Help me decide between two laptops

My Dell laptop just crashed because I dropped it,( no problems before that) and I have to buy a new laptop. So these are the two choices

Toshiba Satellite® P755-S5184 http://www.officedepot.com/a/prod...-Computer/
* High-performance Intel Core i5 processor. Handles the demands of today's complex software.
* Large 4GB memory lets you run your most demanding programs.
* 640GB hard drive holds thousands of songs, photos and documents.
* Wireless-N (802.11n) for high-performance, cable-free networking. Lets you access wireless networks to share files, surf the Web and exchange email. Fully compatible with 802.11b/g as well. Wired networking is supported, too.
* 15.6" diagonal LED-backlit TruBrite® display. LED backlighting permits a thinner and more energy-efficient screen.
* Plays and burns CDs and DVDs.
* Memory card reader for fast, easy photo transfers. Transfer your digital photos, music and other files from 7 types of memory cards.
* HDMI port lets you view videos and photos on your HDTV. (HDMI cable sold separately.)
* USB 3.0 port for ultra-fast data transfers. Up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. Fully compatible with USB 2.0 devices. Also lets you charge devices plugged in when the laptop is in sleep mode — or even turned off.
* Built-in webcam and microphone let you keep in touch with others via video and voice messaging. Face recognition software provides hassle-free logins, without typing passwords.
* LED-backlit keyboard lets you type in low light. Integrated numeric keypad speeds data entry and calculations.
* Intel Wireless Display technology provides a convenient link to your TV. Lets you wirelessly stream video and photos for viewing on your HDTV. (Requires TV adapter, SKU 321-297, sold separately.)
* Toshiba Sleep & Music features lets you listen to your music any time. Lets you play music from your MP3 player through your laptop speakers even when the laptop is powered down.
* Provides up to 5.7 hours of battery life on a single charge.
* Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit. The newest version of Windows makes everyday tasks simple.
* Supports Energy Star® and EPEAT® Gold standards.


Dell Inspiron 15RN-3647 15.6" Laptop http://www.staples.com/Dell-Inspi...uct_423373

* Intel® Core™ i5-2450M Processor (Dual-Core, 2.5GHz, 3MB Cache)
* 6GB installed memory
* 500GB hard drive
* 8X DVD+/-RW Drive, DL
* 15.6" High Definition (720p) LED Display
* Bluetooth® 3.0
* Integrated Intel® HD Graphics*
* 8-in-1 Media Card Reader
* 6-Cell, LION, Primary Battery
* Dimensions 19.92" (L) x 4.17" (W) x 13.9 (H), 6.97 lbs.
* Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64-Bit
* 1 year Mail-In Warranty


Help me decide, I am leaning toward the Dell, because that is what I am familiar with, and never had a Toshiba. There are no reviews on either of these laptops.

When I worked in electronics (in sales), one of the things I learned is what is referred to as "Customer Confidence".
It goes like this.
If someone came in to buy a Zenith TV and I tried to steer him to a Sony, as it was a better TV, the caveat was that if something went wrong with the Sony, the client would think to himself, "Damn, I should have bought the Zenith" but on the other hand, if he DID buy the Zenith and something went wrong, he would just say, "Oh well, bad luck".
Moral of the story for me was to not try so hard to switch customers to another brand, even if it was better.
Moral of the story for you, is that if you feel both units are fairly equal, I respectfully suggest that you will be happier with the Dell, for the above mentioned reasons.
Hope that makes good sense to you and that it steers you to the Dell, which, after all, is a darn decent product.

The Toshiba is a little overpriced for the specs your are receiving, despite the nice stylish finish, and possibly good design. The Dell is priced better closer to $500 , about what most people would pay for a PC with integrated graphics. The specs on both laptops look identical except the Toshiba is $650 while the Dell is $550....go for the lower priced laptop. Sometimes you can also find laptops with same specs by Asus or Acer for $550 or less.
UPDATE: I didn't realize both are priced the same with discounts at $550
http://slickdeals.net/f/3997844-1...fice-Depot <<--- Actually there are lot of good alternative deals listed by people in the Toshiba posted deal. (eg. Asus i5 320gb hd $480, Lenovo refurb with very good gt 555 gpu for $597, and Toshiba i7 with coupon matched at OfficeMax for $550
).

Since I've owned a Toshiba satellite recently 4 years ago, I'd probably go for the Toshiba since it has some nice features like backlit keyboard...but others have stated that it has very basic features as far as slow 5400rpm hd and slower gpu which other $400 laptops have--so if you can wait then better laptops with those benefits may come around.

Only if the laptop comes with an extra graphic card (dedicated Nvidia or Radeon), or if the laptop is smaller at 14" is it worth going past $600 or more. Maybe graphics is unnecessary for your needs, if games are not played. So both laptops seem ok. As far as brand, Toshiba used to be known to being a top 3 company for reliability in the last 3 years, but some people have mentioned recently that is no longer the case.
My favorite brands are Dell, Toshiba, and Asus, since I & people I've known have owned them all and never had serious problems with them.