Inspiron 1420 Vs T61 14.1" for non-gamer

Hi, I have the following configs for the corresponding prices. Can you help me decide?

Thinkpad T61 $1,150

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ Camera
Intel GMA X3100 GM965
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
4 cell Li-Ion Battery
(No S-video out) though I use it quite often I am willing to let it go if I am over compensated by 'other factors'

Dell Inspiron 1420 $1132

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
160GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
Integrated 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
S-video out (this I use very much)

Both the prices are with taxes, shipping etc. I have the price quote for both.
I dont play any games and I dont need a battery thats sticking out. So I choose the Intel graphics card and 4/6 cell batteries. But I really need a machine that is pretty powerful to do everyday computing. With only 1GB RAM in the current configured T61 I will have to shell out another $80-$100 or so to get an extra 2gb stick to match with dell's 3GB. that brings it to a price of
$1250 for T61 and only 1132 for Inspiron 1420.

Do you guys have any suggestoins?

 

Please don't double post.

Thanx,
O4

 

Have you looked at Latitude D630? You can get it with a 6-cell that doesn't stick out, and if you like, you can swap out the DVD drive and add another 6-cell "media bay battery" in its place. I don't think it has S-Video though unfortunately; you'd probably need some kind of VGA->S-Video adapter.

Alternatively, you could check out the HP Compaq 6510b or 6910p, which do have S-Video and flush 6-cell batteries -- but I don't think they have a secondary battery option.

Also, if you get the Inspiron, be sure to use the Dell coupons. You might also be able to get it cheaper by buying the minimum RAM and upgrading yourself.

EDIT: Yeah, don't double-post. This belongs in the "What Notebook Should I Buy?" forum.

 

On financial grounds, the Dell is great value for money.

If you need durability, ThinkPad has the magnesium alloy roll-cage protection, harddrive 3D shock-sensor, and spill-resistant keyboard.

To answer your question, do you need the protection that ThinkPad offers ?

If your use is within ideal condition that shock, bumps, etc., are unlikely then that Dell seems to give you more.

 

Yes check for coupons on both dell and lenovo. also at time the vostro line is cheaper than the inspirons.

 

Thanks guys. Sorry for the double posting. I should have put it in the "What laptop to buy" section.

I have already made use of coupons available for both dell and t61. The prices are after the discounts.

I am a person who takes very good care of my laptop. I need a machine that last for 3-4 years.

Can you tell me, performance wise (forget the physical build quality) do these two machines make any difference?. I mean for simultaneously working on a dozen applications, openning a word/PDF document, running some data intensive programs etc, will these machines differ anyhow?

 

get the t61 and add a 2gb stick from newegg. By doing so they should have pretty much the exact same performance. the wifi on the t61 should be better than what's listed on the dell. Like everyone always says, try to see both before you buy.

 

Your taking care of the machine is only one side of the story, the quality of the machine is the other side of it.

On the basis of those 2 sets of specs, on the surface, go for the Dell.

If you really want a substance vs substance comparison, use a comparable specs from the Dell Latitude series.

 

That's easy, get the Thinkpad. I don't see why there is any question. The Thinkpad is definitely better.

Dells are well and good but they aren't Thinkpads!

 

I think some of the R-series machines come with S-video, might be in your interest to check them out.