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    Build quality: Latitude vs Vostro vs Inspiron

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by amitface, Jul 12, 2007.

  1. amitface

    amitface Notebook Evangelist

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    On this forum, I've been reading that the new Vostro line of computers are
    essentially painted versions of the Inspirons, in terms of build.

    Through the little research I've done, I've noted that Latitudes are made of a Magnesium alloy, and are considered very well built machines. At the same time, looking on the Dell site, I see that the Vostro PCs are also made of the same material. And I gather (from these forums) that Inspirons are good consumer level PCs, though not the toughest build.

    If what I read on this forum is true, Latitudes and Inspirons are made of the same Magnesium alloy case. So what makes the Latitude's build superior to the Inspiron?

    Background: I'm considering a D630. I used to have an Inspiron 700m, and while it worked, I wasn't too thrilled with the build quality. So I'm curious as to what distinguishes the three lines.
     
  2. smoothlexus

    smoothlexus Notebook Enthusiast

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    As long as I'm not throwing the Inspiron off a cliff, I think I'll take my chances with the build quality.
     
  3. odin243

    odin243 Notebook Prophet

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    Only the newest inspiron line comes with the magnesium alloy protection, and it's covered in plastic. The Latitude line has an all-metal chassis, and is much thinner/lighter than the Inspiron/Vosotro line. However the new Inspiron/Vosotro line should still have good build quality, for a consumer notebook.
     
  4. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

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    I don't care on build quality, I got a 2 year fullcover warranty. Hopefully sometime after 1 and a half years I will accidentally drop the laptop off a cliff.
     
  5. odin243

    odin243 Notebook Prophet

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    And get a brand new on. I hear that... ;)
     
  6. hlcc

    hlcc Notebook Evangelist

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    is that going to be a brand new 1-2 year old tech laptop?
     
  7. tremonti22

    tremonti22 Notebook Consultant

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    Well, you could wait until the next line of Inspirons come out, and then drop it off a cliff (accidentally, of course). Then they'd have to replace it with the newer model.

    Not that I'd ever condone such a thing... ;)
     
  8. Snakize

    Snakize Notebook Geek

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    Offcourse me too. I plan it to happen accidentally, but before the accident happens I will back up my harddrive offcourse. Dell can't give you a lower spec laptop as a replacement so it's either the same specs or higher, hopefully the accident will happen when they run out off 1520 and will have to replace me with something better.
     
  9. t12ek

    t12ek Notebook Consultant

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    I work at an IT Help Desk at my University, so I see a LOT of laptops come in. I haven't seen the new Inspirons yet (not working this summer), but in the past, I've always been impressed with the build quality of the Latitude line. I've likewise been unimpressed with the build quality of the Inspirons. The Latitudes just feel more solid, the keyboards are nicer, little to no flex in the chassis... whereas the Inspirons, to me at least, feel almost fragile, you open the lid and it wobbles back and forth a little before stopping (loose hinge), you pick it up and you can feel the case bending...
    With that said though, it's not like the Inspirons were any worse than the majority of the consumer class models, the business class models are just that much nicer.
    I'm planning on going to a Dell kiosk soon to see for myself how much better the build quality is than the old ones. I'm in the market for a Dell, and I'm leaning towards the Latitudes right now, but, if the Inspirons are built well enough now, I may decide to go the cheaper route.
     
  10. freefisheater

    freefisheater Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    I made this post over in the Pre-Purchase D830 Questions thread; sorry to cross-post, but this might give you an idea of the Latitude's build quality:

    If that isn't tough enough for most situations, I'd wager it's fine for most people.