Best Notebook for College: Inspiron 8600 vs.5150

Hi, this is my first post here, though I've been reading the forums for some time.

I graduate this year, and will need a new notebook for college. I currently am using an Apple iBook G4, but there are multiple reasons why I think it's time I sell my iBook and leave the Mac platform:

•The screen is too small for me (only 12")
•It's too slow, even with the max 640MB of ram installed
•Apple in general these days is too focused on music and needs to realize that they ARE first and foremost a computer company


Now to the question at hand, it's a toss up for me between two systems, the Dell Inspiron 8600 and the Inspiron 5150.

I really like the fact that the 8600 has a wide-aspect display and a higher resolution, and also that it's a centrino so it probably gets better battery life, and is thinner and lighter.

But, the 5150 is cheaper, and (judging from a friend who brought one to school) it doesn't look or feel incredibly large or heavy. Also, it has a faster PM chip.

I would need to have the following in a notebook, as a minium: 60GB HD, XP Professional, and at least a CDRW/DVD Combo drive, higher than 1024/768 resolution display

I enjoy doing a lot of photoshop editing on my laptop now, and also the occasional video edit, watch movies, lots of web-surfing

I have been removed from the PC world for so long so I am not sure exactly which one of these systems would be best for me to use in college and occasionally take to class.

Are there quality issues surrounding either of these notebooks that I should know about? Which would you advise I purchase?

Thanks in advance!
–VdM

"God, we're living in a global shopping mall and you're the only one who still thinks that there's a bloody exit!"

 

Hi,

Well, I used to own a 5150 and now have an 8600. Based on what you've told us, I recommend the 8600. First, I felt the 5150 was somewhat heavy. When I purchased it last summer, it was just under 8 lbs. Now, according to dell, it is listed as over 8 lbs.

The 8600 is about one lb. less, and while not the lightest, and it felt much easier to carry around than the 5150.

As far as performance, I can honestly tell you that my 8600 performs as fast as the 3.06 ghz I had on the the 5150. Granted, my 8600 has 1.7 ghz processor, even the 1.5 or 1.6 should be fast.

The 8600 has been selling better than the 5150. The older 5150's had some quality problems from time to time according to user comments, however I think the newer ones are doing better.

If you want a good balance of speed, features, and portability, I would recommend the 8600. Plus the wide screen is awesome for DVD's.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Thanks nesbo!

Perhaps I should even think of going for the 600m, considering it is lighter and seems to be comparable spec wise?

But if I did decide to go with the 8600, what sort of screen is best, XGA, SXGA+, UXGA?

"God, we're living in a global shopping mall and you're the only one who still thinks that there's a bloody exit!"

 

This is always one of the tougher questions to answer. It really is about personal preference. When I first had the 5150, I used a UXGA screen. I feel the font size was way too small for me and it was bothering my eyes. My 8600 has an SXGA screen, and while the fonts can be small, it has been much easier on the eyes! I find this resolution the best. Others love UXGA.

I personally don't think the XGA is a wise choice because it seriously limits your resolution.

Thus, I suggest at least and SXGA screen.

Also, the 600m is not a bad machine either! It's light and has some great features.

 

i really like my 5150, but if i was to do it all over again, id get the 600m cause this this is pretty heavy

 

If you're seriously thinking about photoshop, you probably want the excellent video card offered in the 8600. The 8600 has comparable CPU performance, better battery life, lower weight, and (in my opinion) a better screen. It is superior across the board, so the only question is how much you want to spend. On a budget? 5150 is best. If you are a real enthusiast, however, you will feel limited by the 4x AGP graphics. I figure that, until you can upgrade the graphics yourself, pick a GPU that will last you the next couple of years.
As for the 600m, it is also excellent for everything but gaming. If that isn't a concern for you, you will love the freedom it gives you to carry it with one hand wherever you go.