Experience with Dell Inspiron or Macbook Air

[dwtt]

Hi everyone,
My wife wants to get a small compact laptop computer to do work on, so she's looking at buying a Macbook Air with the 11.6" screen. The computer will be used primarily for writing papers, reading pdfs, and maybe looking at pictures. She already has a Macbook Pro which cost us a lot of money but she says it's too heavy to lug around so she wants a Macbook Air. Well, for $900, it's a lot to pay just to save a few pounds.

Costco has the Dell Inspiron 11 3000 computer that can be used as a laptop and as a tablet for $500 and I think this would work better for what my wife wants a small compact computer for, but it doesn't have that fashionable apple logo on it. Also, I've had good experience with Dells in previous jobs and they are reliable computers, but I've never used one with a hinge like this one. Does anyone have experience with the Dell 2-in-1 computers that can be used as a laptop and as a tablet? How reliable are the hinge and the connection between the screen and the computer base?

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-11-3148-laptop/pd?oc=dncwr5501s&model_id=inspiron-11-3148-laptop

My wife is willing to give the Dell a try, but I don't want to buy something that's not reliable or a piece of junk, only having to buy a Macbook Air later after the Dell farts out on me. Thanks to anyone who has used one before.

[frozenturkeys]

I've had the macbook air and depending on what type of work she does really depends on the configuration.
aside from what you've posted; pdf's, papers and photos. is she a heavy youtube user, or opens large hd photos for editing? I bought my air from Best buy for 300 and change if can recall correctly. I'll find a photo of the receipt and post it for you. Best buy has a policy of price matching and depending on who you talk to your results will vary but they've price matched me 3 times now on non approved sites.

I personally have only had negative experiences with windows based computers. Operating system wise NOT hinge or durability related issues. And I'm not exactly the nicest computer user. I've dropped both macs numerous times and they always seem to keep on going. I'm not saying that they are horrible computers just that I personally have had bad luck with their OS'. I also know many others who have had great success on their systems. For me I prefer apple only due to it's simplicity. I currently have a 2014 late model mac pro retina as well. I can only help on the mac side unfortunately. Hopefully someone more windows oriented can chime in.

[frozenturkeys]

Any member here may feel free to use these receipts as proof of price at any best buy. I had a few friends from lancaster bring copies of my receipt in and was able to get the same deal and I've had others in laguna beach not be able to do so. Here are my receipts, hope it works for you! and if you have any other mac questions feel free to pm me.

[dwtt]

Thanks for the info, but I didn't know Best Buy did price matching. Also, doesn't the 11" Macbook Air cost around $900? How did you get yours for so cheap?

[guns4life]

I'm typing from a 2005 Inspiron(my "garage computer") and have a 2010 Inspiron in the office if that gives you any clue as to how durable the they are...

[frozenturkeys]

Thanks for the info, but I didn't know Best Buy did price matching. Also, doesn't the 11" Macbook Air cost around $900? How did you get yours for so cheap?

price matched mine online in the store.

[Rivers]

While you say she's "willing to give Dell a try", I'd be VERY cautious about pushing her to a Windows platform if she's comfortable with her Mac. She may be saying she's willing to appease you over budget concerns. To many Mac users who have to use Windows, there's a distinct feeling of "slumming". You may end up a target of her resentment.

You can offset the cost of the newer Air by selling the current Mac. Considering the superior quality of construction, longevity and lower cost of ownership than a Windows-based laptop (Apple = $0 for major OS upgrades, #1 rated customer support, etc), the actual cost difference is less than the initial price tag. You should keep that in mind when you're pushing her to move out of her comfort zone.

Btw, did you consider: The Air comes with a solid-state drive, not a 5,400 rpm drive. 802.11ac wireless. Two USB3 ports. Backlit keyboard. The Air also weighs almost 3/4-lb less than the Dell. Yes, you really do get what you pay for.

[SMR510]

The Asus Transformerbooks seem to be the most popular/highest rated "convertable" laptop/tablets at the moment. That would be another option. I would say you should get her to test them out at a store if you can (BestBuy should have both the Dell and Asus) before you drop your cash on one.

[Futurecollector]

Any member here may feel free to use these receipts as proof of price at any best buy. I had a few friends from lancaster bring copies of my receipt in and was able to get the same deal and I've had others in laguna beach not be able to do so. Here are my receipts, hope it works for you! and if you have any other mac questions feel free to pm me.

WTFFFFF,

I need more info

what do you say/ask to find out if they will?

[LittleOldLady]

As a former Windows Admin and now converted to a Mac, I would not go with a Windows. She would not be happy with it.