Dell has obviously also listened to our critiques of past models, judging by the overall design of this new Inspiron. The matte-black finish and conservative use of chrome accents on our evaluation unit greatly surpass the questionable aesthetics of Inspirons of yore. Dell was able to replicate the problem on in-house models and is looking into a fix. The company has also spiffed up the Inspiron's keyboard, which impressed us as one of the best designs we've seen since the ThinkPad's. Key travel is substantial and response is firm to the touch, while the keys have a matte finish that prevents them from being too slick.
Key layout is superb.
For a generation or two now, the Inspirons have featured dual-pointing devices with two sets of actuation buttons, a great concept that works very well in this setting. The buttons double as controls for audio-CD playback, but you must toggle this functionality via software. The 8x DVD-ROM drive is fixed, while the floppy, battery, and any optional drives swap in and out of two bays on the front of the system. Electronic documentation, including diagnostic and restore utilities, is superb, thanks to the Dell Solution Center software that puts all these tools and more at your fingertips. ZD Inc. ZDNet Logo is a service mark of ZD Inc.