Best Performance & Trouble-free Studio XPS 16

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase an Studio XPS 16 soon. I have never considered buying this laptop given the high pricetag, even though I really like it. But that changed yesterday as I received a 70% OFF coupon.

So here am I, wondering which config I should select. For instance, 500GB @ 7200rpm or 320GB @ 7200rpm or 128GB SSD? Intel 5300 Wireless-N or 5100?

Performance is important but I also want to select components or a configuration that has fewest known problems (bug, incompability or being unreliable).

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

how did u get the 70% coupon? just curious

 

I received my XPS 16 with this configuration:

P8700 2.53GHz
256GB SSD
4GB RAM
Intel 5300 Wireless-N
RGBLED 1080p display

It has worked PERFECTLY since I received it. It's fast, stable, the screen is great. I really love this machine. If you decide to go with the 256GB SSD, you won't regret it, I promise The machine is incredibly responsive.

 

The coupon was part of the mystery coupon promotion they have up here in Canada.

 

An SSD should be more reliable than a spinning disk as it has no mechanical parts to break.

As far as 5100 vs 5300, doubt one would be more reliable than the other, but the 5300 should provide potentially better performance with the right router.

 

Since it's a 70% coupon, go with the most expensive components.

 

I configured a system exactly has yours. Didn't checkout yet because I'm waiting for some more feedback. Still not sure about 128GB SSD (the only SSD option available) or 500GB @ 7200rpm. 128GB may be a bit too small. Aside from reliability advantage, does SSD perform better?

I read some owner hears static noise from the headphone jack. I wonder if it's due to specific components or just a lemon those unlucky owners got .

 

Yeah, that's what I figured but like I said, I don't wanna select a more expensive component that has known incompatibility issue or any other annoyances.

 

What will you use it for?

I'd think 500GB @7200 gives the dell a bit more noise +heat than SSD. SSD is more likely to keep resell value for a while as well.

 

The use is mostly multimedia (movies: blu-ray, mkv, etc.), programming, web surfing of course, running virtual machines, some gaming (especially when SC2 is out).

I'm leaning more and more towards SSD now seems most of you recommend it. If the "limited" size is its only disadvantage over disk drives, then I think I'm going with SSD.

 

The read performance of a typical SSD drive is better, but the write performance is a hit and miss. I have a feeling that the Samsung SSD isn't the best out there, but since it's reading you do the most, it will feel faster.

Yes, storage space is low, but for that I have an external 500GB drive hooked up via eSATA where I keep all my data files -- basically using the SSD for Windows and installed programs exclusively. It's a fast enough setup to play back a 720p material without pauses. I don't have any 1080p material, so I have no idea if that works or not.

 

So if I understand this correctly, you've been playing back 720p video out of the eSATA drive without any hiccup?

 

Yes.

Filler.

 

I have had this computer about three weeks. I really like it. I use mine for surfing the web, and play streaming music.

I have the 9400 processor and it is fast getting online in wireless mode.

The battery life is less than two hours when using a USB connected cooling fan.

Whatever config you decide on, enjoy your new system.

 

I think you ought to get the SSD, can you not get the 256GB one?

Also depends hugely on what brand of the drive; the last time I heard they were using Samsung MLC, but if they switched to something purely cheap, like OCZ core, then I'd rather have the 500GB; see if you can ask what brand of drive your getting first, I'd recommend.

 

Good advice. I'll call and ask for the brand.

And no, the 128GB SSD is the only SSD option currently available in Canada.

 

The 256GB SSD I received in mine a week ago is the Samsung, so it looks like they're still using Samsung. I don't know about the 128GB though...

 

The 256 GB SSD is supposed to have better read/write than the 128 GB SSD. I'm also pretty sure they are still using Samsung SSDs.