Dell XP Gen 2 vs In 9300 Univ student/Hi profile Multimedia

Hello all, I was just wondering what your thoughts were on my situation. I am currently looking into a laptop that will suit various needs which include; travel, high profile Multimedia, Gaming, and student work. Due to certain circumstances I am limited to purchasing a Dell, but will receive a very good price on it.

Weight is a minor issue, but battery life and LONGEVITY are my largest issues. If I am shelling out this type of money as a student, I am really really REALLY looking at a computer that will last me more than a few years and still be able to run most games and such fairly well. High hopes, I guess.

Here goes...

What will you be using the notebook mainly for? Will you be using it to play games? Will you be using it for word processing / general productivity? etc.

Gaming, Travel and Student activities.


Are you looking more at a very small notebook, a standard notebook, or a large desktop replacement?


Whatever fits this lifestyle best.


Will you be carrying the notebook around a lot or be keeping it stationary most of the time?

I will be moving it around quite a bit, but will be stationary at times as well.


How important is battery life to you?

Very important, I am looking for at least two hours of game time, IF POSSIBLE.

How long do you intend on using this laptop?

As long as I can without someone prying it from my cold, dead hands. I would really like a timeline as to how long each of these computers will last and still remain viable.


Features

Do you need lots of hard drive space?

At least 60gb.

Will you be burning DVD's or just CD's?

Just CD's I assume.


Do you tend to work with a lot of applications at once?

Sometimes I do run programs like Photoshop at the same time as five or six webpages and other applications running... So, yes?

Graphics & Display

How big would you like your screen to be? Do you care if it's widescreen or not?

Frankly, I could care less.


Are you willing to pay more for premium screens enhanced by XBRITE, Crystal View, or Bright View? (Go to the bottom of this post for an explanation

Yes ma'am.

(If applicable) Will you be playing casual games or the latest games?

The latest and greatest, if possible.



Miscellaneous

Do you care if your notebook looks good or not?

Yes, yes I do. Flashing lights and sirens would interest me much.


How much are you willing to pay for this notebook?

The least possible, if someone can convince me, or explain to me how long the 9300 will last me, I might decide to save the dollars and stay there...Otherwise....

Are there particular models you have already looked at?

Inspiron 9300, and the XPS Gen2. And others that may have worked (Dell).


So yes, if possible. Any information or SOUND opinions would be much appreciated. Mostly I am very very worried about spending hard cash on something that won't be viable in two years.

I don't always want to be cutting edge, but I want something that can perform DECENTLY in these areas more than a few years down the road without me crying. What should I do?

Thanks for the help.

 

It sounds like you already have your mind made up on the XPS 2. The graphics card on both machines will hopefully play games at high settings for the next couple of years, but the Go6800 Ultra in the XPS 2 will obviously play games at better settings in the future. If you are restricted to Dell go the XPS 2.

The battery life on any 17inch laptop is going to be relatively low. You can't expect to get 2 hours of gaming out of many notebooks. The 9300 and XPS 2 might provide you with 2-3 hours of battery life surfing the net and using office apps with lower brightness settings, but gaming you'd be looking at one hour or less.

You can't expect a notebook to last you longer than three years; anything past that and it will probably be limited to basic applications. Although, if you cared for a top spec notebook like the XPS 2 or 9300, it might last you three-four years.

Hope that helps,
Steve

 

if u can wait for the 40% off coupon..then i suggest getting the XPS gen 2..and if u can't wait..then get the 9300 with the 6800 go...which is tied for the 2nd best laptop graphics card with the X800...and the XPS with the 6800 go ultra has the best graphics card out there right now

 

Yes you have answered your own question. The XPS Gen 2 is the way to go for you. My advice would be to pony up for an extra battery (from ebay) if you need the extra battery power.

You'll get about an hour for gaming off the battery. 2 to 2 1/2 off of the battery with standard use including wireless.

Currently there is a 35% off coupon for Dell Laptops, including the XPS Gen 2.

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I'd use it now if the discount is greater than your educational one.

 

The 9300 is proababaly a better value. Nothing beats the card in the XPS.

 

Alright, I believe I will be going the route of the XPS Gen2 then.

Now I have a few more questions regarding this purchase;

Would it be cheaper buying;

A) The Ram through somewhere like Newegg.com

B) a 7k60 HD through another source?

As well, I was wondering about the extra battery option. Does the XPS Gen2 use a system in which both the batteries are in the notebook at the same time, and thus; no manual switching is necessary? Or is it set up so that I have to take out the one battery to place in the new one?

If anyone else has any tips on saving money with this purchase, I'm all ears!

P.S. I work at Best Buy, so if any of the things I could buy through my store would be cheaper than with the package via Dell, I would also like to be informed... I am not necessarily that informed about Notebooks in general.

Thanks for the help.

 

The 9300 will offer you better battery life and the 6800 go card is capable of handling any game, also wiht the 9300 you get the option of choosing a normal resolution WXGA screen with ultra sharp, matte finish, with the XPS you ONLY have the option of the true life glossy WUXGA screen, WUXGA is overkill at 1920x1200 and most users of this screen have to use the lcd panel in non native resolutions for everyday use, web browsing and school work to make text readable. Personally I dont like the glossy screens, I have used both models and both resolutions, I prefer the WXGA which at 1400x900 is more than enough resolution for anything, dvd's games everything looks great and no reflections of background lighting in the screen. YOu'll pay alot less for the 9300 as it is marketed for general use and gaming where the XPS is marketed for the extreme gamer, its a boutique lappy. same specs but no wxga screen option and the 6800 card is an ultra on the XPS.
Either system is built very well and will last you four years easily provided you take care of them ofcourse and keep them away from liquids.