#1 issue for slow speed, after adjusting in game OPTIONS for extreme performance: ADD RAM!!! Recommend total RAM be 1024 MB, it makes a huge difference in playability. For a laptop, that means you'll want to buy memory in the SODIMM size, most likely 512 MB DDR SODIMM (the SODIMM is a laptop specific, smaller footprint memory module). The best and safest way to know which module is to post the Model number of that Dell laptop, so it can be cross referenced against whether or not it uses SDRAM or DDR. They're not interchangeable. The good news is the price is fairly low.
It's also possible the Dell retail SKU (hardware/software/ pre-installed options) cut corners and used up the expansion slot for memory by placing two relatively less expensive / lower size memory modules into the Laptop instead of a single somewhat more costly module. The factory does this when they have a surplus of lower density memory modules. This means eventually someone needs to open the access slot for memory expansion (its fairly easy to get to) and just confirm theres an open slot. I'd expect the whole operation can be done on about a $70 budget for a 512 MB DDR SODIMM, give or take 20%, and if youre paying a tech to install the module its either 15 or 30 minutes maximum, assuming labor is charged in 15 minute increments. I'd expect the first time someone looks for the slot it takes them 10 minutes to just find it, the rest is easy.
You will find EVERY system with 512 MB RAM plays poorly (not just laptops), especially at the bridge in Qeynos harbor for example. There is an excellent guide to adjusting video settings in game at
http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=tech_support&message.id=3265
Sorry I didnt catch this sooner, I've been away on vacation.
GS