XPS 1340 vs. XPS 15 (L501x): Comparison Pics

I was sent a refurbished XPS 15 (L501x) as a replacement for my XPS 1340.
While the capabilities of the new machine are WAY above my previous one, there are some things I'm just not a big fan of.

Pros:
Power.
I7 in this machine is a beast compared to the old machine.
6 gigs ram doesn't hurt either.
Screen is 1080 LED and really shines when the colors are compared.
Machine stays cool.
No problems with sound quality or non-functioning hot keys across the top of the laptop.

Cons:
Size. While the screen real estate is obviously great, I bought the XPS 1340 for a reason. To travel easily. While it's heavy, it still fits in most of my laptop bags.
9-Cell Battery is HUGE. I get this improves airflow and gives greater battery life, but again... it impacts portability. I sent an e-mail to Dell requesting a 6-cell. We will see how that request goes.
Power pack. This thing is mammoth compared to the one for the 1340. Cable is thicker, pack is thicker and heavier. Oh well.
Replacement doesn't have the backlit keyboard. I'm not sure if this is a dealbreaker, but it at least gives me leverage with Dell.
Keyboard build. The keyboard on the L501x sucks compared to the one on the 1340. The response from the keys. The sound from the keys. The flex from the keys. All sub-par.
CD/DVD Drive. I really prefer the slot-load drive. Really disappointed that Dell went back to the tray for the XPS.

Here are some pics for those that end up in a similar situation.

Side by Side:


Size Comparison:


Thickness:


Screen Thickness (didn't really see a huge benefit from LED vs. LCD):


Power Adapter (huge difference!):

 

Well since it is refurbished, maybe you can ask for an XPS 14, they dont offer new ones anymore and its basically the same as the 15 but a bit smaller.
And as for the power brick, if that is a big problem, then you can ask to get an i5 instead, the 130w brick is for the i7's which need more power. The i5's are quite capable aswell and they have the same adapter as the 1340.

 

I don't know about you but the XPS 15 looks way cleaner. Aside from that though, did the XPS 1340 come with a BL keyboard? If so, you may have a case. Also from what I see from your pics, I see that the XPS 15 has a noticeably thinner screen but obviously thats not the best advantage of the B+RGLED over the CCFL of your old screen. I would be grateful for such an upgraded replacement.

 

Damn that 15 is pretty thick .

 

Yeah it is pretty thick because of the 9-cell. But without it, the 1340 looks thicker despite supposedly being more "portable". Studio XPS = fail.

 

really? even without the 9cell part sticking out it looks thicker owell.

 

The Studio XPS 13 and the Studio XPS 16 are pretty much the same thickness which for the 16 inch is quite nice but on the 13 inch is a bit thick. But my uncle has the 1340 and it isn't that bad, that's just how Dell makes their laptops, like the 12" XPS preceding by 2 gens i think, it was thick, but really nice.
So i would have to disagree on the "Studio XPS = fail". Despite their faults, i think the Studio XPS line is really nice and nearly everything is perfect. I haven't ever had any serious problems on mine in the whole year i have owned it.

 

Agreed. I really liked the build quality of my 1340. There were just a couple problems tech support could never resolve that were making the laptop unusable. Oh well.

 

Tell me about it, I went from a XPS M1210 to XPS 15. The M1210 size was nice & was a screamer in its day but was beginning to lag in terribly in my multimedia applications.

Some of your pro and cons are the opposite of mine.

I like the design of the 9 cell for its gets some ventilation up and under the chassis.
My preference is a tray loading drive better than a slot load. Maybe I'm old school but I have never had good luck w/ slot drives even in my car. I like knowing when in doubt, I can always use a paperclip to open the tray & like seeing the disk go in (even the 3" ones). Maybe its a control thing

The sound package on the xps is amazing. I don't know what your previous laptop had but mine stunk. Also I am in love with my screen, do not miss the 1210 at all & would never trade in a heartbeat despite having very, very good luck with my almost 5 yr old 1210. Bummer it just sits now on the shelf.

Hope you get the system fixed up the way you want & thanks for the comparison pictures. That was great.