[adanedhel728]

I've been dual-booting XP and Ubuntu for awhile now, but I've decided that I would really like to get a second computer for Ubuntu (partially just because I want to have a second computer, and partially just because I want to have both Windows and Ubuntu readily available). I'm planning on getting a Dell, but I'm having a hard time deciding which one to get because I feel like I don't really know enough.

I decided to get one with Windows preinstalled, format the HD and install Ubuntu on it myself, because I can get more for my money that way instead of getting one with Ubuntu preinstalled. I first went to the home office section and customized this Inspiron:

CPU – Dual-Core 2.00 Ghz, 667 Mhz FSB, 2 mb cache

Display – Glossy, 15.4 inch, 1680x1050

Video Card – Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

RAM – 2 GB, 667 MHz

HD – 120 GB, 5400 RPM

6 cell battery

Audio – Sound Blaster Audigy HD

$769

Which seems like a pretty good deal, but then I decided to try out the small business section and found this Vostro--

CPU – AMD Athlon 64x2, 1.9 Ghz, 256Kb

Display – 15.4 inch (no resolution given, guessing 1280x800)

Video Card – ATI Radeon Xpress 1150, 256 mb

RAM – 2 GB, 533 Mhz

HD – 120 GB, 5400 RPM

Sound -- Integrated Audio

4-cell battery

$479

This seems like a great deal, but the thing is, it seems too good to be true, and while I don't think Dell is trying to pull a fast one on me, I think I must be missing something, since it's almost $300 cheaper.

Basically, I'm asking this, and it might seem like a stupid question-- Would this work out better? I'll describe my purposes for it: I obviously want a laptop, and I want it to be moderately decent at performance. I can't afford a powerhouse, but I do plan on ripping dvds and, more importantly, running Blender.

I also might play around with different distros just for the heck of it. :P

So, is there anything I might need to know about the Vostro before getting this? Also, is the 1280x800 a good guess at the display? Less than that could be a problem with Blender.

Thanks for your help!

[lotuseclat79]

Hi adanedhel728,

You should probably try to price the components separately to see how the two machines compare.

My guess is that the difference is in the processor cost.

-- Tom

[lotuseclat79]

Hi adanedhel728,

You should probably try to price the components separately to see how the two machines compare.

Manufacturers such as Dell, buy processors and other components in bulk as opposed to individuals purchasing a processor. That is how they make their profit margin vs manufacturing costs.

My guess is that the difference is in the processor cost.

-- Tom

[adanedhel728]

Oh, that's a good point, the Vostro's CPU is an AMD and the Inspiron's is an Intel. I didn't think of that.

After comparing them some more, I have more confidence that the Vostro is probably what I want. Thanks for the help!