Laptops Macbook vs Dell 1330

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After getting a compaq 3225AU for my mom, i'm looking for a laptop myself. Mostly because our college campus is getting a wi-fi connection, and we will be allowed to carry laptops to the class (hopefully :P ). I have narrowed my search to either the macbook or dell 1330, both having its advantages and disadvantages.

Since im getting it from the US, the price works out a bit cheaper. Im looking at the Macbook black ( core 2 duo 2.13 ghz, 1 gb ram, 160 gb hdd, intel 950 integrated graphics ) and a customized 1330 with 1.8ghz processor, 1 gb ram, 120 gb hdd, nvidia 8400 gm 128mb dedicated graphics ). Of these which one is better if im looking at

1. Battery Life
2. Operating Temperature/noise
3. Ease of use (touchpad/keyboard)

Gaming isn't exactly an issue cause i will have my desktop as well. Right now im inclined towards the Mac, but for no particular reason (lets say owning a macbook will have its advantages ;) .

My final decision is based on what the TE members choose :) so any help appreciated :hap2:
 
i would definitely suggest the dell 1330:

as per ur parameters:
1. Battery life wud depend on wat battery u choose on the dell (4/6/9 cell)
2. dunno abt noise and temperature..shud be the same i guess..
3. everyone seems to be a big fan of the dell's new keyboards and touchpads..they are standard across th inspirons and XPS notebooks..in the link i have enclosed below, NBR was not too happy with the apples keyboard keys..

now abt my opinion :bleh:
1. i think the DELL looks way cooler than the apple macbook :thumb:
2. 1330 wud be lighter(at under 2kgs for the 6 cell battery) than the apple(at around 2.4kgs)..
3. 1330 has a slot loading DVD drive, which is basically a trayless design..
4. has a dedicated 8400 DX10 GFX card..not much but definitely for some first class FPS action or a good race or two during one of those boring lectures ;)
5. HDMI :cool2:
6. VGA out against the mini-DVI on the apple..

on the flip side though..
1. both apple and dell have only 2 USB ports..
and one of the ports on the DELL is right under the slot loading DVD..it may become difficult to use it..
2. DELL is more expensive than the apple..
3. mini-DVI against the VGA out on the apple..(dunno wats better really..:S )
4. u cud get a nano free with ur macbook(only for US students though . . .)

look into these reviews for some more insight :)

Apple MacBook Review for 2.0GHz Core Duo Black Color Version (pics, specs)
Dell XPS M1330: Full Review - Review by PC Magazine
Dell XPS M1330 First Look Review (Video)
(make sure u see the video on the 1330 on youtube)

hope this helps..
 
yes..
i agree with superczar..
1. buy the 1330 :D
2. buy it here..there wud not be a signicant difference in the prices between here and US..
 
Thanks guys! Well i did expect a lot of votes for the 1330 after going thru the forums lately :) The real decider is the price. I can get the apple around 1400 dollars (roughly around 58k ) where as the dell is costlier at around 72k without tax :( (with the 1.8ghz proc, and nvidia gfx card).

I personally don't prefer the 9 cell battery on the dell cause it would be heavier, and the battery kinda sticks out of the body. To me, the whole idea of getting such a beautiful laptop is defeated.

@superczar, the dell isn't cheaper here. For the same config that i made, it comes around 1650 dollars (around 68k) But its obviously better to get it here, rather than save 4000 bucks.
 
After some thought, i've decided to go in for the 1330 :) but have to wait for sometime though (around 2 months). By that time, the detailed reviews will be out, and any potential problem with the laptop can be identified. Hope dell brings in its promotional offers by then :P

Thanks to everyone who helped me out :)
 
U wudnt go wrong with the Dell 1330. Stylish + small + Fast specs + good build quality backed by local warranty.

What more do u want?? :)
 
The macbook has my vote. Can run both OS X and windows.

I have a white one, and I can get around 4+ hours with brightness half way + airport on.

You'll thank me later, for not getting the Dell.
 
Piece of news ppl :D I dunno how many people know about this.

I have a friend who works for dell and confirmed this. Some US Dell warranties can be transferred over to India if you get the laptop from there. I believe some 3yr plans are covered. For confirmation, try calling up Dell India support. Let me know. If they dont confirm, tell me and i will get the complete details from my friend about the warranty plan etc :)
 
@superczar, the dell isn't cheaper here. For the same config that i made
Click to expand...

it is cheaper mate..what you missed out on is the fact that the base config on the India site comes with the LED LCD ( a must-have )while the base US 1330 comes with the CCFL LCD and you need to make a $175 upgrade to a LED based screen ;)

and if you have the option of a LED LCD, there is absolutely no rason wy you shouldn't take that

it i in fact a better upgrade than the proccy upgrade

i say stick to the base config on the India site and just add the 8400 upgrade
 
^^ i did include the LED screen in the US site. The difference is in the processor rates. Here the 1.8hgz upgrade costs around 8300 bux, where as in the US its only 100 $ (around 4000 bucks!)

@superczar, will the 1.5ghz processor do any good? Cause all the benchies against macbook were done with a 2ghz processor. And it did fall behind the mac in 3 of the 4 tests. I know numbers don't actually matter, but won't it be a safer bet with the upgraded procy?
 
yes .. you are right .. DELL warranty can be transfered. I sent a notebook to my friend from SG .. it was Asia Pacific warranty 3 years. I have transfered the warranty to India. I am not sure if US notebook warranty includes Asia Pacific or not. I would suggest MAC .. MAC is MAC .. its the choice :)
 
Would go for the macbook with 2 gigs of ram. Runs Mac OS X natively, and also runs win vista.

+IMO looks and feels sexier than the Dell XPS
 
Well, i'm back to being confused :S As much as i'd love to get the macbook, i have to wait for someone else to return from the US. Since i'll be getting the notebook only after 2 months, cost isn't an issue. The only thing i'm worried about right now is the heating issue in the macs. Almost all the reviews point out that it does heat up considerably, and handling it becomes uncomfortable.

It would be a great help if someone who owns a macbook can clarify :)
 
i dont know abt the heat issues..
but u shud worry abt heat only if u r going to do a lot of computing on ur lap..if its gonna be on a desk mos of the time, then dont worry abt heat..

the one area where dell scores over the mac is the weight..i saw one in bangalore yesterday, and it was heavy for 13.3" notebook..at approx 2.4kgs its not light..but then its a matter of perspective..
macs are available in INDIA...i saw one for 60k..!! 5250 with 1 gig RAM..
pretty decent i wud..and yes, it does look great..

but then again..u get the dell with the same config for a similar if not cheaper price..
and the dell is considerable thinner..

my vote goes for dell..

watever u get, i wud suggest u buy it in INDIA..the price savings are hardly any and not worth it..

cheers
 
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