Dell Latitude or Inspiration?

LilWahine · 10-21-04, 07:30 PM

I'm thinking of getting a new notebook since mine is a dinosaur... I want Dell but I really don't know much about computers.

Anyone know the difference between Latitude or Inspiration? I know I want Dell and they always seem to have really good deals. I'm not that picky but I do want it fast and with a decent size memory and storage. I prolly want a CD/DVD burner too... Currently my desktop is a HP P4 with 2.66GHz, 480MB so I guess I want something similar to that (if thats a "decent" computer)...

Any suggestions/thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

***Admin*** · 10-21-04, 11:03 PM

You can't really go wrong with a Dell pc, both desktop and the notebooks. Afterall, Dell is the #1 selling pc in the nation. And you can find sweet deals and great coupons for your purchase.

Do you want a portable notebook (smaller in size but you would need to sacrifice few peripherals and goodies) or do you need a desktop replacement, a much larger notebook that can handle everything you do with a pc?
Why do you need a dvd burner?
Are you going to game on it?

Those few questions should help you determine your purchase. If you do not plan on playing videogames or need the latest videocard, you should opt for a portable notebook since you will be toting your notebook and you want it light as possible. Carrying a 10lb. desktop replacement notebook plus your backpack is not fun.

I've heard Dell customers complain that Dell Home customers need to deal with customer service from India and that they have problems with communications (doesn't mean everyone would have a problem with the service). Whereas, if you purchase your notebook from Dell Small Business, you will deal with U.S. customer service.

Each model has its cons and pros. The Latitude series should cost more but the models look more business type and better built than the Inspiron models. I don't know for sure. Better to compare it yourself a Dell store or get more recommendations from current users.

**PandaMoOo** · 10-22-04, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KayCee

I've heard Dell customers complain that Dell Home customers need to deal with customer service from India and that they have problems with communications (doesn't mean everyone would have a problem with the service). Whereas, if you purchase your notebook from Dell Small Business, you will deal with U.S. customer service.

My girlfriend just ordered a laptop from Dell Home. She put the wrong address accidentally. 4-5 calls later to India, it never got resolved, despite them saying they fixed the problem everytime. Watch out for their customer service for sure...

I got a dell myself... don't really know what the model is called. Notebooks are really a mobility item then a power computer, find out what features you need and get those. Anything sold will be able to do web/word/misc stuff fast enough, if you get something too fast it'll just drain your battery down if you play games. <shrug> If you don't know that your 2.66 is fast enough, chances are the lowest end computer meeting your needs will suite your needs perfectly.

**zoedragon** · 10-22-04, 09:56 AM

We have three Dell Inspiron 8100 laptops in our office and they have proven to be a HUGE pain in the ass, riddled with problems. One laptop has had just about everything inside replaced, and it still acts funky sometimes. Drifting mouse cursor, fritzy video card, and generally wacky laptop behavior. I don't know if any of the other Dell laptops are better, but STAY AWAY from the 8100 series!

wicktron · 10-22-04, 12:50 PM

I suggest investing in a laptop which has Intel's Centrino platform. AFAIK, the Dell Inspiron 8600, 600m, and 700m all have this technology.

A Centrino with 1.7GHz will perform comparable to your desktop's P4 2.66GHz (MHz/GHz is not everything). Also look into battery life, size, weight, and screen resolution.

Dell is quite a reliable notebook manufacturer so don't hesitate to purchase from them.

***Admin*** · 10-22-04, 09:25 PM

If you want excellent service and quality product, IBM is a no-brainer. Have you also looked into HP notebooks?

Anderson · 10-25-04, 11:21 PM

The university library lends out Dell Latitude notebooks. Solid built and runs without a problem although the notebooks seem like 3-5 years old.

10-21-04, 07:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
LilWahine Newcomer Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 38	Dell Latitude or Inspiration? I'm thinking of getting a new notebook since mine is a dinosaur... I want Dell but I really don't know much about computers. Anyone know the difference between Latitude or Inspiration? I know I want Dell and they always seem to have really good deals. I'm not that picky but I do want it fast and with a decent size memory and storage. I prolly want a CD/DVD burner too... Currently my desktop is a HP P4 with 2.66GHz, 480MB so I guess I want something similar to that (if thats a "decent" computer)... Any suggestions/thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

10-21-04, 11:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
*Admin* Think About It Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,946	You can't really go wrong with a Dell pc, both desktop and the notebooks. Afterall, Dell is the #1 selling pc in the nation. And you can find sweet deals and great coupons for your purchase. Do you want a portable notebook (smaller in size but you would need to sacrifice few peripherals and goodies) or do you need a desktop replacement, a much larger notebook that can handle everything you do with a pc? Why do you need a dvd burner? Are you going to game on it? Those few questions should help you determine your purchase. If you do not plan on playing videogames or need the latest videocard, you should opt for a portable notebook since you will be toting your notebook and you want it light as possible. Carrying a 10lb. desktop replacement notebook plus your backpack is not fun. I've heard Dell customers complain that Dell Home customers need to deal with customer service from India and that they have problems with communications (doesn't mean everyone would have a problem with the service). Whereas, if you purchase your notebook from Dell Small Business, you will deal with U.S. customer service. Each model has its cons and pros. The Latitude series should cost more but the models look more business type and better built than the Inspiron models. I don't know for sure. Better to compare it yourself a Dell store or get more recommendations from current users. __________________ Cal Poly Forums

10-22-04, 09:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
*Admin* Think About It Joined: Sep 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,946	If you want excellent service and quality product, IBM is a no-brainer. Have you also looked into HP notebooks? __________________ Cal Poly Forums

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Inspiration for 'Hitch' speaks at Poly	Cal Poly Bot	University Newsletters	0	11-07-07 06:29 AM
brand new Nokia 5140i 125$	mobilephonesltd	Feedback	0	08-29-06 04:45 PM
Dell Notebook Battery Recall	Admin	General Discussions	1	08-24-06 11:03 PM
FS: BRAND NEW DELL E510 Computer	nareg	Classifieds	0	04-10-06 04:20 PM
For Sale Dell Inspiron 700m Notebook	xman	Classifieds	2	07-16-05 12:27 AM

10-22-04, 09:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
zoedragon Fire-breather Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Inglewood, CA Posts: 668	We have three Dell Inspiron 8100 laptops in our office and they have proven to be a HUGE pain in the ass, riddled with problems. One laptop has had just about everything inside replaced, and it still acts funky sometimes. Drifting mouse cursor, fritzy video card, and generally wacky laptop behavior. I don't know if any of the other Dell laptops are better, but STAY AWAY from the 8100 series!

10-22-04, 12:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
wicktron Newcomer Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 2	I suggest investing in a laptop which has Intel's Centrino platform. AFAIK, the Dell Inspiron 8600, 600m, and 700m all have this technology. A Centrino with 1.7GHz will perform comparable to your desktop's P4 2.66GHz (MHz/GHz is not everything). Also look into battery life, size, weight, and screen resolution. Dell is quite a reliable notebook manufacturer so don't hesitate to purchase from them.

10-25-04, 11:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
Anderson Active Member Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 65	The university library lends out Dell Latitude notebooks. Solid built and runs without a problem although the notebooks seem like 3-5 years old.