Dell Vostro or Inspiron?

[Mrvile]

Here is basically what I want to build:

15.4" WXGA+
Intel T7300
nVidia 8600M GT
2GB memory
160GB HDD
DVD burner
9-cell battery
2-yr warranty

Now, with all the discounts and free upgrades, I can get the Inspiron 1520 as configured for about $1500, which is great compared to what I was about to buy (Asus F3SV-A1). However I can get a similarly configured Vostro for the same price. If I get the Inspiron, I can upgrade to a 7200rpm HDD and Soundblaster Audigy audio (which I've already factored into the price). Is there any reason I should still get a Vostro?

Thanks!

 

[Oil]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Here is basically what I want to build:

15.4" WXGA+
Intel T7300
nVidia 8600M GT
2GB memory
160GB HDD
DVD burner
9-cell battery
2-yr warranty

Now, with all the discounts and free upgrades, I can get the Inspiron 1520 as configured for about $1500, which is great compared to what I was about to buy (Asus F3SV-A1). However I can get a similarly configured Vostro for the same price. If I get the Inspiron, I can upgrade to a 7200rpm HDD and Soundblaster Audigy audio (which I've already factored into the price). Is there any reason I should still get a Vostro?

Thanks!

Also check out the Compal IFL90/Sager 2090 (same laptop) at powernotebooks.com or xoticpc.com

But about the Dells, the Soundblaster audio is useless because it is only a software app and it doesn't actually improve sound quality at all. If you do not need the 7200rpm get the Vostro because it might have a higher quality case (haven't seen any reviews on it so I maybe wrong) and Dell's Small Business customer support is usually better than the Home support

 

[Mrvile]

Thanks for the heads up, OSx86. Looks like I can save a few bucks by not getting the Soundblaster 🙂

Unfortunately I've heard that 7200rpm can have a pretty noticeable impact on performance...what about for Dell's hard drives?

 

[Oil]

When you are comparing the 5400rpm and 7200rpm drives are you talking about them both being 160gb?

7200rpm would help out if you move a lot of large files (such as videos) and overall would have a speed increase but if the price difference is $50 or more it probably is not worth it

 

[Mrvile]

Um well I have a few movies but mostly music and photos (I'm a photographer, I have like 10,000 8 megapixel photos on my comp). Is a faster hard drive going to add more heat or noise? Or maybe eat more battery?

 

[Mrvile]

Oh one more question - how is Dell's business service compared to their home service?

 

[Oil]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Um well I have a few movies but mostly music and photos (I'm a photographer, I have like 10,000 8 megapixel photos on my comp). Is a faster hard drive going to add more heat or noise? Or maybe eat more battery?

How big are photos? The 7200rpm would be worth it if the files are very large

It would add a slight amount of heat and a little less battery life (nothing noticeable IMO)

Also, are both 5400rpm and 7200rpm drives you are looking at 160gb? What is the price difference?

 

[Oil]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Oh one more question - how is Dell's business service compared to their home service?

The Small Business service is less of a hassle than Home if you have a problem. The Home service is usually outsourced while Small Business is not