Advice please: Inspiron 6400 or 1520?

Hi, my old laptop has finally packed in and I am torn between these two Dell models. Can somebody answer my questions?!

The 6400 has the following processorlisted: Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core T2130 Processor (1.86GHz,533MHz,1MB L2 cache) and it cant be upgraded on the site. The 1520 has Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 Processor (1.5GHz,667MHz,2MB L2 cache).

Is there much difference between the 2? I will be using my laptop at home, though wont be playing games on it. It will be used mostly for the internet and downloading music, films etc.

The 6400 has 160GB hard drive on the model listed and 2048MB RAM, whereas the 1520 has 120GB HD & 1024MB RAM (both of which can be upgraded). This was making me drift towards the 6400.

I've read reviews, and the 6400 seems to get the thumbs up.....so I am just wondering about the processor, is it good, or should I get the 1520 which has a better one?

Thanks alot!

Jonny.

 

I think configuring the 1520 with the required hard disk and the RAM is a better option rather than going with the 6400... I bet if you run into any problems with the 6400 they would give you replacements since they will stop that model quite soon.... Also the 1520 with the Santa Rosa platform will definitely be more power efficient and good in performance as well....

How much difference in the price do you see between the 6400 and the 1520 (with 2 GB RAM and 160 GB HDD)... ?

 

Main difference between the two is the new Santa Rosa platform, which includes a faster and more energy efficient processor, a newer wireless adaptor and a better graphics adaptor (in both integrated and dedicated options). In addition the new 1520 also has extra optional features such as integrated Webcam, mic and remote. However, for your needs the 6400 is good enough. But I recommend a Core 2 (T5xxx or 7xxx series) processor if price is not too steep (Core 2 is faster and supports 64bit instructions).

 

Hi, thanks for the info. There is a difference of about £100, though thats with 1024MB RAM in the 1520 (& upgraded to 160HDD). I figure I can upgrade the RAM at a later date, if I need to. Do you think it is worth it then?

 

I think its worth it. The Core 2 Duo is a much better processing unit than the Core Duo. In my opinion all the features the 1520 has over the 6400 are all benefits. It's going to cost you a little bit more money but it will be worth it.

 

You can upgrade both RAM and HDD later at a much lower cost (it can be done easily and without voiding warranty). Therefore I’d personally recommend the 1520 since it is more future proof. But then again, given the above specs: 6400 with 2GB against 1520 with 1GB; the 6400 will be quicker.

 

I think you can buy the system from DELL with 1 GB RAM... They usually put 2 x 512 MB sticks.... Then buy 2 x 1 GB sticks separately from newegg, put them into the laptop and sell the 2 x 512 MB ones you have on laptop.....

Or ask DELL specifically to put a single 1 GB stick on your laptop