XPS 15 or XPS 15Z ?

Help me decide which one!

I realize that the

XPS 15 has:
Blueray
9cell battery

XPS 15R has:
thinner
lighter
Better Screen (?? my understanding, am i right?)
Slightly better graphics & processor (?)

I really like the idea of having Blue Ray, much like on my last laptop I was excited to get a DVD player... lol... but I have probably watched a total of 5-10movies on it. Probably not needed, but maybe nice?

I don't need a killer computer, I'm mostly a web-browsing junkie, but I do a little bit of video & picture editing. Minor stuff to youtube (racing footage). Thinner & lighter would be a plus...

Price isnt that much of a concern - i mean it is, but i would rather spend more now and have it last for 4 years than get a new laptop again in two years.

Are there any "known problems" with either?

I normally use a laptop as a desktop replacement - I do everything on it, but I don't need a 17" 'er. I will travel with it quite a bit, but mostly stay plugged into an outlet, so battery isnt a "big" concern as long as I get a couple hours worth.

I'm potentially converting from a roughly 2006-07 HP DVt series that I havent been happy with for a long time.

 

I've read the 15z has poor cooling which results in the processor throttling down, reducing performance...plus, its obviously a macbook clone...I'd stay away from it for either of those reasons...

 

now i am reading the Z doesnt have a user replaceable battery?

(not that it "should" matter....) I never bought a new battery for my HP, and battery is actually one of the many reasons i need a new laptop.

 

Basically, the XPS 15 has the following advantages over 15z.

1) Better screen - B+RGLED 1080p is best in the industry
2) Better speakers, JBL w/ subwoofer, also pretty much best in the industry
3) Better webcam, 2.0mp Skype-certified
4) Better heat dissappation
5) Battery removable
6) Constructed more solidly
7) Has quad-core as option

The only advantage I could think the 15z has is perhaps it looks subjectively better. I stress subjective because I actually prefer the beastlike appearance of the XPS 15.

Hope this helps!

 

The 15 has the better screen.

As a former owner of a 15z, I would advise against it. The GPU is weaksauce. The only reason to buy one is the looks, which aren't as nice in person as they are on the site.

 

This is what I built up on Dell.com:

XPS 15 [Included in Price]
2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, Englis
2 Year Premium Hardware Service
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M 2GB graphics with Optimus
750GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Driv
15.6 FHD B+RGLED TL (1920x1080) and Skype-Certified 2.0MP HD Webcam
Tray Load Blu-ray® Triple Writer
Intel© Centrino© Advanced-N 6230 & Bluetooth 3.0
JBL 2.1 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3 + Creative SoundBlaster X-FI MB 1.2
Elemental Silver Aluminum
Backlit Keyboard - Englis

Might be a little overkill, but again, This is my do-all machine that needs to last 4 years.

Comments / Suggestions?

 

Just ordered a very similar model 15 minutes ago. Got an exceptional deal from Voodooi's Dell Rep. He rocks.

 

do tell...?

 

Thanks to everyone who has posted suggestions & opinions so far! I'm no expert, but that's why I come here!

 

XPS 15z is for PORTABILITY. If you plan on taking it with you like every day then buy that. It offers no other advantage other than portability. For example, a student or businessman on-the-go would use this.

Since you plan on using your computer at home, buy the XPS 15 no doubt. You get more bang for your buck. There are no problems unless you stress your computer which you won't since you said you're just a normal dude.

 

I travel with it about once a week roughly. I just stuff it into my duffel bag, but as long as it's no loarger than my current HP dvt6500 im fine