Latitude vs. Precision

Can someone explain to me the general differences b/w the two Dell business models? I'm looking to buy a 15" notebook, and I think the business computers may be better than the consumer ones. However, I'm having trouble understanding the different models' differences b/w each other on Dell's website. Need some help in explanation here.

 

precision- hi end
latitude- low to mid
both are business laptops

 

Can you elaborate on some of the fundamental differences? That way I can decide what I am able to purchase.

Note that I'm a budget shopper (sub-$1000 laptop), so I would be purchasing from the Outlet. This would be a home use computer for general purposes (I don't game). Mainly used for Internet/email, personal finance, photos/music. Looking for something durable and less glossy than typical consumer laptops these days.

What I would like is a webcam, DVD RW if possible, bluetooth, and Core 2 Duo processor with 3GB+ of RAM, and at least 160GB hard drive. Also want a 15.4" screen.

Would one of these be better than the other?

 

Based on the price range in which you are moving and the fact that gaming is out of the question, I would suggest a Latitude.

The Precision range laptops are advertised as "mobile workstations" carrying better graphic cards (for which, based on the use you are proposing will be useless) and they are more expensive in general.

On the other hand, (and to my understanding) Latitudes were made having in mind to fulfill needs like yours. Less expensive machines, that will be able to cope with Office/Internet and equivalent activities.

 

The fundamental difference is that the Precision has a slightly bitter GPU and a fancy lid. There is also the M6400 which does not have a Latitude equivalent. That aside, the Latitude and Precision lines share the same chassis and functional components; there are few options that a Precision will have that the equivalent Latitude will not have. Both come with three-year warranties by default.

As permka has mentioned, for your needs the Latitude is probably the better choice.

 

Maybe more like:

Precision High end
Latitude Mid end
Vostro Low end

 

I'd say that the gap between the Vostro and the Latitude is a lot bigger than the gap between the Latitude and the Precision though

 

I just went through this for a 15" and it comes down to: Precision has a 4th diplay option with RGB LED backlight and a mid-high end video compared to only 3 display options and ho-hum video card.

Here's two independent reviews (by the same outfit) of the two models that pretty much explains it all:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Latitude-E6500-Notebook.11958.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Precision-M4400-Notebook.11959.0.html

Video benchmark table: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html

Note that the Latitude is number 95 while the Precision is much higher up at #43. The table is roughly ranked by performance.

Good luck

 

For your need go with the Latitude, they are pretty reliable

good luck finding your laptop

 

If I can get a refurbished Precision for the same price as a refurbished Latitude (in the Dell outlet), would you suggest the Precision, even if my needs dictate I only need the performance/specs of a Latitude?