choose between T61 and Dell

I just configure Lenono vs Dell Vostro 1500 and Inspiron 1500.

T61
T7300
100GB/7200
2GB memory
15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
NVS 140M (128MB)
$1194

Vostro 1500
T7300
120GB/5400
2GB
15.4 WSXGA+
same kind of video card
$959

Inspiron 1520
T7500
120GB/5400
2GB
15.4 WSXGA+
same kind of video card
$1068

I am using an old Toshiba now and never had a chance to work with either IBM or Dell's laptops. CPU/memory/screen are the important factors for me to do photoshop cs3. The above have pretty much same cpu and memory, but I also want a good build quality one especially screen for photo editing (no game at all). Is it worth to pay $250 extra for T61 or Dell instead?

thanks,
JJCPA

 

Although anyone and everyone will and should agree the thinkpads are the top notebooks in the industry, now more than ever is the BEST time to get a Dell Inspiron. They have a $425 off any Inspiron over 1399.

That's why I'm surprised you couldn't get a better del on the Inspiron 1520. I just equipped a 1520 with your specs up there, add Bluetooth, webcam, and swap the video card for a 8600GT (256) for $1039 subtotalled. Are you sure you are using the $425 coupon on the 1520?

 

hmmm.... thats like what nearly 50% off? .... if there is no such discount, i choosed the T61 in a heart beat. they're just better design (engineered) notebook overall.

 

If you have the extra couple hundred dollars, then of course you should get the t61!! It is definitely more durable and rugged than any other Dell notebooks and in a couple years down the road, you'll know the extra $250 was a wise investment. FYI, a good friend of mine purchased the t40 about 4 years ago and it's still running perfect as of today and it has never had it serviced.

 

I tried again and this is the one I got. $1089 after $425 rebate:
Inspiron 1520
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Edition
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS
Memory 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz 2G2D
glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050)
160GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
8XDVDRW
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)

and this is T61 at $1258
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)[1]
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic[12]
15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)[8]
100GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm[4]
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim[5]
9 cell Li-Ion Battery[60]

Dell charges shipping + tax and Lenovo only tax
I probably go for T61 as others suggested.

 

I own a Vostro 1500 ... it's great for the price, but in no way comparable to a T61 -- it would be like comparing a Ford Taurus to a BMW. Spend the few hundred extra -- you'll be glad you did. BTW, the most comparable Dell to that would be a D830, considerably more than the Vostro.

 

the only reason I bought dell is because it's cheaper than the rivals. if the price is that similar I'll buy any other brands be it lenovo,toshiba...etc.

 

T61 heat dissipation design is questionable.

 

You might want to check out the Dell Latitudes from Dell's Small Business site. From my understanding, the Latitudes are very similar to the T61's as far as features and durability.

Personally, I own a Dell Latitude D630 (have had it for about three months) and am very pleased with the quality of the machine.

dordale

 

true, the latitudes are more in line with the thinkpad than the Inspirons. Home product line versus business product line. Personally, if I had the money, I'd shoot for the Thinkpad myself. The Inspirons just give the best value for you money in terms of hardware though.

 

I am currently using both an Inspiron 6400 (C2D 1.73 Ghz) and Lenovo T60p (C2D 2.0 Ghz) laptop and I actually prefer the Inspiron despite its bulk. The Lenovo has all the Thinkvantage bell and whistle but I find the package buggy... especially the whole sleep mode thing. Once I closed the lid on my Lenovo and it went to sleep... a few hours later I picked it up from the bag and it was almost about to melt... it woke up by itself. The other time it woke up in the middle of the night (from sleep) and sounded the low battery critical alarm. The Lenovo's fan is also almost constantly on even when in battery mode. The Lenovo's fan is very whiny... sounds almost like a Raptor Harddrive and is annoying especially in a quiet room. At least the Inspiron's fan just goes on and off and has a lower pitched sound.

Sometimes, cheaper but simpler (in this case an Inspiron) is actually better...

 

T60 is notorious for heat problem.

 

I own a Vostro 1700 and am really liking it. But if you aren't gaming, then I too would go for the T61..

 

Get the Latitude 630.

 

I agree. I have one and don't have one bad thing to say about it. PROVIDED, however, that you can't get a similarly equipped Thinkpad for $100 or less more that the Dell. Again, the Vostro just isn't in the same league as a ThinkPad (nor the Latitude's, for that matter). For the record, I own a Latitude D420 & D630, an Inspiron E1700 and a Vostro 1500, so I do have a lot of first-hand experience with these machines. (Geez, I just realized I have one Dell in each screen size they make -- 'ceptin' the XPS 1330 -- I think I need professional help!)

 

I would choose the D630 (Latitude 630). I don't think you can compare T61's vs. Inspiron lines....

Best,
Ilham