Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have a primary laptop that I use at home but needed something that was lighter to carry around school, do basic internet browsing and word processing. After searching for months, despite the mediocre reviews on Amazon I decided to settle for the Dell Mini 1018. Note, I paid much less from the Microsoft store (new & not refurbished) when it was on sale for less than $220 (including tax).
Pros:
-Lightweight
-Battery Life is about 6-6.5 hours in lower screen lighting(though some other netbook have a longer battery life this is enough for me). Even on the lowest screen light setting is usually good enough for me to see well.
-Keyboard is nice and I am able to comfortably use it.
-The build quality seems great.
-I can browse Youtube, CNN videos and other videos usually without the image being choppy or distorted (unless I'm running several programs).
-Considering the small size, the speakers are surprisingly great. Even much better than my Gateway T-6836 laptop though I won't raise the volume above 80 in fear of blowing them.
-This netbook doesn't get very hot like my laptop does after several hours of use. Thus not having an internal fan doesn't seem to be an issue.
-The built-in camera and mic does allow me to use Skype and AOL instant messenger video chat with no problems.
Cons:
-The netbook is slow but adequate. This isn't so much as a con as a fact of all netbooks' performance.
-Comes with Window 7 starter (though I've upgraded to Window 7 Enterprise and I am happy).
-The mouse pad is a bit wider than needed but a bit shorter than I would like).
-No plug for external microphone though that wasn't a function I cared for. It does have one built into the computer.
-No HDMI. However, that wasn't a deal killer for me.
-Two USB ports. Again, not a deal killer for me.
-Also you have to disassemble the laptop (almost everything but the screen)if you choose to upgrade to the 2GB DDR3 RAM which may be a daunting task for many. Other comments:
This is a netbook with 1024x600 resolution and you might be able to play videos in 480P but it may be choppy. If you expect to play 720P you'll want to look elsewhere because the screen resolution/video card will not allow you to watch it without the video/audio being choppy to the point where you won't be able to stand it.
I've read in other reviews that the laptop goes into sleep mode when you plug in the charging adapter. This is true, however you can change settings to resolve the problem. I found the solution to be as follows: Go to Start, Control Panel, System and Security, System, Advanced System Settings, Hardware, Device Manager, Network Adapters, Wireless LAN, Power Management, and then uncheck "Allow computer to turn off this device to save power" and finally click "OK." Since doing that my netbook has not shut off when the charging adapter is plugged into the netbook.
Also the netbook doesn't come with recovery disc to restore your netbook should it crash. I would recommend that to avoid paying for the software from Dell should it crash, owners' should hook up an external cd burner and with a cd copying program (NERO) and then they can create a recovery disk (in my case it took two cds).
I've installed Avast anti-virus, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Office, CCleaner, Nero, Microsoft Words, Instant Messenger and various other programs and so far they've all work as expected.Conclusion:
Bottom line this netbook is a great to bring to school. It met my requirements of portability, affordability and performing basic computer and web browsing needs. I bought this knowing it wouldn't replace my laptop, however, I have found myself using it far more than I had originally intended it for. I would recommend this to family and friends.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell Inspiron iM1018-2628OBK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Clear Black)
The Dell Inspiron Mini 1018 makes it easy to stay connected to your world almost anywhere you go. The Mini 1012's small, virtually weightless design lets you travel light while keeping up with your blog, video chat, instant messenger, and e-mail so you never lose touch with your family and friends. A bright 10.1-inch widescreen display is designed to present websites without a lot of left-right scrolling.
Stay connected to family and friends via theintegrated webcam (see larger image).
Click here for more information about Dell Inspiron iM1018-2628OBK 10.1-Inch Netbook (Clear Black)
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