Durability: M1530 or 17" Vostro/Inspiron?

I've done a lot of research, but the answers to these questions don't leap out at me.

Which do you think is more durable -- an M1530 or a Vostro 1700/Inspiron 1720?

Which would likely stand up better to knocks, spills and general wear and tear?

Which is better at heat dissipation?

Thanks, people. This is important to me because I'll be keeping the beast for a while. .

 

I'd have to guess that the Vostro would be more durable since it's considered a business class machine and the 1530 is a consumer machine. The Vostro has a magnesium-alloy chassis, sealed keyboards and steel hinges.

 

This is what I thought, though a Dell rep at one of those kiosks told me the Vostro was completely identical to the Inspiron.

We even looked under the keys to see if we could see anything different -- mylar -- in the Vostro as opposed to the Inspiron, that would seal off the keyboard. We couldn't see anything on either computer. Also, people here have said both the Vostros and the Inspiron have the StrikeZone shock-absorber technology to provide some protection against falls.

But does the M1530 have any of these protections? Or has Dell sacrificed durability to style?

That's a provocative question, but I'm not just being a troll in posing it. As I see it, after far too much research, my choice right now lies between an M1540 or a 17" Inspiron/Vostro.

 

Bump. Anyone else have views on this? In the M1530, has Dell sacrificed durability to style?

 

Just get the Accidental coverage, and you'll Laptop will be as durable as you can get! At least for 3 or 4 years....

 

The vostro IS exactly identical to the inspiron. Its not built to the business class standards like the laditudes or percisions are.

That said, the black vostro should fair better than the inspiron in showing wear than the inspiron.