The Inspiron 3200 D266XT is Dell Computer's entry into the 266-megahertz Pentium II notebook market. As with similar models from other vendors, it is designed as a high-end machine.
The 3200 comes fully loaded with all the features to be a serious competitor in this market. It works well - it is fast and the graphics appear to be quite smooth.
This makes it all the more frustrating to be let down by little things, because after using the machine for a few weeks, I found a few minor faults were getting on my nerves.
Some of these problems might seem nit-picking, but with a laptop of this quality, and a price of $23,554, users are entitled to expect better.
One of the first things you notice is the rather noisy fan than comes on whenever you run the laptop from the mains power.
While this may not be a problem for mobile users, anyone hoping to use the 3200 as a desktop replacement machine may find the sound of a fan distracting - especially if, like me, you take it as a sign the PC is getting too hot.
Another source of frustration is the machine's touchpad, which uses a double tap system to drag windows around the screen. The pad on the 3200 is a bit too sensitive, which may be a result of the processor's high speed.