# Which of the following laptops/netbooks would you rec? (Also a tech question...) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 18, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-the-following-laptops-netbooks-would-you-rec-also-a-tech-question/536538 "2010-04-18T16:51:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![choie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/choie/32/7829_2.png) [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-the-following-laptops-netbooks-would-you-rec-also-a-tech-question/536538/1 "2010-04-18T16:51:04Z")
My sister’s doing some spur-of-the-moment computer shopping and she wants to buy from QVC. Yes, yes, I know. But it’s simple to buy there, they offer nice easy-pay options and perhaps most important, their customer service is excellent, in my experience. While there are better places to buy technology, for her purposes I think this is a good option. So if possible, try not to be too judgey, with lots of “well she SHOULD be buying from \_\_\_\_” or “QVC/Dell sucks, what an idiot!” or “why not build her own machine?” responses. This is the route she’s going, so we might as well stay on point. 🙂 Anyway, from among the Dell systems linked below, which would you recommend? She has a desktop already; this would be a ‘traveling’ computer, which she could take to class or on vacation, or just use while lazing in a park somewhere. [The Comparison Chart](http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/app.html/params.file.%7Cel%7Cel_dell_notebook_compare,html.CM_SCID.prom). Personally I think I’d go with either #1, #2 or #5, though the latter is much heavier than the other options. **Also, and here’s my tech question:** #5 lists an ethernet connection versus the wireless LAN options that the others have. Is it possible that this means it requires a cable connection? Isn’t the point of a laptop being that you can use it while traveling? (I’m strictly desktop so I don’t know much about that stuff.) #3 is clearly the lowest spec of the bunch and is much less use as an alternate should something happen to her desktop. The tiny weight is impressive though, but I don’t think she should go with a system that doesn’t allow for a DVD. I don’t even know the prices on these systems, btw. What do you think? ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-the-following-laptops-netbooks-would-you-rec-also-a-tech-question/536538/2 "2010-04-18T20:00:51Z")
I own all these screen sizes from various manufacturers and am familiar with tote-ability. 17" is way too big and heavy to be an easy traveling computer. A 14 inch unit is typically a good screen size for traveling around without getting into netbook territory. # 5 does specify it has wireless “•Dell 1397 b/g wireless”. Having said this, and despite your entreaty not to comment, I will note that those prices are f\*\*\*ing cuckoo for cocoa puffs, and are 30% to 50% higher than the same spec notebooks from manufacturers of equivalent (or better IMO) quality can be gotten via your weekly Staples, Best Buy etc units on sale + rebate deals. Plus with those you can actually do a hands on evaluation to make sure you like the screen size, keyboards etc. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-the-following-laptops-netbooks-would-you-rec-also-a-tech-question/536538/3 "2010-04-18T23:01:25Z")
> [@astro](#): > > # 5 does specify it has wireless “•Dell 1397 b/g wireless”. On mine, that’s number 4, which is the one I like. It’s got the graphics card of #1, but also has the DVD drive you want. You actually get the 4GB memory instead of the ominous “up to” crap (as that usually means you get less), You get a slightly smaller screen, but the resolution is better. You get a faster processor, and a longer warranty. Then again, looking at prices, it’s the most expensive one there. But, since you’re going with QVC, I assume price is not that big a deal to you. If it is, go with #2, especially if you don’t expect her to ever want to game on it (Intel graphics suck for that). It’s close enough to the same specs as #4, but almost half the price. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-the-following-laptops-netbooks-would-you-rec-also-a-tech-question/536538/4 "2010-04-18T23:15:14Z")
NETA: #5 does have wireless in the FAQ. But it’s very large and heavy. I think it’s more of a workstation type that can be made portable. Plus, it’s got the icky Intel Graphics. Oh, and I’m going from left to right. I think it possible **astro** was going the other way. It would explain the discrepancy on the wireless line. ---
**Author:** ![choie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/choie/32/7829_2.png) [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2010, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-the-following-laptops-netbooks-would-you-rec-also-a-tech-question/536538/5 "2010-04-18T23:52:49Z")
Thanks! Well now I’m all kindsa confused, figuring out which numbers match which computer. **BigT** , doesn’t #5 (going left to right) have “Accelerator X4500 HD integrated graphics”? The only Intel graphics cards I see are on #2 and #3. Both you and **astro** are so right about the prices! My sister’s mostly being seduced by the Easy Pay option, since while she can’t afford laying out $800 - $1400 all at once, she _can_ see paying $299 a month for \_\_\_ months. “Easy low payments” is a siren call that beckons to many of us, I fear. Also she likes the pink covers. (And this is an extremely intelligent, serious-minded woman. Honest! :D) I’ll do some more looking around, though. Maybe I can convince her to save up and find a more reasonably-priced unit that, yes, offers a cover in fashion colors. But just in case, I’d like to find one of these that I can recommend with good conscience. Instead of going the left/right route, maybe it’ll be easier to just use the model numbers. Ah screw it, I’ll just copy the specs and prices, as I should’ve done in the OP. Sorry about that guys: **E212469 - Studio** Includes notebook, lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and manual 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor T6600 15.6" diagonal HD+ bright TrueLife LED display with 900p resolution 6GB shared dual-channel DDR2 RAM 500GB 7200 RPM hard drive Blu-ray/DVD/CD combo drive 802.11n wireless LAN 10/100/1000 ethernet Two USB 2.0 ports USB/eSATA combo port HDMI port Four-pin IEEE 1394 port 15-pin VGA port RJ-45 port AC adapter connector Line-in/line-out, microphone jacks ExpressCard/34 slot Genuine Windows Home Premium, 64-bit Measures approximately 14-5/8"W x 10"D x 1-1/2"H UL listed adapter; 1-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty Cost: $1279.96 * * * **E212463 - Inspiron** Includes notebook, six-cell battery, and AC adapter 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor T6600 14" diagonal glossy widescreen WLED display with 720p resolution 4GB shared dual-channel DDR2 RAM 320GB 5400 RPM hard drive CD/DVD+/-RW drive Dell 2GB DataSafe online backup/storage for one year Intel 5100 wireless-N mini-card Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD Integrated Intel high-definition audio 2.0 Built-in 1.3 megapixel Web cam with facial-recognition capability 10/100 ethernet Standard keyboard 3-year Computrace LoJack theft protection 7-in-1 media card reader Three USB 2.0 ports VGA, RJ-45 ports Microphone, line-out jacks ExpressCard/34 slot Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit MS Works Plus 2008, with Word 2003 15 months of McAfee Security Center Power DVD Measures approximately 13-1/4"W x 9-3/8"D x 1-1/2"H UL listed adapter; 1-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty Cost: $799.96 * * * **E165284 - Inspiron** 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor N270 10.1" diagonal glossy WSVGA LED display with 1024x576 resolution 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 160GB 5400 RPM SATA hard drive 2GB online storage with [Box.net](http://Box.net) 802.11g wireless LAN Integrated Intel 945GSE UMA Graphics Media Accelerator Integrated stereo sound Built-in stereo speakers 1.3 megapixel Web cam Integrated 10/100 ethernet 3-year LoJack theft protection 3-in-1 memory card reader: compatible with SD/SDHC, MMC, MS Three USB 2.0 ports RJ-45, VGA ports Two audio jacks Genuine Windows XP Home Edition, SP3 Microsoft Works 9.0; Word not included 24 months of McAfee Security Center Approximate measurements: Closed 10-1/2"L x 7-1/8"W x 1"H; Open 7-1/2"H UL listed adapter; 2-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty with in-home service Cost: $479.00 (I just noticed this is a Nickelodeon netbook – it’s got Slime on it! HEE! I can just imagine my 45-year-old sister going off to NYU for her masters in social work shlepping around a Slime-covered netbook!) * * * **E200857 - Studio XPS** Includes notebook, six-cell lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, Creative noise-isolation earbuds, manual, and setup diagram 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor P8600 13.3" diagonal glossy widescreen display with 1280x800 resolution 4GB shared dual-channel DDR3 SDRAM 320GB hard drive Slot-loading CD/DVD+/-RW writer Dell 10GB DataSafe online backup/storage Dell 1397 wireless-G mini card NVIDIA GeForce MCP79MX graphics card Integrated Intel high-definition audio 2.0 Built-in 2.0 megapixel Web cam Facial-recognition software 8-in-1 media card reader 3-year Computrace LoJack theft protection Two USB 2.0 ports HDMI, VGA, IEEE 1394a, RJ-45 ports Two audio line-out jacks Microphone input AC adapter connector ExpressCard/54 slot Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, SP1 MS Works 9 15 months of McAfee Security Center Power DVD Roxio Creator 10 Dell Edition Measures approximately 12-1/2"W x 9-1/4"D x 7/8"H UL listed adapter; 3-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty Cost: $1369.96 * * * **E165863 - Inspiron** Includes notebook, 9-cell battery, AC adapter, manual 17.3" high-definition WLED display with TrueLife (1600x900, 900p) Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo processor T6600 (2.20GHz, 800MHz) Intel Cantiga GM45 chipset Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium OS, 64 bit 4GB shared DDR2 SD RAM 320GB SATA hard drive DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+R write capability burns/plays CDs and DVDs Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 HD integrated graphics 7-in-1 memory card reader (card not included) Built-in 1.3MP Web cam Dell 1397 b/g wireless Integrated 10/100 ethernet Intel high-def audio 2.0 Ports: AC adapter connection, integrated network connector 10/100 LAN RJ45, three USB 2.0 compliant 4-pin connectors, VGA video output, 34mm express card slot, line out audio, line in microphone 2GB DataSafe online backup and sharing, 1 year LoJack, 1 year McAfee VirusScan Plus 2010, 3 years Measurements: closed, 16-1/2"W x 1-1/2"H x 11"D; weighs 7 lbs UL listed adapter; 1-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty Cost: $1165 So of these, you seem to gravitate to the **E200857 - Studio XPS** , is that right, **BigT**? I wonder why this costs more than the others. The only reason I wasn’t thrilled about this one is that it’s Vista, rather than Win 7. In fairness I’m using Vista myself and I’ve never had a problem with it, the way so many others have. ---
**Author:** ![Rico](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rico/32/3582_2.png) [@Rico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rico)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2010, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-the-following-laptops-netbooks-would-you-rec-also-a-tech-question/536538/6 "2010-04-19T01:01:48Z")
You’re looking in the wrong place on the Dell website for affordable machines. Look under Small Business and the Vostro series. I own two Vostros and wouldn’t buy anything else. Here would be my selection for you: Vostro 1015 > **[Computers, Monitors & Technology Solutions | Dell USA](https://www.dell.com/en-us)** > > Shop the latest Dell computers & technology solutions. Laptops, desktops, gaming pcs, monitors, workstations & servers. FREE & FAST DELIVERY My System Details Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, with Media, 32-bit, English No Pre-installed Productivity Software 1 Year Basic Limited Warranty plus 1 Year Mail-in Service No Onsite System Setup Service My Services & Warranties No DataSafe Also Included Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6570 w/VT (2.1GHz, 2M L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) Obsidian Black LCD back cover 3GB Single Channel Shared DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz, 2 DIMM 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM) 15.6 inch Anti-Glare LED Display 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R write capability, Roxio and Cyberlink PowerDVD™ DX 8.2 Trend Micro Internet Security, 30-day trial Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD Wireless Network Card 802.11 b/g/n 2.0MP WebCam Included,1015 Vostro 1015 Config 18 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery Purchase is Not Intended for Resale Intel Core 2 Duo Label US Keyboard and Documentation 65W AC Adapter Dell Resource DVD, Vostro 1015 Price as stated: $569