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    inspiron or XP if not a gamer

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by cherrus, Mar 30, 2011.

  1. cherrus

    cherrus Notebook Geek

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    OK gamers....I am not one of you. So if there is someone out there who can give an impartial opinion on which lap top would be better for a non gamer. I would appreciate it. I think I have it narrowed down to Dell. I will be surfing the net, downloading music, checking the mail, light photo editing and maybe video editing.

    Should I be looking at Latitude, Inspiron or XP?

    Thanks
     
    cherrus, Mar 30, 2011
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  2. edit1754

    edit1754 Notebook Prophet

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    If you want the best laptop in terms of durability, check out the Latitudes. The new E5420/E5520/E6420/E6520's are all great. Be sure to configure them with at least 4GB of RAM, at least 1600x900 screen resolution, and at least an i5 processor.

    The XPS 15 is also good, and if you get it then you're gonna want to upgrade the screen, most importantly, to the B+RGLED 1920x1080 (first option under second tab on USA website). Even if you upgrade nothing else on the XPS, upgrade the screen because the screen is worth every penny. Budget for the screen, downgrade the service plan, use the $70-off coupon, do whatever it takes to get the upgrade. The high resolution (increased workspace because stuff isn't huge) and high color gamut will be great for photo editing, but the standard screen is below average quality.

    The Inspirons are okay, but there's nothing special about them. I wouldn't recommend them for photo/video editing because the screens aren't the best for that.

    In short, if you can afford to go for an XPS w/ 1080p, or a Latitude w/ 4GB RAM, i5, and 900p/1080p, then you'll be a lot happier with one of them than with an Inspiron.
     
    edit1754, Mar 30, 2011
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  3. Dreamliner330

    Dreamliner330 Notebook Evangelist

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    I've currently have both a e6410 and e6420...I feel the build quality of the e6410 is much much better. You can purchase them MUCH cheaper as well. I've posted all my qualms about the e6420 here.

    I considered the XPS15, but ultimately decided against it due to size, low battery life and cost...plus I really enjoy the docking capability of Latitudes.

    The XPS has a better 3D graphics card, but the e6410/e6420 both have nVidia Quadro graphics, which is much better for photo/video editing.
     
    Dreamliner330, Apr 3, 2011
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  4. agusman

    agusman when the going gets weird

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    If I was a non-gamer, and had the money to spend, I would still go with an XPS. The build quality is better and you get a more powerful laptop.

    Even if you don't game, you will notice the extra power, when multitasking, running intensive apps or with multimedia files...
     
    agusman, Apr 5, 2011
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