New Dell XPS L521X (Ivy Bridge)

Hehe you're right, but you know, I wanted proof

 

Ok I see people who got their Dell XPS15 can we have little reviews now D

 

That's cool you share info like that it really is but you have posted the same info about five times in multiple threads. If I didn't know any better I'd say you work for best buy. Not that I have anything against them its just annoying to see the same info spammed in two different threads

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I really hope they add more config options and lower the price because other computers are beating Dell out on the price right now.
Like this Asus: Micro Center - ASUS N56VZ-RB71 15.6" Laptop Computer - Black Aluminum N56VZ-RB71

 

Yes, if you look only specs they're pretty similar, differences are battery and GPU (CPU is almost the same), but you don't have mSATA, and how is the display? You also don't have same materials...I don't have a first-hand experience with Asus but I've heard that their support sucks a bit too...
Btw, I'm definitely with you about configuration options!

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Why does Asus need to put DDR3 in that? Come onnnnnnnnnnnn. That would be really nice if it wasn't DDR3. I'd rather have a DDR5 640M.

I think it actually is built pretty well, although I've heard the same about asus support.

 

Specs are pretty similar but the one in the link is a 1080p display I believe. Not sure about viewing angles but Asus has pretty good build quality and uses good displays.
GT650 with 2gb ddr3 which is kind of like gt640 with ddr5.
Doesn't have a 32gb mSata but it has a writable blu-ray drive

Don't have first hand experience with Asus warranty but if you buy with a credit card like Visa, Mastercard , or Amex, they extend warranty and really help out if there's a problem

But I'm just saying that to the average consumer, they will only compare specs and price. A lot of other laptops are beating the XPS 15 in price. I'm really rooting for the price to go down because I've got over 1000 in Dell GCs to use so I'm pretty much decided on the XPS. Just hope they add more configs like a 512gb ssd and better pricing

 

on that Asus gt650 is the DDR3 one.

 

Well, as you are italian as me.. I've ordered an XPS15 last friday but the estimated delivery date is 30/7 I hope it'll arrive sooner, but I'll keep you updated... can't wait


EDIT: I placed the order by phone, and asked about configuration possibilities...

I tried to have some of the custom specs available on the rep's system but in the end the custom order wasn't approved (at first the config seemed OK, but a day later the rep told me it wasn't approved).

Nothing that is not aready known, but maybe these are hints of possible future configs
- HHD 750Gb 7200rpm or 1Gb 5400 rpm (already available in standard configs)
- 64Gb MSata instead of 32Gb MSata (+40€ - I don't remember if a 128Gb was available, probably yes)
- 2x4Gb RAM (standard, at least in Italy) - 1x8Gb (+50€ but not sure) - 16Gb
- NO backlit keyboard available as an extra feature (the rep told me the XPS has NO backlit kb, but to me this is further proof that backlit keyboard is standard, as Bill said)

Hope it helps!

 

What would be great, is to compile a list of all XPS15 alternatives (including the XPS in the list of course), so we can make a better educated choice for ourself...

I was thinking I (or someone else) could start a Google Doc document or spreadsheet, publicly editable, so eveyone can keep it "up to date" collaboratively with the latest prices and coupons...

What do you guys think?
Did anyone compile such a list already, that could be used as a startup point?

 

Maybe you missed my last post but an italian guy told me that he received his XPS 15 today and it did have backlit keyboard
Glad to now about more mSATA options! Did you ask also about blu-ray?

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The deals and configs get refreshed at midnight, so keep an eye out. Also new vouchers will be out for UK and possibly other countries.

 

I don't work for best buy and I have not posted that much of the same thing. Most of the posts that were "reposted" we're answers to people asking questions and/or rephrasing or restating things. No one else is complaining but you and my info has been helpful if anything so please, hop off.


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I don't know where you're getting this info but the base i5 in the xps 14 has 2.6ghz if that's what you're talking about.


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Good about the KB!

I didn't ask for the BR, sorry!

 

The FHD display is supposed to be IPS and from everything I've read/seen on YouTube it is supposed to be very good. You should also include the added benefit of one seriously good sound system for a laptop, my brother tested the previous model in comet and it sounded good even in that large an environment!

Just wish they'd release this model in the UK

 

I have found a review for ASUS N56VZ:
Asus N56VZ review - a top multimedia laptop you can get for under 00
Asus N56 review - multimedia Asus N6 laptop thoroughly tested - YouTube!

Wow, Asus N56VZ has a price 880€ in my country and has better CPU, GPU and display than XPS15, price is almost half respect XPS15 (1500€) so if it breaks you can and buy another :laugh:
Reviewer says that display is TN, and is very good, but something is strange because in Asus site is reported 150° for viewing angles as an IPS display.
The only lack is for mSATA connector

 

Just saw it on a store and to my surprise the red was kinda orange, thought "hey i guess another one used the so famous ips screen", but no, the viewing angles were similar to a good tn.

Does anyone with an asus n56 test it to see?
hope it is just me.

edit:
found notebookcheck test
the gamut is very similar and the red on asus is still on the orange side so i guess it is´t just me

 

There's different models, some aren't 1080p and those are the ones that aren't ips I think. The 1080p screen is optional but the link I listed is the one with the 1080p screen

 

was talking about the 1080p..

 

Oh ehh It's still good for the price. It's getting more and more attractive compared to the xps 15 now. Gahh why do I have so much in dell gift cards... If I didn't I would consider buying the Asus maybe..

 

The ASUS N56VZ reviewed by notebookcheck has a display by Samsung while in Mikesquater review he says that display seems the same of G55 that is LG Phillips LP156WF1, but maybe he's wrong.

Test Asus N56VZ-S4044V Notebook - Notebookcheck.com Tests

Review Asus G55VW-S1020V Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

 

I'm not buying the nexus 7 tablet solely because its asus. I was let down by my asus transformer, an older asus laptop, and my girlfriend's asus laptop. Never again.

 

@DellBill or anyone that can answer.

Can someone link the forum that Rev is onto aid in sales and identifying coupons. I don't feel like going through 100 pages to find the link. Thanks

 

ASUS service would have to to be the worst I have ever experienced. I had a g53sw gaming laptop. The motherboard have up after 6 months and took 6 weeks to get a replacement :S:S

 

I don't think that you have really a reason to complain about. Here in Germany you have a income tax around 15-40%, additionaly you have to pay dues for pension and social security contributions . Alltogether it's normal to give around 50% of your goss salary to the state!

And I'm not even mentioning the 19% VAT you have to pay if you want to buy something, except of some things like food where there is 7 % VAT (so in total for every Euro you earn around 60-70% go to the state)

Otherwise there are of course important pros like a social insurance for everyone (okay I now that many US citicans seem to hate the idea of being insured ???) and if you loose your job you'll get some money from the state and don't have to live on the street after 3 years .

I think everyone has to choose for himself, which system he prefers...

 

No, I'm talking about the i7 with 512ssd and gt640 2gb. This is pretty close to the cheapest mbpr. But I think I will go for the xps15 though, it's possible to get about 400 euros off the price of 1999 so that would be 1000 euro lower than the mbpr.

 

just recieved my xps 15 but have to step into a meeting so a quick post.

Packaging in great and you can see dell has followed mac by trying to minimise packaging. The build quality is amazing. I have never see a dell with such good build quality. It does feel very much like an apple but definitely has enough dell qualities to separate it. Also slightly heavier than I expected but very happy

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/669327-alienware-sales-assistance-thread-redux.html

 

Pics if you can and could you comment on screen quality?

 

Actually in the page you linked it says only "Audio System: High Definition Audio", and so far we only know that XPS has no JBL sound, but we don't know if it's good or not

Not better CPU since it's the 3610
Not better GPU since it's the DDR3 version
TN display with orange-gate
And yes, no mSATA
I wonder how in the earth this could be a better spec laptop...

EDIT about CPU. Only 2 differences between the two models:
3610 --> 2.3 to 3.3 (with turbo Boost) GHz , max TDP 45W
3612 --> 2.1 to 3.1 (with turbo Boost) GHz , max TDP 35W
I guess it's subjective, but I definitely prefer 10W less than 0.2 GHz more on a 3 GHz CPU...

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ok have started up the laptop. Once again everything feels very well made.

The flap for the lan is very clever and well built. I like the black around the keyboard and the bottom feels sturdy and cool. Touchpad is different to the 15z but new things always take time to get used to

To be honest I think the screen looks very very good especially with the glass over it. This laptop is actually smaller than my 15z even though the screen looks much bigger. I would say it is better than xps15z 1080 screen I have.

 

in case anyone was interested my windows experience scores were:

Processor - 7.5
Ram - 7.8
Graphics 7.0
Hard disk 7.9

This is the i7 with 8gb ram and 512 ssd. 7.9 in the highest score you can get according to windows

 

Pretty much the same as mine (I upgraded my own hard disk to 256GB SSD). I am very happy with the laptop so far. The touchpad and keyboard will take a bit to get used to, they seem to sit quite far back compared to my Studio XPS (I keep having to look down to find my place).

I installed Windows 7 completely in under 15 minutes which was impressive. All drivers installed and no issues.

Hard disk replacement was done in 15-20 mins so no biggy. The T5 screws threw me at first as I had not planned ahead but picked a Torx screwdriver set up on way home for £1.99

 

Thanks for the information. mark_pozzi, can you run 3D mark 06?

 

Hi mark_pozzi,

Thx for posting some test results Seems like litereally everybody mentions that the notebook feels quite heavy. I would be also interrested how hard the mSata SDD is to exchange. But of course only if you open it up anyway. Apart from that some words or pictures about the screen quality would be VERY interresting.
Also...does the XPS really stay completely silent if you are just surfing the web or watching a movie (internal GPU) etc. I think there should not be any need to spin up the fan in these cases.

THX!

 

Mark, can you confirm that the SSD is a Samsung 830 ?

Thanks

 

I can confirm that the ssd is a samsung PM830. Sorry guys I don't plan to open up the machine.

As to the screen I am impressed. I mean I don't do much on it as I am an accountant but like I said in a previous post I would say a 25-30% increase on quality of screen over 15z

 

Could you give any feedback on the battery life? I'm considering buying one of these if they add a Blu-Ray option in my country.

 

It is silent when surfing but I have not tried watching a movie.

It is very easy to replace the mSATA card. If you download the owners manual it is page 36.

Documentation

 

I have not tested battery life yet but I will

 

My New XPS 15 L521X - A Saga In Parts

Ordered 28/6 and confirmed that same day for delivery 17/7. An evening email confirmed that Dell had shipped and I should be available to accept delivery 29/6. Wow - must be ex. stock UK, or so I thought.

Guess what, no delivery 29/6 and after a lot of phone calls 'promises' that they would keep an eye on the order. Sat back to wait patiently with that 17/7 delivery in mind. No change in the shipped status or UPS tracker update for several days when a.m. 4/7 UPS changed to 4/7 delivery - received pm. I was a happy bunny.

Happiness was short lived and I am now awaiting a service visit to replace the non functional trackpad - I will try to take some photos during the teardown.

 

Deleted Post

 

I was told by a rep that the reason Dell website changed to 'shipped' status was due to an automated update following label creation. The delay to "production" was the reason it was not actually dispatched when they said it was.

 

I'm sure thats possible, but i received that email before 10 AM on July 3 (and saw it was "shipped" even earlier than that on July 3). So you create a label for something before and can't get it out the door before close of business?

 

I didn't post a link The ASUS N Series has a built-in B&O sound system (something that was included on the last 2 models also) which is widely regarded as one of the best available on any laptop to date. The sacrifice for this is it is a much deeper laptop than the likes of the XPS15 and VAIO S15. Here's a demo of its audio capabilities:

Asus N56 - sound - YouTube

er... that is a better CPU!

Negligible, but still better than the DDR5 640M

"Orange-gate" only affects certain IPS screens, so if this is indeed TN this is a none issue (and still has better viewing angles than the Dell @ 150W/120V)

I'll give you that one

Not saying it's necessarily better, but it is on a par and costs considerably less!

Not really subjective, as a quicker processor is a better processor

 

Better does not always = quicker.

For example the 3612 has Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d), but the 3610 does not. If you require VT-d, you don't want the 3610

Also if your chassis thermal design can only handle a 35 W processor, the 3612 is much better as well, because the 3610 would have to be throttled down anyway.

 

More TDP means also more heat...

 

Yeah it is a funny one. They create the label based on it being fast ship even though they physically do not have any units to ship. Mine was labelled as shipped for 5 days before I chased them and they said it had not been shipped at all. Very silly.

Anyway, just glad to have it in hand now!

 

you have yours in hand? When did you order? I did a phone order like 930 am on launch day.