Dell Inspiron 14Z Laptop: Intel Core i3-2350M (2.3GHz), 14" (1366 x 768) LED, 4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, HDMI, USB 3.0, BT, DVDRW, Webcam, 6-Cell, Win 7 Prem $450 + Free Store Pickup

Anybody know if the keyboard is backlit?

I got this from dell for 249 after the 11z fiasco. Great machine! Keyboard is NOT backlit.

Aren't the 14z models really thin. This is just a basic inspirion it looks like

Quote from armanix120 : Aren't the 14z models really thin. This is just a basic inspirion it looks like

You are thinking of the xps 14z, different kettle of fish. Though this is a bit more "designed" and is somewhat thinner than a normal inspiron.

I have one, too. The Dell's designation on its website is 14z (n411z). OK price, I got mine directly from Dell for about $50 less (from Dell Outlet but 'Previously Ordered New').

I am very happy with its weight. Great battery life, too. Not too much to say about performance as its primary use is for web browsing, word processing and Skype. The cooling fan kicks in sometimes and you can hear it but it's not constant so I can live with it.

One thing to note is that it DOES NOT have VGA and all the ports are covered with rubber flaps. Also, the color is not really black but dark brown.

Quote from Anger : Anybody know if the keyboard is backlit?

Keyboard is not backlit but you can use the one that comes with the XPS 15z. the part # is PVDG3 and it fits perfectly. I got mine here http://www.parts-people.com/index...em&id=9437 Its the exact same keyboard except its backlit and the keys are gray.

For $50 more, I don't see anyone would go with this instead of this FP deal with a faster i5 CPU, more memory/storage.

This laptop performs very well. i upgraded to 8 gb of Ram. I can play WOW, Sims 3, Skyrim, Dead Island, and SWTOR. It plays them very well. Obviously wont play with graphic maxxed but they play just fine on a 14inch screen. It also plays 1080 and 720 mkv without stutter.

Quote from sho0318 : For $50 more, I don't see anyone would go with this instead of this FP deal with a faster i5 CPU, more memory/storage.

I was wondering the same thing...

Quote from dancergrrrl3 : I was wondering the same thing...

Yeah the i5 doesn't differ too much from the i3 outside of TurboBoost, but TurboBoost is worth it.

Also for $100 less you can get a similar Asus with 4 cell, no HDMI, and i3 2330m (just a shade slower) LINK

Quote from frankqfrank : Yeah the i5 doesn't differ too much from the i3 outside of TurboBoost, but TurboBoost is worth it. Also for $100 less you can get a similar Asus with 4 cell, no HDMI, and i3 2330m (just a shade slower) LINK

It's a picky point, but another small advantage of the i5 is a SLIGHTLY faster GPU.
Both have the HD3000, but the i5 Graphics will generally be clocked just under 10% faster for the it 24xx and just under 20% faster for the i5 25xx.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Bridge

Mind you, they are still not great, but if grabbing it for Wow and other stuff, that is one more thing to consider when weighing the value of that $50.