Dell Inspiron 545

usability, price, size, design

reliability

83% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Good performance, attractive design, easily upgradeable

Outmoded graphics card, not much in the way of connectivity

When it comes to processing power and overall performance, the Dell Inspiron 545s is a reasonable proposition for the asking price. However, it lacks ports that some users might consider essential. All in all, an average effort.

Quad core power for under $1,000. 8GB of memory. Nice build quality. Bundle includes large 23-inch widescreen monitor. Minimal bloatware. Expandable. Two-year warranty

Weak integrated graphics. Could use a Blu-ray drive to go along with hi-res display. No Wi-Fi networking. Only 30-day trial subscription to MacAfee Internet Security

The Dell Inspiron 545 gives users something they want: a bundled system with monitor that they can open and start using right away.

Good performance, attractive design, easily upgradeable

Outmoded graphics card, not much in the way of connectivity

If you're not into gaming, the Inspiron 545/8707's quiet nature may appeal, but there are better deals available.

All up, the Dell Inspiron 545s is a reasonable offering that ticks most boxes on the casual shopper's wishlist. By the same token, it's completely unremarkable in most respects.

Large 1TB hard drive; HDMI video output; strong online technical support.

Outperformed by a Gateway that costs $200 less, and an Asus that costs only $30 more; overly spare connectivity.

Dell seems to have missed a beat in this year's round of back-to-school retail desktops, and the Inspiron 545 is no exception. Its competition has too much to offer in the way of performance and features, leaving Dell with little but its established...

For graphics, there is an Intel GMA 3100 integrated graphics chip on board. Windows 7 Premium 64-bit is the operating system that comes installed. Other notable features include a DVD burner and a 19-in-1 card reader that supports a bevy of memory...