<p>Sony</a> Vaio N Series
Intel Core 2 Duo T5300(1.73GHz) 2 MB Cache
15.4" Wide XGA
1GB DDR2 533
120GB 5400rpm
DVD Super Multi Intel GMA950
Windows Vista Home Premium</p>
<p>Inspiron</a> 1420 'Better'
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Windows Vista Home Premium
14.1 Wide HD
2GB DDR2 533 through DoIT
160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)</p>
<p>With the Vaio I would probably buy 1 GB RAM and upgrade, but I'm not a gamer and will just use the computer in college for word, ppt, excel, internet... no graphics or graphic intensive games. I know both computers will perform my functions just fine, but which is a better buy considering the quality of both laptops, customer service, etc.</p>
<p>If you don't need to run programs that require lots of power (like games) go with the VAIO. I have a dell and my best friend has a VAIO. Like your two options, my dell had more RAM, but I think that would be irrelevant for you. The VAIO is physically stronger than the dell. My dell always looks like it's gonna break</p>
<p>If you need your laptop right away, don't order from Dell. They are taking over a month or more to deliver some machines, depending on what you order. They are really disorganized and apparently do not have many of the required parts in stock. My D has been waiting over a month for her new Inspiron 1520, and the estimated shipping date is AFTER she leaves for school. She is lucky she can borrow a notebook and printer temporarily until her new one arrives (which we will have to make a special trip to deliver to her!) I am not happy with Dell at all right now. Their Customer Service stinks! Buyer beware!</p>
<p>Here's some links to some very angry Dell Customers:</p>
<p>Don't buy a Dell. We bought a Dell laptop for my D and we've had problems with it. We also bought a desktop that has also had problems. The quality of Dell products has gotten worse recently. Go with Sony or anything else.</p>
<p>Dell has hit-or-miss quality with the inspiron, and it's one of the worst at customer service. i think it's still more rugged than the vaio though, just be careful when you carry the vaio around in a backpack. dunno about it's customer service.</p>
<p>
[quote]
If you need your laptop right away, don't order from Dell. They are taking over a month or more to deliver some machines, depending on what you order. They are really disorganized and apparently do not have many of the required parts in stock. My D has been waiting over a month for her new Inspiron 1520, and the estimated shipping date is AFTER she leaves for school. She is lucky she can borrow a notebook and printer temporarily until her new one arrives (which we will have to make a special trip to deliver to her!) I am not happy with Dell at all right now.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>And when do we stop and think about why you shouldn't buy something custom-made just days or weeks before you need it??????? School starts here soon, how many other people do you think are ordering computers right now? Don't forget the schools and universities themselves ordering computers!!</p>
<p>That's why I ordered my computer at the end of May rather than waiting until the first of August when I leave in the middle of August. Sure, in May/June my computer arrived in 5 days custom-made. That's over a weekend! My parents just ordered one last week and it will probably be close to September comes since this is a busy time for Dell.</p>
<p>Ordered June 26th, the first day the computer she wanted became available. It was part of their "Back to School" promotion. Was promised "3 to 5 day turnaround." It was the whole reason for waiting in the first place! Give ME a break!</p>
<p>I got an absolutely killer deal on an inspiron a few weeks back</p>
<p>1420 w/t7100, 2 gigs ram, 160 gig 7200 HD, 128 mb graphics card, intel abg wireless, office home and student 2k7, etc. for 1010 dollars shipped including taxes. The same configuration now costs >500 dollars more. Unless you can get a killer deal on a dell, I'd advise you to look for a good deal on an HP or Toshiba. I don't consider Dells (unless there's a good deal) or Sonys to be very good buys for the money they cost.</p>
<p>I have a VAIO that my work bought for me to use. It has proven to be quite a workhorse; I've even dropped it a couple of times, and it keeps on running. I do a tremendous amount of work on the computer and have had no problems.</p>
<p>I recently bought an HP for D2 when she heads off to college later this month. When Dell has a deal they are very attractively priced. But is it really worth the attractive initial price when it breaks down and is not reliable?</p>