The Dell Inspiron 11z is Dell's newest foray into the netbook market. Though not marketed under the "mini" name like the Mini 9, Mini 10, and Mini 12, the 11z's 11-inch screen and 3-lb. weight place it within what most people consider the netbook categorySummary
- Good build quality, attractive design, and great portability
- Available Low-Voltage Celeron or Pentium Dual Core processors allow greater functionality that other netbooks's Atom processors.
- Includes webcam, hdmi, and good port selection.
- Recommended purchase
Inspiron 11z sports a full-size keyboard and a touchpad without separate buttons, similar to the one found on the Dell Mini 10. The Mini 10's touchpad was found by a number of reviewers to be difficult to use, but the Inspiron 11z's version of it is significantly larger, which should improve usability. The 11z's touchpad is wide and the integration of the buttons into the touchpad further increases it's area. Nonetheless, expect a greater learning curve with this touchpad which is different than the touchpads found on most laptops.
The 11z's keyboard is similar to the Mini 10's with wide flat keys that aid in typing on such a small machine.
Comparison to Dell Latitude D430 (12.1", Intel Core 2 Duo 1.2ghz ulv, 2gb ram, 60gb hd)
The Inspiron 11z is almost the same exact size as the Dell Latitude D430 (and its predecessor, the D420). Length, width, and thickness are just about equal, as are the two laptops' weights. Notably however, the D430 fits a larger 12.1 inch widescreen display into roughly the same body as the 11z's.
Compared to the D430, the 11z's touchpad is larger. The 11z also has HDMI port and an integrated webcam which the D430 do not. These modern components are being expected as standard by more and more laptop users. The D430's touchpad while smaller, was complemented by a trackpoint, which offered a nice alternative. Those pointing sticks have fallen out of favor outside of business-oriented machines, many users still find them useful (myself included).
The Inspiron 11z is almost the same exact size as the Dell Latitude D430 (and its predecessor, the D420). Length, width, and thickness are just about equal, as are the two laptops' weights. Notably however, the D430 fits a larger 12.1 inch widescreen display into roughly the same body as the 11z's.Compared to the D430, the 11z's build quality is not as strong. It should be remembered however that the D430 was part of Dell's high-cost Business Line and priced accordingly well over $1,000.
For its typical selling price of $400, the 11z's quality is remarkable and noteworthy. Dell has created an ultraportable computer with regular laptop processing power in a netbook-sized frame at an affordable price.
Compared to the D430, the 11z's touchpad is larger. The 11z also has HDMI port and an integrated webcam which the D430 do not. These modern components are being expected as standard by more and more laptop users. The D430's touchpad while smaller, was complemented by a trackpoint, which offered a nice alternative. Those pointing sticks have fallen out of favor outside of business-oriented machines, many users still find them useful (myself included).Comparison to Full-Size Laptop
Below, the Inspiron 11z is pictured alongside a typical 14.1 inch laptop computer, the Gateway T-1625 (Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6Ghz, 2gb ram, 160gb hard drive). Compared to the Gateway, the 11z is substantially lighter and more compact. If you can live with the sacrifice of not having an integrated optical drive and a weaker processor, the 11z may be a very portable alternative that will make traveling with your laptop much easier.
The Dell Inspiron 11z flanked on the left by the Gateway T-1625 and on the right by the Dell Latitude D430.
Verdict: Recommended
Below, the Inspiron 11z is pictured alongside a typical 14.1 inch laptop computer, the Gateway T-1625 (Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6Ghz, 2gb ram, 160gb hard drive). Compared to the Gateway, the 11z is substantially lighter and more compact. If you can live with the sacrifice of not having an integrated optical drive and a weaker processor, the 11z may be a very portable alternative that will make traveling with your laptop much easier.
The Dell Inspiron 11z flanked on the left by the Gateway T-1625 and on the right by the Dell Latitude D430.Verdict: Recommended
The Dell Inspiron 11z is a notable step in the evolution of netbook-ultraportable laptop market. It is well designed, priced fairly, and provides usable processing power that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. Though the touchpad may be unorthodox, it should not be considered a deal-breaker. The features combined with Dell's quality in netbook construction make the Inspiron a 11z a worthy purchase.
Those looking to purchase this model may want to consider possible alternatives such as used or refurbished ultraportables like the Dell Latitude D430, which offers stronger build quality with similar portability and processing power at an equivalent price. Do note that used or refurbished systems typcially have little or no warranty.
