Dell Inspiron 2200

While most budget computer systems tend to skimp on the processor included with them, the Dell Inspiron 2200 features a very strong Pentium M processor that allows it to have strong performance and good battery life.

10/18/05 – Dell's Inspiron 2200 kind of resides between its budget 1200 model and their more expensive 6000 series. Some of the versions do classify as a budget notebook and it is these specifications that are covered in this review.

Powering the budget Inspiron 2200 is the Intel Pentium M 735 (1.7GHz) processor. This is a much more powerful processor than what is typically found in the budget notebook category that is typically powered by the budget oriented Celeron line. It is matched up with 512MB of PC2700 DDR memory that should be sufficient for running most applications.

Storage on the Inspiron 2200 is average. It comes with a 40GB hard drive for file storage and a 24x CD-RW/DVD combo drive. This means that the Inspiron 2200 can play DVD movies and also have the ability to create data or music CDs. Most notebook computers now though are shipping with integrated media card readers for flash memory cards used in digital peripherals. Unfortunately Dell still has not included this in its budget computers.

Graphics on the Inspiron 2200 are a bit mixed. The system is designed to use either a 15” or 14.1” LCD panel. In the case of the budget systems, it uses the smaller 14.1” LCD screen even though the case dimensions are for the larger 15” screen. Driving the graphics are the Intel GMA 900 integrated graphics. This is fine for 2D graphics and basic 3D graphics, but don't be expecting to play and 3D games.