I have a slightly different laptop than this one as mine is 2.40GHz i5 with 6GB of RAM but they are essentially the same. I've had my Dell N7010 for about a year now and use it to run AutoCAD LT v2010 as well as Canvas v11, several programs specific to electrical engineering, FTP, and all the usual MS Office items. I very much enjoyed how the N7010 does not come with a lot of bloatware programs littering the hard drive. There are no soft touch controls on the computer which I applaud since previous laptops I've owned seemed to have nothing but problems with those. My Windows Experience Index numbers are as follows:Processor: 6.8
Memory: 6.8
Graphics: 4.55
Gaming Graphics: 5.2
Primary Hard Disk: 5.9
All in all, I'm very satisfied with the performance and features of this laptop. It is well built, nice keyboard, good connectivity, and has been quite reliable for me. My wish list is that it had a blueray optical disk, USB 3.0, and that the cooling fan was a little quieter.
I this product with Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit, 6G figuring that would keep me up with technology. Wrong. It put me ahead of technology (more than it could deliver). The 64-bit version hickups badly at times, and is much slower than when its running with the 32-bit version, per tech support at Dell. I should hope Something works better than what I have now. The installed version has terrible synchronization with a multiple thread program, such that I about gave up using it.
But I can't simply install the 32-bit I have to get another disk (this is an OEM install). Dell says although they did not ship me a 32-bit version of the program, they offered several options, one of which I took. Dell also says the ultimate version of Windows is faster still, but I declined, for reasons of price.
Most controls are well placed. I'd have preferred a larger Enter key. This one is the width of 2 1/2 regular keys, but no taller than any other I would have preferred one a bit larger in all directions, so that I could tell by feel (I touch type rather than hunt/peck). Full size keys (no hand cramps), standard placement for most keys, nice touch. Nice size mouse pad there's an option to shut off sensitivity when using the keyboard usually effective. Sometimes the mouse will activate by accident. The ESC key will often release it.
Very clear display, good colors, no distortion. Quiet fan at rest and for ordinary use such as a word processor. Heavier use will rev the fan up, but the "noise" level is mild enough to allow normal conversation.
If you are a heavy, 3D animated graphics user, consider the graphical observations below.
The laptop has a port for an analog monitor. It also has an HDMI port for direct, external display. This computer has a simple method to switch displays between a TV/amplifier/receiver/projector, computer, or both. For full HDMI resolution you need to switch to projection (eg TV) only. The 17" maximum screen resolution is 1600 x 900 and restricts the size when simultaneously sending a signal to its screen and the TV.
The computer has 4-2.0 USB ports spaced far enough from each other as to not interfere with physical shapes of the USB jack. One of those ports is about 1/4" from the Ethernet cable, which in my case has been needed only twice (worked flawlessly). Dell doesn't believe the technology is "there" as of this writing to employ add-on 3.0 USB.
For my usage the computer is comfortable to use on my lap without an extra pad, leaving some room between my knees for mild heat exhaust.
Like a few other manufacturers, Dell allows the function keys to be used for multiple roles. During boot up the keys operate normally, but when the operating system is control, the default for the keys to operate pre-defined Dell Functions such as volume or screen being stronger or weaker, sound muted, menu for different display options, toggle network adapters, etc. To use the same keys as Operating System function keys, one must hold down a "Fn" button (placed between the Left-Control and Windows (flag) keys). Dell made the right choice for me -I use their functions far more often than of the OS. Weakness the function key numbering is a hue of blue that blends easily against the brown keys. In dim light it is very hard to determine what the key is except by counting, but the ESC key is the same size & shape as "F1" immediately to its left, so F5 is really the 6th key over.
The computer has a built in port for some camera memory cards works fine for my Panasonic but not for the Canon. But both cameras come with USB adapters, so not a big issue.
A reasonable power pack will run unplugged for 2 3 hours before warning you that it will need to shutdown or have power.
Good OS rarely have I had to reboot or logoff. My habit is to shut the lid using a setting that puts the computer to sleep after 15 minutes or so. It does not come with office products such as spread sheet, but I found a good free open source code office product on the internet.
The internal wireless adapter works well with my 802.11n router, but I had a little trouble with getting the initial handshake. After that, no problem. I've chucked my older 11n USB adapter in its favor.
I considered switching to 32-bit based on Dell's comment that it was a better product, but later decided my problem wasn't the instruction bit size, but total available resources. See "Comment" section for a Q&A.I've had my Dell N7010 for 3 and a half years now, and it's still my daily computer. I mostly use MS Office and Gmail, and some graphical editing programs and Calibre eBook management, so it's not stressed like what the gamers would do. The screen is easy on the eyes, keyboard is simple and easy and has a comfortable feel. Various I/O have been used for USB devices (mini & micro USB) and Apple iTunes have all been trouble-free. I've traveled with it about 100 times, used it day or night for work and play and it's always been just great. There are fancier lap tops that are sleek and thin, but I'd much rather have a dependable workhorse that I can trust. I'm on this thing almost every day and would not hesitate to recommend it to ANYONE who needs a dependable laptop.I like the size of the laptop. It is in very good condition. I loaded up a couple of programs I use a lot with no problem. There is a significant problem with the keyboard it is either incredibly over-sensitive , or something is wrong with it. I was trying to write a report and the cursor jumped around so much it was impossible to continue. I generally use the computer for web-browsing and watching TV so I have not explored this further yet, although I know there is a way to adjust the sensitivity of the key-pad.Bought this computer new and loved it at first. Large screen and keyboard. Then things started to go wrong with it. One USB port and then 2 USB ports quit. The fan quit. The keyboard started giving me problems... Software issues too. All this within 2 years. I got tired of having problems with it and finally bought another computer.
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