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I am a college student and I am majoring in business. I don't play video games, and if I do it is usually on my iPhone. I have narrowed down what I want to the XPS 14z and the Inspiron 14z for portability and affordability. Both similarly spec'd are around 800 dollars. The differences are here: XPS i5 2.5 turbo to 3.1, 500GB HD 7200rpm, 6GB RAM, 8cell prismatic battery. Inspiron: i5 2.5 no turbo, 1TB HD 5200rpm, 8GB RAM, 6cell battery. Both have Intel HD 3000 video card. I don't game though.
I can choose a cheaper system with the Inspiron but would drop to an i3 which I don't think would be an issue for me since I am usually just use my laptop to type papers, browse cnet videos and youtube videos, and facebook and email. At the same time I want something that will last. Not necessarily stay ahead of technology, but something that physically will work for a long time. I don't want to have to replace it again for a while. Any advice with reasoning behind it? Is the XPS a better built system that is meant to last longer? Or is the Inspiron and the XPS built the same just with different specs?
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Total posts: 10 (Showing page 1 of 1)
The XPS looks better to me
by R. Proffitt 
- 4/9/12 7:01 PM
In Reply to: Dell XPS 14z or Inspiron 14z? by jahall05
We have a few Inspirons and they are the usual 3 to 4 year laptop HOWEVER look closely at the LCD panel of XPS versus Inspiron. The last time I checked the Inspiron LCD is barely acceptable.
Laptops do not last a long time for students. The bump and grind transport takes its toll and if we did get a Toughbook the buyer may complain about the cost for a tough notebook.
There is mechanically more to the XPS but you can feel it as you play with them at the store. The Inspiron is good enough but to think most students would get 4+ years is wishful thinking.
Bob
Screens
by jahall05 - 4/9/12 7:08 PM
In Reply to: The XPS looks better to me by R. Proffitt
Inspiron: 14 inch High Definition LED Display (1366 x 768) with Truelife
XPS: 14.0" HD (720p) Truelife WLED Display
Any major difference?
Note: I believe the XPS is built more to withstand the bump and grind since it is aluminum but the Inspiron is part aluminum part plastic from my understanding.
That's text from a web site.
by R. Proffitt - 4/9/12 7:16 PM
Did you go to the store and see the displays?
We have both at the office but let's go with reviews WHICH YOU WILL CORRECT TO THE MODEL you listed if need be.
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-Inspiron-14R-N4110-Laptop-Review.70944.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-XPS-14z-Notebook.64964.0.html
It was hard to use the numbers but the XPS display is better. Not by much but the Inspiron is definitly pedestrian in many ways.
Bob
I did
by jahall05 - 4/10/12 3:26 AM
In Reply to: That's text from a web site. by R. Proffitt
I did see them in person but didn't notice a difference. Maybe I just don't notice the detail some others might.
The Inspiron is very usable but,
by R. Proffitt - 4/10/12 11:19 AM
I found the display to be a little less than what I like to use. And it's still pretty bendy which works against it for life span for a student but the cost savings can mean the student can get it and after a few years replace it if it breaks and the repair costs more than a new unit.
Yes you can break a XPS too but it takes a little more effort.
Bob
Thanks!!
by jahall05 - 4/10/12 2:11 PM
In Reply to: The Inspiron is very usable but, by R. Proffitt
Thanks for the advice. I think I am just going to get the XPS 14z since it is a bit better build and quality. The specs are pretty similar and I think it will serve me better. The Inspiron 14z is nice but I talked to a tech at my college and he recommended the XPS as well if I want something built better that should last longer than the Inspiron.
Thanks for your help!
-Justin
One last TIP!
by R. Proffitt - 4/10/12 2:16 PM
Be sure to create the restore media when you get the machine. Many forget to do that and complain later.
Bob
Sir, What is that "Restore media"?..
by Jeromezky - 4/30/12 4:10 PM
In Reply to: One last TIP! by R. Proffitt
Sir, What is that "Restore media"?..
Further explanation plzz.. i planning to buy xps 14z..
which is better inspron 14z or xps 14z and why??
Here's some web pages on that.
by R. Proffitt - 4/30/12 4:14 PM
In Reply to: Sir, What is that "Restore media"?.. by Jeromezky
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=266282&l=en&s=dhs
Frankly if Dell will not answer your questions it is time to pick another supplier.
As to Inspiron or XPS, the inspiron is a value unit, the XPS a little better built. But you should have seen this as you looked them over at the stores.
Bob
Total posts: 10 (Showing page 1 of 1)
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