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    Differences between Vostro and Inspiron? Random Dell Questions

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by DWolfe, May 15, 2008.

  1. DWolfe

    DWolfe Notebook Enthusiast

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    Given two similarly configured notebooks, does it matter if it's branded Vostro or Inspiron? Half the reviews I read on this site say things like "Vostro is basically Inspiron without paint selections" and the other half say things like "Vostro is bulkier, sturdier, and heavier than Inspirons".

    Which of the two runs quieter and with less heat? Is there any hardware differences between the two (different screens, different motherboards, stuff like that)?

    I've been looking at two notebooks, and can't decide between the two:

    Vostro 1700
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5670 (1.8GHz/800MHz FSB/2MB cache)
    256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
    $814

    Inspiron 1720
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5750 (2.0GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
    256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
    $786.75

    Is there any actual difference, or is it all just cosmetics?

    Also, when ordering a Dell, I'm guessing "TrueLife" vs "Anti-Glare" is there way of saying "Glossy" vs "Matte"?

    What exactly is the difference between a Vostro 1700 and a 1710?
     
  2. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

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    The Vostro Has better build quality, (firmer, durable etc) than the Inspiron. They do look identical although the quality difference is supposably noticible.

    The 1710 is the new vostro line which from what has come out is not built off a magnisium-alloy chassis aswell as lid but built out of plastic and is not as durable as a competitor but it does come with a slot load drive aswell as being thinner and lighter
     
  3. L.Rawlins

    L.Rawlins Notebook Evangelist

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    Up until the new revisions of both lines they were essentially the same thing in different colours. However, now they are setting themselves up to be entirely different animals.

    The two you reference fall into the former mindset.

    True Life = Glossy.
    Anti-Glare = Matte.
     
  4. jmach

    jmach Notebook Enthusiast

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    Doesn't the Vostro line also come with the business-grade support?
     
  5. Rodster

    Rodster Merica

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    I own two Vostro's (1500 & 1700) and chose them over the Inspiron line. My decision was simple. The business division usually gets you better support than the consumer line. I also like the charcoal dark grey look of the Vostro.

    I've read that both the Vostro and Inspiron lines i.e. 1700 vs 1720 use the same case and look identical.