Keyboard on XPS 17 (Sandy Bridge)

Hi guys (and gals),

I am looking to buy a Dell XPS 17, but wanted to get feedback on the keyboard. It seems that with many of the 17" models, the keyboards have flex in the middle (my Asus G73 did); only the Macbook Pro does not that I have come across, but that is outside my tax bracket. I tried the XPS 15 at Best Buy, and it had no flex, hoping the 17 is the same way.

For the XPS 17 owners (I am looking at the Sandy Bridge, not sure if that model has the same keyboard as the i7 series), does the keyboard have any flex?

Thanks in advance,

Groovy

 

"Keyboard

Dell has done a good job with the input devices. The keyboard especially stands out from the competition with its optional (white) illumination. You don't have to awkwardly search for single keys in the dark, but have everything under perfect control instead. A key size of 14 x 14 mm is fairly small, but thanks to the chiclet design (single key layout) you can cope perfectly after a certain amount of accommodation.

The well designed layout, not to forget the special function keys' clear symbol language contributes to that as well. We would describe the typing feel as good, whereas the stroke could be a bit crisper in our opinion. Annoying: The black key gap between the keys quickly collects dirt
"

taken from "Notebookcheck"

 

Thanks Waffle. Do you have the XPS 17? How would you rate the keyboard flex?

 

I find the keyboard very nice on the 17'' however I wish there wasn't a numberpad on the side and the keyboard was more centered on the laptop.

 

I thought I would throw my 2 cents in here since I've both the L701x and now the L702x model and I have to say both have been/are great. Yes I have heard and know from experience that is the luck of the drawl on who shows up at the factory with happy face or sour at the world, but both of mine have been exceptional.
The L701x keyboard was a little more soft to the touch, but the L702x is straight as an arrow and does have the satisfying touch when your are typing and doesn't feel like one of the keys are going to pop off.

 

Does anyone know if you can get a centered keyboard for the L702x?