Do you consider your e1505 a 'B' segment notebook?

Well, this post comes after reading hundreds of (wrongly felt) opinions that despite a decent mid range graphics card, best-in-the-business SXGA screen, very good processor performance, arguably good looking build (some may cheap cheap plastic) and hundreds of happy owners - people still rate Inspiron e1505/6400 as a B segment notebook. I dont know the reason why, but as far an owner of this notebook is concerned - i'm certainly very satisfied (and touch wood )
Infact, i've read at numerous forums, but havent come across a single major or minor issue with my notebook till date. Mind you, i bought it after reading various brilliant unbiased reviews here at NBR forums. There are, of course, certain problems which, needless to say, every notebook owner has to face but all in all - this incorrect labeling and the general opinion of putting the e1505 in the 'B' segment, is somewhat vitriolic. What do you other owners say? do you guys feel the same?

 

I think it depends. A base-system e1505 , wxga, integrated graphics, 512 ram, etc, certainly would be at most a "B segment" notebook. A maxed-out e1505 wouldn't. The WSXGA+ option made me pick this one instead of other well-known brand notebooks that didn't have the option.
Despite I'm having issues with mine (backlight isn't working as it should), and I'm having my lcd replaced, I don't regret getting this laptop.

 

well just because its a 'b' segment notebook dosent mean its bad, If you compare it to its latitude counterpart (the D820) it is a step down, so if you consider the latitudes an a segment laptop then the inspiron counterparts would be considered a 'b' segment notebook. the 120M is better (as far as 3Dmark 05 scores and real life average FPS) than the X1400 (at least with the 512MB turbocache) and it has a WUXGA screen, it also has the option for a T2500 whereas the E1505 only as up to a T2400, so going by that then yes it would be a 'b' segment notebook, and thats only if you consider the latitude an a segment notebook-which I would but many would probably argue with that.

 

the existence of the latitude line alone is enough to put it in the b line, as that falling into the well put together but still not the best out there market segment demonstrates that the inspirons definitely are not put together in the same league as asus, hp business, latitudes, thinkpads, msi, etc. simply put when people talk about them not being in the same league, they arent talking about how fast of a processor or how much ram u can put in, as thats pretty universal, but the unchangeable parts and the build quality. inspirons are put together rather flimsy. plus the graphics options of the 1505 are well behind the graphics options offered by other companies (x1600 and 7600s). finally ive heard very few good things about dell screens, even the ones with top end resolutions and special treatments.

 

whats a B segment

 

from a performance standpoint - Dell e1505 has good benchmark ratings compared to its competitors.

from a structural standpoint - Dell attempts rigorous tests to ensure high quality plastics and parts.

from a personal standpoint, its subjective. If you dislike heavy notebooks, then the e1505 is immediately a "C" isnt it? ?

 

Honestly maybe a B from a lot of heat!

 

The Dell E1505 offers a good blend of performance, multimedia, and quality for the price. It is not the best built not the best looking (in my opinion) notebook, but it gets the job done. It appeals to a large audience - Dell knows what they are doing for the most part.

 

chaz, I dont think anyone is denying that, the same goes with a company like honda. they also appeal to a large audience, they have good quality and performance for the price-they "get the job done" but I also think that nobody would say they are an 'A' segment car-Acuras automatically rule that out, then you look at Saabs, Audis, BMWs, Porsches, even lexus and infinity. just because there are better ones out there doesent mean that its bad. it just dosent make it the best.

There isn't a better deal then the inspiron line, no question espically with the right coupons, but price dosent make a laptop a better machine it just makes it a more appealing machine.

Line98-I personally love the WUXGA 15.4" LCD on the D820, and there really is very little competition because other than Dell I believe that HP business is the only other option, and they are far more expensive for no more features (espically if you have a coupon)

 

That is Dell's idea - and it works too. The Dell Inspiron line is not an A-segment notebook for sure, but it does have its audience. For its class and price range, the E1505 is good - can't go comparing it to a Fujisu or other high-end notebook.

 

nope you are totally right. They are great laptops for the price, and just in general they cant be considered 'bad' they just shouldnt be considered the best.

 

for the price I think Dell is unbeatable esspecially the E1705
I don't think you could find any 17" laptop with core duo n GF7900gs in it for $1300
but for the 15.4" segment I think the only competitor would be Acer n ASUS

 

From the opinions here, what i think is people who own a gaming notebooks like Sager or Alienware, criticize the e1505 for being too "cheap" and "affordable". And that, though wrong, is perfectly natural.
The fact is that a LOT of people now own Dell. Its become too commonplace, people also get to report each and every other matter they have with their Dells at this forum or or that forum.
The correct categorization should be on the basis of price range. For a price range of 800- 1200, i think Dell should be one of the first consideration for a buyer if not the first.
As far a build quality is concerned, I've seen thinkpad with my friends and they been largely unhappy apart from lugging it around in any way they can. And i honestly think that apart from build quality the company offers nothing. i'm not a pinafore, i dont need to jump around. a notebook's a fragile machine which needs care. i can keep good care of my notebook. the best part of dell is the customization. how many notebook manufacturers offer a natural 1680 res in a 15.4" nb? very very few perhaps. and those who criticize it for being a bag notebook for a gamer, it was never meant for one in the first place.uality is concerned,