| Dell Inspiron 518 - The Perfect Desktop for Everyday Use |
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| Computers - Computers |
| Written by Matt Ryan |
| Friday, 30 January 2009 13:53 |
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Dells extensive desktop family now includes the new Inspiron 518. Backed by the Dell name, quality, and power, this mini tower desktop provides high performance for any type of user. With a shiny black casing and beautiful chrome accents, this desktop can make any office or room look a bit more exotic. The Inspirons budget, along with functionality, is geared a bit more towards families and students than those techy individuals out there.
Dells extensive desktop family now includes the new Inspiron 518. Backed by the Dell name, quality, and power, this mini tower desktop provides high performance for any type of user. With a shiny black casing and beautiful chrome accents, this desktop can make any office or room look a bit more exotic. The Inspirons budget, along with functionality, is geared a bit more towards families and students than those techy individuals out there. The bare-bone system starts are $329. (Bare-bone, in this sense, means the minimal technical specifications discussed in a bit.) Additional features can be added through Dells interactive build process. The Inspiron 518 may not be the cheapest desktop on the market, but is decently priced when you consider the performance and functionality that it offers. The power and high performance comes from the 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q660 and 320GB 5,400 rpm hard drive. You will also find, as part of the standard build, 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450, and gigabit Ethernet, along with a dual-layer DVD burner. Dell will install Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (32-bit) as the operating system, on all Inspiron 518s. Currently the Inspiron does not support 64-bit operating system, and cannot be upgraded to such without an upgrade to internal hardware. If you are planning to upgrade to Windows 7, you will need to consider this seriously, as the new operating system is 64-bit. Other manufacturers are selling similar desktops on 64-bit operating systems, so this is a step behind for Dell. The overall design, of the Insprion 518, is quite sleek and easy on the eyes. Dell did not stop with the overall appearance; they actually added a tray, to the top of the mini tower, for easy storage of small plug-n-play devices. Additionally, there were two USB 2.0 ports added, near the tray, to allow users to conveniently charge and connect with these devices. There has been a new feature added to the interface of Dell machines - the Dell Dock. This is similar to the Vista sidebar, with the exception of it being more personable. Users can add their favorite icons and folders, to Dell Dock, for easy navigation and access. Dell Dock can be docked anywhere on your desktop (top, left or right side, or even the bottom). The Dell Dock is so customizable that you can even turn it completely off if you decide that it clutters your desktop a bit too much for your taste. Regardless, it is a nice feature for users to experience a more personalized experience. There are a few features, that Dell normally offers, that are not available on the Inspiron 518. Consumers cannot upgrade their optical drive to a Blu-ray drive. Draft-N-Wireless is an available extra on this model. As for graphics cards, your choices are limited. You will either have to choose the low-end graphic card, or stick with the ATI Radeon HD 3450 as no other options are available. There are still many other extras that can be added, but you are limited on the Inspiron 518, unlike many other Dell machines. This is a great desktop for everyday personal use. Whehter you are a college or high school student, or simply need a computer for the entire family, this is a good deal. The Inspiron 518 is backed by the Dell name and provides users with outstanding performance, numerous features, and is extremely user-friendly. About the Author: About the Author: Matt Ryan can help you find deals on Dell Desktops. Visit MiracleShopper to research and get product descriptions, specifications and pricing on Desktops PCs and more. |