Can you help me decide ~ laptop comparison

[Cat]

I would like opinions on these two laptops and which is the better bang for the buck, so to speak.

First, more economical of the two at $499.98.

Processor Intel Pentium Dual Core T4300
Memory (RAM) 4GB
Memory Type DDR2
Memory Expandable to 4GB
Hard Drive Size 500GB
Hard Drive Type SATA
Optical Drive CD/DVD Writer (DVD+/-RW)
Display Size 15.6"
Display Type Glossy, widescreen
OS Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Battery Type 6-cell lithium ion
Network Card WLAN 802.11b/g
Video Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD integrated graphics
Other ports 7-in-1 Media Card Reader
# of USB slots 3
Bluetooth Enabled No
Dimensions 14.7"W x 1.02"H x 9.6"D
Weight 6.2lbs.
Warranty 1 year
Extra Features Integrated 1.3 MP Integrated Webcam, Dell 1397 b/g wireless card

Second is priced at $599.98

Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T6600
Memory (RAM) 4GB
Memory Type DDR2
Memory Expandable to 4GB
Hard Drive Size 500GB
Hard Drive Type SATA
Optical Drive CD/DVD Writer (DVD+/-RW)
Display Size 17.3"
Display Type High Definition+ (900p) WLED Display
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Battery Type 6-Cell
Network Card Built-in wireless WLAN 802.11b/g wirelessly connects to the Internet
Video Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD integrated graphics
Other ports 7-in-1 Media Card Reader
# of USB slots 3
Bluetooth Enabled No
Dimensions 16.4"W x 1.2"H x 10.9"D
Weight 6.8lbs
Warranty 1 year
Extra Features Built-in 1.3MP webcam; 17.3" High Definition+ (900p) WLED Display with TrueLife

Both are Dell Inspiron. I like the fact that the second one, which is larger, has a 9 key. I basically use my laptop while at work for watching movies; playing mindless games like Bejeweled Blitz and Fish World on Facebook, and I do a bit of office-related stuff with Microsoft Office. I do not use it unplugged as a general rule. I want something with a bit of get up and go, so to speak, because in the past I've always just gone with a bargain computer and this will be an upgrade from my current laptop.

Thoughts? Ideas? I would welcome opinions!!

[Gary in ohio]

There basicly the same laptop, one has a 15" and one has a 17" screen. If your not traving with it much get the big screen. If you need a very portable unit then get a netbook not a laptop.

[Cat]

Thanks Gary.

I did a bit of reading about them and it seems that one doesn't have the best option for Wi-Fi connectivity, I'm thinking from reading what I posted above it's the first model. I do connect to several different hot spots during my travels as well as the router at work so I do want to be able to connect easily without having to plug in. They both got a fairly good review from PC world, I think. As far as performance, how would they rank in a simple ~ poor, good, great format? I mean, will I really be 'upgrading' from my 2GB RAM, 136GB HDD in sufficient amount for it to actually be a noticeable change & worth shelling out the money for it or would I be better off foregoing the 'Christmas sales' and just building a computer directly from Dell?

[Cat]

Oh, I do travel w/ it a bit but primarily my laptop keeps me awake at night @ work and I rarely ever use it unplugged, I've always got access to a desk or table & keep it plugged in. A netbook, while convenient, isn't what I'm wanting right now.

[Willowynd]

The second one will be a faster machine (faster processor) and also has an extra bell and whistle- WLED Display with TrueLife ....personally, I would shop around a bit unless your set on a dell...I think you could get equal to or better specs from other good brands or even get a refurbished/open box with much more power from a reliable source (like Geeks or Tigerdirect)- but batteries can be iffy on a refurb. If your set on a Dell, then do take the time to check thier refurb/open box ones too...but if you decided between these 2...decide if you want/need the faster processor (I would) and if it is worth an extra $100 to get it.

[Kari]

As Gary stated, these are very similar specs. I prefer a smaller screen weight wise and have a 15 inch Inspiron myself. As for shopping around for better spec'd laptops, the human mind cannot differentiate minute changes in processor speed and it is not always worth the price difference to upgrade to a slightly faster processor, video card etc.

I am a Dell guy and have never had any major problems with any of their laptops / desktops pc's at home or at work. The odd time I have had to contact Dell support, the experience has been pleasant and I have never had any difficulties having any hardware repaired/replaced.

[colourfastt]

Plastic computers *shudder*

[Gary in ohio]

Originally Posted by Cat

Thanks Gary.

I did a bit of reading about them and it seems that one doesn't have the best option for Wi-Fi connectivity,

They both have the same 802.11 b/g and that will get you into any wifi spot so thats not an issue. You would be hard pressed to come close to using 1/10 of the CPU power on either machine with what you listed as needed the laptop for.

You big choice is screen size.

[Mechanic Intern]

If you insist on running it from AC power, PLZ remove the battery (if at all possible) so that you're not destroying it by misuse.

[CamM]

Originally Posted by Mechanic Intern

If you insist on running it from AC power, PLZ remove the battery (if at all possible) so that you're not destroying it by misuse.

You can do that? My laptop doesn't work without the battery in it on AC power.

[Kung]

Really....if that's the case, something's wrong with your laptop. What model laptop do you have?

[Cat]

I didn't know that was an issue, either! I really dislike unplugging it because the screen dims and makes it more difficult to see; I have enough issues with my eyes just from wearing contacts, let alone having to fight to see the screen.

I am familiar with Dell and if I went with another brand it would be a Mac, unfortunately my budget and Macs aren't compatible at the moment. I haven't had the best luck with Dell, but they have always been able to fix the problem, usually after I had to get belligerent, so I'm content that while I might run into issues, I should be able to get them taken care of.

I think I have decided on the one with the 17" screen. I like the 9 key and use that for a lot of my Office stuff and the screen will be nice when I'm stranded at work for 12 hours with nothing but my Netflix!!

Thanks for all the help, folks!!

[Kung]

Originally Posted by Karihwanoron

I am a Dell guy and have never had any major problems with any of their laptops / desktops pc's at home or at work. The odd time I have had to contact Dell support, the experience has been pleasant and I have never had any difficulties having any hardware repaired/replaced.

You must not have done Dell technical support. I'll agree that they're not 'terrible' laptops, not at all; but IMHO one of the few things that makes them 'better' is simply sheer volume. In general the 'better' laptops in my experience (and by that I mean my own experience plus surveys and statistics) are Sonys (the newer ones), Toshibas, and strangely enough, Asus. Apples as well, but as many say, they can't or won't pay the expensive prices.