8. Dell Inspiron 9100 And Inspiron XPS: The Test Systems, Continued

In place of a mouse, the two models provide both a trackstick and a touchpad. The user has easy access to frequently used device functions like WLAN or volume control via the keyboard (e.g. muting, volume) or key combinations (disable/enable WLAN module). What we would like to see in a notebook of this class is a switch that would allow the touchpad to be disabled easily and quickly. The "cursor keys" of the tracksticks leave us wishing for more force.

A good thing: audio-video control keys to the right of the keyboard

Although they are now standard in this device class, we still welcome them: audio-video control keys to the right of the keyboard.

Large, heavy 95 watt-hour battery with integrated subwoofer. And next to it, a 2.5" hard drive for size comparison.

The battery in both machines weighs in at almost 25oz/700g - even the 150W power supply is not exactly light at 2.5lbs/1140g

Hefty but powerful: The 150W power supply of the Inspiron XPS/9100. And next to it, a 2.5" hard drive for size comparison.

M18-GPU-Module of Dell's Inspiron series

Closeup view: M18-GPU surrounded by four of eight 32 MB DDR2-memory-components