DELL XPS 17 L702x

Hi,

Looking for some advice on the new Dell XPS 17, I need the laptop for SQL Server, Visual Studio and other development work.

I was looking at an M6500 but they are huge amount of cash.

Looking at the XPS 17, I was originally looking at the 2820 but looking online the extra £200 is not worth upgrading from the 2720 for the amount of improvement and apparently the extra 2M cache wont make a difference so I've opted for the 2720.

With regards to memory I wanted 16GB ideally but apparently the XPS only has 2 slots so 8GB will have to do (is it worth upgrading through dell or is it better to buy your own and install as it seems half the price?)

Hard Disk - I wanted an SSD but it isn't an option, does anyone know if you are able to add a second drive to this machine? also as the laptop doesn't seem to be SATA III surely this means I wont get the maximum benefit?

I was looking to spend up to or around £2000, I've looked at the Clevo's as well (Kobalt Computers) just not sure if the extra £700 or so is worth it.

Any advice would be welcome,

PS: I rarely play games.

Thanks,

Atul

 

I am in the us, so some options are probably different. There was an option here for an SSD, although I picked two HDDs until the size goes up and the price goes down on SSDs later this year.

As for the memory. They only give you the options for 16GB with 3D, BUT, I ordered the non 3d version, and I only could get 8GB, but it only came in 2 Dimms. The computer is actually supposed to have 4 Dimms as shown on a picture somewhere on this forum. The two memory locations fold in ontop of eachother so it appears to be only two dimms. The sales person told me it only had 3 dimms, but that it was the same motherboard as the 3d, that had 16GB ram. So I figure I'll add more ram aftermarket later.

I never could get an answer as to whether the it was SATA I or II. The alienware is II, so I am hoping it is comparable.

Hope this helps. I'll have mine in about 2 weeks, and maybe we can use this topic as the L702x thread.

 

If you are buying a laptop for professional use, don't buy a consumer grade notebook, get a business notebook. Try looking for a refurbished M6500, base can be had around 1000-1200. When you start adding more RAM, WUXGA RGBLED, the price can skyrocket. No offense, but don't try to cheap out and try to do work on a consumer grade laptop, too many times I have seen it happen, and it is terrible.

 

I was looking at a m6500 from MerkAmerica Laptop Store but I'm worried if I have problems as they are in the US and I'm in the UK.

I've also noticed the 2820 appears to out perform the 940MX so it feels like I would end up paying more cash for less performance.

I'd be purchasing the 3 year cover with the XPS 17 too which would hopefully cover me.

I believe the M6600 is about to be released very soon too so not sure if i should wait a little longer either!

 

I also use mine the same as you: VisualStudio2008/2010, SQLServer, IIS, some VMWare VirtualMachines, Dreamweaver, sometimes Photoshop, etc.

I've ordered mi L702X with i7-2720, 12GB RAM, 1080p, GT555M.
In mexico you can order the 1080p 3D without the 3D glasses. In mexico they ship always a pair for US$350, so I saved US$350 and use the money to add more RAM.
So I get the best of both worlds: 1080p, GT555M(3GB RAM), 4DIMM slots (with 3x4GB=12GB, and plan to add 4GB more later, cheaper).

I was still not convinced about the XPS, but wanted a "business" laptop as Tsunade_Hime suggested. Previously had a Vostro1710, that just died, but the Precision line is way to expensive, and I cannot find an alternative with my requirements in the Vostro/Latitude models.

If you still don't buy it when I recive mine I'll let you know my experience with it as a "development" machine.

 

There are some very tempting m6500s here:
Dell Factory Outlet

 

Been hunting through the UK outlet area with no joy so far