Inspiron vs. Studio (help me decide)

Well I am considering 2 different laptops. I am mainly wanting a laptop for school to type notes. I will use Microsoft Office, web surf, and store music,documents,videos, and pictures. I was trying to keep my budget under $850.
I really like how the the Studio 1558 offers a 9cell battery, better screen, and backlit keyboard but is it really worth the extra $100?

Also if I were to get the Studio I would add the backlit keyboard. Thats just an addition $25.


Inspiron 15 (1564)-$599.00
Processor-NEW 2010 Intel®Core™ i3 - 330M
Operating System-Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit
LCD Panel-15.6" HD WLED
Combo or DVD+RW Drive
Memory-4GB2 Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
Hard Drive-320GB, 5400 RPM
Video Card-Intel® HD Graphics
Sound-High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless-Dell 1397 Wireless-G
Battery-Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
System Color-Obsidian Black

or

Studio 15 (1558)-$699.00
Processor-NEW 2010 Intel®Core™ i3 - 330M
Operating System-Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit
LCD Panel-15.6” High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera
Combo or DVD+RW Drive
Memory-4GB2 Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
Hard Drive-320GB3 SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Video Card-Intel® HD Graphics
Sound-High Definition Audio 2.2
Wireless-Dell 1501 Wireless-N
Battery-85 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
System Color-Black Chainlink

Here is the link to them:
Popular Laptop / Notebook Deals | Dell

 

i would say the studio 15 because it has a faster hard drive at 7200rpm.
Also with the studio I suggest u pay up extra for a FULL HD screen (1920x1080) because it really worth the money.

 

With the Studio ... you get wireless N, and the 7200 hard drive.

With that being said ... I believe you get a number pad with the Inspiron.

 

I'd say the Studio also, I'm not a huge fan of the Inspiron's. IMO the Studio is all round better.

 

It looks like Studio is a lot better IMO.
Audio, Wireless Card, Camera, Battery, HDD RPM.

 

i would get the studio as i did because i think its a better built , and the inspiration's memory you can't upgrade over 4 gig, while the studio you can go up to 8 gig so its more future proof!

i got mine 2 days ago so far so good i ordered it on the 24th of april and received it on the 30th of april with a second day free shipping !!

Thanks for the tip to call the rep!!

 

Look for something with ATI graphics. Intel graphics are junk.

 

Well if that is so, I can upgrade to a ATI graphics card. They offer 2 different cards.
1:
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4570, 512MB [Add $75.00]

2:
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 5470, 1GB [Add $150.00]

Will the HD 4570 get the job done?

 

As far as current games are concerned, I hear both perform about the same.

With that being said, the 5470 supports DirectX 11. The 4570 only support DirectX 10. You are going to get more life out of the 5470. The 5470 also supports better sound options through the HDMI port if memory serves. Not sure though if you really need a bluray drive to take advantage of that ...

Ultimately though ... if this is just something to surf the internet with ... I would not be worried about it, even with the Intel graphics. You will get better battery life with the Intel Graphics.

 

Just throwing out an idea, but you can always buy another HDD from newegg.com and keep it the same price as the dell studio. Newegg.com offers a western digital 750GB 5400RPM drive for $109+shipping. Could also save money buy buying the inspiron with the min HDD and going aftermarket. Won't harm your warranty.