This paper compares three laptop computers — the Apple iMac, the Dell Inspiron 15R, and the refurbished Samsung RV520-W01US — to determine the best purchase option for a company equipping its employees. Drawing on specifications, pricing, and professional reviews from PC Magazine, Consumer Reports, CNET, and TopTenReviews, the paper evaluates each machine on performance, battery life, display quality, and cost. While the iMac is identified as the superior machine overall, the Dell Inspiron emerges as the recommended choice based on its balance of price and capability, with the Samsung refurbished notebook ranking last due to limited processing power and lower resolution.
A company wishes to purchase laptops for its employees, and research is needed to locate a reliable laptop that can perform all the functions users need. When surveying the available options, a researcher can easily become overwhelmed by the variety of applications, software, styles, memory capacities, and other features on the market. If budget is no concern, the Apple iMac might well be the most appropriate choice — but for a cost-conscious company, the iMac is not the right fit.
The market for laptop computers is exploding with choices and price points. There are more styles and models available than ever before. This paper examines three specific machines — an Apple iMac, a Dell Inspiron, and a Samsung refurbished Notebook — presenting the details for each and using a compare-and-contrast strategy to determine the best technology investment for the company's employees.
Thesis: If it is true that you get what you pay for, and the company is operating on a tight budget, the Dell Inspiron reviewed here would be the best investment. The Samsung is too cheaply equipped, and the iMac — although it is an extraordinarily advanced machine worth every dollar — costs nearly twice what the Dell costs.
Before examining the three models under review, it is useful to consult ratings from respected technology publications such as Consumer Reports and PC Magazine. PC Magazine presents its top ten laptops; the top three are: (a) Dell XPS 13; (b) Sony VAIO VPC-SE23FX/S; (c) Acer Aspire 5349-2635. PC Magazine bases its ratings on performance including gaming, video playback and production, and other entertainment-related functions.
Consumer Reports rates the Apple iMac (MC813LL/A) first for "all-in-one" abilities; the MSI AE2420 ranked second in that category; and the Apple iMac (MC510LL/A) ranked third. The next three spots in the all-in-one category also went to iMac models. In the compact desktop category, Gateway ranked first, the HP Pavilion Slimline second, and the HP Pavilion third. In the laptop and netbook category, Consumer Reports ranked the Asus Eee PC first, the Acer Aspire second, and the Toshiba Mini third — all small, portable machines intended for video playback and speed.
The technology publication CNET ranked the Apple MacBook Pro as the top laptop for all-around performance, with the MacBook Air second and the HP Folio 13 third. TopTenReviews listed the HP Pavilion dm4x as number one, the Dell XPS 15z as number two, and the Apple MacBook Air as third best for all-around multiple usage.
The Samsung RV520-W01US is the lowest-priced of the three computers reviewed here. At $399.99, it is a bargain — though it is a refurbished product. Tiger Direct sells many refurbished products and backs them with a three-month parts-and-labor warranty. The Samsung features an Intel Core i3 processor at 2.1 GHz, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 320 GB hard drive. It has a 15.6-inch display and runs Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. Connectivity includes three USB ports, one LAN port, a headphone output jack, and a microphone jack. The machine weighs 5.29 pounds, and its battery provides an estimated one to three hours of use on a single charge (Tiger Direct). It is a workable, adequate machine for basic computing tasks such as research, email, and video viewing.
Compared with the Apple iMac, the Samsung falls noticeably short. The iMac is considerably more expensive at $1,199, but it offers clear advantages for users who want to avoid the virus vulnerabilities that affect Windows-based PCs. Mac computers are not susceptible to the viruses that routinely threaten Windows machines. The iMac features four USB ports, integration with iCloud for file storage, and an Intel Core i5 processor — a step above the Samsung's i3. Turbo Boost technology automatically increases processing speed when applications demand it. The iMac's display measures 21.5 inches, it includes 4 GB of standard memory and a 500 GB hard drive, built-in stereo speakers, and a graphics processor with 512 MB of dedicated memory. Battery life is estimated at seven hours — substantially better than the Samsung's one to three hours.
The Dell Inspiron 15R was priced at $549 at the time of writing, making it a capable mid-range option. It is not as richly equipped with creative and design tools as the iMac, but it runs Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and offers a 15.6-inch screen, 18 GB of shared memory, four USB ports, and an Intel Core i3 processor (with upgrade options up to i7). Like the Samsung, the Dell's Windows operating system leaves it open to potential virus attacks.
A brand-new Samsung RV520-W01 retails for $649.99, so the refurbished version at $399.99 is a genuine bargain — provided it remains reliable. This paper recommends adding a two-year warranty at a cost of $104.98, which would bring the total refurbished price to just over $500. PC Magazine reviewer Cisco Cheng describes the Samsung as lacking "processing prowess" and notes that its design does not measure up to competing machines (Cheng, 2011). He also found the mouse clicks noticeably noisy. Nevertheless, he praised the Samsung for delivering excellent battery life and for incorporating the latest wireless technology.
"Reviewer assessments of performance and battery life"
The Samsung refurbished notebook, while the least expensive of the three, is limited by weaker processing power, lower screen resolution, and a short battery life that make it a poor long-term investment for professional use. The iMac, despite being the most capable machine, carries a price tag nearly double that of the Dell, making it impractical for a company outfitting multiple employees on a budget. For these reasons, the Dell Inspiron 15R represents the best overall value among the three computers reviewed in this paper.
You’re 75% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 1 section.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.