XPS15 L502X vs Inspiron 15R specs

I know XPS models generally are superior to Inspiron models, but the offers I'm seeing seem really similar. I'm hoping for a gaming laptop that could last for 3 - 4 years.

Inspiron 15R vs XPS15
i7-2670QM (2.2GHz max turbo 3.10) vs i5-2450M (2.5GHz upto 3.10GHz)
1TB 5400 RPM SATA HDD vs 750GB 7200 RPM SATA HDD
NVIDIA GT525M (128-bit) 1GB (Quad) vs NVIDIA GT 525M 1GB + Optimus
720P LED with Truelife vs HD WLED TL (1366x768)
HD Audio 2.0 Support SRS vs JBL 2.1 Speaker _ Waves Maxx Audio 3

I'm really leaning onto Insprion model due to larger HDD and i7 CPU, but not sure if that is a good choice. I know XPS has better sound, but not sure if the difference gap is huge. I'm pretty much happy with 720P resolution from youtube video, but not sure if the quality's same when dealing with screen resolution.

Both models are $799 pre-tax for now.

I was really hoping that introduction of ultrabook would pressure the prices to go down, but doesn't seem like it's heading that way for now. The deal seems alright to me, but I'm not sure if it's better to wait until back to school deals. I stole my friend's Vostro laptop that would be adequate for Spring courses, so I could discipline myself to keep me busy with other things from gaming and messing with Rosetta Stone.

Hope you have good insights. If I got you lost in my train of thought, the main points I'm trying to make is...

- XPS 15 vs Insprion 15R based on the spec given above
- Buy now, or wait for back to school deal in the fall

 

Most here will recommend you get the FHD (1920x1080) B+RGLED screen in the Dell XPS 15. It has a reputation of being one of the better screens you can get in any laptop.

 

FHD upgrade will cost be additional $100. (Just realized that my 4-year old XPS 1530 had better resolution (1440x900))

BTW, I'm open to suggestions if you know any better alternatives.

 

If you're going to get a Dell XPS 15, you shouldn't buy it in any configuration that has the stock 1366x768 display. The 1920x1080 B+RGLED display upgrade should come at priority over all other upgrades, including the Core i7 processor upgrade.

Don't buy a Dell Inspiron 15R in any configuration that costs as much as $800. The Inspiron is Dell's budget line, so if you're adding upgrades to the point where the laptop leaves the "budget" price range then you should look at other laptops that cost around or not much more than your configured price and offer better displays (15.6" with >1366x768 / "720p"), better aesthetics, possibly other better specs, and possibly better build quality.

15.6" 1366x768 displays limit multitasking and productivity because they make things onscreen large, and they tend to have terrible image quality due to low contrast. I don't recommend this type of display to those who have a budget that allows them to get a laptop that has a better display and at the same time suits their needs, and who don't have eyesight-related issues that require large text.

The 1920x1080 B+RGLED display available in the Dell XPS 15 is one of the best 15.6" displays available. In addition to its high resolution and contrast, its high color gamut makes colors appear very saturated.

Don't make it a priority to get a Core i7 processor unless you have a particular need for one. Gaming, for one thing, depends much more on the GPU than it does on the CPU, and looking through your post It doesn't appear that you've mentioned having any particularly CPU-intensive requirements. You should consider the GPU (if gaming) and the display before you consider the processor.

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The cheapest configuration of the Dell XPS 15 that I would recommend is the base model with the 1920x1080 B+RGLED display upgrade, which will come out to $849 after coupon code 932N$0ZCCHWZB9. Add any other upgrades you need (consider the backlit keyboard), but don't downgrade the display either for budget reasons or to trade it out for another upgrade.

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If you'd like additional game performance, consider an HP DV6z or HP DV6t with the AMD Radeon 7690M and 1920x1080 display upgrades.

HP DV6z Quad Edition (A6-3420M, AMD Radeon 7690M, 15.6" 1920x1080 matte display) - $699 after coupon code 25LOGICBUY. Don't downgrade the display to 1366x768; don't downgrade the GPU.

HP DV6z Quad Edition (A8-3550MX, AMD Radeon 7690M, 15.6" 1920x1080 matte display) - $769 after coupon code 25LOGICBUY. Don't downgrade the display to 1366x768; don't downgrade the GPU. The A8-3550MX is 40% faster than the A6-3420M.

HP DV6t Select Edition (i5-2430M, AMD Radeon 7690M, 15.6" 1920x1080 matte display) - $799 after coupon code NBDTSAVE50 (if that expires, then $824 after coupon code 25LOGICBUY) - Don't downgrade the display to 1366x768; don't downgrade the GPU; don't upgrade to the 2GB GPU because the extra memory itself on the same GPU core won't make much of a difference for gaming.

 

The Inspiron 15R does not have:

1) FHD B+RGLED display upgrade
2) JBL Speakers & Subwoofer
3) Backlit Keyboard

The Inspiron 15R's keyboard isn't as stable as the XPS 15's backlit keyboard. The Inspiron 15R's build quality is very close to the XPS 15 although it doesn't use an alloy base plate. I don't know if the Inspiron 15R runs any warmer or louder than the XPS 15 with the quad-core and the discrete GPU.

The dv6 is a stronger general use machine for its form factor and anti-glare panel; it's also a superior gaming machine because of the GPU and the standard gamut display. I can't say I'm a fan of the (non-backlit) keyboard which is a ization of chiclet style with floating island keys and usage feeling. It crunches a numpad in by using a genuinely frustrating arrow key configuration.

I'm somewhat inclined to wait for the new XPS 15. In 2010, the XPS 15 was a cleverly designed and respectably built 15.6" desktop replacement. It's still a good system but competition has improved since then. The fabrication processes used for Intel's Ivy Bridge and NVIDIA's Kepler should enable Dell to make a significantly an improved XPS 15 that is thinner and more stylish with a superior GPU and more usable display.

 

Yeah, that was what kept me back. I'm wondering if a new XPS15 model is coming out in the fall, or if Dell's just going to throw out better deals. (This Dell XPS model has aged somewhat) For 2012, current XPS is still really bulky and not as powerful as its reputation claimed when I was buying M1530 model in 2008.

 

I suggest you spend a little bit more and look at an Alienware, if you really want something that will last you 3-4 years for gaming.

Dell seems to have dialed back the XPS line - it used to be their answer to the Alienware line, but now that they own the Alienware brand, they seem to have moved the XPS from premium gaming to multimedia all-in-one. Don't get me wrong, it can still play games quite well, but it doesn't have the proper hardware/design to really handle games compared to other notebooks out there.

If you are serious about gaming, MSI, Sager/Clevo, and Alienware might be better alternatives to the XPS. But if you want something that is more well-rounded and appropriate for a little bit of everything, then I think the XPS is better suited for that.

 

If you have a relatively limited budget, Alienware isn't necessarily the best way to go if you're looking for faster GPU performance.

 

I only just now saw edit's recommendation of the HP DV6. I'd say go for it. Better GPU, higher resolution panel, and in some cases cheaper.


Frankly, the Inspiron is a pretty good machine, barring the BGRLED and JBL speakers. Most users don't really need a quad-core i7; the i5's with hyperthreading can hold their own in most intensive tasks.

As for the hard disk, you can always upgrade that down the road, so I would never make that a factor in your decision making process.

True, and I'd be crazy to disagree. But it's an option I threw out there, if one really wants a "gaming laptop that could last for 3-4 years". The CPU will easily last that long, but computer games are getting more and more demanding that in 3 years' time the nVidia 4xx series and ATI 4xxx series will be "obsolete" to most mainstream users (though still very capable).

I hear great things about MSI and ASUS multimedia laptops, which are definitely cheaper than the Alienware line.

 

If you want to seriously game, don't buy anything short of a gaming laptop because it WILL disappoint. dv6/7, XPS are NOT gaming laptops, do not buy these multimedia laptops expecting to game because as soon as you turn up the quality and resolution they will choke. If you can't afford a brand new Alienware, pick up a gently used new generation one and save a bundle and upgrade the warranty. I picked up my R2 for 1500 used and it still stomps alot of laptops in gaming performance.

 

Exact reason why I mentioned Alienware, MSI, Sager/Clevo.

If you don't need a laptop (ie. you don't need to lug it around with you everywhere) you can get a really good gaming desktop for $800.