Dell XPS 14 or Dell XPS 15 - Need advice

Hey guys,

I'm very much interested in getting the Dell XPS after reading the reviews. I'll be using it for surfing the net, emails, and some HD photo/video editing. I'm not a hard core gamer, play those only on weekends. I'm looking for portability as well as power. I need your help in finalising one of the following configurations or maybe suggesting a better one. Thanks!

Dell XPS 14 (L401X)

• Intel® Core™ i5-480M Processor (2.66GHz, 4Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 3M cache)
• 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (1 x 4GB) (operates at 1066MHZ for Core i5 processors)
• 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
• 1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 420M Graphics (for Core-i3/i5 processors)(with WIDI)
• 14.0 HD (1366x768) WLED display with TrueLife™
• Tray Load 8X DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability
• Dell™ Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad
• 6 Cell Primary Battery

Pros:

• NVIDIA Optimus Technology - Automatically switches the graphics, resulting is much better battery backup
• Smaller and lighter when compared to XPS 15
• Nice 14" 900p display only if I replace it with a better LG LCD (LP140WD1-TLA1) as done by other users

Cons:

• JBL 2.0 Audio: 2 X 3W = 6W Total
• USB 2.0

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Dell XPS 15 (L501X)

• Intel® Core™ i5-480M Processor (2.66GHz, 4Threads, turbo boost up to 2.93Ghz, 3M cache)
• 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM (1 x 4G) (operates at 1066MHZ for Core i5 processors)
• 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
• 1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 420M Graphics (for Core-i3/i5 processors)(with WIDI)
• 15.6 FHD (1920x1080) B+RGLED display with TrueLife™
• Tray Load Fixed Blu-ray BD-ROM / DVD + /-RW Combo Drive
• Dell™ Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad
• 6 Cell Primary Battery

Pros:

• NVIDIA Optimus Technology - Automatically switches the graphics, resulting is much better battery backup
• USB 3.0 - Higher transfer rates (up to 4.8Gbps)
• JBL 2.1 Audio: 2 X 4W + 12W sub-woofer = 20W Total
• FHD Display with good CG
• BD-ROM drive (Priced reasonably when compared to the hefty priced option available for XPS 14)

Cons:

• Bigger and heavier than XPS 14, could have portability issues.

Few queries:

1. Although on paper the weight difference between XPS 14 (5.35lbs/2.43 kg) and the XPS 15 (6.14lbs/2.78kg) doesn't seem much, will it actually matter in day-to-day life?

2. I haven't yet physically seen both the models, does the size difference of 1 inch between them seem too much?

3. Would the battery backup suck if I went for the following two? I assume yes, since there is no Intel graphics and discrete GFX will always be on.
Intel® Core™ i7-840QM Processor(1.86GHz,4Core/8Threads,turbo boost up to 3.2Ghz,8M cache)
2GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 425M/435M (for Core-i7 processors)

4. Is ordering 8 GB of DDR3 from Dell a cheaper option then getting another 4 GB later from market?

 

I would go with the XPS 15 for the better screen, which will make it easier to retouch photos and is much better than the default XPS 14.

As to your questions:

1) I do not think that 300 grams will make a big difference, no.
2) I have not seen them physically either, so I cannot answer here.
3) getting an i7 processor will take the Optimus of the nVidia card away and thus take the battery time down. If you go that route I'd advise getting a 9 cell one.
4) RAM upgrades at Dell are way too much. Stay with the basic RAM offered and then buy cheaper from elsewhere.

 

Good thread. I went with the 14 myself. One thing to consider is not just the weight (and there is a small difference), but the size. My friend has the 15 and the HxW dimensions are a lot different. Thickness less so.

 

Go with the XPS 15, that B+RG LED display is beautiful. Also it isn't that much heavier over the 14.