For video, the Inspiron 8000 uses an ATI Rage Mobile 128, a.k.a. M3, matched with 32MB of video memory in our test model. Thanks to using an i815 chipset motherboard versus the standard 440BX motherboard, the video can use AGP 4x, which should improve performance in some situations. 2D performance is excellent, and the dual-head feature allows you to use an external monitor along with the LCD. There is also an SVHS output on the left side of the machine towards the front, useful for TV presentations.

The 15" SXGA+ (1400x1050) LCD that came with our test Inspiron 5000e is beyond gorgeous. At 15", it provides 117dpi! It is amazingly readable. Sure, it's not a piece of paper, but in a few generations, LCDs may be so easy to read that they will be just like a piece of paper. It easily blows away any screen we have seen on any shipping notebook.

It works well with a wide viewing angle, is easy on the eyes, and gives excellent color. It is an LCD we would gladly replace almost any 17" CRT with. It also provides true 24-bit color, or at least something so close we could not tell the difference. Buyer beware: even if the specifications say a notebook supports 24-bit, you do not know that for a fact until you see it with your own eyes. Like we said, this Dell notebook does support 24-bit, and quite well too.

And that support is very important in DVD playback. Without accessing the full 24-bit palette, DVD playback can look downright atrocious. On lesser LCDs, Neo has looked like he needed a bit of Vitamin A and some Oil of Olay, and Morpheus looked quite a bit like a blemished teenager. This is not the case with the Inspiron 8000. The hardware IDCT acceleration of the ATI video also helps in DVD playback by offloading some serious math from the CPU.

We recommend you at least purchase the SXGA+ LCD if you buy an Inspiron 8000. The LCD alone is worth the price. However, there will also be a UXGA screen available. At 1600x1200 over 15", the UXGA screen provides 133dpi! It has to be seen to be believed. LCD technology has surpassed CRT technology in most areas, plain and simple.