Dell Inspiron 15 i15RV-6190BLK 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black Matte with Textured Finish) [Discontinued By Manufacturer]

I bought this for my preschooler to use for his homeschool apps and other learning web sites. I've ended up using it as an internet TV device as well! The HDMI connection sends a perfect signal to my HDTV, allowing us to watch high-def internet videos from network sites. Having already installed an OTA antenna and an internet TV device, this is hopefully the final ingredient to convince my wife that we can stop paying all that money for our satellite TV subscription each month.I do have to admit that I am not a big fan of Windows 8. I don't like the whole start screen with the app buttons. I prefer the old desktop with a start menu. Fortunately, there is an update that will restore your start menu to make it feel more like the old Windows. Also, I am very impressed with the quick startup time.As for the hardware, this is a great laptop for everyday use. It is lightweight and slim, making it easy to move around. It's not the newest and fastest processor, but it came at a great price. I have not noticed any performance lag on any programs or while streaming videos from the internet. Obviously, this machine is not built for a gamer or power-user who is planning to have multiple apps open at the same time, but it is perfect for the casual user. I've paired it with a wireless keyboard and mouse from Logitech for use when connected to the TV, so we can sit on the couch and surf the web on the TV and/or find streaming content.

I was looking for something fairly inexpensive to use for some basic home audio recording & video editing. The dimensions and specs on this seemed good for the price. I received it and booted to Windows 8. Wow. That is a horrific thing to do to a laptop. I can see how it would work on a tablet, but after about 45 minutes of playing around I was fed up. So I wiped it and installed Linux Mint KDE 14 on it. Beautiful install, fantastic experience. All the hardware detected well, and everything works great. I've been using it heavily for about a month now with no issues.The device does feel light, but it also feels pretty well made. Battery life seems to be about 5 hours with decent usage when off of AC power. So Windows 8 is atrocious, but the laptop is not. Load Linux, Windows 7, or even DOS and you'll be happy.

I personally wanted to give this a 2 star... but then I had to consider the price and gave it a 3 star.The volume f11 and f12 do not work.The nearly four inch wrist rest is to deep, its very uncomfortable to type when sitting at the table with this laptop ( the edges are actually sharp).It has a overall "cheap" feeling ...I guess because it is inexpensive ( I keep trying to remember that fact).I do like the size of the touch pad, but the buttons don't feel like they will last.I am not a fan of the low profile keyboard either ( however all newer computers seem to have them now).It did boot up fine ... and the computer itself seems to be working well ( this is my 3 Dell, so I'm a repeat customer) but the case/ or shell appears substandard.So if this is back up ...or if you are using it with a TV, I'm sure its a great buy ....if its for everyday use, this may not be the one. ( I'll update this review in a month or so ...after I have used it for a while). I am trying to tell myself I will get used to windows 8 ....so far I don't believe myself.*************** I want to update my review , I have decided to return this laptop. With the 2 function keys not working and and the right button on on the mouse pad sticking .... I decided that it had to much against it , for a BRAND new computer. ( even a inexpensive one).I was unsure about my ability to return the defective laptop , because it was not actually "dead on arrival" and I had used it for several days ... I sent a detailed message to Amazon , and in less than 24 HR I was sent a return label.I have always been 100% pleased with AMAZON and with this situation they rose to the occasion. I am slightly concerned , because the "reason" for the return on the label says "different from what was ordered" and that is not the case ... other than I ordered a laptop that should not be defective. I am hopeful that the return process goes well ... and I look forward to buying a new laptop as soon as my credit it processed .

I think it is great. Works fine! Everything as listed. Will be getting a bigger hard drive when I get the money. I am amazed how it works and the speed. This is my first time with Microsoft Windows 7, I am a VISTA 64 bit snob but I am learning quickly. Dell is always GREAT. This is my 3rd Dell laptop. My previous two were 8 and 11 years ago when it wasn't as fancy, quick, thin, awesome color, great graphics. I had a problem with my second laptop and dell tried to fix it and couldn't so they sent a technician to my house and changed everything except the screen and I was shocked when you get their best warranty package it reall pays off!! AWESOME!!! I wouldn't hesitate to get another Dell Laptop. I want to get a 17" but buy the time I get the money they will probably be 34" and have everything totally updated!! I would give this laptop 9 & 7/8 out of ten. If the standard sound sounded better, but you can always buy GREAT speakers if music is you thing! For the PRICE THIS DELL IS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST!!

You just can't go wrong with this laptop for the price. The keyboard is very smooth and the processor is fast too.good buy for the money.