XPS Line Refresh?

I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about a refresh on the xps lineup? I like the XPS 16, but it just seems to have way too many problems for the price. Not to mention, there isn't a RGBLED screen available anymore. I will be looking at buying the Envy 14 in a month, but wanted to see if Dell had anything planned. I would think the exhaust vent or screen would be re-desgined to prevent the throttling.

 

Looks like it's not happening anytime soon as they are just now putting in the 5xxx graphics cards.

It's not like Envy is without problems...

 

Doubt there will be any XPS refresh until next year when the next chipset comes out. The screen is more to due with Dell's suppliers than Dell themselves, I'm sure it will come back eventually.

 

The Envy will have some problems just like any piece of technology, but they are beating Dell right now as far as updating. The Envy 14 will be a pretty powerful little machine--just heat will be the issue. Dell should really come back with a 14 or 15 in xps laptop. The 16 is a powerhouse, but lacks the mobility for college.

 

Problems aside, I just finished my first year of college with the SXPS 16 and I had no trouble at all carrying it around to various locations on campus, although it stayed in my room most of the time.

 

Hmm, only going slightly off topic here, but "mobility for college"? I know I graduated from University in 2005, but I never once took a laptop (or any other electronic device) to class for actual school related work in class. In fact, I didn't even own a laptop until 2007. Sure, lan-parties were a when everyone only had desktops, but man, they were awesome! Anyways, back to the topic: I take my laptop with me to and from work every day, not a problem in the slightest. Concerning the "problems", I think the XPS community is very vocal and particularly in the past there were many more issues than there are now. I am extremely happy with my laptop, and wouldn't trade it for almost any other laptop in the same price range.

 

I honestly believe anything smaller than 15.4 inches lacks the size required to be used as your "primary computer" in college.

Throughout all 4 years for me only one subject "required" the use of a laptop (after the professor found out everyone had one) in class, and I got a comp sci degree... If a professor doesn't encourage the use of laptops in class than it's just disrespectful. If you enjoy studying outside under a tree with your laptop then never mind.

 

I would have loved to see switchable graphics in the XPS16.

Now i just hope the 5730 will make its way into the 1647 in Europe. Has anyone got an idea if thats going to happen? And has it happened elsewhere?

 

At this point, I could not care less if Dell refreshes the XPS 16 but what I would like to see is more variety. I got an email advertisement the other day saying to check out their line of XPS laptops. I laughed out loud because their line basically consists of a single laptop if you don't count the Adamos.

My last few laptops have been XPS branded and I like them because they offer higher end options than the studio or inspiron line. They have been solid performers for me over the years. However, I am looking for another laptop to replce my 16 due to it's size really not being optimal for lots of travel. I want something smaller but with decent quality and similar power. Dell no longer has this in their consumer line. I never thought I'd look at buying a HP or any other brand for that matter because I've been a Dell fan for years and they've always had something to satisfy my needs. However, a lot of the other manufacturers are really stepping up their game and meeting the needs of consumers.

I've been eying the dv6tse (metal finish) and the upcoming envy 14. I probably would have never even looked that way had Dell filled in their holes. A big draw for me on these laptops are the metal finishes, switchable graphics and back lit keyboards.

 

As a college student myself, I actually enjoy having my SXPS 16. The main reason for taking a Laptop to class is to work on technical projects that require a computer and powerpoint presentations. I have no problem at all carrying the laptop around with me. Plus the style of the SXPS is really professional and stylish which I like. It all comes down to preference really.

 

If I had someting as big as an XPS 16 on campus, I would buy a cheep netbook or ultraportable to take to class for notes and leave the XPS 16 in my dorm or apartment desk. IMO, the CPS line became less important to Dell after it acquired Alienware.

There is a growing segment of businesses that need multimedia capability. The XPS brand was perfectly postured to exploit that market. Unfortunately, Dell left the XPS 16 to carry the entire weight of the model and the flagship is growing a bit old. The XPS design needs a facelift. The design needs one too. The 16 needs a 13.3" companion to re-establish the model in the ultraportable segment. It should be less than 1" thick, less than 4.25lbs, have a Core I 520M or better CPU, have the same GT335M as the M11x, Optimus, 8 cell battery, 1600 x 900 display (1080p RGBLED Option), and a 500GB 7200 rpm HD or SSD option. It should be aluminum clad and none of the crappy colors that the Latitude is being painted these days. Will it come. Doubtful.

Bronsky

 

I would love to see the XPS series drop the studio name and go all metal chassis. Granted the studio name doesnt bother me, its just nostalgia of hearing XPS rather then studio XPS or SXPS. As for the metal chassis well I think the magnesium alloy should be the only material used on the frame and exterior (minus the aluminum accents which I find quite pleasing after dumpign my lemon m17x).

 

I agree with everything you stated, minus the wieght but thats opinion based. The XPS line was a great performance model for those that wanted a nice workstation, but did not want to go out and spend twice as much on a boutique brand. You could get close to the same hardware for alot less money and alot less weight. I loved my m17x it was beautiful, powerful, well built (minus keyboard flex), and full featured. The problem was that it was almost twice the price of a full spec'd XPS16, it was heavy (even for a 17in), and got very little battery. While those cons meant nothing to me as Im used to 17in behemoths with crappy battery life, I just wasnt cool with the price.

The SXPS 16 is thin, light, and gets well over 3 hours of batteyr life doing light work (what else are you going to do on battery?). I could carry it around ALOT easier then the alienware, and when it came down to it the rig packed the same power minus the GPU. As much as the 5870 dominates it wasnt worth all the extra money. While I would love to have a sony viao p for more mobile use, the SXPS actually fills that segment very well. After carrying around a dell vostro for a few years and a alienware for a month I dont even notice my XPS. Sometimes I freak out thinking I forgot my rig at home, only to realize that its tucked away same in my pack.

 

Yeah, I totally agree with you. I think Dell should drop the Studio name and use some design elements from the dead XPS M1330 and XPS M1530 for next their next refresh.

I bought my XPS M1530 in December 2007 (first batch user!!), and my old XPS M1530 looks and feels way better than the new shiny, glossy and plastically laptops. The mag-alloy chassis and brushed aluminium palmrest are the best.

 

As a first batch 5730 XPS user Ill agree. Full metal chassis and power between right below alienwares would be best. Making an all out XPS that matches the alienware line would be the same mistake that GM and Chrysler made (having their own lines compete with each other). Honestly a full tilt XPS should have everything the same as a dellienware, minus GPU. Something like 5750/5830 vs 5850 in the 15in segment and 5850 vs 5870 in the 17in segment. This allows users to get high level GPU performance and the same CPU performance for less, and if they need the extra power they get an alienware.

This way the XPS series will not directly compete with the Dellienware's. Also I would love to see a 17in, 15in and an ultraportable XPS (11in or 12in or 13in). That would make me happy as the XPS line was an icon for dell and there was no need to axe the line. Rather a refresh to fill a different gap on computing needs.

 

I used the Studio XPS 16 for a several months of college, carrying it to classes. It worked pretty well. A bit heavy, but workable. The 9-cell battery made it difficult to fit in a 15.4" messenger bag, but it did work. I then switched to carrying around a Dell mini 10 to classes and using my larger XPS 16 for homework.

 

Not only mobility, SXPS 16 does not have switchable graphics and USB 3.0 and also it has serious heat issue which has not been fixed yet by dell

 

I suppose Dell should release a brand new line with the same basic characteristics, like i5,i7 CPUs, Radeon 5650-5850 (depending on size), switchable GPU, USB 3 and high res displays for all models.
They should also have some nice, but not flashy design, Alienwares are really unusable in a professional environment.
The right sizes would be probable
- 13" - 1,8kgs with integrated optical drive, Radeon 5650 and 1600x900 display
- 15" - 2,5kgs with Blu-Ray, Radeon 5650 or 5850 and 1600x900 or Full HD display.
- 17" - 3,2kgs with Blu-Ray, Radeon 5850, dual HDDs and Full HD

These models would not cannibalize the Alienware line, but could compete with the new Acer and HP lines, which will eat the XPS16 alive as soon as they are available in numbers.

 

The heat has been somewhat fixed. The new 1645s run alot cooler then their 4670 counterparts. Mine reaches a max temps in the low 70C range (prime95 +frumark +TS +background processes). People have to remember that this is a thin laptop, especially for the power it packs and it is going to run warm or even hot. As for switchable graphics, I had this on my thinkpad and while it was nice it required special drivers and limited you to certain operating systems. As of now with the 9cell I get well over 3 hours of battery life which is absolutely amazing for a quad core CPU and enthusiast GPU level computer. Honestly if I were to need more then that I would go with a different computer (as should anyone).

While I like your ideas, I have to disagree with two things. When I had my alienware sure it drew a little attention, but it was more then professional as an IT manager. Honestly I dont see anything in the HP lines that can even touch an SXPS in most tasks. Granted the Envy series can, but that is more inline with the alienware series then the xps as the price is much greater then a full spec'd XPS 16. Even then the XPS doesnt lag too far behind.

 

Dell needs a 13.3" consumer laptop REAL bad. They are losing so much market share from this missing key ingredient. And they best not go the shiny plastic route.

Everyone hates shiny plastic now. Go matte plastic and they'll have a smash winner.

 

I just ordered an Acer 3820TG from Germany becuase of the lack of a decent multimedia 13" notebook. I noticed that you bought a 13" MBP. I assume that if Dell had a decent 13" unit you would have considered it.

 

The Envy doesn't seem to be that much more expensive than the XPS 16. Both brands have their issues with heat, but HP has had far better deals lately than Dell. Dell has disappointed me with their lack of updates. It took forever to finally get the newer graphics card that was way past due. I have even spec'd out the studio 15 among other lower end laptops, and they still come out to be really expensive. I still have about 2 months to decide on a laptop, but I doubt Dell will come out with anything new.

 

I don't know how you're doing that. I have the 9 cell and I can't even break 2 hours. My backlight is stuck on full brightness (haven't called tech support yet) but I don't see how just that could cut my battery life in half...

 

With a RGB LED display you bet it would cut your battery in half....

 

Absolutely would've gone with the Dell after having experienced the amazing Accidental Damage Protection. What would have cost $1000 to repair on my old laptop was COVERED!

Too bad Dell lost me because they can't simply offer a 13.3" laptop! Now I'm with Apple who doesn't have Accidental Damage so now I am constantly worrying and babying my Macbook Pro.

 

I recently did a review on the older XPS 1645 model, and got really high temps (highest was on the bottom, at 117 C, yikes). I will test the new config soon to quantify the change. Hopefully, they did fix the heat issue (which doesn't seem dangerous).

 

As wetcardboard stated, full brightness on an RGB LED will most definitely kill your battery life. Screen brightness is one of the most important determinants as to how long your battery lasts, and the RGB, especially, is a sucker for POWWAH . I'm looking forward to the review of the new config Biosci3c, thanks.

 

You can never be too rich, too good looking or have too much power.

Bronsky

 

I can't wait for a refresh... I still have 2 years on my 1645 that I just received w/5730 and the dang thing still throttles... there must be a refresh sometime in there.. suppose I will have to hold off as there is really nothing else comparable....

 

Lol yep, we're in the same boat

 

I won't be doing a review of the newest config other than to make notes about how it differs from the one I reviewed before (see link in sig). Doing a review is a whole lot more work than it looks like.

I will see how much the RGBLED screen impacts battery life, since I currently have a WLED on my replacement machine (and the screen is due to be replaced by an RGBLED).

 

So I just have the standard 1 year warranty. Say something new comes down the line in 6 months, can I state my case then with the heating and throttling issues and get a newer model or is my only option to return it now, get a refund, and wait?

 

If you're truly unhappy with the system then return it within the allowed time period to get most of your money back. There is no guarantee of them deciding to replace your system later on for these issues. It is case by case. However, they are probably less likely to work with you on a standard warranty. They'll do everything to avoid giving you an upgrade and you may just end up with a refurb but who knows...they may come up with a fix before then.

This is truly a question only you can answer. What are you willing to do and how long are you willing to wait? They could refresh the line in 1 month, 6 or more. If it were me and I were truly unhappy with my purchase, I would return it because nothing is worse than having buyer's remorse on such a pricey investment.

 

I really do like the XPS, but knowing I have the hardware capable of doing so much more sitting in front of me (and not performing to spec) is really annoying. The build quality of the studio 15 is so much worse but I'm almost considering changing to that...an i5 with a 5730 would be nice too.

 

I plan on waiting for a REAL refresh that addresses the throttling to ask for a replacement... unless there is a bios update from god that helps us out.......

 

Drat. New screen came sooner than I expected, and I didn't get a chance to do a quantitative comparison of battery life. It appears though that it not a huge difference (at about 75% power on the WLED, it gave me 1:30 hrs, about what I got on the RGBLED).