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    MacBook or Dell D420

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by fredz, Sep 28, 2006.

  1. fredz

    fredz Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am looking for an ultraportable, and was thinking about the Dell D420. But then I came upon the MacBook. It's only 2cm larger, but weighs 1 kg more. Is that a good choice (not looking at the OS)? Or should I go for the D420 anyway?
    (posted in Apple and Dell forums)
     
    fredz, Sep 28, 2006
    #1
  2. hbomb174

    hbomb174 Notebook Evangelist

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    macbooks are better built than dells, either is a great choice for ultra-portable...
     
    hbomb174, Sep 28, 2006
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  3. Soilbleed19

    Soilbleed19 Notebook Consultant

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    Can we get the specs of both of your configurations so we can tell you in detail?
     
    Soilbleed19, Sep 28, 2006
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  4. Wooky

    Wooky Notebook Evangelist

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    if you are looking for an ultra portable, than the Dell is probably a better choice - 1kg is a lot when carrying a notebook around, believe me. One thing that can't be said of the Macbook is that it's light, unfortunately. I think that Dell notebooks are simply ugly, but in that case probably this doesn't matter that much. Also, Dell's bussiness line is said to have better quality and support than its home line.
     
    Wooky, Sep 28, 2006
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  5. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

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    I agree macbooks are built better.
     
    gridtalker, Sep 28, 2006
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  6. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    In this case it comes down to two things. How ultra-portable are we talking, and the OS. The Dell Latitiude line is MUCH better than their Inspiron line for durability. If OS does not matter, though it should play some role, and you are looking for the lightest most portable, I would go with the Dell. Dell Small Business is much better than Dell Home. They have better service, better reliability. At this point, the only reason for you to go with the Apple is OS X, and you say OS does not matter, so go Dell.
     
    cashmonee, Sep 28, 2006
    #6
  7. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    ZaZ, Sep 28, 2006
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  8. Charles Wood

    Charles Wood Notebook Enthusiast

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    If the OS is not an issue and weight is, consider how much the Dell will weigh with all options then compare it to the new lightweight ThinkPads. The Z61t is about 5 lbs with the 7 hour battery and about 4.5 lbs with the standard battery. It runs very cool and quiet, and is likely the only PC laptop built as well or better than a Mac with an equally good keyboard. It also has a built in accelerometer that locks the HD in the event it is dropped.

    Downside is that it has integrated graphics although it still displays 720P HD demo downloads perfectly when running on battery and underclocked. It may not be a MAC in the aesthetics department but with the magnesium frame and cover it looks pretty decent.
     
    Charles Wood, Oct 1, 2006
    #8