I'm very pleased with my Inspiron 3800. After one initial problem it's performed reliably, and it's easy and fun to use. In my opinion it is ergonomically comfortable. There's enough firepower to do anything I ask of the machine.
Colors are quite good even without xcmsdb , and better when properly calibrated.
I find the touchpad easy to use for text work, though for graphics I prefer the force stick. I like the feel. DVD is available, as is a CD burner. Zip drive is available. When the headphone jack is inserted the speakers are muted, and phone sound quality is excellent.