Difference between Inspiron 1525 and Studio 15?

I've been doing research for a new laptop for a while now. It finally came down to Dell Inspiron 1525 and Studio 15. I've had more recommendation for Studio 15 than for Inspiron 1525 but I can't seem to find an answer as to why Studio 15 is preferred over Inspiron 1525, especially if I choose the exactly same specs for whichever one I get (i.e., intel core 2 duo, 2.0 or 2.16GHz/677 or 800MHz, 3G RAM and 160G hard drive)? Other than the pretty cool new design that Studio 15 borrowed from XPS series, what else is so special about Studio 15 that it stands out in comparison with Inspiron 1525? Can somebody help me out with this one? I only use my laptop to multitask among MS office, statistical softwares, internet surfing, music and video, and I don't play game at all. I hope the laptop will last for at least 3 years with pretty good performance (especially speed) by the end of the 3rd year.

So do you guys think that Studio 15 will work better for what I need it than Inspiron 1525... or my requirement is so average that an average laptop like Inspiron 1525 will suffice? I guess, what really causes my hesitation is that if I paid more to get Studio 15 but I don't use anything special that it offers... I might as well just get Inspiron 1525 and save the extra bucks on the features that a nicer laptop offers but I don't use anyway. So maybe my question really is... is Studio 15 a better built and better quality laptop than Inspiron 1525? if we don't consider all the extra good/cool stuff that come with it?

Sorry the post got long-winded. :S But any suggestion, opinion, discussion and input would be great appreciated!!! Thanks so much in advance!

 

the studio uses the new montevina chipset, which is more future-proof than the inspiron's santa rosa chipset.

therefore, i would recommmend the studio, simply because the inspiron's technology is outdated now.

 

Hi Whizzo, good point!!! Thanks!!!

 

Studio also has discrete video cards, LED screens, and backlit keyboards.

 

and studio also has a bigger price tag!!! =D

 

lol Jayson, that's good to know.

Atbnet, yeah I know that Studio also has discrete video cards, LED screens, and backlit keyboards.... but they are exactly the things I was talking about that I can live without and so I don't wanna pay extra for.

But I think I've got good enough reason to go for Studio 15 now. Thanks folks for your input!

 

It is possible to configure the Inspiron 1525 and Studio 15 almost identically in terms of hardware. Configured with the same specs, the differences in the two laptops are mainly in design- the Studio 15 has a thinner wedge shape and slot-loading design similar to the XPS M1530. Both the 1525 and Studio 15 are available in a number of color choices, some unique to the Studio 15.

The design differences are more drastic when you open the lid. The 1525 has a silver keyboard and the surrounding trim and speaker cover are a matching silvery color. The same silver color outlines the LCD frame. The Studio 15 has a black keyboard with white lettering and the black trim extends above they keyboard into the speaker grille. The area surrounding the keyboard is Graphite Gray and the frame of the display is the same color and almost looks like real metal.

What really separates the Studio 15 from the 1525 is the extensive options list and ability to customize to a greater extent than any Inspiron model. Among Studio 15 options- ATI Radeon HD 3450 discrete graphics card, WXGA+ (1440x900 res) LED display, WUXGA (1920x1200) LCD display, Fingerprint Reader and Backlit Keyboard. The LED display ($129 option) and the WUXGA display are usually features found on much more expensive laptops. The backlit keyboard is another unique feature usually found on smaller, pricier notebooks!

 

Those differences are all configurable, and some can be matched on both systems. Having both in the house (Two S15's, one 1525), I can tell you that the build quality of the Studios are better and they're more aesthetically pleasing.