Apple Macbook vs. Dell Inspiron 1520?

Question

I'm trying to decide which kind of laptop to get. I've used apple macbooks before and really like them, but I've also heard good things about the Dell Inspiron 1520. Which one is better for use for school as well as for email, internet, and instant messaging?

Answer 1

Go with the Dell.

Answer 2

A macbook is much better than a dell. Especially for everything you listed, all built in already. You just type in your password and you can use ichat, mail, and internet. Dell has a bunch of crap already installed, none of which is useful. Personal preference after an Inspiron and now a Macbook, is definitely the macbook.

P.S.
Anything you need for school is available for macs. Microsoft word, powerpoint, photoshop, whatever. You may need to buy it, but it's all available.

Answer 3

Both will easily do what you wrote here. If it is matter of which one would do these tasks better, there isn't any real difference.

However, there ARE differences. First off is the security. This is especially important as it is a laptop, which means you will be using it at Hotspots. While Windows has developed an improved interface for configuring different connections, based on the location you are at, work, school, public, etc, Mac still is a more secure system.

Also take into account the inner security of the platforms. Windows has a much greater instance of security breeches via holes in Windows. Even the programs manufacturered by Microsoft have what are referred to as "Vulnerabilities". These can come from a variety of areas within the browser, media player, instant messengers, ports, etc. Then there are these little pesky things called "buffer over-runs", which means code can be injected into a stream and infect your system or cause your system great harm, such as instability and crashes. These come from within the OS inself, and within programs. In fact, this is so prevelent, that Windows has developed a little technology called, Data Execution Prevention or DEP. DEP is needed at the core of the hardware, software DEP is simply not very strong. DEP creates a situation where buffer over-runs are not taken advantage of, and code can't read or write to areas of memory. A Mac does not need such protection. Currently, only x64 Windows OSs have the capability to fully impliment DEP, and only on motherboards which supports it.

Next, you have to take into consideration that the most current OS Microsoft has released, in fact, has stolen many features from Mac. While these features are reconfigured a bit so as not to appear exactly like the Mac, they still are very much the same. For example, the 3-D Flip is directly from Mac, as is the thumbnail views, the taskbar mini-windows, and much more. The reason I think this needs to be considered is that any time somebody copies anothers work, the copy is usually never as good as the original work. While it can be true that a copy and improve upon an original, this is not the case with Windows.

Now, you do not really need to consider what type of programs are used most often at your school. These days it is very simple to make a format usable on either platform. With so many Windows PCs and Mac PCs on the market, it behooves manufacturers to ensure Office applications are viewable and editable in either OS. Open Office.org has free Office programs which also can be opened, read, and edited in Microsoft Word. This being the case, you only need to consider the Office programs format if you are short on experiance in making compatible. If that is the case, then yes, you should consider the programs used at school. However, it is increasingly common for students to choose the Mac.

My sister is a teacher and she uses a Mac, both a PC and a notebook. She uses Windows Office applications on her Mac because many of her students use Microsoft Office and so does her school's administrative office. She finds it easy to use a Microsoft program suite on her Mac computer. Microsoft has went out of the way to make its Office programs usable on a Mac.

Another issue you need to consider is stability. It is true that Mac is more stable than Windows. Mac seldom crashes or causes issues. Windows on the other hand can cause unlimited issues. Just update a driver file and you could crash your system. Software can crash a Windows system. It is reccomended that a Restore Point, an internal Windows program which allows for going back in time to when the OS was last working well, whenever you make any changes to the OS, including adding hardware, software programs and upgrading your system.

Another issue to consider is how Microsoft has gone overboard with the issue of piracy. You are constantly having to reasure Microsoft you do not have a pirated copy of Windows in order to get any but the most critical updates and choice free software options. If you accidently trigger this mechinism you will have to go through a huge phone system to revalidate your copy of Windows. While it is invalidated your screen goes black, and you have only the most minimal resources to utilize and only one hour a day allowed Online, regardless of how much you pay for your Internet service.

Now, with all that said, I confess to using Windows exclusively. However, if I had it to do all over again, I would never purchase a Windows system. This is MY personal preference, and you have to make up your own mind.

Good luck and have a nice day.

Answer 4

The Dell Inspiron 1520 is a really good notebook. This is the one I use for school. Have not had any problems.

Answer 5

The MacBook is best. Its better made, more reliable, more stable and wont get 99% of the viruses and ad/spyware a Windows computer will. Since you can also install Windows on it, that makes the MacBook the most compatible laptop on the market. Also, the tech support people are wonderful and they SPEAK ENGLISH. Ever hear the expression "you get what you pay for"? It's true.

Answer 6

apple macbook easy to use and does not crash like a dell u can email use the internet an IM on both.

Answer 7

Check 1st what programs are being used in your school. PC or MAC based.
Otherwise stick to Mac since your familiar with it already.

If money aint an issue go for Mac, otherwise go to the Dell.

Answer 8

Since you had experience with a Macbook, you should get it. It should be good for school work, email, IM, Internet, etc.

Answer 9

Macs are great, but Dell sucks!!!!! Get the Mac, if you still have doubts about it, look into HPs

Answer 10

well, more programs are meant to run on windows computers, but windows does have many flaws in security. Apple computers are a bit more stable.