vendredi 30 janvier 2009

Feature Packed, High Performance Desktop - the Dell Inspiron 518

By Matt Ryan

Dell is known for the quality machines that they produce along with the high performance they implement into each PC. They have added, yet another, phenomenal desktop to the Dell family - the Inspiron 518. This mini tower is one of the best computers for any home or dorm. Students of all ages, and entire families, will find everything they need in the new Inspiron 518.

Like any Dell, you can custom build this desktop. Without any upgrades or additions, the standard mini tower starts at $329. Other manufacturers offer similar desktops for a little less money; however, the Inspiron is back by the Dell name along with superb support for the first year.

So, the bare-bone technical specs for the Inspiron 518 include a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU, 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 graphics card, 320GB 5,400rpm hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, and gigabit Ethernet for fast network connectivity. Regardless of how many extras you add to the Inspiron 518, it will still come with the 32-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 as your operating system.

Notice that there is no option for the installation of the 64-bit version of Windows Vista. Unfortunately, the Inspiron 518 is not flexible in this sense, as it only supports a 32-bit operating system. 64-bit operating systems require more memory, which this system does not have. If you are planning to upgrade to Windows 7, you will first have to upgrade the memory, and any other necessary hardware, to get the desktop up to speed to handle a 64-bit OS.

Dell did an amazing job making this model compact and elegant. Not only is the system itself user-friendly, but so is the physical casing of the unit. At the top of the unit you will find a small tray shaped indent. This is for convenient charging and storing of plug-n-play devices. There are two additional USB 2.0 ports, near the tray, so you can easily plug you MP3 player, cell phone, or even a camera, in while neatly placed out of your way.

Dell machines have always been user-friendly and easy to navigate. With the addition of Windows Vista, the overall appearance became more visually appealing. To add just a little more to this appeal, Dell has added what is known as Dell Dock. This simple customizable dock allows users to specify folders, files, and applications that they will be able to find quickly. Dell Dock can be docked at the top, bottom, left, or right of the desktop, and can even be turned off if necessary.

Some of Dells standard features, or upgrades, are not available on the Inspiron 518. The graphics card, for example. Users can only choose between the low-end graphics card and the ATI Radeon HD 3450. (This is a big deal because this is not one of the most robust graphics card on the market.) Additionally, consumers cannot add a Blu-ray drive to the Inspiron 518; you will have to stick with your standard optical drives.

The Inspiron 518 is a budget friendly computer. Combine this with its high performance and the number of features it offers, and you've got yourself an amazing everyday computer. Whether you are looking for a computer for a student or an entire family, the Inspiron 518 is a good fit.

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