Acer Aspire vs Dell Inspiron: Two Giants Compete to Make the Sale

Acer Aspire vs Dell Inspiron: Two Giants Compete to Make the Sale
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Acer Aspire

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Acer is one of the most well known computer brands on the retail market. Aspire boasts 36 laptop models and 5 desktop models, giving users a lot to choose from. As far as desktop aspire computers go, The AMD-2 powered X1301 is a value oriented model, starting at $400. An Aspire product line called “Lifestyle” features space saving models for home and small offices. Computers such as the space-saving AspireRevo 1600 start that lineup below $200, while ending up with the more expensive M3300 (starting around $600). An entertainment PC, the Aspire Z5600 features a touchscreen display and an all-in-one format priced around the $1,000 level.

Aspire laptops start with the 1410 model netbook at the low end ($400) and go through the $1,300 Intel i7 powered, 18" Aspire 8940. Typically Aspire notebooks range from $500 for the 15.6" Aspire 5732 to $800 for the 15.6" Aspire 5740.

Dell Inspiron

dellLogo

Dell Inspiron desktops come in four product lines. The Zino HD starts at under $250 for the mini PC. The Inspiron 560 comes in a full size and slim desktop starting at $270. Similarly, Inspiron 580 comes in a full size and slim model, starting at $450.

Inspiron laptops come in six versions, starting with the Mini 10 netbook, starting at prices starting below $280. The Inspiron 11z features a HD display and low voltage CPUs and starts at less than $350. The Inspiron 14 and the HD equipped 14z start at below $450 and $600 respectively. The Inspiron 15 and its HD equivalent, the 15z, are priced starting below $379 and $549.

Acer Aspire vs Dell Inspiron

To compare Acer Aspire vs Dell Inspiron, we will compare two notebook computers of similar specifications and price: the Acer Aspire 5732 and the Dell Inspiron 15. The links to the products are current as of May 19,2010.

Acer Aspire 5732

CPU: Intel Pentium T4400 (2.2GHz)

Acer Aspire 5534

Memory: 4 GB

Hard Drive: 250 GB

Display: 15.6"

Optical Drive: DVD Super Multi Read/Write

Graphics: Intel GMA 4500M

Wireless Networking: 802.11b/g/Draft-N WLAN

Operating System: Windows 7 home Premium 64-bit

Webcam: Yes

Battery: 6-Cell Lithium-Ion (4400 mAh)

Price: $549 List, $499.99 NewEgg

Dell Inspiron 15

CPU: Intel Pentium T4300 (2.1GHz)

dellInspiron15

Memory: 3 GB

Hard Drive: 250 GB

Display: 15.6"

Optical Drive: DVD ±R/RW

Graphics: Intel GMA 4500M

Wireless Networking: 802.11b/g Wireless LAN

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium

Webcam: Yes

Battery: 6-Cell Lithium-Ion (4400 mAh)

Price: $599.99 List, $579.99 New Egg

The Acer Aspire has a slightly faster processor than the Dell Inspiron, an extra gigabyte of memory, faster wireless, and 64-bit Windows, all options that seem to make it a better buy. In this Acer Aspire vs Dell Inspiron comparison, Acer appears to have won based on features and price.

Summary

Although Dell sales have increased, it continues to experience erosion in market share. Acer, on the other hand, is very aggressively priced and has made no secret of its goal of becoming the world’s number one computer maker. Both manufacturers are known for quality products and good service. Before you make the Acer Aspire vs Dell Inspiron decision for yourself, be sure to shop around first. Prices and specifications are always changing, so you just might find a Dell Inspiron that is a better value than a similar Acer Aspire.