Which XPS should I go for?

Hi all, I'm going to buy an XPS 16, but just considering which specification to go for.

My current laptop is a HP 6730B with 4GB RAM with Windows 7 and its response time is pretty slow which annoys the hell out of me.

I have the habit of running multiple applications concurrently, such as Word, Outlook, MSN, Chrome, Dropbox, Skype, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, etc (you get the picture). But I rarely play games on my laptop, though I think I might start playing if I get an XPS (probably Diablo 3).

Anyway, I'm divided between two choices:

1. XPS 16, 15.6" WLED, i7-720QM, 6GB (2+4) RAM, 256GB SSD = NZ$3,700 (about US$2,600)

or

2. XPS 16, 15.6" WLED, i7-820QM, 8GM (4+4) RAM, 640GB 5400RPM SATA HDD = NZ$3,300 (about US$2,300)

So basically it comes down to lower spec CPU with SSD, or higher spec CPU with SATA drive.

I did hear about certain "flickering" issues with the XPS screens and the throttling issue, but do these problems appear with XPS 16's with WLED screens (and 90W adapter)? I'd be interested to find out.

I'm thinking maybe go for option 2, and when the prices for SSD come down buy one then? Is it possible to buy a SSD from somewhere other than Dell and install it on XPS 16 myself?

Thanks!

 

the 2nd option looks better. And theres a thread in the Studio XPS forums about adding a 2nd HDD by arjunprabhu

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=463375

 

mr33 again I see. Im the NZ 1645 owner from the dell forum.

I am unaware of flickering issues with the WLED screen, and have had no problems myself. And im sure you would be fine running those programmes without any troubles, (computer is damn quick). As for Dell shipping 130W PSU's to WLED owners, im prettysure they do check this thread

About your choice of configuration. I have the 2nd configuration except with a 500GB 7200rpm HDD which the do not have as an option in NZ anymore, and adds 14days to shipment dates anywhere else.

And yes it is definately possible to replace the HDD with a SSD in future. I plan to do the same, once prices for SSD's come down. People have been doing this and putting there old HDDs in the optical drive slot. Check this thread

Hope this info helps. Anymore qustions just post here

 

100% agree with all of JKleiss' comments above. You could also have the best of both worlds and have both SSD and HDD in your laptop as shown in this wonderfully written how-to thread.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=463375

 

Haha thanks flyswatter

Thats the 3rd time that thread has been posted on this thread, in 3 replys. Haha.
Oh well i gues great minds think alike

 

LOL
I wasn't trying to be funny, I never clicked the links in the other posts! I just read yours in detail and agreed because it was so spot on to my thoughts about it. That's going to be my plan if/when SSD become a cost effective storage medium and using the HDD for cache, VMem and mass storage etc. Just got to get an external case for the optical drive with I rarely use anyway.

EDIT OK, just to not be a redundant poster on this thread you can see the how-to here instead.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=388625

 

Thats my plan too, your lucky tho I think, try getting a caddy for the HDD in New Zealand!

 

Thanks all for your help!! And good to see you again too Kleiss!

Didn't realise I could remove the ODD and put in another disk. That's quite clever thinking.

Just placed an order, but after it went through realised I should've paid with my credit card to collect Fly Buys points... so I've asked sales rep to cancel the earlier one and now I'm just placing my second order to pay with my credit card.

So thanks all I'll be joining you guys as XPS owner soon