Noticable Quality Difference Between Inspiron and Vostro?

Is there a significantly noticable difference in overall quality between the Inspiron 1525 and the Vostro 1500? I'm having a hard time deciding on my first notebook for college. I want it to last a few years. I do not abuse my computers, I only use them.

Also, with the machines side by side with the same specs will the one with Windows XP Home run noticably quicker than Windows Vista Home Basic specifically just basic, everyday computing?

Thanks.

 

Honestly after checking out Dell yesturday yes. I notice that the vostro has better touchpad buttons (feels far higher grade) than not just the inspiron but xps aswell. Honestly I found the inspirons even beat out the xps line. Keyboard wise black keyboards tend to look newer and not fad unlike silver ones. Should be noted that the Vostro line is a buisness line explaining this a little bit

The main difference is color the silver interior to me looks VERY bright. I love the black interior of the vostro

I used to think that the XPS line had better build then inspiron and vostro. and that Inspiron and Vostro were equal. Vostro>insprion>xps IMO

 

If you plan to carry around the laptop at all, I'd stray away from the Inspiron.

The Vostro feels a lot sturdier, and the hinges are tighter. Overall it has a better look, and just a better build quality all together. My Inspiron 6000 lasted me 2 1/2 years, and things just started failing left and right. I picked up a Latitude, as I am rough on my machines. We also have a Vostro here, and the Vostro just seems 100 times better than the Inspiron from what I've noticed working with them.

 

The Inspiron 1520, 1720 and 1420 are the same as the 1500, 1700, 1400 vostro laptops.

The vostro laptops cost less.

 

What he said ^^^

It's the same exact machine, chassis, keyboard, touchpad, and construction. It's all the same except the Vostro only comes in black.

 

isnt the vostro 1500 bigger than the inspiron 1525 though?

 

This is incorrect. I know the lines above get cited often, but this is completely untrue. The Vostro has better build quality (magnesium alloy case, steel hinges, mylar sealed keyboards) and no (or very little) pre-installed trial software. The above Inspirons only have the mylar keyboards (if that at all).

Dell would not sell the same machines under different names and different prices to consumer and business segments. Not only is this a bad business model, but it potentially leaves a company open to ethical charges (and worse).

Yes, I have tried both models -- read up on them, tried them out in the stores and own them personally. The two models are NOT the same. I prefer the Vostros for the above qualities; they are simply the better deal. But, the Inspirons have been very popular with individual consumers and have served Dell well.

 

The Inspiron 1525 is thinner and lighter than the Vostro 1500, but not as durable. The 1525 also has an HDMI port. The Vostro 1500, last I checked, has some dedicated graphics options, and a Windows XP option, while the Inspiron 1525 does not. I'd personally prefer the 1525 (unless I needed one of the options not available on it), due to it being thinner and lighter and having HDMI... but if you want something sturdier and more rugged then the Vostro would be better.

Anyway, in basic everyday computing, performance will be about the same in either OS if you have at least 2 gb of RAM. With less than 2 gb, you may be better off with XP performance-wise. I recommend Vista for UI, features, and security reasons, but performance should be fine in either OS.

 

Generally the Vostro uses higher grade materials.

 

Very interesting thread, I have mistakenly assumed that Vostro is a cheaper and no frills line.