Is this I5-460m laptop for $349 good deal or not

hackmole

Senior member
Dec 17, 2000
250
3
81
I'm looking for a laptop for under $400 that is an I5. I found this one online and was wondering if this is a good deal or not? I'm not so sure I like the 17-inch screen because it makes it too big to lug around so I am still look for a 15 incher and maybe a usb 3 flash drive compatible.
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Dell Inspiron 17 (i17R-2248MRB)

Sleek details

The Inspiron™ laptop's sleek new design is not only easy on the eyes, it seamlessly travels by your side without getting in your way. Upon opening the Inspiron, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the brushed metal appearance of the smudge-proof palm rest. The keyboard's 10-key numeric keypad makes it easy to work with applications that require data entry or directional moves.


Everything you need

Watch the Inspiron laptop's Hi-def display come to life with these smart and entertaining features.

Take multi-tasking to new heights with the latest in Intel® processor technology. The new Intel® Core™ i5 processors automatically allocate processing power when and where you need it most.

Watch DVD movies on the 17.3" Hi-def, widescreen LED display.

Capture your life as you live it - then share it with the world using the 7-in-1 media card reader that allows you to read up to 7 different digital media cards.

Get up to 4 hours of battery life with the standard 6-cell battery.

Always connected

Get enhanced wireless connectivity with Dell's standard 1501 802.11g/n. Plus, you'll never lose touch with friends and family with the 1.3MP integrated webcam and analog microphone.


Specifications:

Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-460M (2.53GHz, 4Threads, turbo boost up to 2.8Ghz, 3MB cache)

Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics

Memory: 4GB DDR3 SDRAM (2 DIMMs)

Display: 17.3 HD Display (1600x900 resolution)

Hard Drive: 500GB 5400RPM Hard Drive

Optical Drive: DVD-SuperMulti Drive

Audio: SRS Premium Sound with Subwoofer

Camera: Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam

Card Slots: 7-in-1 Media Card Reader - Digital (SD) Memory Card, Hi-Capacity Secure Digital (SDHC), Hi-Density Secure Digital (SDHD), Multi Media Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS Pro), xD Picture Card (xD)

Ports: (3) USB 2.0 compliant ports, (1) combo eSATA/ USB 2.0, Integrated network connector 10/100 LAN (RJ45), VGA Port, Audio jacks (1 line-out, 1 Mic-in), HDMITM

Communications: Dell 1501 802.11 g/n WiFi, 10/100 ethernet

Battery: 6 cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (up to 4 hour battery life)


Software:

Microsoft Office 10 Starter, McAfee Security Center 6 month subscription


Warranty

1 Year limited warranty
 

nwo

Platinum Member
Jun 21, 2005
2,309
0
71
An i5 laptop for $350 sounds pretty good to me... As long as it is upgradable (with the exception of the graphics card of course) I would go for it. If the 17" screen is really gonna bother you, then be prepared to pay at least $100 more.
 

s44

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2006
9,427
16
81
Why do you need a laptop?

If your answer involves running it off battery for any period of time, stick to 2013 (Haswell) machines only.
 

sm625

Diamond Member
May 6, 2011
8,172
137
106
I recommend against it. A pentium 2020M machine would be just as fast for even cheaper and the battery would last longer. And now they are moving up to the pentium 3550M for budget notebooks which is even faster.
 

Zodiark1593

Platinum Member
Oct 21, 2012
2,230
4
81
I have the same processor myself. Definitely not slow, but is quite long in the tooth. Considering you can go Ivy or Haswell for as cheap, if not cheaper, I say no.
 

ZGR

Platinum Member
Oct 26, 2012
2,052
656
136
I would say the worst part of this machine is having a 17.3" 1600x900 screen powered by 1st gen HD graphics. Yuck.

Don't do it. I would find a newer device for similar price range. Even if it is less powerful than the i5, the more powerful GPU will be much needed.