Dell Inspiron 15R

Dell has poor process for managing Windows licenses – After spending an hour and a half on the phone with Dell support I left frustrated and with no resolution. The biggest issue with Dell laptops is that the Windows license that comes with device, is tied specifically to a Dell image. I replaced the hard drive in my wife's laptop, re-installed the same version of Windows 7 from the Microsoft site but Dell is refusing to activate the Windows license. They know it's valid and have a record of it but want to charge me for support and for a new CD (that I don't want). I bought and paid for the Windows license but I can't use it because they don't have the systems to just turn it on.

I'm never buying a Dell laptop again. They can keep their bloatware.

Serving all my purposes and doing me well – Ordering this computer online with Dell was an easy and smooth transaction. I remember speaking to the consultant and after telling him I only use my laptop for internet basics and work documents at home (not hugely for watching DVDs, youtube etc.) he suggested I upgrade for an extra $50 so I went with it. The computer is serving my purposes extremely well. It is a bit heavy when I pick it up to move it around and there are way lighter options on the market nowadays, however it is a solid performer and I can't complain. Big screen, clear, face detection log-in ID. The keyboard is annoying in that half of it is taken up with a numeric keypad which I never use. I had to get used to moving all my fingers over to the left side of the keyboard and I am an EA who is used to typing. Sometimes the face detection log in can take ages to recognise me, other times it is quick which is bizarre!

Solid performer – Purchasing a Dell of the website was easy, and their sales tracking tool is very good. The online shop offered a few 'add-ons' like extra Ram, and a few 'leave offs' like software which is nice. The 15R came with an I5-520M dual core chipset. I upgraded to 8 GB of ram, and run Windows 7. It has a few little Dell extras like a handy 'Apple' like menu bar for shortcuts to commonly used applications.

The screen is bright and colours are vivid. I've watched a few DVDs on it, and it has a good pricture, and sound is reasonable.

HDMI out is really handy, and so too is the separate 'numbers' keyboard.

It is however a bit heavier than previous laptops, and my biggest gripe is that after a year, the battery life has started to fade.

The power supply has a funky blue light on it to show it is on, and is a nice light slim line thing that meakes it good to travel with.

Would I buy a Dell again, I would prefer other laptops like my Acer TravelMate 8572TG, but the price would probably drive me to consider Dell again. That said, the advent of ultrabooks and tablets might have changed the need/requiremnts for laptops anyway. Price, Service support, specifications, power supply is light and slim line. Battery life has faded

Great value laptop – Very happy with this laptop. I ordered the i5 processor, 500 Gb hardrive, 4 Gb ram and it is awesome for mixing music & editing movies. Has all the features you need including HDMI, 3 x USB2 mic & headphones for Skype or music. Great quality screen for watching DVD's Great value, all the features a regular person needs Not really wrong but as approx 12 months old doesn't have USB3