Dell calls to consumers with coloured Inspirons

MacBooks, Vaios challenged

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

26th June 2007 11:43 GMT

Dell has revamped its Inspiron laptop line with a set of three models all available in a choice of eight "vibrant" colours and with a pick of Intel or AMD processors.

Dell Inspiron 1520
Dell's Inspiron 1520

The family comprises the 1420, 1520, 1521, 1720 and 1721, with 14.1in, 1280 x 800; 15.4in, 1280 x 800; and 17in, 1440 x 900 displays, respectively. The machines are offered with either a 1.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 or a 1.6GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-50 processor, 1 GB of DDR 2 memory and 80-160GB of hard drive storage. Faster CPUs are availble built-to-order.

The Intel-based machines incorporate GMA X3100 integrated graphics, while the AMD models use an ATI Radeon Xpress 1270 integrated GPU. All of them come with Dell's own 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi module and a two-megapixel webcam.

You can choose either a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive or a multi-format DVD burner among the standard specs, but a Blu-ray unit is available as a build-to-order extra. The machines come equipped with ExpressCard 54 slots and eight-in-one memory card readers.

Dell Inspiron 1520 'Ruby Red'
Dell's Inspiron 1520: kitted out in 'ruby red'

While the new Inspirons aren't going to challenge an Apple MacBook or a Sony Vaio on looks, the coloured lids - black, red, pink, khaki, white, yellow, brown and blue - are cute and the larger machines have media playback keys on the below the lid latch. The 17in model also boast a numeric keypad.

The only thing missing from the new line-up is the much-rumoured 13in model, presumably dropped in favour of the 14.1in machine.

US prices start at $819 (1420), $769 (1520) and $919 (1720), and all three sizes are available to configure and buy there now. There's no word yet on UK and European availability.