactly one with your requirements. Dell Inspiron 1720, Core 2 Duo T7500 2.20 Ghz, 160GB HDD 2 GB RAM Its 9 months old in perfect condition.

by Jana Babu, Chennai, on Sep 23, 2008 09:17 PM, Report abuse

Please Contact Abhijit for best deals 9923429159, 9766711311

by Abhijit Jinendr, Ichalkaranji, on Sep 09, 2008 04:21 PM, Report abuse Reply

If ant Delhi Person Needs New Dell laptops directly from sales at great discounts, contact me at ukchy@rediffmail.com

by Bibhuti, Bangalore, on Mar 01, 2008 09:06 PM, Report abuse Reply

i am purchaes dell inspiron 1525.plzs tell cost of above laptop

by mukesh kumar me, ghaziabad, on May 23, 2008 10:46 AM, Report abuse

Hi dear, I purchased dell inspiron in May 2009 at Rs 44000/-. 3 GB Ram, Processor 7250, 2 MB catch memory, True Life TFT with white graphic colour. There is no price increase since then, if u add my configuration it will cost more. Since my son returned me his old laptop and he is already having 14" Dell (Purchased in Nov'06) I am compelled to sell it. It any person interested they can buy it at 38000/- from me. I am a Bank Officer, posted at Patna.

by D K Sinha, SBI,, PATNA, on Sep 08, 2008 08:57 PM, Report abuse

My contact no. is 9431154155, Address : D K Sinha, Dy. Mgr, SBI, LHO Patna, dksinha62@yahoo.co.in

by D K Sinha, SBI,, PATNA, on Sep 08, 2008 09:01 PM, Report abuse

how much it cost...

by nitin, bangaluru, on Aug 24, 2008 03:23 PM, Report abuse Reply

Hi Dear Can any body tell me latest price of this model in Delhi Cheapest place .

by Rahul, Delhi, on Sep 06, 2008 02:02 PM, Report abuse

how much did it cost?

by slavik, boone, nc, on Aug 23, 2008 03:57 AM, Report abuse Reply

sir i want 2 purhase dis........contact me at +91-09814263254

by aman gupta, sangrur(punjab), on Aug 22, 2008 11:31 PM, Report abuse Reply

i want to buy the inspiron1525 model of Dell C2D,1.83,2GB,160GB SATA,DVD,2MP CAMERA,what is the price Band of this model & is there any dell store in orissa.

by Gyan Ranjan Das, Bhuabneswar, on Aug 10, 2008 11:20 PM, Report abuse Reply

I am planning to take it.... But i need some comments of u guys before taking this..

by Sahil Chauhan, New Delhi, on Aug 07, 2008 11:49 AM, Report abuse Reply

i m instested in this model. tell me the price.

by ravi, faridabad, on Jun 18, 2008 08:49 PM, Report abuse Reply

u r gay...lolzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

by killer, q4, on Jun 26, 2008 01:47 AM, Report abuse

i would like to buy one ,from delhi .possible to tell me price .

by hemant kumar, delhi, on Jun 02, 2008 04:17 PM, Report abuse Reply

i want to know prise of dell inspiron 1525

by imran khan, bulandshahr, on Jun 08, 2008 08:54 PM, Report abuse

HI Hemant, The cost of Dell inspiron 1525 in delhi and NCR is approx 45000/- INR for 2.1 Ghz core 2 duo with 3 Gb RAM.

by Shelendra, Noida, on Jun 09, 2008 08:14 PM, Report abuse

i would like to purchase from ahmedabad.. can anyone tell me the net price and dealers name in ahd..

by HArshil, Ahmedabad, on Jun 06, 2008 09:36 PM, Report abuse Reply

For Dell Laptops in Bangalore, you can call to Offers Helpline 9740111822.They do arrange good deals.

by Ratnakar, Bangalore, on May 30, 2008 11:14 AM, Report abuse Reply

please send me the price of this laptop witha little change ie 250gb hdd in place of 160 gb

by sumit, delhi, on May 29, 2008 12:12 AM, Report abuse Reply

i am interested to Purchase.

by Gaurav Adesara, Baroda, on May 19, 2008 12:36 PM, Report abuse Reply

Is it possible to have dual booting like Windows Vista and Windows 2003 server in inspiron 1525?

by Balaji, bangalore, on Apr 25, 2008 09:32 PM, Report abuse Reply

can anyone please tell will it be worth to buy the dell inspiron or compaq with the same configuration??

by ashish, hyd, on Apr 04, 2008 09:19 AM, Report abuse Reply

I bought one two weeks back.System is OK.However the technical support is abysmal.Whenever you try to contact them on telephone you are directed to a recorded reply saying everybody is busy.replies to emails not received.Anyone planning to buy a laptop buy from a dealer .Even if you have to pay a 1-2 thousand rupees more for the same system configuration ,better after sales service would save you from subsequent troubles.

by bindu, Jammu, on Mar 24, 2008 03:13 PM, Report abuse Reply

Business Users contact Dell Direct 080-25106218 to order Dell products

by Syed Vaseem, Bangalore, on Mar 02, 2008 10:20 PM, Report abuse Reply

ya the touchpad sensitivity is a mess,,,,lot needs to rectified in this model..hope they bring out a upgraded model soon.servicing a big problem

by sahab, kol, on Mar 01, 2008 04:51 PM, Report abuse Reply

I wish Techtree would comment more on the ergonomics. like keyboard touch and feel , keys placement, accessibility of ports, operating temperatures, and comprehensive real world battery life tests. Battery test should include application wise performance. I wish... I wish...

by Rahul_Jawale, Mumbai, on Mar 01, 2008 04:35 PM, Report abuse Reply

How is dells after sales service in India since they dont have any middle man!!! Also delivery takes 10 days! Can we take finance -Bajaj finance on Dell purchase!

by Amit Kekan, Nashik, on Mar 01, 2008 11:54 AM, Report abuse Reply

Contact SETHIA INFOTECH for Purchase of DELL Products. Ph.32982159/42149599/98841-20789

by Pradeep, chennai, on Feb 29, 2008 11:24 PM, Report abuse Reply

i also want to join the bandwagon, so full fledged review of XPS 1530 is a must...

by Plaban, Bhubaneswar, on Feb 29, 2008 08:55 PM, Report abuse Reply

Plz Review Dell XPS M1530

by John, delhi, on Feb 29, 2008 08:02 PM, Report abuse Reply

Yes Please review XPS M1530. Also when you review a desktop or notebook you should give their actual screenshots too.

by Bittoo, New Delhi, on Feb 29, 2008 08:28 PM, Report abuse