Inspiron 13 vs. XPS M1330 screen

My 22 year old daughter wants one of the 13" Dell computers for Christmas. She doesn't do anything fancy with computers. Mainly just for AIM, downloading music, and her college studies. How is the standard resolution screen on the Dell Inspiron 13"? Is it as good as on the 13" XPS? I have a Vostro 1500, with the standard WXGA screen, and it is fantastic. Just need some help making a decision. The Inspiron I'm looking at is $699 and the XPS $899.

 

Well if you look at the resolution, 1280x800 is 1280x800 on every screen. Either screen should be adequate. Just comes down to price, which one she thinks "looks better," and if you want to risk the 8400GS Nvidia GPU in the 1330. However, I'd wait for the XPS refresh supposedly coming this month before doing anything - maybe it's best to wait.

 

I know that the 1330 has a pretty decent screen, if that helps

Not sure compared to the Inspiron 13.

 

I compared on the SEC5441 screen that's in the 1318 with the LPL0000 on the 1330.

The LPL0000 is very slightly better. I noticed less of the screen door effect. But personally, it's so close that I wouldn't care.

 

the xps model is much more durable than the inspiron.. its more metalic etc.. while the inspiron is plastic.. ofcourse making it cheaper.. and please note the current XPS price is on special..
you shouldnt worry about upcoming models.. it wont matter to u.. for what she wants to do.. if u think u dont mind those extra 200usd go for the XPS.

 

For the things your daughter will use this machine for, the Inspiron 13 will be an excellent device. Personally, for a kid, I'd save the cash. The I13 is a very capable machine, at a great size, with a great price.

I really don't have anything bad to say about the computer. I highly recommend it.

 

Yeup I would also recommend the 13, having used both the 1330 and the 13 I think it was actually a better build quality in the cheaper 13 plus the screen is great. I would just make sure your daughter gets to see and sort of use the smaller screen higher resolution. I know for some going from a bigger monitor to a small one could be tough and unenjoyable

 

Thanks for all the input. I ended up getting the 1330 as Sam's had it marked down to $749, including the 9 cell battery and a Dell laptop backpack. It has Wireless g, not wireless n, but I don't think that will be an issue.