Looking at getting a studio xps 16...

Im looking to replace my recently broken ibm t42p and I have narrowed it down to the xps 16, sager np8662, or hp hdx 16 or 18t. I will use it for photo editing, foruming/internet use, and word/excel/pp processing; I do not plan on gaming, but never say never I guess. I would like to keep this computer for at least 3-5 years as thats how long my ibm lasted. Would I have any issues doing so with such a big laptop, specifically the screen? My ibm has its hd replaced and the lcd just went out for the second time...

Here is a studio xps 16 Ive configured, its $2068 with coupon (2860 w/o)...could anyone comment on the below config...does anything need to be changed

Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9800 (6MB cache/2.93GHz/1066Mhz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-bit
2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Edge-to-Edge FullHD Widescreen 16.0 inch RGBLED LCD(1920x1080) W/2.0 MP
4GB DDR3 SDRAM at 1067MHz (2 Dimms)
500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
BluRay Disc Combo (DVD/CD read/write + BD read) Slot Load Drive
ATI Mobility RADEON™ HD 4670 – 1GB
Intel® 5300 WLAN Wireless-N (3x3) Mini Card
High Definition Audio 2.0
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
DELL V305W PRINTER Dell V305w All-In-One Printer
Dell Online Backup 2GB for 1 year

 

Well, without any coupon, I customized that same order(including the printer) for $1,993.

You can also call dell and try to bargain down the price.

I would also recommend you get complete care for your warranty(it is less than $100 for 2 years.)

BTW, I went to dell.com and when to the xps16 page. Then I customized the XPS 16 option that included the "Instant Savings $464".

 

I would personally get the least RAM possible, and buy your own. Unless it's less than around $35 to upgrade through Dell from the lowest possible ram to 4GB, buy the ram 3rd party.

 

Also the hard drive - Dell is more reasonable on HDD prices now, but you can still pick it up for less.

 

That looks a little high. Are you buying using a Dell University/Dell EPP Deal? If not, then you should be

Also, make sure you call your order in to a sales rep, and get some of that price shaved off.

 

I went through two HPX18's that were defective. One had the keyboard so poorly installed it was laughable. Posted pictures of it in the HP forum. Frankly, the build quality on the 1640 is waaaay better. Just my experience.

 

Believe it or not, the EPP configuration comes out a little bit more than the one you buy from the regular page.

 

Ya Dell is offering a 25% off coupon on configured sxps16 which helps out a ton...basically getting a $3k laptop for just a tick over $2k.

How does my config look? I think my decision is between the sxps16 or sager np8662. I know I wont be gaming (I may) and some people say I dont need the np8662, but it seems to have better components/more future proof

 

First off you cant future proof computers, it just doesn't happen. Also might i suggest dropping the processor down to the 9550? Dont think the top tier one is worth the price jump.

 

Use this config:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dydofh1&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&kc=performance-deals


Its 25%,its the best deal out

 

Ok...so the 2.93ghz jump over the 2.66ghz isnt worth the extra $200? If thats the case might as well get their deal on the mini 10 for $99 extra