Vostro vs XPS

[jamtart6]

Hello again!

I love this site! It finds all the hidden bargains that I can never seem to find on the DELL site, so thank you to the owner

I am looking to buy a small laptop, a 13.3" to be precise. Now I'd had my eye on the XPS1330, BUT I can't seem to justify the price! Anyway, after looking on this site, I realised that there was a DELL Vostro 13" as well, which even after I've added VAT and shipping comes in at £145 less than the XPS for the same spec.

I have some questions, as I've seen neither in the 'flesh'. So if anyone can help I'd be grateful (based on the fact the spec is IDENTICAL but Vostro and XPS have different upgrade options)...

1. What is the main difference in the design of the vostro and XPS?

2. How long does the battery life of a 6-cell battery last? (i.e. how much of a difference is the 9-cell battery going to make?)

3. Does the LED screen on the XPS which claims to save battery life really really work?

4. Anyone had any experience of smaller laptops, do they become annoying after a while? I don't like 15"+ as I feel they are too large, heavy and clunky for what I would use it for and my main 'whinge' about laptops is that they aren't portable enough. Will a 13" be still to big/too small if I'm using it often? I'd love to hear your experience if you have any.

5. Is the Vostro poorer quality than the XPS? Is that why it is so much cheaper?


Really grateful for any help

[Paul]

Hi and thanks for the feedback on the site, I am glad you like it!

Unfortunately I have not seen the Vostro 1310 in the flesh and neither have I used an XPS M1330 so I can't really help with the comparison. I can tell you that LED screens in general are superior to normal tft screens in that they are instant on and do not need time to warm up to their full potential and yes they do save on battery life.

I think the XPS line is of a superior build quality to the Vostro range, although this does not mean that the Vostro buld quality is poor.

Hopefully some owners of the Vostro 1310 and XPS M1330 will be able to help you with your questions.

[jamtart6]

Hello!
With the 10% vostro coupon, I could hardly turn it down!

My spec is as follows:

Base Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.1 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz FSB)
Microsoft Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Business SP1 - English
Memory 4096MB (2x2048) 667MHz DDR2 Dual Channel
Keyboard Internal Keyboard - English (QWERTY)
Video Card 128 MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS (64 bit) Graphic Card
Hard Drive 320GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard Drive
Optical Devices Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive including Software
Wireless Networking Dell™ Wireless 1395 (802.11 b/g) MiniPCI Card
Cables 1 Meter Power Cord (3 Wire) - UK
Shipping Documents English - Documentation Vostro Laptop
Gedis Bundle Reference N1213120
Microsoft Application Software Microsoft® Works 9.0 - English
Standard Warranty 1Yr Basic Warranty - Next Business Day
Enhanced Service Packs 1Yr Basic Warranty - Next Business Day Onsite - No Upgrade Selected
CompleteCare Declined CompleteCare
Protect your new PC Norton Internet Security™ 2008 - 30 Day Trial Protection - English
Power Supply 65W AC Adaptor (3 Wire)
Bluetooth No Bluetooth® Card included
Order Information Vostro Laptop 1310 Order - UK
Primary Battery Primary 6-cell 56 WHr Lithium Ion battery
Carrying Cases No Carrying Case
Biometric Identification Biometric Fingerprint Reader
Dell System Media Kit V1310 Resource DVD (Diagnostic & Drivers)
Colour Choice Glossy Black without Camera
Promotions Hidden Option Class Free memory upgrade from 3GB to 4GB 667 MHz
LCD 13.3" Widescreen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display with Anti-Glare Coating

You can get this until 31st december I believe. I think it is a great spec for a portable laptop!

Just need a nice case now!

Thanks for all your help