Inspiron 530 or Vostro 200 MT?

[Hypnos]

Hi

Ive been browsing your site a lot lately and found it very helpful in deciding what laptop to buy so thought maybe you can help?

Im looking at buying a new desktop next year and was looking at the new Inspiron 530 but have noticed recently that I could get a higher specced vostro for £95 less.

I realise the Vostros are aimed at the business user but was wondering if there is much of a difference between the two as I prefer the black colour (and obviously the lower price)?

Thanks

Mark

[spannerzone]

From what I can make out (I've spent ages looking!) the Vostro is essentially the same hardware as the Inspiron 530) but aimed at business of course.

You don't get so many 'home' options like Vista Premium or better graphics cards (the X1300 isn't very new and isn't much good for modern games but fine but everyday stuff)

Remember that you're not quite so well covered by UK consumer law, I believe that you can't return a business PC within 7 days if you change your mind, which you can do as a 'home' purchaser. Also consumer protection may be less if you have issues, such as out of warranty issues that might be more protected as a home purchaser (like something going faulty out of guarantee but within a 'reasonable time'

I've orderd the Vostro 200mt and have been advised of delivery on or before 8th October (yes over a 6t weeks!)

You do have to carefully check every package they offer, for example if you go for the Vostro with Pentium 1.6Ghz and upgrade to Core2duo 2.0Ghz and up the memory to 2Ghz it works out same price as a higher spec Vostro except the higher spec Vostro also has better graphics (X1300) and card reader for the exact same price. So moral is to spec up your PC, then try a higher or lower priced version and see if you get any extras for no extra price.

Spening an hour or so can save lots if you're the sort that likes a few add ons or upgrades.

[Paul]

Thats some great advice! Thanks for sharing it spannerzone.