Inspiron 1520 (XP) vs. 1420 (Vista)?

I am looking to get a 2nd laptop (I have an Inspiron E1705) for my wife (she is always taking mine to surf..hehhe). I am considering the 1520 and the 1420, but the 1420 only comes with Vista and I am not sure about that...the only thing I know about Vista is the Apple commercials trashing it. My E1720 has XP home and I am very happy with it. The 2nd laptop will be used mainly for surfing and that is really about it...no heavy duty programming, gaming, etc. etc. as my wife does not do that. Personally, I think $800 for an 'internet' computer is a tad much (A LOT much), but my wife wants the Pink so I am pretty much stuck with the Dell....hehehhe...any suggestions regarding XP vs. Vista and the 1420 vs. 1520? Thanks!!!

 

Personally I prefer a smaller form factor laptop which is why I went with the m1330 (13.3" screen) as compared to the 14" and 15" laptops. Screen size is really all personal preference.

I also have Vista, which I prefer to XP. I haven't really had any negative issues with it so far other than a few quirks which I'll live. There's more I like about Vista, than there are quirks that annoy me.

 

Just wanted to point out that the 1330 has a 13.3" screen.

I just ordered a 1420 for my mother and I know she'll love it. As long as you do not need dedicated graphics (that are worth a damn - aka NOT a 8400GS) I would go with the smaller form factor of the 1420.

I would probably just leave Vista on it if you upgrade to 2 GB of RAM - I have had no problems with it and it doesn't sound like your old lady will be gaming under Vista so no problems there!

 

Thanks...I am sure my 'old lady' will be happy with either...now a question. should I order Office from Dell or can you get a better deal somewhere else? If she has Vista on her computer and I have XP, is there a version of Office that will work with both??? I don't have it on my year old E1705 and need it bad!!! Thanks!!

 

Thanks.

 

You can get a better deal for Microsoft Office from elsewhere. Try NewEgg. Both Office 2007 & 2003 are compatible with XP and Vista. You can try free alternative like OpenOffice (can read and write the Microsoft Office formats) and save a lot. Just give it a try: http://www.openoffice.org/

 

Yeah, def get an OEM copy of Office 07 online from newegg or wherever - you'll probably save ~$100 give or take....

 

Thanks..regarding RAM...it seems like the upgrade from 1MB to 2MB is much less than it was a year ago, so should I go ahead and get the 2MB RAM with the computer or can a significant savings be incurred by getting 1MB with computer (which I assume is two 512KB chips) and then ordering two 1MB chips from newegg, etc.?

 

I think you are trying to say 1GB- 2GB? I sure hope so

Anyway, you can find RAM much cheaper online than through Dell and it isn't hard to upgrade yourself, so I would go rock bottom on RAM while configuring and do it after you get your lappy....

 

Yep...sorry, meant 1GB vs. 2GB. Do both the 1420 and 1520 have two slots for memory?

Lastly, best version of office if we just want WORD and EXCEL???

 

Yes, both have 2 slots BUT I think one slot is under the keyboard (anyone please correct me if I am wrong). It is not too difficult to get under the keyboard, but I do not know how much experience you have with pc hardware.

As for what edition office, I've made it easy- go here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116135

 

With the 1520, one of the memory slots is under the keyboard.
But with the 1420 both are accessible from the bottom of the notebook.

 

Thanks chelet!

 

Here are some links to pictures of the memory location in the 1420.
removing memory
empty slots after memory is removed

 

Heres how to do the memory on the 1520... http://pctipguys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=1

Personally, if you using it mainly at the desk, i would recommend a larger screen. You can fit more on the screen and it is larger and easier to read. Often times people have a hard time reading small screen laptops.

 

Thanks all!!! I have replaced memory and graphics card on my E1705 so adding memory to either is not a problem. Thanks for the links, etc.

 

Thanks, but that is only a $25 savings over dell..when you order from Dell, do you get the disk, etc. to install on multiple computers?

Any links for memory for 1420/1520?

 

Well, if it is a Dell OEM version of office, you will be able to install it on multiple Dell computers (similar to Dell OEM windows discs).

That was only 1 site - there are many out there. Some might be for more than a $25 savings. It's your money and, in the end, your call......

 

Don't pirate. Buy license for every computer you install!