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forum threadRevOne | Staff posted Dec 19, 2024 08:59 PM
forum threadRevOne | Staff posted Dec 19, 2024 08:59 PM

Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop (3520): 15.6" FHD 120Hz, i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11 - $249.99 or less + Free Shipping @ Dell

$250

$330

24% off
Dell Technologies
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Dell Technologies
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: Specs:
  • 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) 16:9 120Hz 250-nits 45% NTSC Anti-glare IPS Display
  • 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U 6-core/ 8 thread processor (3.3GHz base / 4.40GHz boost)
  • 8GB (1x 8GB) 2666 MT/s DDR4 RAM
  • 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive / SSD
  • Intel UHD Graphics
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (MU-MIMO) + Bluetooth
  • 720p 30 fps HD camera Single integrated microphone
  • English US non-backlit keyboard
  • 3-Cell 41 Whr Battery
  • Weight: 3.65 lbs.
  • Windows 11 Home 64-Bit
  • Ports:
    • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
    • 1x USB 2.0 Type A
    • 1x Power Jack
    • 1x headset (headphone & microphone combo)
    • 1x HDMI v1.4
    • 1x SD-card slot
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About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Dell Technologies
Potential Savings
: Specs:
  • 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) 16:9 120Hz 250-nits 45% NTSC Anti-glare IPS Display
  • 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U 6-core/ 8 thread processor (3.3GHz base / 4.40GHz boost)
  • 8GB (1x 8GB) 2666 MT/s DDR4 RAM
  • 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive / SSD
  • Intel UHD Graphics
  • Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (MU-MIMO) + Bluetooth
  • 720p 30 fps HD camera Single integrated microphone
  • English US non-backlit keyboard
  • 3-Cell 41 Whr Battery
  • Weight: 3.65 lbs.
  • Windows 11 Home 64-Bit
  • Ports:
    • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
    • 1x USB 2.0 Type A
    • 1x Power Jack
    • 1x headset (headphone & microphone combo)
    • 1x HDMI v1.4
    • 1x SD-card slot

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20 Comments

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Dec 19, 2024 09:20 PM
467 Posts
Joined Jan 2016
TinyTimslickDec 19, 2024 09:20 PM
467 Posts
Amazon reviews for this product scream "do not buy" literally. Probably not worth buying unless you have $250 burning a hole in your wallet and you have already bought everything else that costs $250.
Dec 21, 2024 02:29 AM
973 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
DT35Dec 21, 2024 02:29 AM
973 Posts
Quote from TinyTimslick :
Amazon reviews for this product scream "do not buy" literally. Probably not worth buying unless you have $250 burning a hole in your wallet and you have already bought everything else that costs $250.
So, what is precisely wrong with this particular model?
Dec 22, 2024 06:00 AM
467 Posts
Joined Jan 2016
TinyTimslickDec 22, 2024 06:00 AM
467 Posts
Quote from DT35 :
So, what is precisely wrong with this particular model?
looks like mostly just poor quality control, couple people were stating that they needed mobo replacement and had bsod issues
Dec 22, 2024 06:52 AM
5,055 Posts
Joined Jun 2019
The_Love_SpudDec 22, 2024 06:52 AM
5,055 Posts
The primary ding here will be that this Inspiron represents the lowest-tier build quality available from Dell. This Dell is arguably better than some of the re-badged, near-disposable laptops typical for this price range (think: Gateway)... but probably not by much. At the same time, praise is due to any design that still retains two SO-DIMM slots for RAM upgrades (see here [dell.com]) as well as upgradeable storage.

This laptop might function best as a portable, desktop-replacement for basic productivity. Though certainly functional, the best use case is going to be sitting on a desk with an external monitor, keyboard, etc.

Good luck!
Jon
2
Dec 23, 2024 02:31 AM
103 Posts
Joined Feb 2021
phantasy.Dec 23, 2024 02:31 AM
103 Posts
Quote from The_Love_Spud :
The primary ding here will be that this Inspiron represents the lowest-tier build quality available from Dell. This Dell is arguably better than some of the re-badged, near-disposable laptops typical for this price range (think: Gateway)... but probably not by much. At the same time, praise is due to any design that still retains two SO-DIMM slots for RAM upgrades (see here) as well as upgradeable storage.This laptop might function best as a portable, desktop-replacement for basic productivity. Though certainly functional, the best use case is going to be sitting on a desk with an external monitor, keyboard, etc.Good luck!Jon
I considering buying inexpensive laptop for 10yo son, mostly for Roblox Studio, on clearance in store the following models:
1) $229 (New) - Dell Inspiron 15 3520-5850BLK 15.6", Intel Core i5-1235U / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD
2) $229 (New) - Asus ExpertBook B1500CEA-XS53 15.6", Intel Core i5-1135G7 / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD
3) $190 (OpenBox) ASUS VivoBook F1502ZA-OS34 15.6", Intel® Core™ i3-1220P/ 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD

#1 and #2 are more powerful but have bad reviews.
#1 and #3 have more powerful 12th gen CPU compare to #2 11th gen.
#2 is more durable but older model than other two.
Display quality (250nits, Color Gamut 45% NTSC) seem to be the same for all three, although some reviews mention good display quality for #1.

Which one to choose base on durability/performance/Display quality? So far I am in favor of #3 (good reviews, bit cheaper,12th gen CPU)
Dec 23, 2024 05:35 AM
5,055 Posts
Joined Jun 2019
The_Love_SpudDec 23, 2024 05:35 AM
5,055 Posts
Quote from phantasy. :
Which one to choose base on durability/performance/Display quality? So far I am in favor of #3 (good reviews, bit cheaper,12th gen CPU)
These are all great values for money. However, the biggest consideration here is probably the target user. All of these systems are commodity retail laptops. I might prefer to shop a fundamentally more rugged and serviceable, professional platform that also happens to incorporate slightly better components. The Dell Latitude in this deal is more expensive at $288, but is also noteworthy for incorporating a 14" 1080p touchscreen rated for up to 300 nits.

I don't mean to complicate the question you posed, but rather suggest that at this price point, and for use cases where ruggedness is a consideration, I'd personally avoid retail platforms altogether.

Good luck!
Jon
1
Dec 23, 2024 05:47 AM
702 Posts
Joined Dec 2005
_DonkeyKong_Dec 23, 2024 05:47 AM
702 Posts
what is the scenario where a i3-1215u laptop could run anything at 120hz? what are they thinking combining these components?

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Dec 23, 2024 04:07 PM
5,055 Posts
Joined Jun 2019
The_Love_SpudDec 23, 2024 04:07 PM
5,055 Posts
Quote from _DonkeyKong_ :
what is the scenario where a i3-1215u laptop could run anything at 120hz? what are they thinking combining these components?
To be fair, high refresh rates aren't solely for gaming. But yes, clearly Dell is maximizing the marketing value of a cheap IPS panel by attempting to use the refresh rate as a top-line item to offset the otherwise low-spec display (and lack of touchscreen, brightness, etc,).

Good luck!
Jon
1
Dec 26, 2024 02:18 PM
122 Posts
Joined Mar 2024
TealThread549Dec 26, 2024 02:18 PM
122 Posts
I don't know how the screen looks IRL but I have been disappointed in buying the sub$250 laptop deals that specs out ok but the screen looks faded. I don't need more nits of brightness but just give me a colorful screen. Yes the better quality screens also have more nits of brightness capability. I want clear letters also. Some of these cheap laptops have blurry type fonts. If you have a best buy that hasn't been robbed out of existence near you it is good to look at these different laptop screens for a minute and you might change your mind.
I was looking at reviews this one caught my attention as it would likely match my impressions:
The body creeks and pops and the touchpad is difficult to click more then others I have used. The screen looks a little washed out, the speakers are typically bad laptop sounding. The keyboard felt spongy typing
1
Jan 06, 2025 09:31 PM
47 Posts
Joined Feb 2022
kendlJan 06, 2025 09:31 PM
47 Posts
Quote from phantasy. :
I considering buying inexpensive laptop for 10yo son, mostly for Roblox Studio, on clearance in store the following models:1) $229 (New) - Dell Inspiron 15 3520-5850BLK 15.6", Intel Core i5-1235U / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD2) $229 (New) - Asus ExpertBook B1500CEA-XS53 15.6", Intel Core i5-1135G7 / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD3) $190 (OpenBox) ASUS VivoBook F1502ZA-OS34 15.6", Intel® Core™ i3-1220P/ 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD#1 and #2 are more powerful but have bad reviews.#1 and #3 have more powerful 12th gen CPU compare to #2 11th gen.#2 is more durable but older model than other two.Display quality (250nits, Color Gamut 45% NTSC) seem to be the same for all three, although some reviews mention good display quality for #1.Which one to choose base on durability/performance/Display quality? So far I am in favor of #3 (good reviews, bit cheaper,12th gen CPU)
2) Has a better processor than 3, and you say it's more durable, being for a kid that seems important. Being an i5 you could use it as a backup, too.
1
Jan 07, 2025 01:41 AM
1,750 Posts
Joined Sep 2014
IK47Jan 07, 2025 01:41 AM
1,750 Posts
some amex cards have 50 off 250 so this would be bit better along with decent CB offer for basic tasks
1
Jan 11, 2025 10:44 PM
734 Posts
Joined Feb 2018
WreckerALeXJan 11, 2025 10:44 PM
734 Posts
Quote from phantasy. :
I considering buying inexpensive laptop for 10yo son, mostly for Roblox Studio, on clearance in store the following models:
1) $229 (New) - Dell Inspiron 15 3520-5850BLK 15.6", Intel Core i5-1235U / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD
2) $229 (New) - Asus ExpertBook B1500CEA-XS53 15.6", Intel Core i5-1135G7 / 16GB RAM / 256GB SSD
3) $190 (OpenBox) ASUS VivoBook F1502ZA-OS34 15.6", Intel® Core™ i3-1220P/ 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD

#1 and #2 are more powerful but have bad reviews.
#1 and #3 have more powerful 12th gen CPU compare to #2 11th gen.
#2 is more durable but older model than other two.
Display quality (250nits, Color Gamut 45% NTSC) seem to be the same for all three, although some reviews mention good display quality for #1.

Which one to choose base on durability/performance/Display quality? So far I am in favor of #3 (good reviews, bit cheaper,12th gen CPU)
Can you provide link, thanks
Jan 11, 2025 10:49 PM
734 Posts
Joined Feb 2018
WreckerALeXJan 11, 2025 10:49 PM
734 Posts
Max ram? 8gb not soldered I'm guessing?
Does this have Xe graphics if I upgrade ram to dual channel myself?
I wonder which UHD Graphics it has, as I recall there are numbers associated to each and not the same on every laptop with UHD Graphics.
Last edited by WreckerALeX January 11, 2025 at 02:51 PM.
Jan 12, 2025 02:41 AM
5,055 Posts
Joined Jun 2019
The_Love_SpudJan 12, 2025 02:41 AM
5,055 Posts
Quote from WreckerALeX :
Max ram? 8gb not soldered I'm guessing?
Does this have Xe graphics if I upgrade ram to dual channel myself?
I wonder which UHD Graphics it has, as I recall there are numbers associated to each and not the same on every laptop with UHD Graphics.
All well-documented at the support page to which I linked in an earlier post.

Like similar systems, the maximum supported RAM (documented here [dell.com]) is 16GB but you could probably make a safe bet that 32GB would work well.

CPU/GPU details are documented here [dell.com], noting UHD graphics with 64 EUs.

Good luck!
Jon
1

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Jan 12, 2025 03:43 AM
734 Posts
Joined Feb 2018
WreckerALeXJan 12, 2025 03:43 AM
734 Posts
Quote from The_Love_Spud :
All well-documented at the support page to which I linked in an earlier post.

Like similar systems, the maximum supported RAM (documented here [dell.com]) is 16GB but you could probably make a safe bet that 32GB would work well.

CPU/GPU details are documented here [dell.com], noting UHD graphics with 64 EUs.

Good luck!
Jon
You think its worth $70 more to game on Xe Graphics on:

https://slickdeals.net/f/18050049-lenovo-ideapad-1i-15-6-fhd-ips-touch-i5-1235u-8gb-ddr4-512gb-ssd-319-99
$320 Lenovo Ideapad 1i: 15.6" FHD IPS Touch, i5-1235U, 8GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
Last edited by WreckerALeX January 12, 2025 at 12:10 AM.

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