Help getting a new XPS

I have set my eyes on the XPS 15 and the XPS 15z. I won't be doing much gaming on this, but it is mainly for video editing, 3D modeling etc.
So I would like to get the i7 with 8GB.

I was initially going for the 15z, but after reading "build quality" issues with the 15z, I'm now looking towards the XPS 15. I'm not too bothered by the size of the XPS 15, but 15z does look very nice.

I have two questions:
Q1-Should I avoid 15z and buy XPS 15?
Q2-I would like to get an i7 quad-core. But the dell UK website does not say if these i7s are quad-core or not. As i7 come as duel and quad, how would I know how many cores in the XPS I buy?

Thanks. Any help is appreciated.

 

1. Yes the XPS 15 will be better for your needs, also the 15z is not available with a quad core processor.

2. If the processor name ends with QM which means quad core then it is.

 

One more vote for the XPS from me , more robust system.
And yes the i7 CPU's with QM on the end are quad cores .

 

Thanks a lot guys. XPS 15 it is then.

 

A couple things about the XPS 15 if you end up buying it:

- Display: If you are getting the XPS 15, especially if it's for graphical work but in general as well, you should ensure that you get the 1920x1080 B+RGLED display upgrade. The higher res display allows you to fit more onscreen at once so it is provides a significant advantage for modeling, video editing, and also general productivity. In addition to the larger screen space, the image quality is significantly better because the contrast and color gamut are both much higher, and the image displayed is considerably sharper. The 1366x768 default display included by default is quite poor; I find that it is the worst part of the stock non-upgraded XPS 15 base config. I would not recommended buying the XPS 15 in any configuration that does not include the 1920x1080 display upgrade.

- RAM: Generally it is not a very good idea to upgrade the memory on the configuration page, because you can upgrade it significantly cheaper yourself. If it costs more than $40 to upgrade to 8GB on the config page, Do it this way instead.

- GPU: In case you were looking at upgrading the GPU, keep in mind that it's $100 for a mere 12% gain. This upgrade isn't worth the price in my opinion, and if necessary both GPUs can be overclocked anyway.

- Backlit keyboard: I find this is one of the most worthwhile upgrades (second to the display). It helps in dark environments.

- Coupon: 932N$0ZCCHWZB9 to take off $100

 

I completely agree with edit, but if you can, why not consider the XPS 17. More monitor for graphical work would seem to be a must. But either way the XPS 15 or 17, not the z model.

 

The XPS 15's 1080p screen is a bit better quality than the XPS 17's.

 

I think 15 inches is large enough for his needs. If not, he can hook up to an external monitor. That extra mobility you get with a 15 is definitely worth it.

 

The 1080 screen is a must... You don't want your screen to make your computer look like you paid 350 bucks at Walmart for it...the standard panel is quite bad

 

If your not concerned with the size, go xps 15.

Like edit said... 1080P screen is a MUST!

 

waiting ivy bridge is better, for this time.

 

Now that I'm able to compare them, the 15's 1080p is definitely more than a bit better than the 17's AG 1080p. Of course the 17 has several other advantages over the 15 though.

I'd wait for Ivy Bridge's replacement.

/sarcasm

 

1080P is a must! Awesome screen, best i've ever used.

I got my XPS15 from the Dell Outlet, pretty well specced for £690 and i added a brand new Bluray reader/DVDRW drive for £30 from ebay (genuine Dell item they usually fit, Phillips/LiteOn model).

Mine has the i7, 8Gb RAM, 750Gb 7200rpm HDD, 1080P screen, Intel 6230 wifi/Bluetooth, 540M GFX, 9 cell battery and of course the Bluray reader/DVDRW drive now.

Laptop is in as new condition, only thing it didnt really have which would be nice would be a backlit keyboard which i could add myself later maybe.

 

I have seen both displays next to each other ( the best way to compare ) and yes the full HD version is better , if you really need it ( and want to pay 175 £ extra for it ) but if you only use your laptop for web browsing and other graphicaly not demanding tasks save your money , the basic display is very good too (compared to some competition) , in all the tests and rewievs Dell displays have won the best screen ( except the 1600x from XPS17 - that one is not very good )

The backlite keyboard is a very good upgrade , i dont have it but after seeing it i wish i have ordered it , it makes the typing in the dark much easyer , well it might be possible to buy this from someone , and do the upgrade at home .

 

No comment .

 

I finally ended up with an xps 15 with the following spec. Did look on outlet, but couldn't see xps 15 for few days, so spent £830. Plenty of 15zs there though! Decided I wasn't going to wait for Ivy

I did not get the backlite keyboard. Didn't think I needed it, but I can imagine it would be cool. Does anyone know if I can get a backlite keyboard by itself?

i7-2670QM processor 2.20 GHz
15.6" FHD B+RGLED True-Life (1920x1080)
8GB RAM
750GB SATA
8x DVD+/-RW
9-cell battery. Don't want to be looking for a socket all the time.
2GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M
2x2 Bluetooth with WiFi

 

You neednt 540M, its the same chip as 525M only 2gb gddr3. Just overclock if you need it.
9-cell battery is not convenient for transportation, only for stationary use. It is heavy and unpleasant to hold at lap
If you a traveler, I advise you to take both.
At last, blacklit - is super thing!)))
Must do thing: repaste, cooper mod open ventilation holes, and it would be amazing laptop!)

 

I didn't have a choice on the GPU. 540M was the only offer on XPS15.
I would probably get a 4 cell batter later on for travelling. Presumably it would be cheaper
The UK backlit keyboard is over £40 on ebay, I'll wait. I don't think I'll start opening ventilation holes on it though.

 

I received the XPS 15 and absolutely loved it. But on the second week, I noticed the left speaker didn't work. So put in a support email. An engineer came today to replace the speakers. After taking the whole laptop apart and replacing the speakers it still wouldn't work. After a call back to the head office he decided it was the motherboard that requires replacing.

I was OK with replacing the speakers, but wasn't happy for the motherboard to be replaced like a 2nd hand laptop. So called the support expecting the worse. I was presently surprised! Call was answered in about 2 to 3 minutes. Spoke to a very helpful guy, and happy to either replace parts or the laptop. I chose to replace the laptop and was even offered a free upgrade to backlit keyboard for my troubles and a discount on a SSD.

I'll find out about exactly what discount I get tomorrow. I really didn't want to call them based on the scary stories here, but I have to say feel different about it.