Debating new XPS 16 configuration

I am almost ready to pull the trigger on the Dell Studio XPS 16, but wanted to check a few things with the present owners of same and otherwise more hardware knowledgeable folks (I'm a network guy, don't know a lot about latest computer hardware).

1. Is there a big difference between Intel® Core™ i7-720QM and Intel® Core™ i7-820QM? My primary use is business apps + Adobe CS5 (I'm getting a little ahead of myself) + Captivate + watching 1080p video.
   
2. Keyboard - how is it for fast touch typing, how is the feel, is it comparable to Lattitude? Keys do not repeat keystrokes?
   
3. Memory - for 4 GB - how many slots does it take? Is it possible to upgrade later without yanking existing memory? I couldn't figure it out from the Dell website.
   
4. Storage - is 128GB Solid State Drive much faster than the default drive (500GB 7200 RPM SATA)? I can keep an external eSATA drive for extra storage, if needed. Also, I had hard drive failures before when I traveled, I am hoping that SSD would be more immune to that. Anyone knows what the life expectation is for the Dell SSD drive?
   
5. Configurator says the network card is 10/100, but the specs on the website say it is 10/100/1000. Which one is true?
   
6. Heat - is it a problem? I read other threads, and it seems that current incarnations of this laptop do not seem to have a problem, but I prefer to check.
   
7. I read in another thread that Sound Blaster drivers tend to freeze the computer, and that uninstalling them solves the problem. That is confusing to me. If that is the case, what drives the sound system?
   
8. Display Port vs. HDMI - my external Dell monitor (2405 FPW) uses DVI port. Which of the two output ports should I use to connect it?
   
9. Why doesn't Dell recommend Full HD Widescreen 16.0 inch RGBLED LCD screen?
   
10. Is it possible to easily configure sRGB output to the external monitor to match my Dell 2405 FPW (and set up same for internal perhaps without fiddling with individual colors - some laptops have horrid bluish cast)?
    
11. The two rightmost systems on this page:
    
    http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/note...refid=laptop-studio-xps-16&s=dhs&cs=19&~ck=mn
    
    are essentially the same, correct, except the one on the right forces 6GB of memory, correct? Is that memory in different sizes (2GB vs. 4GB or somesuch)?
    
12. Does anyone know of a place in San Francisco Bay Area where one might be able to check that laptop? Keyboard feel is very important to me, and that is one reason I don't like to buy sight unseen. I was in love with the Sony Z Series until I checked the keyboard. Sweet laptop, but keyboard is horrid (feel and randomly repeating keystrokes).

Specs as configured on the Dell website:

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ i7-720QM Quad Core Processor 1.6GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
MEMORY 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz
HD DISPLAY Full HD Widescreen 15.6 inch WLED LCD (1920x1080) W/2.0 MP
HARD DRIVE 128GB Solid State Drive
BLUETOOTH Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
WIRELESS CARDS Intel© Centrino© Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE 8X Slot Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
VIDEO CARD ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 4670 – 1GB
BATTERY OPTIONS 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
SOUND OPTIONS Soundblaster X-Fi Hi Def Audio - Software Enabled
Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Price: $1,533.00

Thanks for any pointers.

 

1.No big difference see
2.Keyboard is fine for touchtyping, duznt repeat strokes etc
3.there are 2 memory slots. 4gb memory is 2gb=2gb, 6gb is 4gb=2gb, 8gb is 4gb=4gb
4.ssd are ALOT faster, u could run an esata external or swap out the optical bay for an xtra hdd and hav an external optical drive see

5.unsure about network card, wireless card is bgn tho
6.heat shouldnt be a problem as long as u have good ventilation(ie on a flat surface) and arnt stressing the cpu and gpu to an xtreme
7.soundblaster drivers are just creative software, idt drivers are still there and ati hd audio drivers too
8. you will need either a hdmi to dvi adapter (easier but no sound(but can send sound via headphone jacks)) or displayport to dvi adapter
9.to do with the throttling issue, should be fine with 130watt adapter and A08 BIOS
10.sorry cant help dont have RGB or external monitor but see
11.correct. see 3
12.hmm i dont sorry, i live in new zealand, closest dell outlet is in australia

 

Thanks, JKleiss.

 

If you have a Best Buy near you: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&initialize=false&sp=%2Bcurrentprice+skuid&nrp=15&iht=n&list=y&sc=abComputerSP&qp=crootcategoryid%23%23-1%23%23-1~~q70726f63657373696e6774696d653a3e313930302d30312d3031~~cabcat0500000%23%230%23%2311a~~cabcat0502000%23%230%23%23o~~nf510||44656c6c&usc=abcat0500000&ks=960&st=processingtime%3A>1900-01-01&prids=&cp=2&_requestid=49910

 

Alas, blank page comes up when I click on the link.