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    Dell XPS 15 (L502X)

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Zeroz, Aug 28, 2011.

  1. Zeroz

    Zeroz Newbie

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    It's my first post here however I figured i'd ask this question in this part of the forums as I'm sure many of you own an XPS 15/17.

    I just wondered if the XPS 15 would be a good choice of laptop. My situation right now is that I'm heading to university, and my course does involve aspects of web development, some programming, and database related modules. I also do play the occassional games but nothing extreme past the likes of CoD/CSS.

    The specs for the model I'm considering are:

    # XPS L502x
    # Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
    # Processor : Intel Core i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz
    # Hard Drive : 640GB Serial ATA (7200RPM)
    # 8 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
    # 8X DVD +/- RW DRIVE
    # Display : 15.6" HD WLED True-Life (1366x768) with 2.0 Mega Pixel Integrated Camera
    # Graphics : 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M Graphics card
    # Battery : Primary 6-cell 56W/HR LI-ION
    # LCD Back Cover : Silver WLAN
    # Wireless: Intel Wireless-N 1000 Card

    Just wondered if this laptop would do the job or if it's too much for what I'll use it for?

    Any advice appreciated, thanks.
     
    Zeroz, Aug 28, 2011
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Depending on how much you are going to be moving the laptop around, there may be better alternatives.

    One important thing that seems to be missing in your list is the 1080p R+GB LED screen which is generally considered to be one of the best aspects of the XPS15 notebook.

    The screen resolution might even be good for coding/programming.
     
    namaiki, Aug 28, 2011
    #2
  3. grimreefer1967

    grimreefer1967 Notebook Evangelist

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    If you don't want the 1920x1080 display then don't get the XPS 15. While it's 1080p display is one of the best in the biz, the 1366x768 is one of the worst. If price is a factor in not getting the 1080p display, then ditch the GT 540M (as it really isn't much better than the 525M) and get the minimum RAM (you can always upgrade RAM later for cheaper). Other than that the XPS 15 should be a good fit for you.
     
    grimreefer1967, Aug 28, 2011
    #3
  4. Zeroz

    Zeroz Newbie

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    Thanks for the replies, I think I'll push the price up a bit and go with the 1080p display.
     
    Zeroz, Aug 28, 2011
    #4
  5. edit1754

    edit1754 Notebook Prophet

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    Another +1 for the 1080p screen. The XPS 15 is a waste of money if you get the 720p screen.

    The screen makes more of a difference than anything else, especially for the XPS 15.

    Also you should never get any other upgrade instead of the 1080p screen.
     
    edit1754, Aug 28, 2011
    #5
  6. madmattd

    madmattd Notebook Deity

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    Get the 1080p indeed, otherwise what you have there ought to serve you very nicely.

    2x4GB (8 GB total) RAM can be found for these systems for around $50-60 no problem. Worth considering, as Dell charges $120 for 4GB -> 8GB UPGRADE...
     
    madmattd, Aug 28, 2011
    #6