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    Precision 4300 vs XPS 1530

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by B2Blain, Mar 13, 2008.

  1. B2Blain

    B2Blain Newbie

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    My Sony VAIO FE wen't kaput after less than two years and I need to purchase a new computer for work. I was thinking about getting a VAIO FZ, but I didn't like any of the pre configured systems. Dell is one of the only computer manufacturers that allows you to configure your system for a government purchase.

    I like the 15.4 display size and would like to get a "fast" system. I would also like something that wasn't too heavy. Durability isn't that big of a concern.

    I like both the Precision and XPS. As much as possible I will be configuring each with similar options - 2.5 GHz Penryn, 3-4 gigs of RAM, 200 GB HD.

    There are features that I like and dislike in each model.

    XPS - It seems to be a fast system. I am little concern with the quality of the display and the noisy hard drive. At this point for government purchase WSXGA is not an option, even though it is on the consumer configuration site. Has screen quality improved? Also, is there a hard drive option that is less noisy - 5400 vs 7200 rpm?

    Precision - my main concern with this system is the size and style. The XPS seems to be a more stylish laptop. I also am a little concerned with the weight of the laptop. I do like to option of getting a glossy WSXGA display. But is Sony's xbrite high color at 1280 x 800 still a better looking display?

    Any opinions?

    Thank!
     
    B2Blain, Mar 13, 2008
    #1
  2. GaMeRxD

    GaMeRxD Notebook Evangelist

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    1400x900 res would be perfect for xps 1530....going higher than that will give u micro sized text...

    btw the 1280x800 res usually gives grainy samsung screens..if you upgrade it to 1400x900 it usually isn't a problem because ull recieve an LG screen
     
    GaMeRxD, Mar 13, 2008
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  3. sacredevil

    sacredevil Notebook Consultant

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    the hdd is not noisy at all. it's just when start up and loads is a bit noisy..
     
    sacredevil, Mar 14, 2008
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  4. timewalk

    timewalk Notebook Guru

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    Oh no, my hard earned tax dollars at work! :D
     
    timewalk, Mar 14, 2008
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  5. the_forge.nz

    the_forge.nz Notebook Consultant

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    Mine has been going great , DVD slot drive a little clunky when loading , butn its jsut the drive seaching for the dvd hole , no HDD sound and quite quick when starting. Might go for 3 gig later on , vista is sliggish even with the tweaks.
    Most games play well , havent tried COD4 yet. Bit FEAR is fast.
     
    the_forge.nz, Mar 14, 2008
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  6. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    A hard drive is a hard drive is a hard drive. A given drive will sound the same whether it is in the XPS or the 4300. Screen quality for both machines is mostly subjective; some people actually do find their screens too grainy for use, some are nit-picky, and others are just looking for something to complain about. It depends on the screen you get and your attitude towards the screen. The starting weight of the 1530 and 4300 are nearly identical, 5.78lbs for the 1530 and 5.98lbs for the 4300. Personally I don't think glossy screens, so I can't really say that the Sony screen is any better than the 4300 screen.
     
    Commander Wolf, Mar 14, 2008
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  7. mia4l

    mia4l Notebook Evangelist

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    My 1530 is great and no HD noise
     
    mia4l, Mar 14, 2008
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