Got to see the 1520, then I saw the 1420! Help!

Hi All! I just visited the Dell Kiosk today to check out/handle the 1520, I thought I was going to be ordering (either online/via phone). However, they had the 1420 sitting next to the 1520, so I checked it out, and I think I kind of liked it!

So, now I am even more "torn"! I would love to get some feedback from all of you guros here about your feelings on the differences of the 1420 vs. the 1520. I know that one is that the 1420 does not support the 256NVidia, just the 128Nvidia, and that the 1420 weighs a little less.

It was also nice, I could see/feel the cover choice for the notebooks covers. I am now also torn between the ruby red (outside of my Midnight Blue color choice).

(The Dell rep's at the Kiosk were helpful, but basically did the same config's that I have done online ~ so, there would really be no cost savings for me to order from them, unless they were going to throw in something for "free" or give me additional cost saving savings).

Needless to say, I would love to stop my "Self-procrastination" type sabotage, and get my notebook ordered by tomorrow evening!!

As always, your comments mean a lot!

 

If you game, get the 8600m GT in the 1520. If you don't, you're free to choose.

 

for gamers, the 1520 is a better choice, for light gamers the 1420 is a must^^ i ordered a 1420 and im just waiting for its delivery. according to the reviews that i searched, the 1420 is a good deal.

 

It's all about your needs.

If you just care about online browsing and word processing, and need to carry your notebook around, unplugged for long periods of time, get the 1420. The 8400M GS card will allow you to play some games with medium settings.

The 1520 will be heavier, use the battery faster and will only serve you better if you have intentions of gaming, and that is if you configure it with the 256MB 8600M GT card.

 

Thanks, the other thing I noticed, is that w/the 1420 you can't load w/XP. And no, no gaming, mainly music.

I forgot, I see that Dell has this $200 rebate gift card going on now w/purchase.... is it worth it to use it on their printers when it comes in the mail in about 4 weeks, or use it on their accessories?

 

Dell has freaking ridiculous coupons out for the Inspirons. And you can install XP on any of the Dells.

http://www.notebookreview.com/dellCoupon.asp

 

You can use XP in either system.

The 1420 will play games with the 8400M GS VGA. It is a good card for many older games, and since its resolution doesn't exceed 1440 X 900, it will playthem smoothly.

Don't order @ the Kiosko. Buy online and use either of these coupons:

Dell Home & Home Office

P6413WWTNQDRL1 $425 off Inspiron Notebook $1399+

D7GFTTZW6DQQBC $250 off Inspiron Notebook $999+

Don't buy a Dell printer. Stick to Lexmark or HP. Easier to buy INK for, and to maintain since they are more popular.

You can use your Gift Card to buy accessories instead. Maybe a router, a digital camera, or an external HD for backups.

IMO, the 1520 is a better deal since it gives you the best of both worlds. Get it with the 1650 X 1050 screen the 85 WHR battery.

 

Dell printers are just rebranded Lexmarks, both low on the quality and reliability scale. And I doubt you get a Gift Card if you use the coupons.

 

Whew...thanks for the input....it's going to be either or...since I'm not into gaming, I'm really not sure which one to lean towards. My main thing is to make sure I have the right one to hold my music library I will be taking from my desktop and future downloads/burning, etc!

I think the Dell coupons are great! I plan getting the 3year warranty, as I do not have the best luck with electronics.

Here's to my goal of having my notebook ordered by tomorrow evening!

 

If you order through the consumer home side, you'll get both the coupon % off, and the gift card.

If you care about the warranty, here is another deal, with a 4 year warranty. It doesn't say anything about the gift card, but maybe a phone call to customer care can get you the certificate after the purchase:

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=641677

 

Hey thanks, I will check out that line (link)

 

1520 would get my vote out of the two

 

If you need something that's easier to lug around and you can live with a weaker graphics card [or rather, you don't play the newest and most demanding of games], then it's definitely the 1420.

Else, it's really the 1520 for me. Balance of portability and performance. [Now if only the 1720 had a GDD3 version of the 8600M... or maybe the 8700M]

 

The 1420 is a great light-gaming laptop. Unless you're a real heavy gamer, go for the 1420.

 

I agree, it runs Team Fortress 2 at 1440x900 just fine.

 

Wow! Thanks for all the input - but if I'm not going w/the gaming at all ~ but mainly music downloading/burning, multi-media, internet, etc.. - would the 1420 be my best choice! The problem is, I really like both of these notebooks!

I know, when it comes down to it, it is going to have to be my choice...from the looks of it, most are saying that light gamers should go for the 1420, so this would be probable for a heavy music "downloading/burning" person?

Aargh....here come's the "self-procrasination" again...sigh - just kidding

 

1420 allows for 5.1 channel audio output, 2 headphone output and has a nice set of internal speakers.

The 1520 is limited to 2 channel output only, but it has nice internal speakers as well.

 

I prefer the 1420 myself. I was torn between the two laptops when I ordered mine. Then I went to Fry's and held a 15.4" in my hand and compared it to a 14.1". It was enough to convince me to get a 14.1". I lug my laptop EVERYWHERE I go and i'm glad. The 14.1 with a 9 cell comes out to about 6 lbs. and it can go a good 4-5 hours on the 9 cell. I can go through a whole day of classes without charging. It's great. Keep in mind, if you get discrete graphics, you will get less time on your 9 cell.