In a nutshell here is the way I see it:

Dimension = forget it as these are desktops :smileyhappy:

Lattitude = corporate notebook, industry standard components with an emphasis on managablity.

Inspiron = depending on the model you can find anything from a low-end budget notebook to a high end notbook.  They even have a high-end gaming specific notebook.  The Inspiron line typically has access to the most cutting edge notebook components that DELL has to offer.

In some cases you can find an very similar laptop in both the Inspiron and Lattitude lineup.  I have always gone with the Inspiron line when buying a DELL notebook.

It has a couple changes, such as the fact that all Latitudes support an APR, and have Gigabit Ethernet. But mostly the price increase is due to the "corporate" image (think about the image that the Thinkpad has)- internally most of the them are equivalent.

Hi,

Part of the price difference is the warranty. Most Latitudes have 3 year on site, international warranty. Many Inspirons are 1 year return to depot service.

                                                                   Regards Chris

Well, if cost is no object, I'd go for the Latitude to get the Gigabit Ethernet and international warrenty.

I would go with a loaded Inspiron 9200 with a XGA+ screen.