SXPS16 right laptop for me?

I have been shopping around on the internet for the last week looking for a new laptop, and I think the SXPS16 may be perfect.

The configuration I am looking at is basically the base config, without the RGBLED display, but with the ATI card.

I used to own an m1330, that I really loved except the screen was a bit small and I always felt like I was going to break the laptop. Something about the size - although I left it in my backpack and it never broke, I was always nervous about destroying it.

Anyway, my questions pertain to the durability of the laptop and the quality of the screen. I want a laptop that I can keep for 2 years minimum without to much hassle. Would you say the SXPS16 is well built? Also, is the non RGBLED screen of good quality?

In my search of a desktop replacement, I think the SXPS16 is nearly perfect. It offers performance, looks, and I just really like dell.

 

I have two Vostro computers that still look and feel as new as the day I got them which is going on over a year now. My Vostro 1500 is almost on 24/7. With reasonable care and not overclocking stuff most laptops will last at least 3 years. Usually I find I get tired of my laptop and sell it before it breaks.

The XPS 16 is a well built rig sans some heating issues but should give you several years of service. Btw there's a XPS 16 sale tomorrow on the Dell website.

 

Is that from personal experince? There is no heating issues people exagerate over a little bit of heat.

 

Nope, it's based on people's experiences based in the official Studio XPS 16 thread. Also the machine blocks some of the vent openings in the back if you open the screen past 90 deg. That is proven based on a CNET review.

 

Yea but it redirects the air upwards threw the screen it dosent get hot except the palm rest a little. If you can handle that get a SSD

 

That doesn't sound good for the screen.

 

Seems fine its not that much heat that comes out of it anyway she dosen't run very hot

 

How is gaming on your setup, brendanmurphy? Do you game at all, and if so which games?

 

Im a frequent gamer. I play C&C Ra3 on it at 1280 x 720 at max 20 fps no more no less. I also play DOW2 at 1280 x 720 high. Empire total war 1280 x 720 at medium and water set to ultra high. I dont buy a gaming laptop due to money and ablility to monthly pay with dell. But this laptop does what i want it to and it maintains all the portability i need for school

 

Thanks for the help guys, how is the non-RGBLED screen?

 

Not sure but the RGB screen is Omg drop dead georgeous

 

I'll let you know tomorrow!

 

Whats the verdict on that screen? I am sure it is fine, but it would be good to hear before I place my order.

Also, what is the mobility like of this laptop? I know its not an ultra portable - but how do the size and weight affect the mobility of this laptop? It would be nice to be able to bring to class without to much hassle.

I would assume about as well as a 15.4?

 

Yes, about a 15.4. It's thinner than I'm accustomed to, and light even with the 9-cell (those who complain about a roughly seven-pound machine are wusses). I can take it anywhere with me with zero hassle. Even fits in my 15" Swiss Army bag with no issue.

 

16" is nearly the same as 17". I've read that on the forums.

 

Yup, it's about roughly close to one inch off!

However, and this is astounding...it's actually .4 inches closer to 15" than 17". Yes, the Price is Right would disqualify you for going over...but it works! ; )

Seriously, it fits right in my bag, which is a 15" Swiss Army bag. Also, since the screen is a 16:9 instead of a 16:10, it's "shorter" than the average 16" screen.

 

The 16" screen is extremely similar to the 17" screen I had on my 1720. It is a tiny bit smaller but to be honest even when placing them right next to each other you only notice but so much difference.

The WLED screen is beautiful -- especially compared to my 1720's screen, I couldn't believe the difference. Now I don't know what the rgb led screen looks like as I haven't seen it, but I can attest to the fact that the WLED is gorgeous.

 

Alright so 2 people say its like a 17inch notebook, and one person says its more like a 15.4. Haha - well I am going to assume that at 7lbs it isn't too terribly hard to carry around. Thanks for the input guys, and thanks for the news on the screen. Sounds perfect.

 

It's lighter than my Inspiron 1521, even with the 9-cell (at least, it feels that way. And it *does* fit into my 15" bag. If you research the measurements (from what I remember), the dimensions are closer to the 15.4", because the screen is shorter than normal.

 

I tend to feel by weight and size it's more comparable to a 15" than a 17".

 

Its no hard to carry around to school its only 6.5 lbs with 6 cell. I had to get a 17 inch backpack because it wouldn't fit in my swiss gear bag. But it is very close to a 15.6 notebook.

 

Awesome, well I think I am going to order it tomorrow night. Anything else I should know before blowing my tax return?

 

Well you could look at the new Studio 15 (15,6") from Dell, which came out just today.

It has a 1600x900 res option which is a good middle ground between 720p(low vertical res) and 1080p (IMO overkill for 16").

It's obviously supposed to be a lower end laptop compared to sxps, but it actually has surprisingly great configuration options. (720p, 900p, 1080p, 256/512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570, etc)