The Inspiron 1525 was a laptop designed and distributed by Dell as part of their Inspiron product line. An AMD variant known as the Inspiron 1526 was also released. The Inspiron 1525 was the successor to the Inspiron 1520, released on January 4, 2008.[1] It was available to purchase on the Dell website,[2] where it could be customized to the user's specification.
On June 26, 2008, this laptop was followed with the release of the Inspiron 1535, otherwise known as the Dell Studio laptop. On January 6, 2009, the Inspiron 1525 was superseded by the Inspiron 1545, which featured some higher-end configuration options at a lower starting price, but lacked features such as the HDMI port, LED indicator lights and two headphone jacks. The Inspiron 1525 laptop was discontinued on February 26, 2009, which left the Inspiron 1545 as Dell's 15-inch budget laptop.
Overview
The Dell Inspiron 1525 was a laptop with a 15.4-inch display released in 2008.[3][4] It weighed approximately six pounds – half a pound lighter than the 1520.[5] This laptop can be considered a mid-range Dell computer, between the smaller Dell 1420 model and the more expensive XPS M1530 model. It featured a chassis with a new edge design, which still appears on all of Dell's current laptops; this was a departure from the design of previous Inspiron laptops, which were considered bulky and boxy.
System specifications
Generally fitted components as standard in each unit:
Processors: Intel Celeron 540, 550 or 560, Intel Pentium Dual-Core T2370, T2390, T2330, T4200, T4500 and the Intel Pentium/Intel Core 2 Duo T5250, T5450, T5550, T5750, T7250, T8100, T8300, T9300 or T9500.
Memory: 512MB, or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6GB of shared dual channel DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz
Chipset: Intel GM965 Express Chipset
Graphics: Integrated Intel GMA X3100 graphics
Display: 15.4" widescreen with a 1280x800 resolution, 15.4" widescreen with a 1280x800 resolution and TrueLife, or a 15.4" widescreen with a 1440 × 900 high resolution and TrueLife
Storage: 80, 120, 160, 250 or 320GB SATA at 5400RPM HDD
Optical drive: 8× tray-load dual-layer DVD+/-RW drive, 2× tray-load Blu-ray disc combo drive or 2x Blu-ray disc burner
Wi-Fi: Broadcom 4312 based, Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g half mini-card (Previously changed to 1395 802.11b/g full mini-card), or 1490 802.11a/g/n full mini-card (Broadcom 4311 based), or Intel Next-Gen 4965AGN 802.11a/g/n Wi-Fi
I/O ports: 1× Fast Ethernet port, 1× 56 kbit/s modem, 1× S-Video output, 4× USB 2.0 ports, 1× Express Card slot, 1× VGA port, 1× HDMI output, 1× FireWire port (optional), 2x headphone jacks, 1x microphone port (optional), and 1× power adapter connector
Camera (optional): Integrated 2.0 MP camera
The most notable difference between this laptop and its predecessor is the 1520 model's dedicated graphics card, which the 1525 model did not have. Some believe that this was an attempt by Dell to appeal to a wider market of computer consumers. In a 2008 processor speed test, the Inspiron 1525 placed 14 out of the 18 tested computers.[6] The touchpad was upgraded from that of the 1520, the new one designed to allow faster scrolling through web pages. This model contains a SIM card slot underneath the battery compartment. However, the 1525 does not support reading data or using Internet from SIM cards without a separate wireless modem-card.
Software
The Inspiron 1525 typically comes with a version of the Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Ubuntu 9.04 pre-installed (32-bit/64-bit). Ubuntu 12.04 and Linux Debian Wheezy are known to be working out-of-the-box on this model. Models with Windows Vista and 7 contains Microsoft Office 2007.
Compatible System Software
Compatible OS(s):Windows XP - Windows 10, Ubuntu 7.10 and newer (Windows 11 will run with lack of driver support and hence not recommended with the laptop having low processing power)
The Dell Inspiron 1525 can be upgraded to Windows 10 32-bit or 64-bit but has no compatibility with Windows 11 due to lack of TPM 2.0 support.[8]
A fresh installation of Windows 10 64-bit already provides all required drivers for this laptop, including the webcam, SD card reader, Wi-Fi adapter, DVD/CDRW Combo drive, Intel GM965 chipset, on-board Intel graphics and multimedia keys. However, there are onboard devices that require additional drivers:
The default Microsoft touchpad driver works well but lacks support of advanced touchpad features and customizations; A Dell touchpad driver can be forced-installed[9] to get access to all touchpad settings (Alps_Touchpad_W8_X02_A01_Setup-W71Y8_ZPE).
The driver for the Dell Wireless 1505 Draft 802.11n WLAN Mini-Card that comes with the Windows 10 64-bit installation is a Microsoft driver (v5.100.245.200, dated 212-03-14). This driver works but is not very stable and suffers from frequently disconnects. This Wi-Fi adapter uses a Broadcom BCM43xx chip. Broadcom released newer driver versions for that chip in 2016, such as the BCM43xx_7.35.317.3 driver released in 2016. This newer Broadcom driver can be force-installed and provides better stability than the 2012 Microsoft driver.
The "Display Adapter" driver (for the 965 Express Chipset) that automatically comes with the Windows 10 64-bit installation (directly from Microsoft) is version 8.15.10.2697 (initially released for Windows 8.1 64-bit). There are reports that it is causing compatibility problems causing sporadic (but minor) graphics corruptions in the desktop UI elements, especially after coming out of sleep. Reverting to the latest driver available from the Intel website, i.e. v8.15.10.1930[10] (initially released for Windows 7 64-bit) seems to reduce the occurrence.
This computer has two DDR2 SODIMM slots and can be upgraded to 6GB of RAM, with a set of 2GB and 4GB modules. Both 667Mhz and 800Mhz modules are supported (PC2-5300 or PC2-6400).
Graphics cannot be upgraded as its integrated with the mainboard.
Processors can be upgraded to any Socket P Intel Core2 Duo mobile processor in the T8x00 series, and to certain T9x00 series processors whose FSB speed is limited to 800 MT/Sec.
On February 18, 2008, it was announced that Ubuntu 7.10 would be available as an optional operating system for the laptop[11] this since was shipped with Ubuntu 9.04[12] until support ended.
Customization
The user is able to decide which components they wish to be included, during the ordering process, by selecting from a range of hardware on the website.[2] These possible components include a range of processors, operating systems, graphics cards, a webcam and various other peripherals. In addition, Bluetooth and an integrated mobile broadband card can also be installed upon request, and the default battery can be replaced with an alternative.
Reception
The Inspiron 1525 has received a great deal of positive attention. General computer users welcomed the relatively low price, as well as the easily accessible volume control keys, and hardware reviewers have praised the customizability of the laptop, as well as its system specifications and light frame.[13] In general, users have made positive reference to the screen, with some describing the display as "flawless",[6] also praising the inclusion of a webcam and dual headphone jacks. Some reviewers claim that the battery life is a good point of the system.[14]
Despite being a high-selling model, and receiving a large amount of positive feedback, the Inspiron 1525 has also attracted some level of criticism. Some critics feel that the sound quality is unfit for a recently produced laptop, claiming "raspy-sounding speakers take some of the shine off the 1525's entertainment appeal",[14] whereas others have criticized the system's performance and battery life.[15] The wireless switch is located on the right side of the bottom half, close to the front and is easily overlooked. Prominent placement near the volume and media controls would be much easier for users to find. The positioning of the cooling fans render the laptop incapable of supporting high-end graphics cards.[16] Some users have encountered technical problems, many of which center around the webcam and built-in microphone.[17] A common complaint is that the supplied fan is irritatingly loud, and many users have tried to rectify it on their own. The placement of the headphone jacks on the front of the unit leads to inconvenient trailing wires when external speakers are connected. A touchpad design flaw causes the button to stick, requiring the replacement of the entire palm rest assembly. Users have also reported numerous hard drive problems, many related to overheating.
Noteworthy hardware issues
The Inspiron 1525 utilizes a single heat sink to dissipate heat away from the CPU & GPU. Whilst the Inspiron 1525 is not the only model that uses a single copper alloy conduit, it is one of the more common. The Inspiron 1525, models affected will combine the Intel Core 2 or Intel Dual Core CPU's.
CPU/GPU degradation over time is common, primarily due to extended overheating. While fan failure & vent blockages will exacerbate these issues, in addition to general component failures from extended periods of overheating beyond components tested safety margins, may cause product failure, in some cases even fire hazard. It is recommended to read & understand the DELL INC., technical article, should you experience these issues.
For both the 1525 and 1526, a low CMOS battery can prevent the computer from operating properly.[18][19] Replacement when done the "right" way requires removal of the main board, as the CMOS is located on its underside. However, there is a method that involves shimming the case open and using an angled pick to remove and replace the battery, but this method can lead to casement damage if done without care.
Dell XPS is a line of consumer-oriented laptop and desktop computer series manufactured by Dell since 1993.
Dell Latitude is a line of laptop computers manufactured and sold by American company Dell Technologies. It is a business-oriented line, aimed at corporate enterprises, healthcare, government, and education markets; unlike the Inspiron and XPS series, which are aimed at individual customers, and the Vostro series, which is aimed at smaller businesses.
The Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) is a series of integrated graphics processors introduced in 2004 by Intel, replacing the earlier Intel Extreme Graphics series and being succeeded by the Intel HD and Iris Graphics series.
The ASUS Eee PC is a netbook computer line from Asus, and a part of the ASUS Eee product family. At the time of its introduction in late 2007, it was noted for its combination of a lightweight, Linux-based operating system, solid-state drive (SSD), and relatively low cost. Newer models added the options of Microsoft Windows operating system and rotating media hard disk drives (HDD), and initially retailed for up to 500 euros.
Dell Vostro is a line of business-oriented laptop and desktop computers manufactured by Dell aimed at small to medium range businesses. From 2013–2015, the line was temporarily discontinued on some Dell websites but continued to be offered in other markets, such as Malaysia and India.
The HP Pavilion dv9000 was a model series of laptops manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Company that featured 16:10 17.0" diagonal displays.
The Dell Inspiron E1405 is a portable laptop computer manufactured by Dell Inc. featuring a 14.1 inch (diagonal) display in a 1.5 (H) x 13 (W) x 9.6 (D) inch 2.4 kg clamshell case. This model was also marketed under the name Dell Inspiron 640m.
Acer Aspire One is a line of netbooks first released in July 2008 by Acer Inc.
Dell Studio is a range of laptops and desktops targeted at the mainstream consumer market, produced by Dell. The computers sit above Dell's Inspiron and below the XPS consumer lines in terms of price and specifications. They differ from Dell's lower-end Inspiron models by offering slot-loading optical drives, media keys, more cover design options, faster processor options, HDMI and eSATA ports, LED-backlit screens, and backlit keyboards.
The Sony Vaio P series is a range of ultraportable subnotebook computers launched in January 2009.
The Dell Inspiron Mini Series is a line of subnotebook/netbook computers designed by Dell. The series was introduced in September 2008 amidst the growing popularity of low-cost netbook computers introduced by competitors.
HP Mini is a former line of small computers categorized as netbooks manufactured by Hewlett-Packard. They either contained a custom version of Ubuntu Linux, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or Windows 7 Starter operating system. Like most netbooks, they were not built with CD/DVD drives. They were announced from mid-2007, and marketed from 2008 through 2012.
The Dell 1764 is a laptop computer designed by Dell. At the time of its introduction, it was noted for a fast processor and good sound, a medium hard disk drive and a release price of 679 USD.
The ThinkPad E Series is a notebook computer series introduced in 2010 by Lenovo. It is marketed to small and medium-sized businesses.
The first laptop in the IdeaPad U series was the U110 launched in 2008 by Lenovo. Showcased at CES 2008, the laptop also launched the IdeaPad series itself, and received the Best of CES 2008 award. The IdeaPad U series was a line of Lenovo's consumer line of laptops, combining Lenovo's traditional engineering with design changes that were significantly different from ThinkPad products.
The IdeaPad Y series was a consumer range of laptops produced by Lenovo, first announced in 2008. They were marketed as premium high performance laptops for multimedia and gaming, as part of the IdeaPad line.
The HP Envy is a line of consumer-oriented high-end laptops, desktop computers and printers manufactured and sold by HP Inc. They started as a high-end version of the HP Pavilion line.
On June 26, 2007, Dell released the new Inspiron desktop series, under the Dell Inspiron branding, as a replacement to the Dell Dimension desktop computers.
The Dell Inspiron series is a line of laptop computers made by American company Dell under the Dell Inspiron branding. The first Inspiron laptop model was introduced before 1999. Unlike the Dell Latitude line, which is aimed mostly at business/enterprise markets, Inspiron is a consumer-oriented line, often marketed towards individual customers as computers for everyday use.
The Surface Go 2 is a 2-in-1 detachable tablet computer developed by Microsoft. It is the second generation of Surface Go and was announced alongside the Surface Book 3 on May 6, 2020 online. It was available for purchase starting May 12, 2020. In October 2021, this has been superseded by the Surface Go 3.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
