can't decide- dell vs. hp

mollymolo · 10-10-2008, 01:02 PM

Hi-- we're replacing my husband's ancient desktop computer and decided to go with a laptop, but are having problems deciding. We're a two-computer family and my desktop will remain my primary computer (I work from home), but I do hope to take the computer with me on some trips (including an upcoming plane trip). So, portability is not irrelevant. But, at the same time, my husband will want to play some games on it. Not the highest hard-core games, but not solitaire either (and he is eying a return to some MMO playing). But honestly the biggest function of this computer is to be an internet surfing machine.

My husband has suggested two:

"The HP Pavillion dv5t is relatively lightweight (5.5 lbs), has a nice big screen, good reviews, and has a number of options, video card wise. A decent build would probably run us around $1200-1300.

The Dell Inspiron 1420 is also around five and half pounds. I rambled through a build on the Dell site (including a nice nVidia card, large hard drive and enhanced chip set), and ended up at around $1300."

Any opinions on these two? And also, I'm wondering about the differences in screen size. They're both about the same weight, but does the Dell's smaller screen (14.x) make it easier to port-- I know my old Gateway was 14 inch screen and it was a bear to trudge along with, but it was also much heavier. Or since it's only an occasional transport machine am I overthinking this?

Oh, and there's a little sale on the HP for the next day or so (though I know sales are always coming or going so . . . )

Eurasianman · 10-10-2008, 01:05 PM

I would probably opt for the Dell, although HP is not that bad. The problem with the Dell is that you will have to wait some time before it ships. It also shouldn't run as hot as the HPs. My last HP laptop ran extremely hot, although, it had an AMD CPU and an integrated NVIDIA GPU. Besides, IMO, the Dell just seems and feels sturdier than the HP. Hope this helps somewhat :\

CassilineKnight · 10-10-2008, 01:09 PM

Definitely get the dv5t.

My mom just one and it's excellent.

People complain about the temp but really that's only if you're a hardcore gamer. So it really dependis on what you're going to be using it for.

And even then you could always get a cooler for the dv5t. However the dv5t that we've got over here is great and runs very cool.

Plus HP products look a whole lot better than Dell and I find their build to be a lot better as well.

Everway9 · 10-10-2008, 01:10 PM

HP every time!

Thund3rball · 10-10-2008, 01:11 PM

You're in the USA right? The HP is a much better deal. Especially if you selected the 9600M GT.

Vision33r · 10-10-2008, 01:33 PM

Anyone who has dealt with both HP & Dell before knows that Dell has the better support.

And the heating issues is not just gamers who has them, folks who don't do anything crazy on their laptops have them. There's a higher failure rate of HP notebooks than the new crop of Dells, imo.

I have dealt with hundreds of laptops here at work, I have a broader sample than many kids in college here.

Eurasianman · 10-10-2008, 01:39 PM

My HP ran hot just sitting at idle. Than again, like I previously mentioned, it had an AMD CPU and an NVIDIA GPU all cooled with.... one fan?!

Then again, I believe the Dell is too, but the way Dell constructs their laptops, IMHO, is a lot better at dissipating heat than HP.

Thund3rball · 10-10-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vision33r

Anyone who has dealt with both HP & Dell before knows that Dell has the better support.

And the heating issues is not just gamers who has them, folks who don't do anything crazy on their laptops have them. There's a higher failure rate of HP notebooks than the new crop of Dells, imo.

I have dealt with hundreds of laptops here at work, I have a broader sample than many kids in college here.

I am not disagreeing or agreeing but I have owned both. Never needed to use HP support. And my one, lengthy, ridiculous experience with Dell support suggests that I would not base my buying decision on support.

gintor · 10-11-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thund3rball

I am not disagreeing or agreeing but I have owned both. Never needed to use HP support. And my one, lengthy, ridiculous experience with Dell support suggests that I would not base my buying decision on support.

I agree, do not soley make the descision on support.

I have owned bith HP and Dell, never had to call HP for support and the Vostro support was ace, yet XPS support from Dell was horrid.

I must admit though the HP's i have owned have run exceptionaly hot even when idle. I have however not had a DV5 or 9 machine so my info may be a little antiquated

Thund3rball · 10-11-2008, 11:27 PM

^^ LMAO at your avatar