Authored by Kumara Velu in Computer Hardware 
Published on 02-05-2009

Looking for a laptop that would satisfy your entertainment needs? Dell’s Inspiron E1505, released in 2006, would just be the perfect model for you. It provides you with the complete multimedia experience especially when you’re on the road. All you have to do is bring along your favourite DVDs and you can have a whale of a time in your hotel room, what with E1505’s bright and wide 15.4-inch WXGA screen and quality stereo speakers.

Your multimedia experience will be taken to a new level with the inclusion of Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. It allows you to access all your media file through its cool interface. Controlling volume and media playback is also a cinch with the control buttons above the keyboard.

What about television? Can you watch television on the laptop? You can’t unless you’re willing to fork out some extra cash to get Dell’s USB TV Tuner. It will set you back a little over a hundred dollars to watch and even record your favourite TV programs.

A notable feature is the MediaDirect button. Press it and you launch a useful menu with multimedia options like music, video, photo and even DVD.

The multimedia options aside, the button also gives you the convenience of viewing your Powerpoint presentations, your calendars and contacts without having to launch Windows. You can only view though. You’ve still got to launch the programs if you need to edit. Still it’s a convenient feature especially if you need to check on an upcoming appointment while watching a movie.

If you’re in the mood for some video editing, E1505 has the facility for you. It comes with a Firewire port, through which you can easily hook your mini-DV camera and start giving your video footage some extra polish. If your video camera supports only USB transfer, there are four USB ports to take care of your needs.

Do you type a lot? If so, the keyboard design will not put much strain on your fingers. Also, it doesn’t generate excessive heat after prolonged use as many other laptop models do.

Since E1505 is good enough for multimedia applications would it handle games equally well? Not quite. Its graphic card is not powerful enough to allow smooth playing of games. So, you would have to limit yourself to music and movies for entertainment. Still then, if you’re into multi-tasking, the laptop works without a hitch, what with its Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6/2GHz processor with 1GB of RAM. Also, with 160GB of hard disk space you will have ample room for your media files.

Battery life is also impressive extending up to five hours for normal usage. You can also monitor remaining battery power with the help of an external gauge.

Other features, apart from the dual layer disc burner, that may be of interest to you are:

• 5-in-1 card reader supporting SD, MS, MS Pro and MMC, among others.
• S-Video port in case you need to hook it up to a projector for presentations.