Dell and ASUS

Dell Inspiron 1525
The newer XPS 1530 is Dell's answer to the high-end desktop replacement notebooks in the 14 to 15.4-inch size category.With the same tapered body as the M1330(although it's not as slim),the M1530 packs even more horsepower under its larger hood.Like up to a T9500 (2.6GHz) processor ,4GB of RAM and an option of a GeForce 8600GT.The same economic keypad makes it key into this one.The wide palm rest(slightly bigger than the already generous M1330) will really (ahem) rest your palms.With features like HDMI, this could also be a substitute for an HT*PC.The M1530 is available with a 15.4 inch screen,but you get to choose the resolution.Choose from 1280*800 pixels,1440*900 pixels or a whopping 1680*1050 pixels.If you want something a little more powerful than XPS M1330, then the 1530 will do the trick.It'll also give you more real estate 0n-screen.If you crave mobility,go with a smaller sibling.Prices start at Rs.49,900 and it's a superb deal overall.The stuck-on panels are a pain though.
Dell's notebook for the masses,the Inspiron series are their mainstream offerings a cut below the fancy looking,higher configuration bearing XPS noteooks.With a regular 15.4 inch screen,the Inspiron 1525 that we received had some flowery graphics on the lid-one of many designs available when you configure it online but it's got a capable configuration that can bare its teeth when required.It's also not as compact as the same screen size bearing XPS 1530,which users who want a higher configuration would prefer.The Inspiron is the proverbial 'rock'.The working man's solution ,the home desktop replacement , the jack of all trades and yet master of non stereotype.Starting at Rs.42,900 the Inspiron 1525 is a cheap way to a good configuration and is highly recommended to the home user who wants a desktop replacement.Add in a graphics card for a scant Rs.3,000 more and you've got yourself a plain-looking but effective powerhouse.
Dell XPS M1330
The successor to Dell's ultra compact XPS M1210 gets a slightly larger screen and more horsepower under the bonnet.As with the other Dells,the XPS M1330 is configurable.This one came with a T7500 processor which while not the latest is quite fast.Configured with 2 GB of RAM and a GeForce 8400GS solution you realise that size doesn't compromise on processing oomph.Then you realise other subtleties-like the slim white-LED display,the nicely bevelled keypad and the slick working touchpad.While 12.1 inches seemed small for some,13.3 inches seems like the best possible compromise between size and functionality.In fact,to be honest with the M1330 there's no compromise at all.What you do get is a lot of performance in a form factor that is both great to use and easy to carry around.With a host of configurable options the M1330 proudly carries the XPS badge to greater heights.HDMI connectivity will be of interest to those looking to connect this to large screen TVs.
It's not niggle-free though.The body panels are of the snap-on-variety(which is how dell offers you color options).Unfortunately,these snap-ons aren't as firm as you'd like and you can easily detach one.While not affecting the functions,it's alarming to see the lower bezel of the monitor flap loose with couple of tugs.At a starting price of Rs.51,000 with the configuration we received priced at around Rs.8,000 more,the XPS M1330 is a true mobile warriors' weapon of choice.You might even buy it as a desktop replacement-it's that good.Although it's larger sibling may have something to say about that.
ASUS U6SG
ASUS' answer to the compact offerings around and all said-a brilliant one.It's got a glossy black lid that resists all but the most determined smudges and the off-white keypad and silver-grey body just exudes class.At 12.1 inches,it's compact enough to lug around just about anywhere.Ergonomics are top class and the keypad and touchpad alike exude marvellous feedback.The laptop uses an ultra thin white-LED display which besides being brilliant and crisp is very slim.This in conjunction with a slim body makes for an unbelievably slim solution.In fact,there was only one solution that was slimmer!
Compact it may be,but this little bruiser has muscle as well.How does a Core 2 Duo T8300(2.4GHz) sound?There's 2GB of memory and a latest 9 series GPU from NVIDIA(Geforce 9300) with 256 of discrete video RAM.Storage is huge too at 250 GB.We'd expect such a configuration from much larger 15.4 inch notebooks and none of those came with such specifications.With class-leading ergonomics and design and such high-end components powering it, we expected the price to be astronomical.At Rs.94,900 the little U6SG is pricey but it delivers punch unlike any ultra-compact can and even leaves many of its larger competitors chewing trail dust.The ultimate portable weapon,if you can afford it.
ASUS F5SL
The first thing that struck us when we looked at the laptop while it was closed was "compact 17-inch".Then, we opened her up and saw the bulky bezel and a 15.4-inch screen (sheep in wolf's clothing?).It's built well and the F5SL is a good looking laptop that has beautiful charcoal grey color.The nicely bevelled keys are well spaced out,great for typing and feedback is pretty decent.We also loved the touchpad's responsiveness.ASUS does cheat a bit on the configuration though.A fast,shiny new GPU, paired with an older,slower processor.Although this keeps the price down,it also keeps the F5SL from becoming a serious multimedia enthusiast's solution.Its slightly bulky from means that it's larger than your average 15.4-inch notebook and will easily replace most desktop PCs.The fact that ASUS supplies a USB mouse with a tilt wheel just goes to show their level of commitment to try and replace your desktop.At Rs.44,990 and with good hardware, the F5SL is a solution that's well worth the price.The amount of software bundled, the build quality and the usability of this notebook will be the answer to nearly all home user's prayers.