Inspiron 17R or 17R SE?

I am in the process of looking to change my 4 yr old Studio 17 but having difficulty in deciding on the R or SE version?

Ignoring the spec which I can satisfy in either configuration the final part for me is the overall build/finish between the two.

I like the indicated spec of the SE but having never actually seen or handled one I am try to establish if the SE build and finish is worth paying the extra for?

How much of the SE is actually aluminium? Is my understanding that the top cover and palm rest are honey cone finished anodized aluminium but then it is stated to have an aluminium frame? Does that refer to the screen frame or the shell or both? It would be appreciated if somebody can advise to help me decide which to choose?

Any comments appreciated.

 

I don't think they use different shells in the r and se. Here's why I think that............ I ordered a SE 2 days ago then cancelled it cause I could not add a bluray to it. Here is my 17r se body from the first order:

Inspiron 17R Special Edition
Inspiron 17R Notebook (Inspiron 7720), Windows 8, 64-bit, English $999.99 1 $999.99
Inspiron 17R Inspiron 17R Notebook (Inspiron 7720)
[225-2665]

Here's my order from my non SE 17R I did yesterday that replaced my SE:

225-2665 Inspiron 17R Notebook 1 $1,046.18


It's the same part number. I believe the SE is just a pack they put together that has a certain value of upgrades included in the order.

 

Thanks for the reply.

So it looks like the shell is the same as the R?

Can anybody advise about what Dell refer to as an 'aluminium frame'?

 

well i just got my se and i think the aluminum frame is really just the frame the bottom is plastic and so is the keyboard area and the screen is plastic as well

 

I'm told this is the aluminium frame in the 7720:

 

no Inspiron have pure/clean alu/metal casing....just XPS and some Precisions who has that sort of metal parts.

17R SE:
The display lid and the wrist rest are made of anodized aluminum featuring a precision-embossed honeycomb pattern (rest is plastic)...........its well build

17R:
The surfaces are all made of plastic.............its also well build


ps.....the only thing who is 100% real metal, is the Hinges (100% Aluminium). they are actually very good.

 

Thanks for providing the detail difference between the 17R and 17R SE's.

The extra just for the display lid and palm rest in aluminium does not seem worth it since all the other components will be the same?

Are the aluminium hinges used on both the R and R SE versions?

 

I disagree. I have a 17R SE and I do NOT think the lid/shell or any part of the frame is made of aluminum. It's all plastic and once you open it, you realize that you cannot mess with it much the way you can in the XPS line, since it will snap. I have a macbook pro and the difference is apparent. Do not buy this machine for build quality, buy it as a cheap gaming laptop.

 

eeehhhhh
who have ever said 17R SE palmrest is made in Aluminium ???? (anodized aluminium and real steal is two different things)

the build quality on 17r SE is good............(never said its IBM ThinkPad-good.......just above average in this price class)

................................................................
@rudge.....yes, both 17R and 17R SE has same ALU hinges.

 

So what are you guys saying? My photo is an aftermarket part???

 

I do believe it is a picture of a plastic bottom-base part. I disassembled my 17R SE yesterday and got to it - 100% cheap Chinese crap.

As to the aluminum hinges...I still cant calm down because of them. I got furious that there is no way to loosen them, as you need some special key to reach the nut. Although the plates that support the hinges are held down by 3 screw and are hot-fixed to the base they will definitely break sooner or later. Even if it takes them 4 years I am absolutely sure that one day I will be changing the base...

Its that cheap Chinese plastics that doesn't give me rest at night...