Vostro 1400 or XPS M1330 ?

Just received a Vostro 1400 and am pretty satisfied with it with the exception of the fingerprint smudges that annoy the heck outta me on the exterior lid of the display.

Would it be worth the extra few hundred to return it and get the XPS M1330? Will the XPS last longer/be more durable?

Thank you for your input.

 

I can’t say much about durability, but M1330 is lighter smaller and better looking . But I don’t recommend spending several hundred $$ on it unless you hate the Vostro look and want a more portable notebook. Vostro notebooks usually have the best value for money (in terms of performance/price)

BTW Black M1330 lid is a fingerprint magnet too..

 

how many extra few hundred are we talking?

 

Well, I purchased my Vostro for $768.00 with the T7250/Bluetooth/WXGA+/9cell/DVDRW/Vista Premium options, a similar M1330 would run me $1149, so ~ $380 would be the difference.

 

In my books, $380 (plus the difference in tax) is quite a bit to dish out for aesthetics only.

But then again, I'm cheap and I desire the most out of my money on the performance level....... Looks are important to me but they are not the selling point.

I own a Vostro 1400 and it's a nice machine. Portable with a very plain business like look.

Reading people's experiences with the M1330 and build quality, I wouldn't even dish out an extra $100..... Let alone $400


But it is your call.

 

I'm with you in it's a lot of cash, it's just I worry about the long term price of keeping the unit working. Basically, will the M1330 last longer and be more durable?

 

I have the M133O, but unless you really need the portability, I would not pay $380+tax more for a similar M133O.

 

JShamoon,

I own M1330 after returning the Vostro 1400.

The reason for me was because I did not like the screen on the vostro, wished for more portability and at that time they were running specials on the M1330, where I got an upgraded HD, wireless and warranty for $200 more.

As someone mentioned the fingerprints will still be there if you have the tuxedo black. The M1330, is lighter and it seems better built (less plastic) and better looking (just feels more luxurious).

The screen that I got was better but not much better. I also have heating issues and battery issue with my M1330. The vostro 1400 with XP ran much cooler. Sometimes, I wish I kept the Vostro because of the heat. Also, I like the Vostro Keyboard better.

However, I am exchanging the M1330 because of the issues above for a new unit with LED backlit screen, hoping that my unit was defective and the new unit runs cooler with better screen.

 

Heat is a major issue for me, the hotter they run, the shorter they will last. That's for sure. The Vostro does run pretty cool and I love the WXGA+ glossy screen, super sharp IMO. It's the Chi-Mei screen btw.

 

Then I would recommend staying with Vostro 1400, especially since you like the screen and have no issues other than the fingerprints.

 

I think the Vostro is more durable. The M1330 is rather delicate-looking. The advantage of the M1330 is that it's thinner, lighter, and more stylish, and has more high-end options like LED-backlit screen and fingerprint reader.

Dell has "laptop skins" that you can put on the lid, if you want: http://dell.skinit.com/

 

Ok, so I had a chance to check out the M1330 at Best Buy, it's pretty nice, but you're right, it does seem rather "delicate." Decisions, decisions....

Does anyone know about how much cooler the Vostro 1400 runs compared to the M1330? I know in the long run, this stat will affect the longevity of the machine.

 

Anyone? Also, what are the chances that one of the refurb M1330's in Dell's outlet is a whiney one?

 

Anyone? Ferris?