Product Review - Dell Inspiron 9300 Notebook

The Dell Inspiron 9300 is the latest offering from the venerable manufacturer of personal computers. Widely touted as an "entertainment powerhouse," the 9300 promises to deliver exceptional performance for the multimedia fan. Let's take a look at what makes this notebook computer the standout that it is.

You have to admire Dell. Not a month goes by where a new model is offered, prices are reduced, and the whole package is sweetened with the inclusion of some sort of free upgrade. True to form, the Dell Inspiron 9300 notebook computer is a prime example of all that as it is a new model, fully loaded, and is available to you at an attractive price.

Some of the top features of this particular model include:

A 17" screen – perfect for gamers and movie watchers.

Intel Pentium M Processor 730 (1.60 GHz/2MB Cache/533MHz FSB).

A whopping 1 GB of memory.

80GB hard drive.

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.

8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer write capability.

McAfee Security Center.

3 Year Service Plan.

Depending on how you order the 9300 some of the included features may be slightly different. All models do come equipped with PCI Express graphics options for entertainment applications, including: digital video editing, digital photography, and movies. However, to watch television or view your DVDS, you must purchase the optional TV tuner for an extra $150. Another drawback is that you cannot play audio or video on the 9300 without booting up; some will find this step to be a big inconvenience. Expect future models from Dell to rectify this oversight.

The 9300 is no lightweight, weighing in at just over 9 lbs.; of course if you are moving from a desktop unit the weight will seem inconsequential.

Perhaps the best feature of the 9300 is its price. Dell is forever running specials on just about everything they sell. This particular model retails for $2209 on their site, but with an instant rebate of $750 your price begins at $1459. Even with taxes, shipping and handling charges, the tuner, and a couple of software packages thrown in you can still get the 9300 for under $2000. Comparable models from HP, Gateway, and Toshiba are likely to run several hundreds dollars more than the 9300 and Dell's special price includes their popular three year extended warranty.

Overall, the 9300 is a nice entrant in the "full blown entertainment" category of notebook computers. With the low price and extended warranty you will find that it is a value leader as well.