im looking at dell laptops right now, and i have decided what i want, but im confused. if you go here (http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/cto_inspn600m?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs) you get to choose from different "levels" of teh 600M laptop. i first chose the mid level one, and changed some stuff and got a final prive of like $1037. i then went to the entry level, added the same options as before, and got $985. Should there really be any difference between these laptops? Or would the entry level one have something cheap about it that the other wouldnt? I woudl assume they are they same... am i correct?

Sometimes the changes are miniscule or you won't see them.

Example #1: You won't see the differences :: One will use a different motherboard, which accounts for the difference.

Example #2: The parts will look the same, but are actually different :: One might use a Pentium Mobile 745 with XGA video, the other a Pentium Mobile 745 with SXGA+ video. While it's the only difference you might see between the two is the letter 'S', a '+' symbol and $50, they're actually two drastically different displays. The SXGA might not even be available on lesser features models.


Tip: When you add a laptop to your shopping cart, you are sent to a webpage called "My Cart". There are two tabs on this page in the main area: "Cart" and "Detailed view". If you want to get a list of components that are on it, click "Detailed View" to see an exact list of components that you can compare. There is some way to get a total breakdown of all items using the Dell part numbers, but .... I forget :(

You can also add both laptops to your Wish List and compare them using the wishlist to see differences, but I've never done it before so can't advise you on what might happen.

i compared thems ide by side and found the ONLY difference was the entry level didnt come with any mcafee or norton stuff. the "mid range" model FORCED you to buy atleast a 15 month suscription. i found out that i will get mcafee for free from school so i dont need it from dell. thanks for the help

That's why I like buying the refurbs ( http://outlet.dell.com ) not only are they cheaper in price, most come barebones with no software on them, so I don't get all the excess BS that Dell tosses on everything.

You can call them up and have them edit your cart manually to remove that stuff; helps knock the price down some.