Dell build quality

I am thinking about getting a Dell Inspiron E1505. How is the build quality of the dell laptops? I have had a few dell desktops and i have to say they were both fairly low quality computers. How does the dell compare to HP, toshiba etc.? thanks.

 

i've got a Dell M140 that I'm getting ready to sell after almost a year and it is going strong. and i'm pretty sure the E1505's build quality is superior to my M140.

i would have to say that the HP build quality on their consumer notebooks is about the same. i know nothing of toshiba.

however, both Dell and HP's business class notebooks are of a very high build quality. but I believe that HP's business quality is a little better than Dell's business quality.

 

I would say HP & Toshiba are about the same, Dell is not bad, but its a little lower in quality, they get a lot negative publicity. You shouldn't be too dissappointed in getting a Dell, if you have the money go for a higher quality name, but in reality you should be fine with a Dell.

 

I'm happy with the build quality of my Dell. I've put it through the wringer since I got mine in May, I use it as a desktop replacement, I have travelled with it extensively, I've even spilled a glass of water all over the keyboard while it was on, and it's no worse for the wear.

The only thing I have noticed about build quality issues is that not all of the bumpers touch flush when the laptop is closed.

To compare it with another brand, I owned a Compaq V2000 series laptop, I ended up returning it after a month because it just felt cheaply made and I didn't feel that it would hold up well to my needs.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

I have the E1505 and I can say its an OK build quality, my paint scuffed up pretty quickly, but if you want good build quality then I'd go with a Latitude or something like that, they even have the 'nice' docking bays that are actaully worth looking into unlike the Inspirons worthless USB docking bays.

 

The build quality of the HP notebooks is better then Dell but Dell is alright, especially for the price of a fully configured E1505. The build quality doesn't begin to compare to that of the business line from Dell, HP, Lenovo, ect. though.

 

When it comes to Dell, Toshiba, and HP consumer lines. I think they succeed in some areas and fail in others build quality wise.

HPs have better keyboards, they don't have latches, and are easily the prettiest design.

Dells have better screen protection, less keyboard flex, but the keystroke isn't as deep or satisfying as hp's, ugly... but I have actually been suprised by the finish's durability on my 6000. My Dell travels with me every day. I have a few scratches but nothing like I thought I'd have when comparing to my previous Toshiba's blue painted lid which was a scratch fest after just a few months. Meanwhile my Dell is almost 10 months old and I can count 4 small scatches on the lid.

Toshiba's have stronger hinges, strange keyboard layouts, and are the most scratch prone.

All are made out of standard issue plastic which isn't as stong as the mag-alloy, carbon fibre, or alluminum you'll find on more expensive models. The bodies are all about the same, with about the same ammount of flex.

HP tends to have the best screens, Toshiba's are also quite good, Dell screen quality is decent but far from the best out there.

The average user will probably be fine with either a Dell. I tend to like HPs better do to the better looks and screen quality. I personally find Toshibas to be a little over priced compared to Dell and HP, but a Toshiba would probably do just as well.

As has been said, if you want better build look at the Dell and HP Business models which are both better build than the consumer lines. Toshiba's Tecra line is no better built than the Satellites.

 

I like the build quality of my new E1505 better than the HP zv6000 I had for about a year. I did not like the deep keystroke of the HP. I kept missing letters because of the deep keystroke. Also the screen was too thin on the HP and it had too much flex. It also was about 2-lbs. heavier than my E1505.

Vvarwick

 

I've only owned Dell Latitudes. The Latitude D620 feels very sturdy. It's a step up from the D600.

 

I had actually ordered a e1505...then cancelled it and got a D520 instead.

I do a lot of travel, and the hinges and Latches on the Latitude line are much stronger than the Inspiron line, that and the hard drive suspension system.

The Latitude line turned out to be only about $100.00-150.00 more for a similarly equipt machine.

Your mileage may vary!