Inspiron 1520 vs Vostro 1500 build quality

I'm still saving up for either of these laptops (maybe the Asus G1S but that's another matter) and I can configure both systems identically. Only thing I have to decide on is the build quality of each machine. I've read about the Inspiron screen problems and I'm not sure if the Vostro has the same issue. Both website reviews on the two models were somewhat positive so I'm finding it difficult to decide between the two.

Tentative machine specs for both:
T7500 processor
WSXGA+ screen
Vista Basic
4Gb RAM
Vista bluetooth module
Expresscard add-on
9W battery
8600GT
30-day McAfee
Standard 1 year warranty

 

I'm having the same problem trying to decide between them, especially since I don't know the difference besides color.

I have read about the screen issue on this post http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=154196

 

hm well i chose the vostro over the inspiron because because of the huge price difference. i got the vostro in my sig for £705 incl vat and shipping. the inspiron configured exactly the same way would have cost me £1145 incl vat and shipping. so the answer to my roblem was simply save £400 odd quid

 

They're exactly the same, buy the cheaper one. I just bought a 1520 because it turned out to be cheaper then the 1500 due to a coupon I got at the dell kiosk in my mall.

 

Yes, They are built same, and always get 3 years warranty on a Dell system. It will definately pay itself off over time, and have more value when you are selling it.

Consider buying from Dell outlet, craigslist, or Ebay if you are looking for good deals on Dell.

I bought my M90 from Ebay 1450 shipped, brand new when the system was 2600 + taxes from Dell, and the XPS was $1875 from contacting local Ebay seller, face to face, cash (system only had 1gb ram though).

Make sure you buy from reputable seller from Ebay though, and do proper inspections on the system if you are dealing face to face dealings from craigslist-First thing you should do on a system from Craigslist would be checking the service tag, make sure what the seller's selling is under warranty etc, before the meeting takes place.

 

Thanks for the pointers. I'll be getting my purchase off the local dell website but it seems the Vostro is winning on the price margin at the moment.

Does the Vostro have the same screen problems as the Inspiron? Are there any defects to the Vostro I should be aware of?

 

Yes, stay away from the higher res screens. Order with regular wxga screen.

 

I returned an Inspiron for having a defective screen and got a Vostro.

They are exactly the same laptop, the screen size has nothing to do with it, it is the manufacturer of the screen you get. I have a WSXGA+ screen and it is beautiful.

The Vostro/Inspirons have a few defects with the headphone jack buzzing. Others have reported the battery being loose, the lid not closing tightly enough, but not everyone is experiencing these issues. Search for it, you'll find the comments by owners.

 

--> vostro has spill proof keyboard (i got an inspiron b/c i had a $300 off coupon at the launch of the lines)

 

Why do people keep referring to the Vostro as cheaper...they cost the same when I try to configure them equally (1520 +$20)?? Also, I can't chose Vista Premium on Vostro?

 

if u want to get premium u need to call them up

 

I couldn't choose Vista Home Premium on my 1700 on the config page, but when I called in and pestered the sales rep to actually look at his list, he confirmed it was a $29 upgrade option for all vostros.

Call in and shoot the breeze anyways, you might be able to finesse a little discount somewhere like free overnight shipping or whatever.

One vostro perk is you can order them with almost 0 bloatware preinstalled, probably about as bare as possible an OS config you will ever see from a major OEM. I believe your recovery DVD conforms to this bare install as well.

 

Does the Inspirons have magnesium chassis?

 

OK, so at what stage do I ask for an upgrade to Vista Premium...when ordering by phone or while ordering on the web or after I have made my web order?

By the way, I was going to make an order today, but there are no coupons/codes right now so I'll have to wait.

 

Usually if the option is not avaliable online, I would call them and place the order there.

Last time I ordered online, I noticed there wasn't the wireless N option. I called sales and they added it for me by placing a new order with wireless N. The hassle was I need to cancel the order I placed online and take the one from the sales. (or else there would be a duplicate order). It about commission. The one I placed online was assigned to a random sales person and it was different from the person I spoke to on the phone.

It was really stupid they cannot modify or add to my existing order...

 

I don't have the benefit of coupons so most of the North American discounts won't apply to me.

The spill-proof keyboard of the Vostro seems like a big plus, I just hope when I do get round to ordering my luck with the WSXGA+ screen is better than most.

 

My Vostro 1700 is great. £300 cheaper than the same specced inspirion. Build quality wise, the clasp that hold the monitor closed feels a bit cheap, the battery feels a bit loose and the top does tend to hold finger prints.

On the good side, the keyboard is absolutley brilliant. It has a great response and feels really smooth (I am kinda picky when it comes to keyboards). The monitor is awesome aswell. It has brilliant colour and brightness.

In the end, I don't worry about the build quality too much as the machine is going to get some knocks and I will be modding it shortly anyway.