DELL INSPIRON 9100

IN BRIEF: With a design and specification befitting the term desktop replacement, this is a cost-effective power user’s tool

Dell has always stressed that with its Inspiron line of laptops, consumers can expect cutting-edge technologies at a competitive price. So it comes as no real surprise that the Dell Inspiron 9100 (£1502 inc. VAT) is the first laptop we’ve seen that takes advantage of Intel’s latest 3.2GHz Pentium 4 desktop processor. What’s new about this processor is that it’s the first version of the Prescott chip that moves the technology to 90nm. Along with the change in die-size comes a stepping up of speeds – the 3.2GHz of our review machine being the current high-end version and it features1MB of Level 2 cache as standard.

DESKTOP USE

To support this processor power, Dell has fitted the Inspiron 9100 with 1024MB ofPC3200 memory. Once again, this is a desktop rather than mobile specific component. Fortunately, Dell has opted to use a fast Hitachi drive, which has a capacity of 60GBand a running speed of 7200rpm.

Dell hasn’t stopped there either, as the 9100is supported by an ATi Mobility Radeon 9700graphics adapter, which is fitted with 128MBof dedicated VRAM – currently the fastest mobile GPU on the market. This is borne out under test by a 3DMark 2001 score of 11910,which is more than in keeping with the notion that the Inspiron is intended to replace your desktop PC with ease. While this level of performance should make gamers happy, we were surprised that Dell hasn’t introduced a dedicated upgrade path for the GPU. On the plus side though, the 9100 is a fraction of the price of dedicated gaming machines and will certainly find a market in this sector.

On first appearances, this laptop has the same styling as the 8600 range, until you take into account the extra depth of the 9100,which at 57mm makes it the largest laptop that we’ve reviewed to date. However, when you consider the amount of desktop technology, as well as the heat it generates, the chassis needs to be large to deal with the temperatures it creates. What makes the 9100 interesting on the inside is the use of three separate fans to keep the heat it generates in check. While such a set-up should create a great deal of noise, we were impressed with how quiet it was, even when testing it to the limits with the latest games.

SCREEN TECHNOLOGY

The screen is a 15.4-inch panel, which supports a native resolution of 1900 x 1200 pixels. This is ideal for watching DVD movies, but users will find that games will often resize the screen to give it a slightly stretched appearance. The inclusion of a DVi port on the rear of the chassis allows for a direct digital connection to a projector or external monitor. Such a feature can normally only be found on Apple laptops and is a nice touch.

The problem with the 9100 is that it isn’t quite the gaming machine it purports to be. Nor is it the final say in office business tools, falling somewhere between the two. Although it’s a comfortable and powerful machine to use, with no graphics upgrade path it won’t appeal to all gamers. And while a DVi port is a step in the right direction, with no Gigabit Ethernet the Inspiron 9100 is a large box looking for the right market. Wi-Fi, in the form of 802.11g is fitted as standard, though. Remember to use E-VALUE Code 200-I09 REV when ordering.

PRICE: £1279/£1502 (EX/INC. VAT)
PROCESSOR: INTEL PENTIUM 43.2GHZ
MEMORY: 1024MB PC3200
HARD DRIVE: HITACHI 60GB
SCREEN SIZE AND TYPE: 15.4-INCH TFT
DISPLAY RESOLUTION: 1900 X 1200 PIXELS
GRAPHICS CARD: ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9700
DIMENSIONS: 359 X 274 X 57MM
WEIGHT: 4.1KG
PC CARDS (TYPE II/III): 1/0
WIRELESS LAN: 802.11G
ETHERNET: YES
MODEM: YES
USB PORTS: 2
FIREWIRE: 1
STANDARD WARRANTY: 1 YR RTB
WARRANTY UPGRADE: VARIOUS AVAILABLE
CONTACT: 0870 152 4676 WWW.DELL.CO.UK

RATINGS AND TEST RESULTS

BATTERY LIFE: N/A
MOBILEMARK 2002: N/A
3DMARK 2001: 11910

VALUE FOR MONEY: 7
PERFORMANCE: 8
FEATURES: 8
MOBILITY: 3
BUILD QUALITY: 6
OVERALL: 7