sxps 16 vs Alienware m15x

Hi i was wondering i have had dell products for like 8 years now
i have a dell xps m1530
that has the t9300 processor
and it got damaged so then dell decided they would send me a replacment system
so they send another xps1530 refusbished was not happy with that so i called and complained took them 2 weeks to decide what they where going to do
so in the 2 weeks i saw the M15X for 1499 plus 200 in free upgrades so i bought hte m15x with the i720 i only got the basic 512 vid card i dondt do alot of gaming and i might get into wow but not sure if i will or not
here is the thing
they just shiped out my system on friday
and today they shiped out the replacment system
i found out that the replacment system
they are sending me a new studio XPS 16 to replace the m1530
so now i have this xps 16 they are sending it has the t9900 2 dou in it and
it has 6 gig's of ddr3 1067 fsb and a 500 gig HD with a free fall sensor

is that system better then the

m15x that im gettign that has the i720qm with 320 gig hd and a 512 vid card and 4 gigs of DDR3 1333

im still a bit confused about the i720qm is it better then the t9900
i see the i720 in tubo mode goes to 2.8 and is 1.6 without turbo mode
the t9900 is 3.0 wich prosesor is better
will i really notice it
im confused here and all
what would you guys do return the m15x
and keep the xps 16

or would you keep the xps 16 and sell it and keep the m15x to use

im just trying ot decide what to do here
Thank you

 

Which display does the SXPS have? I _ LOVE _ my SXPS16, so I'd return the Alienware in a heartbeat. The i7 proc is nice, but if you have the RGBLED in the SXPS its a no-brainer to me.

When the SXPS arrives, do a little side by side and go with your gut.

 

get the alienware. You would be buying new generation specs.. i7 is still better in every way than top of the line core 2 duo! most of the time your processor will be at 2.8 and not 1.6 ... its only 1.6 when its using all 4 threads which it wont unless you reconvert videos in different formats. the 1333mhz ram is the best they got now! plus the video card 240m is better than ati... and one amazing thing about alienware their graphic cards can be replaced.. they use MXM slots and not soldered onto the motherboard
plus the system has amazing looking light effects.. and endless possiblities.


So look at this, you can get top of the line notebook.
and in future easily upgrade all the parts... expand ram to 8gb 1333mhz ddr3
you can put in a faster i7 when they get a lil cheaper in like 2 yrs.
you can buy 260m gtx video card... or 280m gtx that will work with it also.. even ati cards will work on it, like the upcoming 5000 series..

Its the best 15 inch laptop thats on the market right now! And one of the best looking too! It has metal case which is premium quality. The company: Seager has i7 laptops but they use PC parts, and get 1 hour battery on i7 and look ugly... M15x all the way!!!!!!!!!! Dont even think twice! Plus Alienware has amazing cooling system much better than of SXPS 1640

 

I agree with AlexSochi. The only con for the m15x is the weight. However, if dell reps are not going to refund the SXPS16. What do you need to do with two laptops? Don't mind this question if money is not a problem to you.

 

Wow, research teh SXPS 16 please. It uses i7 and 1333 DDR3 RAM also. Just that the GPU is soldered on, however apparently 4670 is on par with the 240.

I have already expanded my RAM to 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3.
I will be putting in a faster i7 when are are "a lil cheaper in like 2 yrs"
And I am rocking out with a better, brighter, more colourful screen than any Alienware.

However if you are looking into a gaming machine, get the Alienware. Otherwise I'd go with the SXPS 16.

 

He's probably talking about the deal he got (he's getting a SXPS 16 with a c2d vs the M15x with i7), he probably knows that SXPS16 got i7.

But yeah, it's screen vs graphics power, and well, M15x is heavier than SXPS16. I'd go for the M15x, if you plan to use a external monitor or your SXPS16 doesn't come with RGBLED (you didn't specify on your deal) or if you are ok carrying 4kg around (although SXPS16 can get somewhat heavy).

Or you could sell that SXPS 16 and get one with i7. It standards 1GB (ATI HD4670) video and 6GB RAM, add some other perks if you'd like, like Blue-ray, the screen, SSD, etc...

 

ok i decided im going to keep the M15x and use that
i also use my 40 inch sony bravia as my monitor with a full 1080 hd screan


the thing with the sxps 16 they are sending me a brand new one
to replace the xps1530 that i have now
so the xps16 will have the ramander of my old warranty wich is up in 30 day from now so i am thinking about selling the system but not sure what i could get for it without more then a 30 day warranty on it

 

And I think I was a little harsh on M15x screen. It's not bad, just not as good as the RGBLED screen IMO.

 

A top of the line (i7, 4670, RGBLCD etc.. ) SXPS 16 would be my bet, mainly because of size/weight. Alienware has the performance crown, no question. However, a 9-12lb 15" notebook? If it never moves from your desk and is your only PC, sure go Alienware. For someone like me with a kick self built desktop, no way. Also, if I'm right the M17x is full metal but the M15 is plastic, while the SXPS is Magnesium Alloy chassis with leather and aluminum accents. I can only wish that the GPU was upgradable in the SXPS16.

 

The RGB LED isn't really better than the LG found on the Alienware machines. I know because I've owned both systems. The RGB LED has a major red shift (you never get clean whites with it), poor contrast ratio and barely passable blacks. The upside is that it has an unmatched color gamut but that comes at a price like I noted. The LG displays have much better whites, much better blacks, less light leakage (the RGB LED has a lot of that), and better contrast ratio. They both come out even when you weigh the pros/cons of each. Except SXPS vs M15X, there's no comparison, the M15X is a better built machine, has more upgrade paths with regards to the GPU, better aesthetics, superior cooling, variable backlight configuration etc.

 

First of all the M15X is built out of a magnesium chasis AND has a magnesium lid. The SXPS has a cheap plastic lid, plastic palm rest and runs much hotter. The M15X weighs 9lbs (vs 7 lbs for the sxps not much of a diff) but its so spread out that it doesn't feel heavy at all and I move mine around constantly (in fact it never sits on a desk). I have a white SXPS 16 sitting next to me right now (my gf's laptop) and it looks like a cheap paperweight compared to the M15X.

 

I thought only the M17x was metal and that the M15x wasn't there yet? Isn't the SXPS around 5-6lbs at the most, and much much thinner than the M15x?

 

That's funny.

I thought the M15x felt extremely cheap! It looks hideous as well.

I was comparing it to my M17x and it just doesn't add up. I was highly disappointed in the M15x and returned it within a week.

I like the SXPS 16 better

 

The M17X looks exactly like the M15X sans the anodized aluminum so if you thought it looked hideous, so does the M17X. BTW I remember you telling me you thought the SXPS 16 was plain and ugly (and I told you the M15X was likewise ugly), funny how opinions change eh? I've got both systems next to me, the SXPS feels and looks like an Acer.

 

Yeah, opinions do change.

The M17x doesn't have the same cheapness to it. For example, the overly huge "ALIENWARE" on the M15x lcd looks absolutely cheesy. There is no reason to have that big a system with a 15" screen. It reminds me of my durabrand portable DVD player - 10" box with a 4" screen in the middle. lol

The aluminum, or lack thereof, really killed it for me.

And to say the SXPS feels like an Acer, well now you are exaggerating quite a bit. Sorry, but the build of the SXPS is far superior to a Walmart laptop

 

It's not anymore of an exaggeration than your description of the M15X. It's all relative.

 

FAIL!! Read the opening post! I know the sxps 1645 comes with i7 but he's getting 1 with core 2 duo!!

 

I didn't compare the M15x to an Acer, so, yeah it is exaggerating.

 

If you live in U.S. then try craigslist.org I sell all of my electronics there. You would get somewhere about $900-$1000. But if you want a lil bit higher price you can try eBay... just write your description very clear! Note that it is a brand new not refurbished replacement that you got, note that it has good specs and Note what would be a retail price if one was to buy it on dell.com (without coupons) Like that a person can buy a new laptop, you can transfer the ownership and he/she can buy extended warranty and still have a bargain, and you can still make a good profit!

BTW there is also a section for selling laptops on this site!

 

cool thank you i posted on Craigslist a few hours ago
dell ended up sending me a refubished system not a new one but im still fine about it becuse its alot better then the m1530 xps that they replaced it with
i did a system build from scrach threw dells website
this would be somewhere around 1800 if they where to build it up without any cupons i posted it for sale for like 800 on craigslist going to post it for the same on ebay i think

 

Try $900 first!!! If $900 doesnt work within 2 first days! drop it to $800.. But I think $800 is a bit too cheap. Think like a salesman, or a car dealer.
If I was you I would do this:

Post it for lets say $950 or $900.. Then write all the specs... Dont write its a refurbished.. just write its a replacement that was just sent... then write that it costs $1800 and they would be getting a great laptop for half the price. Then write if you dont believe check dell.com for yourself to check the price.. make sure to leave the phone number right in your post... My phone was blowing up when I used to post electronics... Using email to reply on sales doesnt seem serious enough, you gotta hear the persons attitude, how you can play with him and stuff.

Dont post on ebay for now you have to pay to post.. Craigslist is almost guaranteed to work.
Good luck on your sale.

 

Yeah those red lights in the front... ehh its just not for me either. I prefer the elegant look which is whats the XPS 16 with leather is all about.
Just my 2 cents.

 

what's "better" is whichever machine feels right to you given your intended usage pattern. Wait until you have both systems in hand, use them both for a couple of days and then see which fits you best. They are similar but not comparable machines.
Some (all?) computers have inherent flaws: some are more serious and prevalent than others.
Historically, BMWs have had much better build than Jaguars. I would still choose a new Jaguar over a re-furbished BMW despite this -- lots of people wouldn't have the Jag if it was given to them! Same thing with computers. its called choice. We all have the right to be wrong!

 

thanks guys for the help i lucked out posted it on ebay for a 1,060 buy it now last ntie nad sold it withing 5 hours for the price i was asking so im set
thanks for all the help you guys

 

you dont have to have the light son and you can change them from a bunch of difrnat collors

 

Oh plz help me in my situation .. I have to choose between a Studio XPS 1640 and a m15x...
The m15x is decked out..
Top i7 proc.
260 GTX
Bluray player.
6gb

the 1640 is t9900
4670
bluray burner
6gb

Now with that said I must say.. The feel of the xps is nicer in some ways.

mainly the touchpad and design. This touch pad on the m15x blows.. it feels like one from the 90s. I hade a cheap gateway in 99 that clicked like this.
The buttons click really loud. Sxps ones are soft and nice..
The Pad on the 15x is rough and hard to slide ur finger accross with out it gripping and vibrating.. :S
SXPS has a smooth gloss to the pad.
This touchpad on the m15x is almost a deal breaker for me .. Im half minded to buff it down to see if that helps lol xD

Even the buttons are driving me nuts.. If someone has a solution to that please do tell

With that said the SXPS has some design flaws as well.
With the lcd in a open position it blocks the exhaust vents.
The south bridge is right under the touchpad, so gets rather hot on the palm rest etc when gaming or doing design.

I truely am torn.
I know the M15x has more under the hood, but it lacks on the design really.

Im torn, any advice would be appreciated.

 

Well, if you're a gamer than there is no discussion - M15x.

Although, I'd go base model M17x WAY before I touch another M15x Things like proc, RAM, etc can easily be upgraded later.

 

If I would go with the AW it would be the 15x.. My only gripe at the moment really is the keyboard / Touchpad design really sux imo.. I hate it... The SXPS is sooo nice. HEH but obviously the specs on the AW are really nice.
I dunno torn still lol.

 

I had the M15x and M17x at one point, and the M15x felt like a cheap toy in comparison.

The all plastic and no aluminum really killed it for me. And it was like cheaply painted plastic (I had the Black version). Just didn't compare to it's bigger brother, yet weighed nearly the same and the dimension were near identical.

Fact is, the chassis is rediculously huge for a 15" laptop. Just didn't seem right at all.

 

ya well lets just say the m17x isnt a option So since the option right now is only m15x vs m17x.. heh I dunno

TBH I wish then they made the m15x like that .. this is robbery lol.

What is the touchpad / palm rest made out of on the m17x?

 

Same plastic used there.

If I had to choose, I'd go SXPS

 

well dang.. lol

heh.. ur biased .. I have seen a few of ur posts.. lets look at some positives of the m15x.

i7 920
260 (nvidia) Which SXPS doesnt have.
MXM Graphics Solution.
Better cooling.

thats it lol

Any rebuttles in favor of the SXPS.

also anyone else viewing this plz feel free to chime in lol

 

you can also put 280 card in there.. and once the 5000 series ati cards come out, and dell completely solves the slight throttling issue then m15x will be just pure amazing..

@sleepy0 No one is trying to bash SXPS 16 its a great computer, I wish I had it instead of my crappy 1340.. but we are just trying to give the guy an advice, and its always better to go for most current and more powerful setup with more customization options.

Plus he already sold the SXPS 16 on ebay.

 

No doubt. I said M15x if he's a gamer.

He still hasn't said what his uses are.

 

Throttling?

 

Exaggerate much? Lets see here:

M15x vs M17x:
--------------
M15x Pros: newer i7 architecture with PM55 chipset, awesome LG LED display, lighter magnesium chasis and lid.

M17x Pros: bigger display (but it sucks so its more of a con), aluminum body at the cost of 3 more lbs, SLi/Crossfire, longer battery life thanks to integrated graphics.

M15x Cons: Plastic palm rest (not really a con, there's no flex to it), touchpad (again not a touchpad problem but more a synaptics issue), possible throttling (been demonstrated synthetically by me but in real world gaming it doesn't happen).

M17x Cons: Outdated chipset + CPU, Poor display quality, heavier, expensive, DPC latency (this is a major flaw).

As for the Studio XPS 16, its a nice little machine, I'd take it over a Macbook Pro anyday. It's not in the same market as the AW machines thus its not a competitor but more of a complimentary notebook. But the SXPS 1645 has a major flaw: Throttling that is evident with everyday use.

I'd take any of the aforementioned machines over an HP or Sager.

 

I will dumb it down a bit more too.. M15 / 17 looks like they should belong to someone playing WoW in thier moms basement while the XPS 16 i7 is a professional elegant machine...

either are powerful enough to do most of what people need either in gaming or dev...

 

First off to comment on the post prior to this one .. There is really no way to compare the SXPS to the M15x from a performance standpoint.

Design I would agree in in some regards. Mainly the design of the top "input" part of the case.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and top plastic.. for both M17x and M15x. I believe they could have put more quality into them.

but......


Well I must say.. After my testing last night .. the m15x with the
i7 & the 260 GTX is insane.

I had a SXPS 16 and now ended up with this. Long Story

I must say after some testing .. This thing is a monster.

My SXPS has a 1600x900 Display ... WoW and COD4 struggle with the settings on high in certain locations. Yes I know the SXPS isnt a gaming comp but if it has a 4670 Imo it should still beable to run games for a bit with out having any probs like heat issues etc etc.

On this M15x it can be on 1920x1080 on max settings, max AA, and locked solid with no drop in FPS at all!!! Amazing.

I was amazed because one map in COD4 would drop the SXPS down to 30s alot and the smoothness of the graphics wasnt stable.

This thing is solid solid solid ... So I would say as far as power this is the way to go.

In my case to be quite honest at the end of the day I want performance.
Yes its nice for my laptop to look nice but .. if it looks nice but doesnt perform then its a waste for me.

The SXPS I had a few probs under performance situations.

1) Heat... The screen blocks the exhaust so if playing any game it doesnt air out.. can fix by almost closing the screen lol. Why they would put vents there is beyond me. In addition to that the southbridge is right below the palmrest/touchpad so it gets really really warm when using it in performance situations.


2) ATI graphics.. ye ye.. many like it and it can perform but I have tested a few ATI cards and there are some color issues imo. Also in some cases it just doesnt feel as stable in real world gaming situations..
But I will say the numbers to live up.
This is just opinion I guess.

 

What you were experiencing with your 1645 was most likely related to the GPU/CPU throttling issue.

So I don't think that you can compare an M15x to a non-fully functional 1645. It should have played COD4 with zero problems, but the throttling is killing it unfortunately.

 

Well first off it wasnt a 1645... 2nd there was no throttling.
I am familar with how to check and graph out changes in clock speeds and temps. I didnt say it didnt play it.. but on certain maps the gfx card simply wasnt what I wanted.. and the fps would dip.. Clearly the 260 blows the 4670 away.
That testing was done on a cool system with the back plate off.
The reason that is ... the SXPS 16 LCD coveres the exhaust vents. After gaming a for a bit.. it will get pretty hot.

Either way if you are saying the sxps has a throttling issue I still only see some design problem differences in between the two.

Since both have some design flaws I guess I will stick to the one that has the least problems lol.