If the Dell Inspiron 8000, featuring the brand-new GeForce2 Go graphics subsystem from Nvidia, gets any faster at handling 3D operations, we may have to start measuring 4D performance in our tests. But while this desktop-replacement notebook excels at all things graphics-related, it doesn't shirk its other duties either, delivering a high-end feature set (850MHz Pentium III processor, 128M RAM, 20GB hard drive), great usability, and superb all-around performance. Its weight (3.7 kilograms) may scare off more itinerant users, but SOHO and gaming gurus won't bat an eye when occasionally lugging this behemoth around but they may wince when their credit card bill for the system comes in the mail.
First things first: This Inspiron's score of 139.0 on our 3D WinMark test is more than double that of the previous notebook record holder, an Inspiron 8000 outfitted with the ATI Rage Mobility graphics chip. In other words, all things being equal, the GeForce2 Go provides a quantum leap in 3D modelling and animation--so much so that the Quake III demo ran at a nausea-inducing 56 frames per second. In short, not only does the GeForce2 Go graphics subsystem delivers 3D performance that dwarfs that of previous notebooks, but it also produces graphics results similar to comparable desktop systems.
Graphics WinMark performance was also at the top of the heap, although only marginally so, while most other test scores came in near the top. Only hard-disk performance lagged. As for stamina, the Inspiron's relatively small 3,800 mAh lithium-ion battery lasted longer than we expected--exactly 3 hours on a single charge.
The design of this new Inspiron's chassis provides more evidence that Dell has been listening to critiques of past models. The matte-black finish and conservative use of chrome accents on our evaluation unit greatly surpass the questionable aesthetics of the Inspirons of yore. Opening the lid reveals a gorgeous 15.0-inch TFT display, which delivers crystal-clear SXGA+ resolution (1,400 by 1,050 pixels) with good off-axis viewing. Dell also gives the option of a screen that supports a whopping 1,600 by 1,200 pixels, but we only recommend this for CAD/CAM and Photoshop pros--or test pilots with 20/15 vision--because icons and text will be extremely small.
As expected, DVD playback was incredibly smooth and colourful, but we did notice a vertical band of mild distortion, about two millimetres wide on the right side of the screen when the unit was set to full-screen mode. Dell was able to replicate the problem on in-house models and is looking into a fix.
The company has also spiffed up the Inspiron's keyboard, which impressed us as one of the best designs we've seen since the ThinkPad's. Key travel is substantial and response is firm to the touch, while the keys have a matte finish that prevents them from being too slick. Key layout is superb. The last two generations of the Dell Inspiron have featured dual-pointing devices with two sets of actuation buttons--a great concept that works very well in this setting. Four dedicated buttons above the keyboard give you quick access to applications; two are user-programmable. The buttons double as controls for audio-CD playback, but you must toggle this functionality via software. The lack of a quick-and-easy hardware toggle switch is an annoying oversight.
This Inspiron came loaded with other great features, including a built-in FireWire port, dual USB connectors, a smart battery with push-button status LED, and hot-swappable drives. The 8x DVD-ROM drive is fixed, but the floppy, battery, and any optional drives can be exchanged into two bays on the front of the system. Electronic documentation, including diagnostic and restore utilities, is superb, thanks to the Dell Solution Centre software that puts all these tools and more at your fingertips.
We give kudos to Dell for churning out an all-around excellent system with formidable 3D performance. Despite a few minor design flaws, the Inspiron 8000 might be the perfect desktop-replacement system.
Dell Inspiron 8000
Company: Dell Australia
Price: AU$5053.40
Distributor: Dell Australia
Phone: 1 800 812 393
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