Having a tough time deciding what screen to get (either Vostro or Inspiron)

I was originally set on getting the Vostro 1500 or Inspiron 1520 (can't decide which yet, they seem to be about the same price the way I have them configured... in which case is there one that you would recommend over the other?) with the XGA+ (1440x900) resolution screen w/ TrueLife. But, as I found out as I checked around before I ordered, there seems to be a serious issue with many of the screens being grainy and/or being excessively reflective.

I tend to like higher resolutions, but I definitely don't want a screen that has problems. Is there any particular screen that would be most likely to not have any of these issues? I have even started looking at the Vostro 1700 and Inspiron 1720, but I'm not sure if the 17" screens suffer from the same problems. I would consider going with a 17" if I could avoid the problems that the 15.4" ones seem to have.

Also, quick question, is there much of a difference between the default Dell wireless mini card and Intel's, or any point in paying the extra $25-30 for it?

 

Also, I am not planning on using it outside.

I've narrowed my Dell choices to either the 1520 or 1720. I'm unsure about the quality of the screens on the 1520, but am also unsure of the 1720's screen choices (sounds like the WUXGA should be good though).

 

Remember, people with problems will come to this site moreso than people who have had no problems.

So order fast. And I hear that the Vostros don't have delays. I hear the Intel's have a slightly longer range (My dad's laptop has a wireless card from an intel...which is more than a year old; he still have Centrino...no Duo and he can pick up a few networks).

If you're a leecher go ahead and get the Intel.

 

Most of the newer models have no screen problem. My SXGA+ screen has no problems at all (Vostro).

 

it took about 10 days from ordering for me to get my 1500 with glossy screen and truelife. i would highly recommend against the inspirons right now because of the massive delays. also, i got the wsxga+ screen, and its not too glossy or anything. also, keep in mind that 17 inches is actually huge. i know that my old inspiron wont fit in my backpack without getting scratched up by the zippers and possibly breaking something.

if you are using this laptop out of the house (like for college and stuff) then i'd say go with a vostro 1500 or 1400. but if you have an extreme amount of patience (as in 30 - 40 days) then go ahead and get the inspiron.

just so you know, different paint jobs other than black and white also delay them now, since they still have not been able to get a painter for them or some such thing.

happy hunting!

EDIT: just so you know, a vostro looks like a black macbook pro without proprietary everything. and with some chrome trimming. its really nice. havent seen an inspiron so i cant pass comment on them.

 

For further...difference between the 1400/1420 and 1500/1520.
1400 = 8400 Gs graphics card
1500 = Up to 8600 GT.
1400: One hand carrying
1500: One handed carrying...with slight heaviness.


Since you wanted the 17 inches...the 1500/1520 is fine.

 

as far as carrying goes, i have kind of a hard time picking up the vostro 1500 from just one corner or side and lifting it onto my lap from a far off table, but with one hand under the middle its incredibly nice and easy to carry.

i wouldnt call it heavy after handling a 17 incher, i mean its only like 6 pounds.

 

Exactly, it's just "awkward".

This whole widescreen monitors has seriously mess around with the balancing of weight

 

I'm also considering the HP dv9500t, only downside to it is that it has the 8600m GS instead of GT.