Notebook screens: Dell Ultrasharp vs. Apple Powerbook

shaun3000

Junior Member
Jan 23, 2000
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I'm seriously considering purchasing a new laptop, this summer. The two computers I'm trying to choose between are the Dell Inspiron 8600 and Apple 15" Powerbook. The 8600 includes an Ultrasharp screen, regardless of which resolution you choose. I know Apple is known for their Cinema LCD displays and I've heard good things about their Powerbook screens, as well.

How does the screen on the 15" Powerbook compare to the Ultrasharp screen on the Dell 8600? How is the quality of each? Viewing angle? I've read all the specs, I want real world opinions.

Thanks
 

Connoisseur

Platinum Member
Sep 14, 2002
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I've seen both of them (one is my friend's and the other in a showroom). Personally, I think the Apple cinemaview is a TAD nicer looking. Of course, that could probably be attributed to the fact that OS X is more colorful and "shinier". In all honesty, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Both are beautiful. You're gonna have to base it on performance. If you're thinking of gaming, go with the Dell (you're gonna need Windows for those games). If OS X is enough for your purposes (video editing, office apps etc.), then by all means go with the powerbook. Besides screens, the powerbooks are definitely much prettier looking and much sleeker than the dells.
 

manko

Golden Member
May 27, 2001
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Well, one thing to consider is that there are no screen options for the 15" or 17" Powerbooks. For the 15", that means you get 1280x854, Apple's equivalent of WXGA, I guess. With Dells you have three choices of native-resolutions, up to 1900 x 1200 WUXGA.

specs

I can understand that Apple wants to gouge customers by offering a single low-resolution screen, but I don't know why Apple users haven't demanded updated screen technology. I do a lot of graphics and video work, and screen real estate is always at a premium with those types of applications.

I'm not a Dell fan, but I was kind of shocked to find this out when I recently started to take a serious look at the Powerbooks. I wonder if Apple will start offering higher resolution screens by the time they release a G5 Powerbook?
 

shaun3000

Junior Member
Jan 23, 2000
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Yeah, righ!

I think Mac boys should consider themselves lucky to get to choose the video card on their Powerbooks. (Atleast on some models)