Laptops: Inspiron vs. Latitude

[Keego]

With exactly configured laptops, what the heck is the difference? I've seen a latitude up close, and it looked way thinner than my Inspiron 8100, but the website says that they're the exact same thickness...

Weight wise, I think the latitude is 1lb lighter.

 

[MWink]

<< what the heck is the difference? >>



For starters they are made by different companies! As a general rule, Latitude=good, Inspiron=bad.

 

[noninterleaved]

In general, the latitude line is Dell's "Enterprise" model, and the Inspiron is the "consumer" model.

I have _heard_ that the latitude is therefore a higher quality model, however I have seen some people have horrible problems with Latitudes... that eventually resulted in RMAing the whole machine.

 

[Lore]

Similar to how Dell Optiplex's are purchased by companies and universities for use as general office/lab machines and how Dell Dimensions are purchased for home use, the Lattitude is considered a corporate model and Inspiron a consumer-grade product.

I believe the Insipiron uses cheaper parts than the Lattitude and has a shoddier build. I have a Lattitude CSx myself and I have to say the construction of the unit is superior to that of any Inspiron I've seen.

 

[mmnatas]

The Lattitude line looks much more professional (Thinkpadish) whereas the Inspiron is made to look "cool" (bad IMO). That coupled with the belief that the lattitude contains superior parts, you'd probably want to go for a lattitude unless you don't feel the price difference is worth it.

If you've got around 4k to blow, the new mobile workstation line looks nice

 

[corkyg]

Latitudes usually have dual pointing devices (touchpad and stick) while Inspiron's only have pads. You have more modular options with Latitude. Basically everyone has said it . . . Latitude is a workers machine . . . Inspiron is a toy.

 

[Lore]

Corky:

I actually find that not to be the case. The Inspiron's I've seen all have dual pointers while my Lattitude CSx only has the trackpad. So unless Dell changed their specifications recently, I think both line of computers might come with dual pointer inputs (depending on the user choice).

 

[corkyg]

You are right, Lore! I hadn't checked lately . . . my last research was when I was shopping a year plus ago. I would still go with Latitude because of modular options.

 

[John]

Latitude is more business oriented for stability according to Dell, and the Inspiron is cutting edge technology.