Just like other cheap laptops, the Dell Inspiron 1545 is available in a variety of colors to meet the user’s taste. However, black is still the basic color of this machine, in addition, if spend about 43 USD, users will have the option of shiny blue or glossy glossy red color. Although not as colorful as the Inspiron 1525 but with the three main colors, Inspiron 1545 also somewhat pleases those who choose it.
The first impression when opening the machine is the keyboard, touchpad touch black glossy to detail. In part, this design looks attractive; on the other hand, when typing text or hovering, the user will leave scratches or fingerprints very uncomfortable. Unlike the Toshiba A350-11N or HP HDX 16 with decorative patterns to avoid this unwanted effect, just after a few days of office use, the Inspiron 1545 looks like a machine that has been “forgotten” for a week.
The keyboard of the Dell Inspiron 1545 is no different than the keyboard of the Dell Inspiron 1525 which has been appreciated. Surface of the keys is designed rough, sure. Movies are not too sensitive, and when tapping the user must emphasize. The layout of the keys is also reasonable, one thing, the special function keys (adjust the volume, turn off the Wireless signal, …) as F1-F12 was the default. While using the correct features, you must press the Fn key before. Such layout can be convenient for new users, but for many people who regularly use the F-key function keys, it will be very annoying.
Not to mention the inadequacies on the design of the Inspiron 1545 compact to a minimum. Next to the glossy touchscreen keyboard and touchpad are the iron grille and the square chrome button switch, neatly centered right on the keyboard. True to the meaning of “austerity” Inspiron 1545 not equipped with webcam, lever the edges of the screen cover smooth smooth look monotonous. It’s not appropriate for Dell to drop a webcam with a $ 600 machine, as even the cheapest netbooks are equipped with a 1.3-megapixel webcam. However, if you want to own a webcam version. You need to spend another $ 43 more.
The connection is also on the “cut” list to lower the cost of products. The Dell Inspiron 1545 is equipped with a DVD burner, memory card reader, 34 mm ExpressCard expansion slot instead of the 54 mm version. In addition, there are headphone and microphone jacks, 3 USB ports, Ethernet port and VGA port. The Dell Inspiron 1545 does not have HDMI connectivity like the 1525 or newer netbooks now.
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The Dell Inspiron 16:9 aspect ratio display , the Dell Inspiron 1545, is kind of equipped with a 15.6-inch diagonal screen and a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. This screen is pretty average quality , the text you see is not really crisp , and the viewing angle isn’t that wide. Also the low contrast makes it feel a bit less vivid overall, like you can notice it in everyday use. If you want to enjoy watching movies or watching digital photos, users also need to avoid the environment is too bright and sitting in front of the screen at a reasonable angle.
Dell Inspiron 1545 speakers can be considered as the highlight of the machine. Speakers for sound quality is quite good, than the speakers of 15-inch, 16-inch notebook at the same price. Despite the lack of deep and clear bass, but compensated for the ability to resonate well and the sound does not “distorted” when opened.
Hidden in that nice, sleek casing, the low cost, sort of “affordable” price point is built around the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, on each level, from the T4200 up to the T6400. In this article, Digitization Edition kinda sticks with the Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB. With that CPU , the Dell Inspiron 1545 can run just about any software honestly. 3GB DDR2 RAM (recently upgraded to 4GB with T6400 processor) is enough for the machine to run on a 32-bit version of Windows Vista Premium.
The GMA4500 integrated graphics card may not be suitable for heavy gaming, but it also runs on conventional graphics applications. With a 250GB HDD at 5,400rpm, the Dell Inspiron 1545 has a generous storage space for regular storage needs. This machine does not have Bluetooth connectivity and also only has Standard Wireless G.
Daily Use
Browsing, docs, background music, the 1545 doesn’t struggle with any of it. The keyboard’s actually the highlight here: full-sized, good spacing, feels solid under your fingers. The touchpad does its job but don’t expect much, and it’ll get twitchier as the years go on.
Video and music playback is fine. The speakers are exactly what you’d expect from a laptop this age, thin and a little tinny. Use headphones.
Portability
5.4 lbs doesn’t sound like much until you’re carrying it around campus all day. It’s manageable for occasional trips, but it’s built for a desk, not a backpack. Flying a lot? This isn’t your laptop.
Upgrades
Do two things immediately: go from 2GB to 4GB of RAM (2GB alone is rough — one Chrome tab too many and you’ll feel it), and if you can swing it, swap the hard drive for an SSD. That second one especially — it’s the difference between “old laptop” and “old laptop that still feels usable.”
Bottom line
It’s basically a budget machine and it does, the job in a way. Cheap, no frills, fine for students or for anyone that just needs to type documents and check email. The plastic body really shows its years, the shiny display turns into a mirror the second you’re in a bright room, and don’t count on unplugging it for very long. Gaming or anything graphics-heavy isn’t happening on the integrated chip.
Go in knowing what it is a cheap laptop for basic stuff and it won’t let you down.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.