Inspiron v Vostro

Hi.

I am looking for a new laptop. And I have narrowed my choices down to the Dell Inspiron 15r and the Dell Vostro 3300. I know these are two very different notebooks, but as they are both in my price range and both deliver the same specs (including resolution, although the Inspiron has ATI graphics and a massive HD but as I don't really do anything that would need this; for size I can overlook it)

I am sort of leaning towards the Vostro for it's size. However my question is - the build quality of the Inspiron 15R is excellent, but is the Vostro 3300 the same (or better?) I mainly use this laptop around, so carrying the 15r could become very annoying.

How good is the build quality of the Vostro in comparison to the Inspiron? And this will be for my home, can I still order it from the small business site on Dell.co.uk?

Thank you.

 

Well, simply put, I'd get the Vostro for the Backlit Keyboard, I don't mind the Inpsiron 15R, however, they don't offer good Hard Drives, for the ones I've custom built on their website - they seem to offer at best 5400 RPM Hard Drives ranging from (250GB - 500GB), while the Vostro 3300 offers Encrypted Hard Drives at 7200 RPM (250GB - 500GB).

If you want performance, I would stick with the Vostro 3300, it'll consume more power but it's definitely worth it but if it's space you need, but your strapped for a budget, then I'd go with the Inspiron 15R.

 

Hi and thank you!

However, to get the system configuration I want - it's not possible on the Vostro 3300. I need 6GB of RAM and for this I require the 64 bit version of Windows. I spoke to Dell who said I require 4GB, well this isn't 100% accurate - I suppose for Windows 7 Professional they will suggest this.

I already upgraded my memory on my now-refunded Samsung therfore it's not worth paying extra for Win 7 Pro, and to get memory that I am not going to need. Also! A 4GB stick isn't listed either!

With this and the fact I am buying for home (calling will require a business tax number I believe) I have no choice! It will be the Inspiron. It's a fine computer, just a shame about the size. But I'll live with it.

I have seen the 15r and I was absolutely impressed with the quality, I have no concerns about it at all.

Once again, thanks!

 

i have a Dell 15R that is given to me by a friend in China, which i am typing this post on.

The machine is actually quite good, the biggest difference between these two machines other than specs, design and ports layout are the fact that the vostro use an aluminium (or magnesium) base casing, while the inspiron gets the polymer one (PC or ABS).

The keyboard feel on the 15R is actually quite good (don't like the key layout though), i have used the Vostro 3300 once, but i don't like the keyboard feel of that machine (i have a Vostro 1400 and the hinge on it, is already giving up).

Regarding, quality the Vostro usually uses a better quality casing (i.e. metallic base), the Inspirion is generally designed as a cheap desktop replacement machine.

If you need to constant carry a laptop around, i suggest you get a laptop with 13 inch and 14 inch form factor. Even a second hand machine would be okay.