Asus G51JX-QB1 vs. Dell Studio XPS 16

Hi all,

I was about to pull the trigger on a laptop (for personal and work) and need some advice/opinions. Yes, tthis is yet another "what should i get?" thread, but I appreciate any opinions you can provide. I am torn between the Dell Studio XPS 16 (my initial choice) and the Asus G51JX-QB1 (the new comer). Let me first state that I have copies of Windows 7 Pro (work) and Ultimate (peronsla/play) and I'll do fresh installs of Windows on this notebook soon as I get it (so bloat/crapware issues can be ignored). As well, I am not a hardcore gamer. I only really play games to kill time more than anything else - I don't need the highest graphic settings etc. while playing a game.

For me, the notebook is primarily for work - software development with frequent graphics work in photoshop - but i'll also use it for leisure stuff at home or during travels, such as movies and the occasional games. My primary "requirements" in a laptop are longevity (more on this later), memory, and a decent graphics card - in that order. I only use my notebook on an external LCD monitor (2 at one, most of the time). Aesthetics mean f-all to me, so I'd be sure to disable/cover up the ugly LED backlighting on the Asus screen lid.

Here are the general specs for the Asus G51JX-QB1:
Intel i7-720qm
8GB DDR3-1333MHz
nVidia Geforce GTS360M
500GB 7200RPM
15.6" 1920*1080 LCD
BD-ROM/DVD-RW
~$1700

versus the specs for the Dell Studio XPS 16:
Intel i7-720qm
8GB DDR3-1333MHz
ATi Mobility Radeon 5730
500GB 7200RPM
15.6" 1920*1080 LCD
BD-ROM/DVD-RW
$1684 - 7% discount = $1573 (updated)

As you can see, these notebooks are practically identical spec-wise as only the graphics cards differ, and they both fulfill my notebook "requirements". Both are around my budget ($1500), only that the Asus is slightly higher than what I would like to pay for, but I'm of course willing to pay a bit more if it means a great product. I do not want a larger screen, as I transit to work and walk a fair ways to the office. ~6.5lbs + AC adapter is around the max weight I would like, and I think that 15.6" panel is more than large enough.

I am looking for something that will last me at least 3 years, build-wise, with specs that can handle processing and memory requirements without problems - I believe the specs on both notebooks would suffice. But the ultimate question for me is PROBLEMS with this notebook. Does it suffer from throttling issues? If so, is it due to heat or due to power draw? I've read lots of problems with nVidia mobile graphics cards crashing a lot (though mostly due to driver problems), has this crashing-issue been resolved by proper drivers? What problems have initial adopters of this notebook suffered from, and which of these problems were fixed and which haven't been fixed?

In regards to the Dell, let's please for a second assume that both Dell and Asus have equal love/hate from their customers. I know that Dell has had its fair share of problems, but I also know that Asus has had problems in the past too. That certainly doesn't mean one company is better than the other, so please no trash talk.

I am very competent when it comes to computers, hardware/software, and the like so please don't worry about terminology or such. I've just never had the chance to expand beyond the company-provided notebooks (always Dell and HP) and this Asus has sure caught my attention.

Please let me know your experiences and opinions on the G51, and if you have any words, why I should get it over the Dell SXPS 1645!

Thank you!

daver

UPDATE: I was grossly mis-informed regarding the price of the SXPS16. I've updated the prices accordingly.

 

Im not an expert so probably my opinion won't be as important as the rest of the members.. but from wut i c and comparing the prices, u should go with dell..

 

I own a G51J, which is just a powerful at a JX, but runs hotter.

I don't think you would notice any throttling with the JX, as they have only really been hypothesized to occur when GPU + CPU run at near 100%.

I have heard that the blu ray support on the JX is pretty bad (I have only DVD so no further comments).

My friend's Studio XPS is a much more beautiful machine, nicer to use, runs cooler, and when you need photoshop on the go, I think that the screen will treat you nicely. At least you have the option - the Asus screen is pretty bad if you need colour-correctness.

The Studio's GPU will easily be able to play any modern game, just likely at a lower resolution with some graphics options turned off.

In summary, if they were the same price, since gaming is secondary, I would go with the Studio XPS. Since the Studio is quite a bit less expensive, I would ABSOLUTELY go with the Studio XPS.

 

thanks for the advice! heat issues aside, how do you like your G51J so far?

thank you, this is good to know. honestly, i wasn't really considering BD-ROM as a major option, but i thought "just in case i rent a BD movie one day" it wouldn't hurt to have the drive available.

resolution means more to me than colour. while i won't be the one who is creating all the graphic art in photoshop, i am part of the "devil's advocate" group that nit-picks the designs/graphics. as such, colours can be washed and it would not matter too much. any LCD would suffice, but i have certainly read great things about the WLED on the SXPS 16 notebooks.

i considered this, as the ATi 5730 is DX11 ready, whereas the GTS360M is only DX10 ready. in both cases, games should run reasonably well on low-medium settings @ 1280x720 i believe. and i don't think mainstream games will be DX11-only for at least another 5 years. so to me the graphics card is not a huge deal. anything dedicated would probably be good enough for me (currently i make do with a Ati mobility radeon X1300!)

i am considering the Asus G51JX as a contender only recently, as it was recommended to me sort of as a passing suggestion. more than anything, i am looking for a great machine that will make me happy in the long run. but if that means paying more for it, then i could get behind that for the extra cost.

thanks again! anyone else out there?

 

Just to follow up: the GTS360M is more powerful than the ATI 5730 - when you would be able to pull of high / max settings at 1280 * 720 on the nvidia, you would likely need to settle for high to medium on the ATI.

Don't be confused by the DX10 / DX11 compatibility, the GTS 360 has more brute power available than the 5730. I also understand that DX11 effects are EXTREMELY stressful for the GPU, and neither card would likely be able to run a DX11 game on high.

The major trade I see you making is between a nicer screen or a nicer GPU. Considering you get by on a X1300 right now (up until Christmas I was on a X1600 so I know what you have been dealing with these past few years), and the nice screen will not be obsolete, while the GPU will, I would seriously consider the studio. Even just for things like watching DVDs, the Studio's screen is really a major step up.

Another thought - you might be able to find a G51J for less than the Studio, which would be very appealing (the GTX 260m is just as powerful as the GTS 360M). Just be forewarned that the G51J has terrible battery life and runs very hot.

Best of luck!

 

thanks paperbag!

i have an xbox 360, which is out on loan to a friend for a half year or so. but when i get my xbox back i probably won't be playing games on my notebook any longer. either way though, i thought it would be a good idea to get a good graphics card in the notebook rather than rely on integrated graphics - i never want to deal with Intel integrated graphics again if money has any say.

understandably the GTS 360M is more powerful given its GDDR3 VRAM. i clearly wasn't thinking when i was making that comparison between DX10/DX11, but to me it makes no difference really. if it can handle DX9, i'm a happy camper.

perhaps you are right about the LCD vs. GPU trade off: i travel every so often and for that i use my current HP NC6400 to watch DVDs on the plane. i guess a better battery (Dell avg 2-2.5hrs, while Asus avg 1-1.5hrs) plus better screen may be the pay off, though that really only is maybe 2-3 times a month max.

for what it's worth, i have updated the price of hte Dell. i was misinformed regarding the initial price as well as the discount i would receive, but regardless the Dell is still cheaper. in anticipation for a new laptop, i've finally bought a laptop cooler (CoolerMaster NotePal U2) which will definitely help with heat issues. it's working wonders for my NC6400 both in the office and at home (and it's great for travel too!)

i will see if any nearby retailers have a G5x that i can demo just to get a feel for what it's like. i've used a SXPS 16 recently and know what to expect should i purchase one.

thanks again paperbag, i really appreciate your feedback!

 

I have heard that the Dell XPS 16 has heat issues?

By looking at various reviews on Notebookcheck.net, I can see that it was quite obvious that Dell Studio laptops, and Dell Studio XPS laptops in particular, were more hot than average (for laptops of same GPU/CPU). But, this could be a poor observation of mine.

This makes me wonder, since other laptops (Acer, Asus, other Dells, etc) compared to the XPS 16 did not have such alarming temperatures.

Could this be because of what many XPS 16 users claim:
The screen blocks the air vent at the back?
(Other laptops have the vent at the left side).

 

have you got a G5x or G7x notebook? do you have any issues with your notebook? i'd like to know how your experience is!

yes the Dell Studio XPS certainly has heat issues, but this seems to be consistent with all sub-17 inch notebooks with the i7 quad core processor + GPU. this is especially because the Dell is considerably thinner than other i7 quad core notebooks, so the cooling system may be less efficient (on top of the heat vent being blocked). based on the dimensions, the Dell packs about 4x more hardware inside a chassis which is literally only 40mm wider and 5mm thinner than my current laptop.

i won't be using the notebook's LCD panel much anyways, as i do all my work on external monitors. from the reviews i saw, the G51JX gets about as much heat as the Dell Studio XPS 16 anyways, only that the heat is pushed out the side rather than at the back.

heat is certainly something i am worried about. but i am hoping that the cooling pad i have now will really help with this. it's already reduced the temperatures of my current notebook by 8-12C (8 at idle, 12 at full load!)

thanks a lot!

 

Exactly. I didn't even mention the heat because all of the laptops you mentioned get hot. Even my old Macbook Pro (supposedly the top of the line for user experience) got ultra hot.

Case in point - laptops with a CPU + GPU are hot. Laptops with a quad + GPU are even hotter.

Now for something completely different - have you considered a Sager?

If heat IS an issue, and you are willing to spend a little more, Sager's tend to have far superior cooling systems from Asus / Dell.

If you go for one with a modest GPU you could find one around 1600 ish. Nice screen, i7, good GPU, and two fans.

Alternatively, the G73 is much cooler than the G51 (also has two fans), but it is pretty large.

 

i thought this same thing, that with the same size chassis i have now but with much more hardware, heat is bound to be a factor in any notebook i purchase. i considered a 17" notebook for its better heat dissipation, but frankly it's not something i want to lug around public transit for 2-4 hours each work day + travel.

as well, heat is not really an issue for me. living in Vancouver, Canada, even our summers don't reach 28+C. not to mention that i only use my computer indoors, so office A/C or a desk fan at home will help keep the room temps below 20C. add to that a decent notebook cooling pad and i believe heat will not be a major concern for me. at least i hope!

i failed to mention previously that the prices for the Asus and Dell are in Canadian currency. those exact same configurations are probably $200-300 cheaper in the US (at least with the Dell, don't know about the Asus). I checked the price on the Sager NP2180 (configured with similar specs, again only major differerence is weaker GPU) and it came up to be about $1700. factor in shipping + currency conversion and I am looking at $1800+. it's too bad though, because I have only heard great things about Sager. unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for it.

yes, i considered the G73. my friend has one (i think the J?) and i borrowed it for a day. it's far too large for travel, at least in my opinion. i believe the 15.6/16" line of notebooks is barely "small" enough for travel. but thanks for the suggestions

 

Ok, ok. I think we all agree I've been blabbing enough. One more thing I'll mention before I leave you to think.

Throttling is not the issue it has been made out to be in theory, but it COULD be an issue in CPU hungry games down the line. It should not affect your productivity or work in any way as the GPU has to be running full blast.

As you know I have a G51J, not the JX. When I bought the computer, I had frequent BSOD's. They were fixed with a BIOS update.

The computer was released last fall, and the issue was not fixed until Christmas. I have not seen it myself, but there seems to be a similar problem with the G51JX:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/458464-g51jx-bsod.html

Now I love my G51J now that it works properly and I would certianly buy an Asus again, but if they did not release the BIOS update they did, then this computer would be near-useless for games.

Please ensure that the JX has it's BSOD issues resolved (not sure if it is a BIOS problem or something else with the JX, but please be sure).

Other than the heat, screen quality, and BSOD complaints, I would say my G51 has been a fantastic experience for photography (external screen has been necessary) and productivity... (it also sails with games). I bought this computer so I could work and play games like STALKER, and it does not disappoint.

 

Throttling is definitely an issue people from all manufacturing companies have when running intense games. But those aren't the "real life stress situations" these people claim them to be. Either way, it's likely a problem I probably won't face with whichever notebook I purchase (hopefully!)

So on the whole, would you recommend the G51JX over the Dell Studio XPS 16? Or vice versa?

My dilemma is that they are almost identical in terms of hardware. Games aside, for what I plan on doing they will both truck on through without any problems. However, I'm more concerned about long-term quality, such as chassis build and getting put/taken out of a backpack 5 days a week, plus travel.

My current notebook has sustained 4 years of abuse and yet is still in one perfectly (significantly unscratched) piece. There is only a small nick on the lid where my friend's dog tried to turn it into a chew toy, but even so it's unnoticeable unless you look at it at just the right angle. I've even dropped this thing down stairs and it's still running fine.

Am I asking for too much by wanting a very sturdy build at my price budget ~$1500-1700? My problem is that I know all about the desktop universe, but have been out of the notebook/laptop universe for the last 4-5 years. So effectively I know very little.

Thanks again!

 

I really think it will come up a wash. It really depends on whether you want a faster GPU or a nicer LCD.

I would pick the G51JX because I play FPS games like STALKER and Metro 2033, which are very demanding. However I can tell you that this screen is really pissing me off and I miss my macbook pro anytime I want to watch a movie.

If I was not so worried about the graphics in these games, I thnk the Studio XPS would serve me better.

I think the XPS has nicer build quality, but to be honest, I don't know by how much. Both use mostly plastic for the chassis, both are hefty and heavy. I would say the build quality of the G51J is good, but not excellent like a thinkpad, macbook pro, or hp probook. I feel the XPS is slightly nicer, but whether that is purely asthetics or actual robustness is not something I could comment on.

Someone JUST posted about how he hates his G60JX
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/497253-my-laptop-has-just-terrible-build-quality-g60jx.html

I personally have had none of his problems with my G51. (Note that the G60 is almost the same as the G51, and his model was from bestbuy).

Maybe something to lead you to the ASUS - a free 2 year warranty, which would cost a few hundred from Dell. Though Dell warranty service is generally better.

On the other hand, the dell has a slot loading CD drive (the Asus one pops out).

In general, I feel the differences between these laptops are minor. If you can, go to a store and have a look at each of them. Maybe the haptic qualities of one machine or the other will help you choose.

Sorry if this is not helpful, but you are completely right: the choice is hard because they are VERY similar machines.

 

The OP regarding the G60JX must have gotten a lemon. I don't know Asus at all, but I'm certain that their build quality cannot be that bad. They must have received a lemon (I hope!)

I am used to excellent build quality (except for the lemon of a T41 I had 2ish years ago, ended up returning it and not looking back). My work-issued notebook is a Dell Latitude D620, built to last but not configured with the right hardware. Likewise for my current personal notebook.

Considering that this notebook will eventually be my primary computer, at home and on the road, perhaps it might be a better idea to go with the better screen? I do not need games to run at "high" or "ultra high" graphics settings. Hell I'd even be happy to run my games at 1280x720 with Low settings if it means fps 25+. My "all-in-one desktop" (basically a cheap and shoddy HTPC) sports a GeForce 8400GS which still handles all the games I throw at it. So you see, I'm not worried when it comes to the graphics quality department.

I have had experience with a Studio XPS in the past (when it only had the ATI 3670 card), and thought that it was decent build quality. No where near what past Dell XPS notebooks were at in terms of sturdiness, but certainly much better than the consumer variety of notebook from all manufacturers. I cannot say the same about Asus notebooks simply because I've never had enough time with one to have anything to say about them.

You continually mention that you have issue with the LCD on your Asus, that the colour is seemingly off, and as you said it down right pisses you off. Is the colour that bad? I have a USB webcam on my notebook which I very often use to Skype with a very close friend of mine. Is the Asus screen so bad that it would actually affect my Skype sessions? LCD colour isn't an issue, but if the screen is so washed that it makes people look like ghosts and vampires, I certainly wouldn't want that.

Thanks again for all you help. I'm beginning to lean towards the Dell again, after sitting on the fence. I just want to make sure that I'm making the right choice down the road!!

 

No the screen is not that bad. The viewing angles are poor, but my previous laptop was a macbook pro with a matte screen, so I'm a little spoiled. It is certianly Skype worthy, and I watch movies on this thing all the time. But the gamma of the screen changes dramaticially if I sit up or adjust myself, requiring me to adjust the screen. I'm also a photographer, and I fin myself constantly questioning what I see.

That said I love love love this computer. I treat it well and find that it is very sturdy. Maybe that guy with the G60JX was throwing it arround. Likely a lemon, I just thought the timing was ironic.

Your feelings about the XPS build quality sound like my own about the ASUS. I suppose I am complaining about my screen to tell you hey, the Studio has a GREAT screen.

ASUS G51J Review

vs.

Dell Studio XPS 16 Review

Compare the screen reviews. Remember though, they are talking about the RBGLED option for the Dell, and I'm not sure if your configuration has this one.

In 4 years, I think both of these computer's GPU's will pretty much suck, but a good screen is timeless. I think that would be a very good reason to seriously consider the Dell.

Before you go and buy anything though, have a look through the dell forums. I wandered over there yesterday and EVERYTHING was a throttling discussion. Have a read through and make sure you are comfortable with the model.

The only reason I would say get the G51JX is for gaming performance, because it is a VERY powerful laptop for the money.

I would recommend the Studio for those who want a more balanced computer.

And PS., I would be very embarrased to show up to work with the G51JX, with it's horrible lid. Have you seen it? Looks like one of those anime dragon tee shirts.

PPS. Do you have use for a dedicated number pad?

 

@paperbag846, thanks a lot for all your correspondence. I probably would not have so deeply considered the Asus G51 had you not helped me. I think I've come to the decision to stick with the Dell Studio XPS 16 as my notebook-to-be. The Asus is certainly a worthy notebook, but after factoring in things like price, size+weight, and our discussions, it seems that the Dell is aa bit more well-rounded and perhaps better suited for me.

I'm not into photography, but my partner is, and she uses my laptop to transfer/edit/check photos from her SLR camera when we're on the road. I guess a better screen would be better than a better GPU in this case.

The Studio XPS that I briefly used in the past had the WLED screen. It wow'd me enough in the short period that I thought it was really great, although the glossy surface really bugged me. I guess though all notebooks have glossy screens so there's not much I can do there.

Regarding the throttling problems that are explicit over in the Dell subsection, I've wadded through and followed a lot of the discussion: the throttling seems to occur only during gaming sessions (usually with all the graphic settings set to the max) and artifical benchmarking such as using Furmark and Prime 95 concurrently. I can almost guarantee you that I wouldn't be putting my future notebook through those paces.

I have read so many reviews about the Studio XPS and the G51J(X) that I get the steady feeling that the major selling point is SCREEN vs GPU. Exactly what you've boiled it down to. And I guess I am looking for a more balanced computer. I tried to open my mind to another possible notebook contender, but I guess it came down to wanting a jack of all trades notebook versus a dedicated gaming notebook!

The aesthetics of the G51 certainly had me thinking twice about it, but it seemed to be nothing that a store-bought laptop skin couldn't fix. Or lots of duct tape.

I will be using a USB keyboard + USB mouse for almost all of my work (except for on the road). Even during games I will be using USB mouse + keyboard combo. As such I don't really need a dedicated numeric pad, though it is a VERY nice inclusion on Asus' part. Dell could really learn a lession there.

 

Not a problem Daver160, glad to help. I would agree that the XPS is a more balanced computer (and no slouch with games, either).

 

Hi guys, I am also considering the Dell Studio XPS 16 (versus a lower end Asus model).

You can't really compare, the XPS 1647 has a few plus points:
Full HD Screen (15.6 inch one, not RGB LED)
Backlit Keyboard
Mobility Radeon HD 5730
Core i5-520M (or i7 if you'd prefer)
7200RPM HDD
Not Bad Service (After Sales Support)
(Comes to US$1355, could be discounted to US$1300 or less)

The Asus I am looking at (not the G series one but an A series):
Lighter, smaller 14inch screen (hence only 1366x768)
Possibly cooler (vent at side, bigger vent at that)
Nvidia GT 335M
Core i5-450M with no upgrade option
5200RPM HDD
(Comes to US$875 in Malaysia)

So the question is, is it better to get the XPS over the Asus A42Jv in the long term? It is a difference of MYR1541 (my currency, or US$481).

I am using a 15.6 inch laptop with 1366x768 and while it is satisfactory, I do wonder if the Dell would be better for the long term (but having taken a look at the Asus I must say the screen is not impressive. People have also complained about the weak sound, and also the Nvidia Optimus technology which can probably be solved with drivers).

Of course, when you take HD 5730 vs GT 335M, in some situations the difference will be negligible. However, would the Dell be less obsolete than the Asus for the future? I mean, I used an old Dell for 5 years+ and while I did complain, I still did a lot with it. This compared to my US$1560 i7 laptop (not Dell) which I am finally getting returned after 6/7 months.

The way I see it, in 2 or 3, or even 5 years, I will be able to keep the XPS 16 (if nothing goes wrong) or been able to have used it for as long, versus a lower-priced Asus.

On the other hand, many claim the Dell overheats and the screen blocks the vent. I cannot say because the damn stores did not have the 1647, but looking at other Dell Studio and Dell Studio XPS laptops which were there (and similar display/screen design), I can say that they weren't very warm at idle, even the ones sitting there with i7 (compared to my current laptop with i7 that has a huge left vent and a somewhat quick fan - temps go super high but cool quickly once you stop gaming, but the body remains hot).

Also, is 1920x1080p on a 15.6 inch screen ok? I have had warnings of "it'll be too small, will strain your eyes" or "it won't look good". I mean, I can always make the Windows 7 icons bigger, and make Firefox fonts bigger right? And it's not like game res is gonna be maxed out all the time even if I play games. Yes I don't like tiny, too small icons or words, but then a poor screen is not good either. (Maybe I can check out 1920x1080 at a store later on).

Help please

 

I think it ultimately comes down to what you will use your notebook for. Like you mentioned, I believe that I would get 1-2 more years out of the Dell 1645 (configurable) than I would out of the Asus G51 (non configurable).

The Dell has a lot of hardware packed into the chassis, and that ultimately means it would normally be a better deal for most people. But the Asus sounds like it's a pretty decent notebook as well, and is more of a laptop-style notebook than a desktop replacement.

I don't know about the graphics cards, but I agree that the difference between the nVidia and ATi would be negligible.

Remember that the people who complain about heat on the Dell (I mean *really* complain) are the ones who are trying to put it through its paces with synthetic tests (e.g. Furmark+Prime95) or by running very intensive games at high settings (if you wouldn't run Crysis on high-ultra high settings @ 1080p on a desktop, WHY would you do that on a less capable notebook?). People with a notebook running a dedicated GPU and i7 quad core inside of a chassis that's less than 4cm thin should know that heat is a byproduct, and the cooling system will not be stellar. Great cooling systems are usually found in a chassis with a min measurement of 4cm, not a max. I have quasi-ordered a SXPS16 (more on this later) and am hopefully prepared to combat the heat issue: I've picked up a notebook cooler with adjustable fans. Some people have said that a cooler helps tremendously, others ahve said it helps a little; bit of a gamble, but it doesn't hurt right? Do not forget that ambient temperature (despite what people deny) will play a role in the heat debate as well - if your room is already at 23C vs 10C, your computer may heat up faster and stay heated for longer.

I don't know about how a 1080p resolution appears on a 15.6" screen either. I'm also a little worried, but then again I almost never use the notebook screen. I use an external monitor almost exclusively, except for when I travel. However, my partner is into photography, and so when we travel I thought that the 1080p screen would benefit her more than a 900p screen.

Now about the notebook i've quasi-ordered, I have called into the Dell EPP department and made a preliminary order for a 1645, but it is not complete. Instead, the notebook is 99% configured, but I (we) are waiting for the newer i7-740QM processor to be available. The EPP sales agent said he will contact me to notify me that the processor is available, and then the configuration can be completed and processed.

My 1645 Dell EPP configuration comes to ~$1600 after discount:
i7-740QM
8GB RAM
500GB HDD
BD-ROM
1080p WLED
Bluetooth
Dell 1501 WiFi card
Free shipping
3-year warranty + accidents

Really hope that helps you. Sorry that I'm not recommending one notebook over the other. Instead I'm just letting you know my thought-experience thus far, and that the notebook you purchase should meet your needs.

My own decision to go with Dell came mostly at the help of paperbag846, as you probably read. I needed something that is suitable for my work (programming with occasional Photoshop work), and for travel/leisure video game play. The BD-ROM + HDMI will also make it a nice addition to the TV+Xbox 360 setup. I just think that the Dell is a more balanced notebook than the Asus G51. Don't get me wrong, the Asus is no wimp in terms of what it is designed for, but I just think that if the two notebooks are similar in specs, I ought to just go for the one that comes at a lower price. Not to mention that some people have said the Asus screen lack in the colour department (not everybody complains, but some people have said that Asus screens are a little "blah"). Again, as my partner is into photography, the Dell WLED screen may be better for her while we travel.

 

Laptops and IT electronics (such as iPhone) are always cheaper from the US. But Dell does not allow overseas orders, and I cannot be expected to buy one from one of those online dealerships because of the warranty - what if something was wrong (like my last 2 laptops). I have to get the more expensive version at $1355 - where it only has i5 and 4GB and 15.6inch.

Thanks for your input. On these forums it can be seen that its very true what some have said - the heat issue is a "get if if you're unlucky" thing. Some people are reporting awesome temps, like 70+ loaded CPU and GPU, while others have shockers of high 80s and 90+ (nothing that I'm not accustomed to, but nowhere near what I want for my brand new pc). Most of them are i7-720 configurations.