Return XPS L502X for L702X?

I ordered an XPS L502X (i7-2720QM, 8GB, GT540M, FHD 1080p) and am really happy with it and impressed with its performance, but there is one reason I am considering replacing it with a L702X. While the screen is beautiful and has great color (actually the best I've ever seen), everything is just too small, often requiring me to move closer to the screen, or adjust zoom/font size. While adjusting settings may reduce the problem sometimes, it also takes up more space on the screen. While everything is still readable, I would prefer to maintain space on the screen and at the same time not have to strain (slightly, but noticeably) to read content.

If I were to switch to the L702X, I would go with the non-3D FHD 1080p screen (as I plan to use WiDi). I have a few questions concerning the L702X relative to the L502X. The first concern I have is with the speakers on the L702X, while I don't like their location, it's something I can get over. My first question concerns the keyboard. I am exceptionally impressed with the keyboard on the L502X and its layout. I experience no noticeable flex and can type very fast on this keyboard. 1. Can anyone link my to a clear picture of the L702X standard US keyboard layout? 2. And can any owners of the L702X provide their opinion of the keyboard and its build quality? Is there noticeable flex? 3. Has anyone noticed the touchpad affecting or getting in the way of their typing?

As far as the non-3D FHD 1080p screen is concerned, I will have have to wait like the rest of you until some are actually received by customers to hear some feedback. 4. For anyone with the 3D-1080p version: how is the size and readability at default windows/browser settings? 5. I usually run the L502X-FHD screen within the first 5 brightness settings (inside environment); and it is very bright (in my opinion) at the highest setting. How is the brightness (without glasses on) for the L702X 1080p screen?

Here is the link to Dell's comparison of the screens (as many of you are already aware). Dell XPS Display Comparison

I can try to answer any questions about the L502X, as I am currently using it.

Thanks for any information and opinions.

 

I knew what I was getting into before I purchased the xps 15, I had went back and forth many times trying to decide what I wanted. I could save some ca$h and get the xps 17 (better coupon at that time) or get the RBGled that everyone is going gaga about. I have to say I made the right decision for my taste. If

If would have bought the xps 17 1st before I had seen the xps 15's screen I might have questioned my purchase decision, but now that I have had it for a week, I know I would regret going to a washed out screen.

My recommendation is to keep tinkering with the screen fonts until you get the settings to where your want. FYI- I am using chrome as my default browser. I feel the text appears way sharper with an increased font size compared to IE.

 

Wow, so lucky to get your laptop, I'm just drooling over it until 5/5, my estimated date, . But I wanted to get your feeling on what you thought of the build quality. Does the build quality seem good to you? Is the aluminum all over the computer or just the lid? And funny that you mentioned the keyboard, cause that's probably the most important thing to you. What's your take on the typing feel? Comparable to a Lenovo, Sony, or Macbook? Thanks in advance for your opinions!

 

I just got my L702x. For the most part it is great!

I did so much research on both dells (502 and 702) before I made my decision. I am still not sure if I made the right decision.
I live in Portugal, where Dell does not offer the customizable service to buy a computer.
They only offer a predefined versions for the 502 and the 702. This means that no extras can be added to the computers, no backlit keyboard, no tv turner, and others.
Both 502 and 702 can only be purchased in stores.
Opening up my chest to this experience, I will describe what annoys me with the 702.


Screen
The stores announce on their websites that both 502 and 702 have RGB-FHD versions.
After reading the manual for the 702, I realized that there is no RGB version for the 702. The RGB-FHD screen apparently as a 95% color gamut.
The screen itself is quite bright and the colours are more intense than my previous HP laptop Dv6675ep. I can only imagine how good the 502 colours are with the RGB FHD screen.
I work in video editing and graphic design for which colour is essential.
I am intrigued by your complaint regarding the size of the screen for such an high resolution. I can't make my mind if changing to a L502x to get the full color gamut is the right call for me.
Do you find the colour range of the 502 very significant? If you do, you might reconsider going for the 702.


Keyboard
The keyboard is quite nice to type. I have not adjusted to it yet, due to the numpad, which places the home, delete, end, and other keys in a different layout.
The Function keys on the top are smaller, but this has not yet proved to be a nuissance. Unfortunately, the cursor keys are also smaller than other laptops I have used, but I guess this is a characteristic on both XPS Dells.
The Trackpad seems nice with the multitouch, but I am going to use a normal mouse, which provides me more accuracy for certain tasks.

Bluetooth
I asked if the XPS came with bluetooth. On the store they said yes.
The L502x and the L702x in Portugal are sold with the Intel Wireless card - 1000N, which doesn't came with bluetooth!
This is just disappointing, but not critical.
I have been wondering if there is a way to have dell-Portugal upgrade my card so I can have Bluetooth.

Webcam
The first time I turned the camera I was not impressed. The resolution goes up to 720p which is quite nice, but there was some colour noise in the image, as if there wasn't enough lighting in the room. I also assumed that the fact that I am using a 1080p resolution, enhances every little detail into a whole new proportion.
Do you have any complaints about your webcam?


Bottom line, I wish I Dell offered the customize service, this way, I could have a more accurate information on what I am actually getting.
The speakers are very good for a laptop, the 1080p is crisp and bright with a good colour range (even for a WLed). Performance is excellent, thus far a quiet computer performing (i7-2630QM an 8GBs of Ram). 4 Usb ports (two are 3.0, one is E-sata/power combo and one 2.0)

I am just annoyed, for failing on my research.

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XPS 17 | i7-2630QM | 8 GB RAM | 17.3 WLED 1080p| Nvidia GT 555M | 640GB 7200RPM | DVD-R | 9-cell

 

The build quality is good, it's a solid laptop. I believe the majority of the laptop is actually plastic: the lid may have a thin aluminum shell, and the area surrounding the keyboard is a solid aluminum. I rate the keyboard on the L502X very high and it too is built solid. Sorry, I cannot compare it with the other brands, but my typing is quite fluent on the XPS.

The color on the L502X FHD-1080p 95% color gamut model is exceptional in my opinion (along with the majority). Windows and everything is just more vibrant. However, eventually I plan to have my XPS docked much of the time, using an external monitor. The XPS 15 has a vibrant screen, but the XPS 17 has a bigger screen. I guess it partly depends on whether you plan to use an external monitor or not.

As far as the webcam is concerned: I haven't used it much, but while I'm not exceptionally impressed by it, I'm not disappointed either.

How is typing and the keyboard on the XPS L702X? Is it solid, or does it flex much?