Inspiron 1720 - How is it holding up?

I am looking at both the Dell 1720 and the HP dv9700t. Both can be similarly spec'ed out and about the same price - give or take a few $ (well, HP is offering Vista Ultimate 64bit for $100 off). I was leaning toward the HP (maybe a tad thinner and a little more, I don't know, curvier maybe?), but the 30% off coupon until tomorrow night on the 1720 makes it a much better deal. I have used Toshiba's and Sony's for the past 6 years - retail versions. Just wondering how the 1720 is holding up for those who have had it since last year. Keyboard OK (I have worn my Vaio's out)? Screen still solid (in both looks and regarding the hinges)? Etc. However, I am shopping for a 17" screen regardless - I need the real estate.

Gotta make up my mind by COB tomorrow or I'll just wait for another deal.

 

I don't have an Inspiron 1720, but I have a 1420 since August '07 which uses the same build material (just a smaller chassis). There's no palmrest wear at all, the keyboard doesn't have any of that shine I see on other laptops from grease and wear, and the screen is still the same with sturdy hinges. However, the microsatin finish on the edges of the back lid have worn out in some spots, but mainly because I carry it alot in my backpack and it rubs against the zipper.

 

If it matters, the 1720 has the more powerful video card between the two, if you choose 8600M GT that is [8400M GS, on the other hand, is much weaker than the HP's 8600M GS].

I don't own a 1720, but basically my 1500 is an all-black, 15" version of the 1720 and so far, my laptop still feels solid [I've had it for almost 4 months already]. My laptop keyboard feels solid and doesn't flex at all [I don't use it though. I just prefer an external keyboard and mouse and I use just that]. My screen is bright and has good contrast [hopefully Dell doesn't have any issues with grainy screens anymore, although I think the issue was barely present in 17" models like the 1700/1720/1730] although it has some very slight backlight bleed at the bottom and it doesn't have the best viewing angles. My hinges still feel solid now -- I still use two hands to open up my laptop..! It's that solid.

Anyway, maybe you could fill up the FAQ unless you're really stuck to those two choices

 

Thanks to both of you - I thought about the FAQ, but I am down to two, so I am sort of posting in both forums. I'm really leaning towards the Dell. Figure I can get it and if it does not work, I'll shop again next year. I need to decide the screen resolution and drive sizes - though I am liking the 2x160 option, the 160 7200RPM would be nice too.

Decisions....

 

I'm not sure if the 2x160 option that Dell offers is in RAID already but if it is, then it's a nice option. Honestly, if there's one thing that bottlenecks my laptop's "everyday" performance, it's the hard drive. Kinda wish I bought 7200RPM because my 1500 doesn't have dual HDD. Anyway, RAID 0 would dramatically increase hard drive performance. Faster read/write, access times, boot times, etc. But if one [of the two] hard drive fails, goodbye data! Shouldn't be an issue if you regularly backup, though.

If you have good eyesight, I'd recommend the 1920x1200. Full HD! And because it's a 17" screen I guess icons and text won't look too small. Although you really have to personally see one for yourself so it's easier to decide. Kinda wished they had 1680x1050 as an option -- imagine, lots of 15" screens are already in that resolution. Sort of leads me to the conclusion that 1440x900 would then be too small for 17" but I'm just making my own conclusions here

Good luck with your choice

 

No RAID support from Dell, but I have read that you can get it via Vista if you do a clean reinstall. As for the monitor - I am 48 and still do not waer glasses, but my eyes are not great! I just read in another thread that two guys wished they have opted for the 1440x900 as the higher resolution was worthless for anything but movies!

 

Well, I guess I will find out for myself - I bought one tonight. That 30% off coupon sure made a big difference! But man, about 3 weeks to ship!

 

Hope you like your 1720. I've love mine. It's the 3rd 17" Dell laptop I've owned so far and I have to say it has had the best screen (9300, and M90 where the other 2).
I do miss a few feature from the M90 (GB ethernet, docking connector and DVI, though I found I rarely used them anyway) but I prefer the 90W power supply over the 130 (brick) the M90 used. Also the keyboard with the numberpad and the dual drive setup.

 

Thanks JT - I went with the one 160gb 7200rpm drive as I figure that I can later add another drive if I want - and I can add the kind of drive I need. Same with memory - I got 3GB, but will probably upgrade to 64-bit and then add another 1gb later. I just kept clicking and clicking upgrades and decided I had to stop somewhere!

 

Congrats on the purchase

How much does it all sum up [including discounts]? Specs?

 

Here it is: Inspiron 1720: Jet Black, Intel T8300 Dual Core (2.4GHz/800Mhz/FSB/3MB cache), 3GB DDR2, Glossy 1440x900, 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT, 160GB (7200RPM) Free Fall Sensor, Integrated Sound Blaster, Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N, Bluetooth, Vista Ultimate and 2 year PlusOnsite

$1874 - 30% = $1311.80

Pretty good deal I think!

 

Damn - just read another thread where two folks could not suggest Dell due to quality problems - bad ones at that. Did I make a bad decision?? Or am I pretty much in the same boat no matter which "consumer" laptop I buy?

 

Basically all laptops have identical reliability. I'd get a warranty on any laptop since the failure rate is pretty high compared to desktops (and you can't replace most things yourself). You definitely made the right choice between those two. That HP would have to be a LOT cheaper to make sense, since it's lower end hardware, and all things being equal I'd take the Dell over an HP anyway.

My complaint with the current Inspirons is their lack of DVI. I would have bought a 1720 last July if not for that. The 1525 has HDMI (which can be converted to DVI with a cheap cable apparently), but it only has ultra-low end video.

 

Wolf - I was aiming at the HP 9700t, but the coupon I had expired b/f I pulled the trigger. It was about the same price as the Dell. However, I did not listen to my own advice and my own normal operating procedure and I bought a 2 year warantly for the 1720. It was only $119 after the discount I had, so $5/mo for two years. Figure by that time, I'll be ready for a new one anyway. Thanks for making me feel better!

 

nice! I have an almost identically configured 1720 (except it's white and has a 250gb hd, and Blu-Ray and 85wh battery) I have it Dual-Booted flawlessly with XP Pro and Vista, I also mildly undervolted it with RMClock (some folks have this proc. stable at .97V for 2.4ghz; I put mine conservatively at 1.07V for 2.4GHz). This lappy runs like a champ! No probs (actually the right speaker buzzes a bit at high volume) and Blazing Fast! (i Think T8300 is most bang for buck, even the X9000 is only 16% quicker)

Enjoy, I think you'll like it, the Screen is Excellent.

 

Thanks! Sweet - I picked the right CPU!! Blu-Ray is not worth it to me - I rarely watch any movies on my laptop. Heck, I rarely even use the DVD/CD on my Vaio now. I wanted to try the 7200RPM drive and really 160gb is enough for me right now too. I figure that I can add another drive later if I want (and the type I want) as well as more memory if I need it later also. I am thinking seriously of updating Vista to 64-bit w/ a clean install when I get it. I certainly have time (3 weeks!) to round up all of the appropriate drivers.

BTW - What exactly does undervolting get you - longer life on the battery?

 

Wow, you had a 30% off Dell coupon? Recently I also ordered a similar system to yours using Dell's promotion which ends on march 20, yet less high-end config for 1.2k so I reckon yours was a sweet deal.

If you still second guess your decision, I hope this side-by-side comparision of a Dell and a HP using the 15" models, which are not that far from the 17" generation exterior wise, would narrow down possible doubts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQB0-9g5H_c
In the video, the Black Inspiron 1520 is shown with a sticking out 9 cells battery, if you didn't upgrade to a 9 cells, you should be good to go.

Overall, I do believe that Dell 1720 is a well-rounded system compared to any other competitors in terms of prices and sturdy quality. The only remarkable downfall would be the lack of DVI which is not neccessary a problem to those who did not opt for Blu-ray. Others depend on personal preferences (I'm one of those who adore HP's sleek look and light weight) and each individual systems, like some experience grainy screen, interfering sound when using a headphones, etc, none of which are pin-pointed to be the fault of the brand.

 

TxT - Yes, had the 30% off coupon which expires tonight - had to make a decision. I am getting "cooler" by the minute. However, one thing you point out that is evident on the video (thanks for the link, BTW) is the HP is slimmer. I have a Vaio FS550 now which I bought 3 years ago that is slim. I think the overall thickness of the 1720 is going to take some getting used to, but it will not be a deal killer. Now I also looked at the Sony AR which is as thick as a 1720, but is has that nicer Sony "look". However, they stuck the touchpad too far away from the kb and the mouse keys are placed on the edge - your thumb literally rest on this edge when you click it. Awful design, IMO.

 

Interesting. I had missed that there was a 30% off coupon (I just saw the flat amount off coupons). Too bad it doesn't cover the XPS 1530 or 1730.

 

Reguarding the design, HP is always the uper hand to Dell, even after the revolutionary color choices and innovated lids. Something about Dell reflects a rigidity which makes it a bit uptight in comparision to HP, Sony (that is not to mention Apple but who can beat Apple in the look's department? Sadly, no one can hardly beat Apple's price tag either *shrugs*)

As a given, it is also heavier than most but like you said, it's not a deal killer if it operates like a true killer. To be honest, I'm extremely concerned about the size and weight because I do have to carry this babeh around.

Oh really? I never noticed that about Sony AR. This Inspiron's touchpad is nicely positioned in my opinion. Some have complainted about the fact it's being too much to the left, for me, it makes space for the wireless mouse that I'll be using most of the time. Again, it is about personal preferences, if someday Dell takes customization to as far as letting the customer position where the touchpad will be, or the finish of the lid, ect, now that's a whole new level that will win customers over in a heartbeat. Of course, instead of 3 weeks, it might take 3 months... keke

 

Yep, had flat rate coupons for the XPS's and % for Inspiron's - which were just update to extend to 4/3. Guess they are clearing out all the existing CPU's for the new Intel stuff coming out.

I REALLY liked the 1530 and was seriously thinking about getting one, but I would be more efficient (I have a consulting business) with a bigger monitor - I spend 10-12 hours/day on a computer and 90% of the time it is on my desk, so I needed the real estate. And the 1730 was, well, just TOO much for me. In looks and cost! I actually wish they could scale the design on the 1530 to a 17" - I like that look. I also thought about a desktop, but for that other 10% or more that I need mobility....well, I have been on a laptop for over ten years now. Old habits....

Man, I rattle on.....

 

Undervolting prolongs battery life and runs cooler. The higher the clockspeed of a chip the higher the voltage needs to be. Intel however runs their 1.4GHz C2Ds at the same voltage as there 2.5Ghz C2Ds meaning the lower clocked models can be safely and significantly undervolted saving battery and increasing proc. life (due to reduced heat, excessive undervolts can have the opposite effect). Intel also adds a little extra voltage to account for individual variation in chips, this can be chopped off safely as well. search "undervolt" in the hardware section for more info.