Vostro 1500 Vs. M1530

Hey guys!
So i've been wanting to buy a notebook for a few weeks now and after a lot of browsing and searching on the internet I have cut down to the final two.

The Dell Vostro 1500 and the Dell M1530...

Ok so im going to cut the crap and get to the point ^^;
Can you please list the pros and cons of each and a thorough comparison followed by your concluding opinon on which of the two I should buy and why?

Thanks.

 

The vostro is the business model and the 1530 is the performance XPS. Aside from the XPS name and gddr3 I really dont see much other then looks. Price them both out with the specs you want and go from there. If they are close Id go XPS for the gddr3.

 

vostro 1500 has a very understating look, I rate that, but some people don't.
performance wise, the xps has a gddr3 ver gfx card so +1 for the xps.
the vostro is heavier than the xps, but they are both well built laptops.

 

- Weight:
Vostro 1500 is a bit heavier (~1 lbs or so I think)

- Color:
Vostro 1530- only in black,
XPS M1530: more color choices (Blue, red, pink, black)

- Graphics card:
Vostro 1500 (max) - 256MB 8600M GT DDR2
XPS M1530 (max) - 256MB 8600M GT DDR3

- Ports:
Vostro 1500: 4 USB, S-video
XPS M1530: 3 USB, HDMI

- Optical Drive:
Vostro 1500: DVD -/+RW
XPS M1530: slot loading DVD -/+RW

- Price:
XPS M1530 is in general a bit pricier

Pros of Vostro 1500 (compared to XPS M1530):
- Heavy duty, can take a banging
- A bit cheaper
- A look that doesn't call attention to itself (has that business look)

Cons of Vostro 1500 (compared to XPS M1530):
- HEAVY (~7 lbs)
- Doesn't look "pretty"
- if you game, the 8600M GT on this one is DDR3

Pros of XPS M1530 (compared to Vostro 1500):
- Lighter, around 1 lb. lighter
- "Prettier"
- 8600M GT DDR3 is better than 8600M GT DDR2
- HDMI out for hi-def connection

Cons of XPS M1530 (compared to Vostro 1500):
- A bit more expensive
- Calls attention to itself (might attract thieves, or persons of ill intention)


That's about all I can think of.

Mostly depends on what you need to do with your laptop.
Game a lot, like flashy things, and like it to be a bit more portable? then probably XPS M1530
Game, but not too much, like things conservative? then probably Vostro 1500

 

If you are VERY conservative, get the Vostro.

However considering the discounts for the M1530 up to 25% off provided you live in the US, you should be able to get higher configuration at a cheaper price.

 

Thanx gitar1! I've have the same delimma as Huzz. I am debasting btwn those 2 models. I like the way you layed everything out like that, it helps alot.

The only other thing I can think of is that the XPS comes with Vista premium and on the Vostro 1500 it is an upgrade. Also the 25% off coupon only applies if the comp is over $1300. That means the most you can get discounted is $350, which makes it $975.That means the Vostro is more than a $150 cheaper. Everyone's comments have helped though, thanks.

 

Now if I could find a 15% off coupon for Dell Outlet, then I would probably go with the XPS refurb over a new Vostro 1500. Not positive on that logic. Also, I can't find an Outlet coupon anywhere!