XPS 15 (L702x) build quality and battery life?

Hey all

I'm considering replacing my current laptop (an ancient gateway) and I wanted to know what your impressions were on the build quality and battery life? I will most likely be getting one configured with the i7 dual core, 540m, 1080p screen and 92whr battery. What kind of life could I expect under normal conditions (web browsing, note taking, youtube-watching, etc.)?

Also, my main concern with build quality is screen stiffness. My current gateway is a convertible, and with 3 years of daily use the screen has become extremely floppy. How does the screen on your XPS feel?

Thanks for the help

 

Personally, I had no issues with the build quality and battery life of the XPS 17 which I have received on 25/3/2011. The unit came to me as rock solid and I've got around 8 hours with a single charge with light surfing and mainly using it for word processing. Please bear in mind that the first until which I have received had Optimus and it was running on the integrated Intel HD 3000 instead of the 3GB Nvidia GT555M all the time.

When I received my replacement until on 11/4/2011, I was slightly unhappy with the build quality as I think the mould for the back panel was not properly done so the back panel will be quite hard to remove if I want to do some DIY on it. With regard to the battery life, the Nvidia GT555M is always running and so I've only had around 3.5 hours of battery life on the average for each charge.

I do believe that it is a small price to pay for the 4 memory slots and 3D enabled gpu + 1080p 3D screen. I don't use the 3D function but it is a must if you want to have 4 memory slots. Cheeky Dell...

Since I am running on the 3D 1080p screen, it is marvellous!!! However, the 900p screen is pretty good too. I have no complaints for the 900p screen though. It is just that I had to get used to 1920x1080 resolution.

 

Other than the plastic base, the build quality is very nice.
As for the screen movement, it smooth, but not loose. Doesn't feel flimsy at all either. It's certainly a lot better than my last two 17" laptops (Samsung R780 + MSI CX705).

I can't comment on battery life, as mine is a desktop replacement so is always plugged into the mains.

 

I've had about 4 hrs use (but i've turned down the brightness as its insane)

Build quality is ..... above average? Middle of my keyboard is a bit bouncy but they are above the average quality of dell.

 

There has to be something wrong with the title of the thread.

XPS 15 and L702x dont go hand in hand.

Ple do clear which laptop are you talking about xps 15 (15" laptop) or xps 17 ( 17" laptop).

 

Sorry, I meant 502x. My mistake.