College student: differences between dell xps and dell studio? or should i go a completely different brand?

Question

I'm going to college next year and I really want to know the differences between the Dell XPS 1330 and Dell Studio 15....

The main things i'll be using it for are the basics... internet, word processing, and music....portability and durability is also important to me. Here's the features:

Dell XPS1330 (3.97 lbs, 13.3" display):
memory - 3 GB shared dual channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667 MHz
hard drive - 320 GB (5400RPM)
video card - NVIDIA GEFORCE 8400M GS
processor - intel core 2 duo t6400(2.0 GHz/800Mhz/FSB/2MB Cache)


and now the Studio 15 (5.54lbs 15.6" widescreen) :
memory -4 GB at 800 MHz
hard drive- same as above
video card: intel graphics media accelarator 4500 MHD
processor: intel pentium dual core T4200 (2.0 GHz/800Mhz FSB/1MB Cache)


the only differences that strike me are the processors (cache size), amount of memory, and the video card stuff..... but i dunno, i'm not really a big computer person so i don't know how much big of a difference these things make...


the XPS is priced at 938, while the studio 15 is priced at 883...


if neither of these seem like good choices for a college laptop, then i'd really appreciate a better choice for under $1000

Answer 1

Too many Mac buffs these days paying for overpriced soda cans =[. I would stay away from Macs. You can get the same components in a PC for a much lower price, and if you have the ingenuity, you can install the OS.



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Anyway, to answer your question, I want to first start off with the difference between the Dell models "Studio" and "XPS."



The XPS line is recongized as Dell's "highest end model," just under their Alienware Subsidiary.



Studio is the next best line that lies right in between the Budget Inspiron line and the XPS High end line. Studio is for people who want a little more power than the Inspiron, but don't want all the bells and whistles of the XPS line.



As you can see, this kind "quality" is reflected in the relative prices.



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Both seem fine to me for use at college. You've gone for the right choices in screen size. You don't want to go any bigger than 16" when you want to be carrying it around.



Let me tell you not to buy the M1330 to start off. The laptop was released in 2007, and it is thanks to the M1330 that you get the styling and design you find in the Studio series.



With that being said, the M1330 has components that are a bit old and not quite worth the sale price listed. The CPU might be a tad faster because you have more Cache, but the video card is on par with the Studio 15's.



The M1330 is using Centrino technology while the Studio 15 runs on Centrino2. The different isn't huge, but it allows for slightly faster speeds (as you can see in the RAM MHz) and a better integrated Intel graphic solution.



Also, the Studio 15 has a bigger screen, which you might to be great when you're viewing pictures or watching Videos. However, this takes a bit away from the portability.



RAM helps the processor run programs. The more ram you have, the better able your processor will be able to manage loads. Three or Four GB of RAM is usually the standard and is quite sufficient. If you want to go a head and spent a tiny bit more to upgrade to 4GB RAM, it wouldn't be a bad idea. However, 32-bit windows vista can only support up to 4GB of ram, so I wouldn't advise getting more than 4GB unless you plan on paying extra for more RAM and switching to 64-bit windows vista.



If it were up to me, I would grab the Studio 15 with the video upgrade to the ATI HD 4570. You get a bit more for the same amount of money.



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If you're looking for alternatives in your price range, you might check out HP. There are also lesser known manufacturers that make great spec laptops for under $1000: a few of these can be found here: << http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=32&name=Laptops-Notebooks >>

Answer 2

MacBooks are great all-round laptops, and just fall within your price range despite their premium prices, especially when you take into account Apple's educational discounts. Also, if you buy a new Mac between now and September 8, you get a free iPod touch.



The only additional software you would need to purchase is Microsoft Office (be sure to get the student edition). Other than that, they come with everything you're looking for, including an inbuilt camera. Only thing that may put you off is the monitor size. Otherwise, performance specs are decent for what you need. The real joy of a Mac though is the OS and their reliability.



With Boot Camp, Macs can run Windows Vista and XP, meaning you could run PC applications if you needed to.



As below, Apple do tend to charge quite a bit for most if not all of their products - one of the reasons I would never buy a Mac desktop, build your own PC instead. But their laptop range is actually quite good. However, in order to make my answer less partisan, here are some other good alternatives:



Low-end: Samsung’s NC10; Asus Eee PC 1008HA.

High-end: would choose from the Asus range (though check for reviews if available).



For other alternatives, see my second link below.



Newegg or Best Buy are good places to start when looking for user reviews and cheap prices.

Answer 3

There are NO PROs for a Dell computer, they just plain SUK. Here we go: Macs are easy and now you can get a Dual Processor that does Windows also. No other computer can make that statement. A MacBook 2.4, 4 Gigs Ram will do the trick for you. Lightweight and is a Heavyweight in performance. With Apple Stores usually close by it's easy way to get your computer fixed if it's a minor problem. They usually do right on the spot. With Dell in particular you have to send it to them [at your cost] and wait for at least 2 weeks to get it back. Almost no one will work on a Dell so Dell's got you. If you take the time to check Dell's website everyday you will see the same model computer configured slightly different and with a different price. Deceptive to say the least. Hope this helps you make a decision no matter which computer you buy.