Dell
From its business-savvy Latitude laptops to its gaming powerhouse XPS and Alienware desktops, Dell has made its mark on the PC landscape. Plus the computer manufacturer offers customization options that few of its competitors match, making for a unique line of offerings. Read on for CNET's complete coverage of Dell laptops, desktops, printers, and monitors.
Dell desktops CNET editors' reviews
The good: SideShow screen extends Vista Gadgets to the top of the system; nearly complete line of digital-media options lets you make this system the hub of your networked home; strong support.
The bad: Not quite the best bang for the buck as far as pure processing power; no HD DVD/Blu-ray combo option; needs better software to expose the benefits of the hardware MPEG-2 transcoder.
The bottom line: Dell's new XPS 420 offers almost all of the latest in PC-based digital-video capability, as well as a few unique features you won't find elsewhere. The default configuration fares poorly against the other new PCs, but if you're willing to spend money on upgrades, you can turn this system into a powerful digital-media nerve center.
The good: Wi-Fi option and a forthcoming built-in Bluetooth receiver brings Dell's connectivity into the 21st century; more expandability than HP's SlimLine; strong support
The bad: Core hardware costs more than in a comparable PC from eMachines
The bottom line: Dell may not have the most bang for the buck in its new, trim Inspiron 531S, but it offers more options than the competition in this new, small-scale Windows desktop. For systems in its slimmed down class, we recommend it. For budget PCs in general, you can find a better deal if you shop around.
The good: Sleek new case design; overachieving application performance; finally has a Wi-Fi adapter option; integrated Bluetooth (shortly after launch); new, mostly useful support software.
The bad: Some higher-end configuration options are limited to Dell's XPS line.
The bottom line: The last of the major desktop vendors to update this year's desktops, Dell used that time to good advantage. On some tests, the Inspiron 531 is even faster than systems that cost $500 more. Keep your gaming and digital media ambitions modest, and this PC should deliver nearly everything you'd want in a mainstream system.
The good: Speedy Core 2 Duo CPU; quiet operation.
The bad: Service lags behind other premium retailers'; expensive for what you get.
The bottom line: Brand-name shoppers will find that the upper-midrange Dell XPS 410 is an easy, if expensive, way to get into the next generation of CPUs without jumping all the way up to Dell's XPS 700 gaming monster.
The good: New Core 2 Duo CPU bolsters performance; Dell's DellConnect support leaves the troubleshooting to the professionals.
The bad: Innovations in design since the case's debut 14 months ago make the XPS 210 feel clunky; lazy absence of internal Wi-Fi.
The bottom line: With so many systems on the market that have planted their home-theater flags deeply in the living room rug, Dell's noncommittal XPS 210 feels too much like it's trying to please everyone. The addition of Intel's Core 2 Duo chips helps overall performance, but in general, this small-scale desktop needs more than a new brain to keep up with the competition.
Dell laptops CNET editors' reviews
The good: Dual SLI graphics; strong mobile gaming scores; 10-key number pad; integrated Logitech GamePanel LCD; multicolored, built-in LED lights play along with music and games; backlit keyboard; can play media files without booting up.
The bad: Similarly configured laptops are faster on some tests; plastic lid and creaky hinges don't scream (or sound like) luxury; the albatross that is the massive power brick.
The bottom line: With a redesigned case that's chock-full of cutting-edge technologies, the Dell XPS M1730 tops our list of our favorite gaming laptops.
The good: Newly redesigned Inspiron line adds Centrino Duo CPUs and color choices; highly configurable with plenty of networking options; discrete graphics option; excellent battery life.
The bad: Not as radically reengineered as Dell's new XPS laptop; low starting price, but everything from the Webcam to Bluetooth costs extra.
The bottom line: Dell's retooled Inspiron line introduces the new 14-inch Inspiron 1420 laptop, which benefits from an internal and external makeover. The wide-ranging configuration options mean that virtually any mainstream user can find a system to fit their budget.
The budget-friendly, desktop-replacement Dell Inspiron 1720 series offers a range of component upgrades and color choices for typical home users.
The good: Thin, sexy design; strong performance; backlit-LED display; included media remote control.
The bad: Small touchpad; some options (SSD hard drives, Blu-ray) not available yet; not as many color options as Dell's new Inspiron line.
The bottom line: Dell has finally put design first with the head-turning XPS M1330 laptop, emphasizing both the "thin" and "light" aspects of the thin-and-light category without sacrificing features or performance.
The good: Strong performance; long-lived nine-cell battery; sturdy construction; bright display; comfortable keyboard; corporate-level security, including smart card reader; WWAN available as an option; lengthy three-year warranty.
The bad: Somewhat heavy for a thin-and-light notebook; native screen resolution makes icons and text look small; fingerprint reader decreases mouse button size.
The bottom line: Corporate users can't go wrong with the Dell Latitude D630, which integrates Intel's latest mobile platform with a business-friendly feature set and lengthy extended battery.
The good: Latest and greatest laptop GPU; built-in strobe lights play along with music and games; unbeatable mobile gaming scores; can play media files without booting up.
The bad: Similarly configured laptops are faster on some tests; some special features hidden in hard-to-find menus; expensive.
The bottom line: Dell's latest update to the XPS M1710 doesn't make it any cheaper but allows it to maintain its position as the leader of the mobile gaming pack.
The good: High-resolution screen, front-edge media control buttons, decent graphics lets it double as a mobile gaming rig; includes USB TV tuner and Media Center remote.
The bad: No next-gen optical drive options; cramped keyboard for such a large system.
The bottom line: Dell's 17-inch Inspiron E1705, when properly configured, is a reasonably priced strong performer that gets the job done for home users who want a large desktop replacement that can handle both multimedia and gaming.
The good: Sleek, attention-getting design; high-quality, adjustable 20-inch LCD; speakers offer crisp, rich audio; detachable Bluetooth keyboard and Media Center remote will work well from the couch or during a presentation; top-of-the-line components deliver high overall performance and competent gaming capability.
The bad: Absurdly expensive; TV tuner and some other A/V connections aren't built in; too heavy to be truly portable.
The bottom line: A striking feat of engineering that's sure to garner attention in a stylish home or on a multimedia-intensive sales call, the Dell XPS M2010 is simply too expensive and impractical to be anything more than a curio for the rest of us.
Dell monitors CNET editors' reviews
The good: Four-way adjustable stand; wide array of video inputs; USB 2.0 ports and media card reader; strong movie and game quality.
The bad: Unintuitive onscreen display navigation; less-than-amazing static image quality.
The bottom line: Dell's UltraSharp 2407WFP-HC widescreen monitor gives you tons of input flexibility, strong moving image quality, and a handful of other features that will endear you to it as a digital entertainment display. It's not as strong as we'd like with static images, however, making this display not as well suited to demanding image and graphics professionals.
The good: Excellent image quality; full array of video ports; picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture options; USB hub; HDCP.
The bad: Slightly wobbly base; onscreen menu is tricky to navigate.
The bottom line: Dell's 24-inch wide-screen LCD delivers excellent image quality and a ton of connectivity options, including video inputs and picture-in-picture settings. Add in a great price, and the Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP is the best value in its class.
The good: Elegant design; practical size; excellent geometry, brightness, and contrast; four USB 2.0 ports; memory card slots.
The bad: Expensive; uniformity, ghosting, and color-tracking artifacts that would matter less if the display were cheaper; no HDMI interface; lacks some important settings; generates a lot of heat.
The bottom line: The Dell UltraSharp 2707WFP is expensive and not quite up to the task for professional imaging, but its elegant design, big screen, and copious extras will appeal to those with a big budget.
The good: Excellent image quality; includes composite and S-Video inputs; HDTV-compatible wide screen; excellent ergonomics; attractive price.
The bad: Onscreen menu is difficult to navigate; base is slightly unstable while adjusting.
The bottom line: The Dell UltraSharp 2007WFP, a 20-inch wide-screen LCD, serves up a winning combination of features, image quality, and adjustability--all for a very reasonable price.
The good: Inexpensive; HDCP-compliant DVI input.
The bad: Mediocre performance; height not fully adjustable; limited video connectivity.
The bottom line: The Dell E207WFP's low price makes it a worthwhile budget LCD contender, as long as you don't need high performance or extra features.
Dell printers CNET editors' reviews
The good: Inexpensive; fast color prints; great text print quality; single-sheet manual feed slot.
The bad: Slow black prints; black prints need to be darker; color graphics printing could use some improvement; memory and paper input are not expandable; no auto-duplexer.
The bottom line: The Dell 1320c is a decent choice for a small office or work group, but a little more cash will net you a faster printer with better print quality.
The good: Multifunction printer with built-in media card slots and USB port; has e-fax capability; produces a scannable photo index.
The bad: Disappointing print quality; photo ink actually degrades photo quality; Dell's own photo paper doesn't produce the best quality prints; sluggish task speeds.
The bottom line: The Dell Photo 926 is disappointing, even for a $100 multifunction printer. You can get a better printer for the same money.
The good: Inexpensive; low print costs; excellent text print quality; fast prints; generous support terms; built-in networking and duplex in the 1720dn.
The bad: Minor cross-hatching in graphics prints.
The bottom line: The Dell 1720dn offers fast prints and good print quality, making it an excellent mono laser printer for small offices or work groups.
The good: Includes fax and ADF; PictBridge port can be used to connect USB flash drives; 24/7 tech support; lots of add-on options, including networking, paper tray, and duplexer; great scan quality and speed.
The bad: Subpar print quality; limited features for photo printing; ink system not ideal for good photo prints; no Mac support.
The bottom line: The Dell Photo All-in-One Printer 966 lacks a lot of the photo-printing features that make a photo all-in-one compelling, but it throws in some office-oriented features. We say skip all the confusion and spend your money on a better all-in-one printer.
Dell features
Project runway: Dell's new-look systems impress
Both Dell's mainstream desktops and laptops will now carry the Inspiron name, and we liked the Inspiron 531 desktop so much that we gave it an Editors' Choice. Read more
June 28. 2007Dell overclocks, flexes its volume muscle
The Dell XPS 710 H2C isn't fundamentally that different from the old, vanilla XPS 710, but two important factors make it stand out. Read more
January 9, 2007CNET Prizefight: Apple 30-inch LCD vs. Dell 30-inch LCD
We tested the monitors side by side on identical PCs running Windows XP Pro, but even when the panels are identical, equal performance isn't a guarantee. The way the panel is engineered makes a significant difference, so let's ring the bell and see which monitor comes out on top. Read more
March 22, 2006Dell news
Dell to sell advanced cooling systems for servers
Liquid cooling is all the rage again in servers, and Dell has jumped into the pool. Read more
By Michael Kanellos, June 28, 2007Dell calls on HP to investigate spying charges
A corporate shoving match has begun between Hewlett-Packard and Dell following new allegations that HP robbed Dell of trade secrets. Read more
By Greg Sandoval, June 1, 2007What Wal-Mart means to Dell
News analysis: Dell is adding a new dimension to its sales strategy, but it's unclear if this move can get the company back on track. Read more
By Erica Ogg, May 24, 2007Dell shopping
Dell systems run the gamut, from budget-friendly desktops starting under $400 all the way to gaming-friendly XPS series that will set you $2,000 back, if not more. Similarly, the company offers a wide variety of peripherals including printers and monitors ranging from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000.
Dell desktops
Dell laptops
Dell monitors
Dell printers
User opinions for Dell Inspiron 531
by cabootee (see profile), 08/30/2007
by AndyBoucher (see profile), 09/11/2007
by mauibeachboo (see profile), 10/30/2007
User opinions for Dell Latitude D630
by ksearch (see profile), 06/15/2007
by Zelig504 (see profile), 05/30/2007
by charleybayarea (see profile), 06/21/2007
User opinions for Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP
by bronxbombers3 (see profile), 07/20/2006
by sam_laby (see profile), 09/14/2006
by kinnikkuman (see profile), 06/18/2006
Learn about Dell
Dell desktops
The pioneer of the built-to-order PC remains very competitive more than 20 years after Michael Dell began selling custom systems out of his University of Texas dorm room. If you head on over to Dell.com today, you can build almost any kind of desktop, from a $349 budget Inspiron (which replaced the Dimension line earlier this year, at least online) all the way up to a high-end gaming PC costing several thousand dollars.
Dell has two basic lines of home desktops. The Inspiron offers two different chassis, the standard midtower Inspiron 530/531, and the slimmer 530s/531s. The 530 models are Intel-based systems, and 531 indicates an AMD processor. These systems are aimed at the basic home user who wants to surf the Web, edit photos, do school work, and perform other every day computing tasks. You may also have heard that Dell partnered with Wal-Mart to sell its PCs in select Wal-Mart stores around the country. There you'll find older models, like the Dimension E521, in fixed configurations. Generally these are also suited to straightforward computing, although they don't necessarily include the most current components.
If you want to get involved in PC gaming, home movie editing, or integrating your computer into your home entertainment system, you'll probably want to look at one of Dell's high-end XPS systems, either the XPS 410 or the smaller XPS 210. Both of those PCs offer dual-core processors, TV tuners, better graphics cards, and generally offer a wider, more advanced selection of components than the basic Inspiron systems. Of course, the XPS desktops are also more expensive. If you're really serious about gaming and have a particularly expansive budget, the Dell XPS 720 and the XPS 720 H2C (minor updates to the 710 and 710 H2C, respectively) offer top-of-the-line features like dual graphics cards, overclocked quad-core CPUs, boutique-style cases and internal wiring. Depending on your ambitions for one of those PCs, the price can start to look like the down payment on a car.
Dell laptops
Dell's laptops for home users belong to two distinct product families. The Inspiron line is aimed at those who simply need a straightforward computer, while the newly expanded XPS series focuses on high-performance PCs for customers who are willing to spend extra on a complete PC for gaming and digital home entertainment. A third line, Latitude, is geared toward business users.
With many Dell laptops, choosing a model is just the beginning: you'll also be able to choose Intel or AMD processors in a variety of speeds, different quantities of RAM, multiple hard drive sizes, and several optical drives. With the exception of the XPS line and the ATG line of ruggedized laptops, all of Dell's laptops start at less than $1,600, and you'll generally get a pretty compelling set of specs and features for your money.
Feedback
Dell pictures
Photos: Dell Linux Ubuntu
Dell now ships some new models preinstalled with Ubuntu, a free Linux distribution from Canonical that provides a Microsoft Windows-like experience for those new to Linux.
Dell videos
Dell Inspiron 531s
The Dell Inspiron 531s, the company's newest, small-scale Windows desktop, may not offer the most bang for the buck, but it offers more options than the competition.
Dell Dimension E521
Dell's Dimension E521 doesn't have many bells and whistles, but a powerful dual-core AMD processor lends it unexpected performance and a strong bang for the buck.
Dell Inspiron E1505
The Windows Vista-based Dell Inspiron E1505 remains a good laptop for basic home use, with a solid set of multimedia features and high-end components.
Dell Inspiron E1705
Dell's 17-inch Inspiron E1705, when properly configured, is a reasonably priced strong performer that gets the job done for home users who want a large desktop replacement that can handle both multimedia and gaming.
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