Dell's new Inspiron 5100 delivers a truckload of performance thanks to a 2.8GHz P4 processor, which even managed to outscore the 3GHz Hi-Grade we tested this month.
A 15in screen with excellent brightness and contrast rounds this out nicely, and although the screen has a native resolution of 1,400 x 1,050, it's possible to drop this down to 1,024 x 768 and maintain a decent level of precision, unlike many other TFTs. It also features a responsive and pleasant full-sized keyboard, decent LCD, and a good variety of ports.
The 5100's flaws are fairly minor: its 3D chip is a little underwhelming considering the high specifications of the rest of the notebook. Power always comes at a price, and like most of its predecessors this Inspiron pays for it with a bulky, heavy design. It borders on being 2in thick, which is unwieldy even compared to other P4 notebooks. At 4.3kg (including power adaptor) it's also very heavy.
Both of these factors combined mean this is not a notebook you'll want to be travelling with. Unfortunately, the 5100's sheer bulk and heavy travel weight is certain to put most people off.
