Review: Dell Inspiron 13

Dell Inspiron 13 (1318) specifications:

• Screen: 13.3" WXGA TrueLife Glossy
• Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core T2390 (1.86GHz, 533FSB, 1MB Cache)
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• Storage: 160GB HDD (5400rpm)
• Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW
• Wireless: 802.11b/g
• Graphics: Intel X3100 Integrated Graphics
• Built-in web camera
• Battery: 11.1V 56Wh
• Dimensions: 12.52" x 9.37" x 1"/1.51"
• Weight: 4lbs 13.5oz
• Retail Price: $698

Conclusion

With a sleek design, reasonable specs, and an attractive price the Dell Inspiron 13 is sure to be a popular notebooks this year. While there are certainly more powerful 13-inch notebooks on the market (like the impressive Toshiba Satellite U405 or LG P300) you'll be hard pressed to find a more capable 13-inch notebook at such a low price.

While issues like cheap palm rests and a noisy slot-loading drive won't bother most people, the limit of two USB ports and use of Pentium dual core instead of a Core 2 Duo processor might make some potential customers look elsewhere. In the end, the Inspiron 13 is an attractive, capable budget notebook. If you're looking for a basic mobile companion with good looks and a low price tag then this is probably the right notebook for you.

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Solid build quality
• Acceptable performance
• Good battery life
• Solid keyboard
• Great price

Cons:

• Only two USB ports ... even $300 netbooks have three USB ports
• Pentium dual core processor is a little week
• Keyboard is a little cramped and touchpad is a little small
• Palm rest plastics look cheap and easily pick up skin oils
• Slot-loading drive is a little loud