Michael Knutson
05-20-2011, 08:30 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/dell-inspiron-17r.aspx' target='_blank'>http://www.laptopmag.com/review/lap...spiron-17r.aspx</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Can you really get a good big-screen multimedia laptop for under a grand? Yes, and the Dell Inspiron 17R is exhibit A. This 17-inch notebook combines a vibrant 1600 x 900 screen with a second-generation Intel Core i5-2410M CPU, an Nvidia GeForce GT525M graphics card, and a Blu-ray player--all for $899."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/lpt/auto/1305919578.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Dell's Inspiron 17R is a lot of computer for $899. Not exactly light, at 7.2-pounds, or 7.6-pounds with a 9-cell battery, has: a good keyboard with a full number pad and touchpad; a crisp, clear, but glossy LCD with WiDi (need an adapter from Netgear at $79) to output wirelessly to an HD TV; decent graphics; very good audio; the usual complement of ports, including two USB 3.0; Blu-Ray Player; HD webcam; good cooling for the top of the laptop, but a bit less cooling underneath; decent gaming performance; slow boot performance; very good battery life of over 4-hours with the standard 6-cell battery, and over 7-hours with the 9-cell battery upgrade; and average wireless performance. For the price, an outstanding value! And, if you don't like the looks, you can easily change the cover.</p>