Authored by Dave Mallisk in Computer Hardware 
Published on 12-06-2009

This article compares Dell and HP laptop computers in three price ranges, basic, mid-range, and luxury. This article also explains how to design (customize) a laptop through its manufacturer’s website to create and print a list of features for your laptop of interest. For example, if you are considering similar Dell and HP laptops, you can create and print a list of features for each. You can use your Dell features list to shop for a Dell laptop that closely matches its list. Likewise, you can use your HP features list to shop for an HP laptop that closely matches its list.

Note: As explained in the Laptop Computer Buyers’ Guide, you should also study independent reviews of your Dell or HP laptop of interest.

Basic Dell and HP Laptops

The Dell Inspiron 15 and HP G60t series are similar basic laptops.

Dell Inspiron 15 – At $399.00, the Inspiron 15 has the following standard features:

• Weight = 5.8 pounds
• Display = 15.6″ widescreen
• Processor = 2.2 GHz Intel Celeron 900
• Memory = 2 GB shared dual-channel DDR2 at 800 MHz
• Storage = 160 GB SATA 5400 RPM hard drive
• Operating System = Vista Home Basic (32 bit)

HP G60t series – At $369.99, the G60t series has the following standard features:

• Weight = 6.57 pounds
• Display = 15.6″ widescreen
• Processor = 1.8 GHz Intel Pentium dual-core T3000
• Memory = 2 GB system memory DDR2 (2 Dimm)
• Storage = 250 GB SATA 5400 RPM hard drive
• Operating System = Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Mid-Range Dell and HP Laptops

The Dell Studio 15 and HP Pavilion dv6t series are similar mid-range laptops.

Dell Studio 15 – At $599.00, the Studio 15 has the following standard features:

• Weight = 5.54 pounds
• Display = 15.6″ widescreen
• Processor = 2.1 GHz Intel Pentium dual-core T4300
• Memory = 3 GB shared dual-channel DDR2 at 800 MHz
• Storage = 250 GB SATA 5400 RPM hard drive
• Operating System = Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

HP Pavilion dv6t series – At $599.99, the Pavilion dv6t series has the following standard features:

• Weight = 6.34 pounds
• Display = 15.6″ widescreen
• Processor = 2.2 GHz Intel Pentium dual-core T6600
• Memory = 4 GB system memory DDR3 (2 Dimm)
• Storage = 320 GB SATA 7200 RPM hard drive
• Operating System = Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Luxury Dell and HP Laptops

The Dell Adamo and HP ENVY 15 series are similar luxury laptops.

Dell Adamo – At $1499.00, the Adamo has the following standard features:

• Weight = 4.0 pounds
• Display = 13.4″ widescreen
• Processor = 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with Centrino technology
• Memory = 2 GB dual-channel DDR3 at 800 MHz
• Storage = 128 GB solid-state drive
• Operating System = Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

HP ENVY 15 series – At $1799.99, the ENVY 15 series has the following standard features:

• Weight = 5.19 pounds
• Display = 15.6″ widescreen
• Processor = 1.6 GHz Intel Core quad-core i7-720QM
• Memory = 6 GB system memory DDR3 (3 Dimm)
• Storage = 500 GB SATA 7200 RPM hard drive
• Operating System = Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Designing Your Laptop

Before you purchase a laptop computer, you should do research to determine the features you want in it according to your needs and budget. To design, and then shop for, your laptop, do the following:

1. Choose a manufacturer, such as Dell or HP, and then go to its website.
2. Find a laptop with a base price that is approximately $200.00 less than what you hope to pay. The sections above describe sample Dell and HP laptops with standard features at base prices.
3. Use customization tools to add features and capabilities according to your needs. For example, you might want to upgrade the operating system, memory, and hard drive.
4. Without actually purchasing your customized laptop, print its summary (or review) web page that lists all your selected features. This printed list is your laptop design.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for one or more other manufacturers. For each, choose a laptop that has similar prices and features.

Shopping for Your Laptop

After designing your laptop according to the procedure above, you can start shopping for it. For each manufacturer, use the features list that you have printed. Look for the lowest-priced laptop that most closely matches one your printed features lists.