XPS 140 vs Insprion E1550 Build Quality

I have never owned anything but a Latitutde but am now about to choose between an XPS 140 and an Inspiron E1550 (I'll be using it for light dvd viewing, music, email, basic web stuff, streaming video, and word processing). I have always heard that the Inspiron notebooks have poor build quality while the XPS is supposed to be slightly higher grade. I see that the chassis is the same for both though. So my question is: is the XPS going to have a notably higher build quality, and in what ways?

 

I cannot comment on the build quality of the e1505, however I did order an xps140 from dell, and I sent it back to get the e1505. With the current deals going on you can get much more computer for your buck if you choose the e1505. The xps I had was of good build quality, but not superior to my friends who have latitudes and inspirons.

The xps does offer the dedicated customer support which is supposedly superior to the support offered to regular dell customers, however this may not be important to you. The other option is that the e1505 is a dual core, while the m140 is only offered in the pentium m/centrino option. The dual core may appeal to you if you will be doing multi-tasking and the 1505 does offer a dedicated graphics card option while the m140 does not.

As you mention the chassis is the same for the m140 and the inspiron line. They look exactly the same when the lit is closed and are almost the same dimensions. The difference on the xps is that if you choose the 9cell battery, it sticks out the back of the laptop some and makes it a little unwieldy. I will comment more in depth when my e1505 arrives..I ordered sunday so hopefully it will be here by thursday.

Hope this helped somewhat.

 

Inspirons are not poorly built. Construction and finish is as good as other mainstream computers for the consumer.

The business class notebooks will always be made to withstand a higher degree of physical abuse (ie spillproof, somewhat shockproof).

 

This is not the case... The battery on the e1505 fits into a compartment underneath the notebook... the 6 and 9 cell batteries have the same dimensions... if the 9cell was bigger the notebook would wobble on the desk.

Basically they designed the notebook for a 9cell battery, then take 3 cells out for the budget 6 cell battery to keep their costs down.

 

I mean that the 9 cell on the XPS sticks out of the back. The battery on the e1505 fits in underneath the laptop.

 

i priced out both a XPS M140 and the e1505 and for the life of me, couldn't get a better deal on the e1505. can you tell me how you did this? the coupon codes wouldn't work because there's already % off deals on the e1505.

 

The coupon codes work against the 'real' price before discount. So for example, deck one out to $2004 (before the discount)... then use the $750 off coupon to get it down to $1254 for example.

 

when i was specing (is that a word?) one out, it the discount seemed to be applied even before it got to the cart. for instance, i spec'd an e1505 and before i put it in the cart, it was $1181, then, when i put it in the cart, it was $1168, but with the (automatic) 20% discount of $292 (shows "real" price of $1460). then, if i try and apply this coupon (i know it's expired now),

Limited quantity offer — only 4,000 systems available for purchase with this coupon code. Limited time offer beginning 3/30/06 6:00 am CT through 4/06/06 5:59 am CT or after 4000 redemptions (whichever occurs first).ONLINE ONLY: Save $300 on SELECT Inspiron™ notebooks priced at $999 or more (before tax, fees, shipping & handling)! Offer excludes XPS notebooks and Inspiron Spotlight Savings offers. This offer is not combinable with other dollars off, percentage off or mail-in rebate offers. Only one coupon may be applied per cart at checkout. Coupon code expires after first 4,000 uses, or when the limited time offer expires, whichever is earlier. Offers subject to change. View details in My Cart. Enter coupon code at checkout to receive this offer.Coupon Code: D$P$MMWQLQ0NCS Buy a DELL Now!

and it just removes the 20% discount and gives me this discount ($300). so, i am kinda lost here as to how people are getting these great deals.

 

Use this coupon, but use it soon, it expires tommorow.

I got a 40% off coupon on the mail today, that's how I saved so much. It's 40% off any inspiron over $999. Saved me 942 dollars. O_O

Save $750 on Inspiron notebooks at Dell New Dell Offer This Dell Offer Expiring Soon
Save $750 on your online purchase of Select Inspiron notebooks of $1999 or more (before tax, fees, shipping & handling) with this Dell coupon
Dell Coupon Code: 0TR8SNVWBHBBDZ
Dell Coupon Expiration: Tomorrow
Dell Coupon Restrictions: Not available on XPS notebooks or Spotlight Savings offers. This offer is not combinable with other dollars off, percentage off or mail-in rebate offers. Only one coupon may be applied per cart at checkout. Coupon code expires after first 4000 uses, or when the limited time offer expires, whichever is earlier. Offers subject to change. View details in My Cart. Enter coupon code at checkout to receive this offer.
See This Coupon Discuss

 

ok, i spec'd out yet another e1505. total before cart: $2311
after "add to cart" price: price jumps to $2873, automatic 20% discount of $574, total price: $2298

apply coupon from above: 20% discount gets removed, $750 coupon applied, new total: $2123

so, you're really not getting $750 off. someone correct me if i'm missing something here.

 

this would make it seem like you can get a $2000 laptop for $1250, and i am having a hard time making that happen on the site.

 

I have got my XPS 140 for nearly two months. The build could be said steady. However, the panel before the left speaker gives a crack sound, if pressed. And sometimes the AC adapter make a sharp noise although not loud. It could be annoying if you use it in a quiet environment.

All the other things are ok so far.

 

Well it worked for me.

=/ sorry if you can't get it to give you the discount. For me the 750 coupon superceded the 20% discount.