XPS 15 vs SXPS 16

I have some questions about the XPS 15 and SXPS 16.

- How is the build quality, what materials are used (plastic, aluminum, glossy, matte, etc)? There is a "leather" option for the SXPS 16, that means the entire top will be covered in leather as opposed to just a portion on the bottom? Does the color of the laptop affect the color of the keyboard/deck area or does it stay black?
- Where can I find exact specs and technical details about these two models in Canada? The Dell site does an absolutely horrid job, it only outlines the basic specs and talks nothing about battery life, screen resolution, screen type, keyboard type, etc
- Aside from the design differences and the slightly larger screen, what other advantages does the SXPS 16 have that justifies its $300-350 higher price? Is it worth it?

A member said in another thread that the SXPS 16 price might actually rise in the future, since XPS 15 sales might be low. This is possible, so what do you guys think? If I choose the SXPS 16 should I get it now or later?
Thanks.

 

I doubt that the SXPX 16 will be available much longer on Dell.ca. The only 2 models advertised are I5's with limited upgrade options.

I personally think that the new XPS line is better, but of course everyone has different opinions.

Good luck with you choice.

 

I'm looking for an i5 anyways, there's no way I'll buy an i7 (no need, more expensive, horrible battery life, more heat, and no graphics switching).
I'm looking for their detailed specs more though.

 

I'm of the same opinion.

Follow this link for the SXPS documention including Tech Specs.

Documentation

 

That documentation is a basic walkthrough on how to use a computer, doesn't explain the specs of any specific model.

 

Gee, glad you appreciate the help. Sorry then. You're on your own.

 

kind of detailed?

1 Studio XPS 16 Notebook
1 56 WHR,6-CELL,LION,PRIM BATT,INSP $0.00
1 8X DVD+/-RW SLOT DRV, XPS1640 $0.00
1 HD AUDIO 2.0 with SRS $0.00
1 4GB,DDR3,1333MHZ,2 DIMM $0.00
1 Intel Core i5-450M (2.4-2.66Ghz, 3M/4) $0.00
1 ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5730 - 1GB $0.00
1 15.6 945p HD+ WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP $0.00
1 OBSIDIAN BLACK LTHR,INSP $0.00
1 Windows 7 OS Label,CNB $0.00
1 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,MDSN,XPS 1647 $0.00
1 500GB 7200 RPM, Studio XPS 16 AR $0.00
1 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 MLANG CNB $0.00
1 MCAFEE PEARL MUI,30DAY,W/O,CNB $0.00
1 PC-RESTORE, DIM/INSP $0.00
1 DELL WELCOME,SW,DIM/INSP $0.00
1 DELL CONNECT 2.1,DIM/INSP/XPS $0.00
1 DELL DOCK CONSUMER,INB/XNB $0.00
1 DATASAFE LOCAL BACKUP $0.00
1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG $0.00
1 DELL SPRT-CTR SW,64BIT,2.0 $0.00
1 FACIAL RECOGNITION $0.00
1 WINDOWS LIVE SEARCH,MUI,CSMR NB/DT $0.00
1 SKYPE VOIP SOFTWARE APPLICATION,CNB $0.00
1 Dell Webcam Central v1.4 $0.00
1 Roxio EZCD Creator 10.3 DE, Factory Inst $0.00
1 Power DVD 8.3, Factory Install, CNB $0.00
1 WIN 7 HOME PREM, 64, ENG,S/XNB $0.00
1 EBAY-WEBSLICE, CNB $0.00
1 Dell Wireless 1501 for Canada and Latin $0.00
1 INTEGRATED NIC $0.00
1 MICROSOFT OFFICE STARTER 2010,CNB $0.00
1 XPS WARRANTY SPRT, INSPIRON, INIT YR,CA $0.00
1 HW WRTY,Studio XPS 1647,SOL,INIT,CA $0.00
1 RTD,StudioXPS 1647,SOL,INIT,CA $0.00
1 SHIPPING FEE $0.00
1 NO WARRANTY,YRS 2/3(1-1-1RTD) $0.00
1 BC $1.20 ADS,NOTEBOOK PCS $0.00

 

theres a link on dell.ca somewere .. im trying to find ill let you know

 

The computer is built out of a lot of small parts. This is in contrast with other brands known for the their build quality (Apple for example, goes for as few parts as possible with their construction, HP does as well). What this means is that there is a lot more room for error in the contruction of the average SXPS 16 than there is for, say, the ENVY 15.

The chassis is magnesium alloy and exceedingly sturdy. It does not flex at all. Motherboard access is not compartmentalized but is instead granted through a huge back plate. It's a lot more sturdy than having a separate plate for the memory etc.

The palmrest is glossy plastic with aluminum trim.

The lid is glossy plastic with metalized plastic trim.

Everything about this computer can ship in ty shape. I wish I was joking, but it's the truth. And it deteriorates at an absurd rate.

Even the replacement parts are hit-and-miss. It's absurd.

The leather only applies to the bottom third of the lid. It looks a lot nicer in person. If you get the white, it's very striking, but gets dirty rather easily. The leather feels soft and powdery to the touch, and it's a pain in the to clean (but worth it).

The color of the laptop only applies to the lid.

The WLED displays used in the SXPS 16 are manufactured either by AU Optronics or LG. They're more or less the same, with a contrast ratio of 1:500-600 ish and good brightness. They're not your average economy displays for sure.

The keyboard is rather nice, I think. It looks flimsy, but in practice it's actually rather solid. It does not flex from keystrokes, and it takes an alarming amount of pressure to cause it to flex otherwise. The keys themselves are spaced nicely. Actually, that's not true, come to think of it. They keys are square and spaced very close together, but raised in the center so it gives the impression that there's a lot of space between the keys. It's comfortable to type in and I have not experienced any discomfort. The black plastic shows skin oils starkly.

With the i7-720QM and 5730, I get 3 hours of internet surfing. Productivity wise, I can squeeze four hours typing with the wireless off and the screen dimmed down.

You'll have to go elsewhere for XPS 15 specs. They haven't reached these forums yet. Though I'm guessing the B+RG panel is miles better than the WLED in the SXPS 16.

The SXPS 16 is big even for a 16 in laptop. There is nothing this model offers that should deter you from buying the XPS 15 or 17 instead, except (maybe; that's still up in the air) a marginally more robust GPU.

 

They did this in a lot of countries - take away i7 options for SXPS 16, so that they could put them in the XPS 15s they are forcing people to get if they want GT 435M.

With such limited options (no XPS 17, no i5-560M, no GT 435M with i5) I would rather get a i5 SXPS 16 than the new XPS.

 

Thanks Gloomy for the detailed answer.

I don't really understand this part. Do you mean the plastic is very low quality or something?

The SXPS 16 isn't RBGLED? I saw some youtube videos and they all say their SXPS 16 are RBGLED which is significantly better than WLED. Also what is the screen resolution?

What's the B+RG panel?

The main concern is that XPS 15 has a lower screen resolution (or so I heard), worse quality screen, worse graphics card, and much worse appearance (sluggish and all-black looks like a laptop from the last decade).

Thanks.

 

The XPS 15 has 1920x1080. I don't see how it can get much better than that for a 15-inch. I have no idea what B+RG is, but it seems similar to RGB, just with a plus and B moved to the front...

It does have a "worse" graphics card (for non-gamers it really doesn't matter much), but at least it's not a fingerprint magnet like the Studio XPS 16.

 

The XPS 15 is 1920x1080?? That is absurdly high for a 15.6"... Are you sure? I wasn't able to find info for the XPS 15 screen anywhere...
It simply says "Silver Anodized Aluminum 15.6" HD (720p) WLED Display" on the dell website.

 

Underneath that option there should be "15.6" FHD (1080p) B+RGLED Display with Facial Recognition" on the Dell Canada website.

 

Then it's bad. My SXPS 16's 15.6" screen is a 1920x1080 one...

 

SXPS 16 has a 15.6" screen? You mean your XPS 15?

I don't see it anywhere, nor is it on the customizing pages.

 

Yes, many of the SXPS 16's have a 15.6 WLED screen like mine, the RGBLED option was an additional $300 I couldn't afford!

 

the FHD WLED's were 15.6

per my service tag "91PW3 Assembly, Liquid Crystal Display, 15.6FHD, Low Cost, 1645/1647"

 

Here in the UK there is an option for the 1920x1080 B+RGLED screen on the XPS 15. Aparently shows a 92% colour gamut or something.
I'm guessing its a cheaper version of the RGBLED that was on the SXPS 16.
Still, it's a £170 premium here though!

Not sure the real world performance so even though there is a tasty voucher on at the moment im holding out for some XPS 15 reviews. Anandtech is recieving one on friday so hopefully it has the higher screen and they will get straight into testing it

 

Here in the States (aaaaaamerriiicaaaaaaaaa) it's only a 130 dollar upgrade. 92% gamut is god damn impressive, much better than the SXPS 16 WLEDs. It's not a version of anything. It's just a WLED with higher-than-average color gamut-- no innovation, just a really good panel. EDIT: I think you're speaking of the OLD B+RG, which was a 17.3 inch panel used in the Studio 17. This new one is, well, new... and 15.6 inches.

In case the TS didn't know, the RGBLED was discontinued late last year and what has been sold since are the last dregs of Dell's stock.

 

The SXPS RGB LED was 117% of the adobe gamut- and has the most overpowering red hues-cartoon like. So if this is indeed 92% then it may be just right. Im hoping Anandtech review the xps 15 with FHD rather than one of the others. Also really need to know how the 435m, not 420m, squares up against the 5730 amd. It really needs to be at least as fast otherwise its a retrograde step, in spite of optimus. In any case i'll probably hold out till sandy bridge i7 plus 435m optimus is avalible before dropping the hammer on this baby.

 

For me on the looks front.. I would chose the SXPS 16any time than the new XPS 15. I beleive teh Build quality would be simillar

 

Ah I see, so the RBGLED isn't sold anymore. Oh well I think B+RGLED is more than sufficient, and upgrading to BRGLED automatically upgrades resolution too, pretty good deal.
Now is it just me, or is the Studio XPS 16 not available on the Canadian site anymore?

"This item may not be available in the segment you’ve selected. Please contact your sales representative for more details."

They've discontinued the SXPS 16 this quick???

 

lol...I don't think I can mess up a SXPS 16 with a XPS 15...
Anyway, that 0.4" doesn't bother me...cox it's a free upgrade anyways...

 

yeah they have, I ordered mine last week and got lucky ahha.. i asked if there still selling but they are not anymore

 

Congrats though. I know this system can be killer when it's perfect.

 

thanks.. i know people issuing problems have been heavy game players.. i dont play much games.. its a basic .. watch movies.. sit on facebook and school computer.. rarely every play games.. unless its poker on facbeook ahha.. should be perfect! hopefully i get it soon.. im tired of waiting! i check the status of my order every hour haha

 

Wow so much for trying to get an SXPS 16...
Simply abandon a great laptop like this because a new one came out... ? SXPS 16 and XPS 15 aren't even related except for a similar name...
I don't remember Apple discontinuing the iPhone when iPad came out.

Just chatted with a sales rep and he has no idea what this discontinuation is about either, seems a rushed decision made by the company without any advanced warning. >.>

 

You can still order one on the US site, if you do a search for Studio XPS 16

Here's the link:
Dell Studio XPS 16 Laptop Details | Dell

I ordered one yesterday and then canceled it because I realized it was going to be about $500 more than the new XPS 15 with less upgrades... for example the 9 cell battery wasn't an option so I would have to purchase it separately for $155, etc.

I caved and ordered the new one. I hope I like it!

 

You have to remember that the SXPS design did not have the best track record, and yet was obscenely popular. You yourself prefer it over the new system.

I can't imagine that the profit margins on the SXPS were that high. It isn't very reliable-- but it still inherited XPS brand support. I'm sure Dell is happy to be rid of it.

 

I don't understand what you mean. Popular design and high price, what's low about profit margins? IF the design was popular isn't that a good thing? Yes I prefer the SXPS 16 design over the XPS 15 very much.
And I thought the SXPS 16 had better specs and a better screen? What's not reliable about it?

 

There's a bunch of threads documenting the various issues that cropped up during the lifespan of this system. Most of them were taken care of by now, so you'd probably end up with a flawless SXPS 16 (barring manufacturing issues [flimsy hinge caps, loose palmrest assembly, keyboard backlight leakage etc], but with the XPS warranty being as nice as it is, Dell would have had to service a tremendous amount of systems during the lifespan of the SXPS16. They can't do that for free, you know.

 

This is silly. The XPS 15 is the direct replacement to the SXPS16 so of course they are going to discontinue the SXPS16. The are very similar, they are both midrange, 15.6" consumer based laptop systems (the ipad vs iphone is a pretty silly comparison). There is nothing new going on here, this has been the practice at Dell for many years, when a new system comes out the previous generation systems gets discontinued, the amount of time it takes is related to the amount of new parts of hand.

 

Direct replacement? What?
First of all they look completely different. Second of all they have completely different specs, the only thing that's the same is the i5/i7. The SXPS 16 had better specs therefore costs more, I've never heard of a lower-range laptop replacing a better laptop. Lots of people, including me, in this forum, prefer the SXPS 16. If iPad is a bad comparison, then how about iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS? Did Apple discontinue 3GS sales after iPhone 4 was launched? Don't think so.
Third of all Dell increased the "original price" of the XPS and now claims that they're having a huge "sale" of the XPS. A few days ago the XPS 15 cost $899 with an "original" price of $ 999 (a "sale" the moment it came out, lol?), now it costs $949 with an "original" price of $ 1139 (lol), claiming to save $189 instead of the original $99! Wow this is the most fail-worthy marketing strategy I've ever seen.

 

XPS 15's screen - is it glossy or mat?

 

Glossy. Hard to find matte these days.

 

First off, regardless of what anyone on these forums wanted or expected from Dell, these systems are Dells direct replacements to the SXPS systems.

Yes, Apple will discontinue 3gs phones, each company has their own roadmaps based off their own market research. Dell knows whats selling better than you or I do, if they felt there was a profitable market for the SXPS systems I promise you they would continue building them.

I doubt their will be any failure to this marketing campaign, I imagine the Dell Marketing team has a better understanding of their market than you or I do.

 

I don't see what's better about SXPS 16? It is mainly plastic, no longer offers RGB LED, runs hot and still has throttling. The XPS 15 is a more sensible system.

 

Clearly in some aspects the SXPS 16 looks better than the XPS 15.

The SXPS 16 also has a superior GPU (5730) as compared to GT 420M (on Notebookcheck it benchmarks Lower Than GT 240M or GT 330M) and GT 435M.

While you may not be able to purchase the RGB LED directly, some of us still can (but on the other hand we cannot purchase the XPS 17), making it superior to XPS 15's B+RGLED.

 

That you don't know for sure. I hope the new Display is better and I know often you can't rely on Dell's information, but maybe the new panel really has improved technology and therefore a better colour reproduction.