Dell XPS 15 purchase in Feb/March

I'm looking to purchase a Dell XPS 15 within the next month or so and have a few questions. The laptop will primarily be used for viewing and storing photos/videos of the kids (combined with an ext HD or NAS for backup - but that's probably a topic for another forum/thread). Also it will be used on one of those cushioned laptop desks, but it will always be plugged in so battery life is not a concern.

1. Any recommendations on specs? The plan right now is to go with the 1080p B+RGLED screen that everyone likes, i7-740QM, 750 GB HD, 6GB RAM, OS CD's for clean restoration, backlit keyboard, and BT. I don't really need the processor for much now other than the occasional game, but just want the thing to last more than a couple years without bogging down.
   
   
2. The core i7 looks to be only configurable with the 9 cell battery that extends from the bottom. Does the 9 cell have rubber feet that prevent it from slipping? I guess I could always order a 6 cell later on if the 9 doesn't work out.
   
   
3. We have a 2 year old who has pulled a few keys off an HP laptop business machine. How sturdy is the keyboard with prying fingers?
   
   
4. Any hints on timing of the purchase or where to get deals? I'm hoping the Sandy Bridge problems will be fixed soon so prices come down a bit more. Also I can get the large corp EPP discount, but that's about the same price as without it.

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I've been lurking here the past month or so researching and have found this site is very helpful. Thanks!

 

It looks as if sandy bridge will be coming out within the month so you could wait for that. If you dont need it then you will be able to buy the one you specified at a lower cost. I personally dont have one yet but the keyboard on the refresh should be a lot more durable for little hands.

 

One thing I would like to mention is that the i7-740 is good for programs that can take advantage of the multiple cores; I'm not to knowledgeable on the subject, but for every day tasks the laptop isn't going be super fast, it'll just operate at a normal speed.

In my opinion, if you aren't going to be using it for programs that can take advantage of the multiple cores, then an i5 would be a better fit. And with an i5 you''ll get better battery life and wont need a 9-Cell; You'll get better battery life and it will reduce the weight quite noticeably.

If you do get an i7, then a 6-cell wont give it enough power and the laptop would begin to throttle, from what I've heard/read. The 9-cell does have rubber feet.

No specific dates on when SB will be available, and correct me if I am wrong,, but Intel will start shipping out at the end of this month. Add some time for testing, production, ect.; I think its gonna be atleast early April before Dell releases the Sandy Bridge XPS 15.

Also, what laptop desk are you gonna be using?

 

I think I'm leaning toward the i5 with the 6 cell too... The thing that bothered me about the i5 was that I read about some issues with the Optimus drivers not allowing the display to duplicate via HDMI - which could be an issue for presentations. That's not really a deal breaker though and it sounds like they're working on a fix for it.

The laptop desk I have is one of those $20 deals from Costco - I don't know the brand. I should probably check the dimensions to make sure it fits - the 15" HP does without a problem though.

Thanks for the help!

 

This is the one i use with my S-XPS 16

Spoiler

Its quite nice but leans back alot sue to the weight added by 9-cell. I've been using it for about 10 months now, but in thinking about buying the Belkin CushTop aswell. My Friend has that on, same laptop, and since its not pillowy its alot better on the floor.