I am helping a friend setup a new laptop.   We purchased the Dell Inspiron 1501 from Sam’s Club for $699.   This machine has an AMD Athlon 64X2 Dual Core TK-55 1.8 GHZ Processor (not the fastest but gets the job done), 2 GB Rams, 15.1″ Screen, DVD+-RW, Windows Vista Home Premium, and 120 GB Hard Drive.  

For the average user, this makes a great computer.   It is not a power house, but most people do not require a $5000 laptop.   The owner of this will be using it for school.   They are able to use the wireless connection with ease, access Microsoft Word, and do a bit of web editing.  

I would give the build quality a 7.5 out of ten.   It feels a little plasticy, but durable.

Lots of USB Ports (2 in back & 2 on right hand side) so we can plug in anything we want.   I was surprised to find that it had a media card slot that functions for SD and MMC.   I would love to see XD and CF support, but I will not turn down this computer.

The mouse buttons seam a bit mushy for function without any problems.   I am just most likely used to the touch of my Macbook.  

Wireless reception is decent.   I will give it a 8 out of 10 since I am not picking up 1 of the distant wireless points that my neighbors have, but do pick up any access point that I do use.

 The Screen is bright and clear.

In short, I think that this is a great computer for the price.   At only $699 and being a Dell, you are getting a steal.   It can run any of today’s software with ease.   If you are looking for an inexpensive laptop that works, then the Dell Inspiron 1501 is a good machine.   Overall I give it an 9 out of 10 due to the value vs what you get.   You can purchase one of these from either Sam’s Club, Walmart, or Staples.   No waiting for shipping is a plus.