XPS 15 vs XPS 17: which one should I get?

I'll be brief, I have been flip-flopping back and forth between getting either one of these computers. I have gone on some other forums looking for advice on laptop purchases, but most of the time I am met with people telling me to just go out and get a gaming desktop, which costs just about as much money.

Basically I am curious which of the two computers is a better deal: For reference, here are their current specs and prices (I do not mean so solicit, so please do not take offense).

XPS 15: Dell XPS 15 Laptop Details | Dell

XPS 17: XPS 17 Laptop Details | Dell

For reference, I have been looking at the 800 USD XPS 15 and the 900 USD XPS 17. I am not sure which one is the better deal, and which suits my needs better.

Currently, I am looking for a laptop that is up to date and can actually handle routine things like surfing the net and watching DVD's. Currently I have a 6 year old Gateway that can barely handle these things; it has been having a hard time playing even simple flash games as of late and so I think I am well overdue for another computer. I will most likely need a fresh version of Word, since the newest one I own is 2004, and a new version of windows, since I dont have an install disk for Windows 7 (My girlfriend might, but I don't know if you can install the same OS from the same disk multiple times, can you?) These two facts have discouraged me from making my own computer from spare parts, since the costs of making them, buying the OS, and a monitor would still be more expensive than just getting a laptop and calling it a day.

As for my gaming needs, I can assure you they are not high. I can post the specs later, but really all I want to be able to play is League of Legends, Starcraft 2, and Team Fortress 2 over steam, with the potential to play Dota2 when it comes out later. I am not looking for a top of the line gaming rig, just something to play the games my friends all play.

So, back on topic, let me know which one of these is the better deal, which suits my needs more, and the advantages/drawbacks of each one. I have heard the XPS 17 deals with some heat issues, so that has put me a bit weary of it, but let me know what you all know.

Thanks in advance for all the help!

 

question: does the 555m in the L702X use ddr3 or gddr5?

 

Personally, Id go with the XPS 15. 17" is too huge. I have a XPS 16 and it handles all recent games nicely, not on high though. So that means the XPS 15's power should be able to match mine since its newer.

 

I'm gonna be blunt, the XPS 15/17 are high end consumer multimedia notebooks that will play games, but not at the highest resolution/quality. SC2 unfortunately is a pretty intense game, cranking up the highest quality will even bring high end gaming laptops to its knees. If you don't want the highest quality gaming, then the XPS will suit you fine. I'd also try to get in that 3-4 year warranty given the XPS track record and heat.

Between the two, it's really personal preference. Do you want a desktop replacement or a mobile yet still a bit bulky notebook? It's really up to you.

 

It depends on how long do you want to use it...
The XPS15 will be obsolete in 3-4 years and will have to be replaced even if you are a casual gamer (I mean real games, not flash)
The XPS17 is somewhat more powerful and a good config will probably hold for 5 years for occasional gaming.