Inspiron 9100 and XPS difference

What exactly is the difference between the Inspiron 9100 and the XPS notebooks. I just ordered a fully loaded 9100 and was disappionted I couldn't get the XPS through AAFES. However when I downloaded the service manual for the 9100, I noticed it was labeled Inspiron AND XPS service manual. It has a spot in there that specifically shows how to replace your graphics card. The method looks to be a real pain. I thought the XPS was supposed to be unique in it's ability to upgrade video cards.

Any Comments?

Fionan

(Yet another waiting for their 9100 to arrive"

 

Fianan, I just got my 9100 today. Very impressed. I have had a Inspiron 8200 for the last two years. The first thing I noticed was how well made this unit is made. Very sturdy. To answer your question, there's not much that separates the two machines. You can get the 3.4 processor and a bigger harddrive but that's about it. The difference you will find is that you can't get the XPS with 256 worth of ram. If you price the ram upgrade, when you build your computer, you will find that you will pay $400 dollars for a gig upgrade. I just got two sticks of 512 for $109 each. Check out the link below. After looking at the options, I ordered the 3.2 pro, 60gig hd,256 ram, 128 video card XUGA screen, no wireless, and a 3 year mail in warranty. All that costs $2050. Didn't have an coupons or rebates but this is a great price for this machine. I think you will be pleased with the 9100. There's not a nickles worth a difference. I ordered mine 3-2-04 and it arrived today. Don't get impatient. It will be well worth the wait. I have had several dell machines and have been happy with them and their tech support. If your machine is loaded, like you say, then it will be the most awesome machine you have ever seen. Relax and don't let all these other knuckle heads scare you with all these rumors. The guys that concealed their orders and went with the Alienware machine's will be behind the curve right out of the box. I wouldn't worry about upgrading the video card. This thing is just about top of the line. It will do you good for many years. Dell will take care of you dude. Hope this helps.

http://www.memorysuppliers.com/ki51pc40200p.html

Mike

 

Gigabyte,

I believe the knucklehead term you used was a litte unnecessary...there were in fact problems early on with the XPS and 9100 that Dell admitted to, nothing we made up.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by abaxter

 

The Inspiron 9100 and XPS share the same chassis and style, but the 9100 graphics card is not upgradeable like the XPS is. In fact, with the XPS, even though the documentation shows how to replace the card you have to send it to Dell to get that done, either that or they'll send somebody to you. I believe if you try to do it yourself the warranty is void.

 

Nesbo, the term knucklehead is not a bad word, I don't think. Dell, did have problems with these machines, I'm sure, but after looking at several forums it appears that just about everything that could be wrong was! I have heard bad screens, not enough screens, bad motherboards, problem with battery & power cords, bad video cards, not enough video cards, XPS & 9100's shipping with Nvida cards. Also have heard that dell is sending these machines to customers that aren't in perfect working order and these were sent out about the time mine was. Based on that, I might need to go ahead and send mine back. Because these forums can influence readers to JUMP to the wrong conclusion, I wanted to express that. Believe me, there are people out here that are spreading bad info. Allot of people believe every word that's typed in these forums, including mine. I was trying to lesson Fionan's PAIN. I could see that he was not happy. There are knuckleheads in this world. Like it or not. The computing world is no exception. Sorry you are anyone else was offended.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by abaxter

 

With laptop computers the graphics cards often have dependencies/tie-ins to the motherboard. So replacing the graphics card would mean replacing the motherboard, which will cost you almost as much as a new machine and companies just won't offer this option.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Gigabyte

 

Although I am not sure about the 9100, many of the Dell Inspiron notebooks can have their "video cards replaced" That is, if you order the video card from Dell or purchase a card that fits the same form factor as that used in Dell machines, you can actually remove the video card yourself and put in a new one, but only if it was specifically made for that machine. Dell in fact has instruction posted on their website on how to replace video cards. Again, this will void your warranty if you ever had to send your notebook back in.

I would also like to reiterate that I am not sure if this is possible with the 9100. I know that people have changed their 8600's from 64 MB Geforce to 128 MB ATI without any problems. Others have change from 64 MB ATI to 64 MB Geforce in the 5100 series.

Gigabyte...no offense taken, I just didn't want you to think that I post false information, I will generally post stuff after verifying it with multiple sources so as to inform the consumer in the best possible way.

 

No hard feelings Nesbo. Just trying to offer what this knucklehead (me) can. Carry on. Just for everyone's info, the 9100 is on the fast track. Video card is awesome. Super fast machine. Video editing with Ulead Media Studio Pro 7 is smooth as silk. WUXGA screen is some great eye candy. Medal of Honor plays as fast as I've seen it on any machine with all the options turned up as high as possible. For the price nothing could make more giddy. You are correct about the video card. Checked on it myself and the 9100 can have the card replaced. Great machine.

 

Enjoy your machine Gigabyte! Let us know how it all turns out after you've played with it some more.

 

Where can I get a Video Card for my inspiron 5100? My Card only has 16MB[ ]

 

woooo i ordered my 9100 today! I cant wait! April 29th I get it i believe.

Ive been searching around so much for a good notebook. and then i went to dells site and configured this thing up and it came to 2700 canadian, andthis machien will blow away any machine that any retail store (where iwould hve had to buy it from) machine. I dont think im really gona have to touch the innards of this thing for a very very long time, this is gon abe great!

 

One more question I haven't seen anybody ask. Since the 9100 and XPS both have a normal VGA and a DVI connector, is there any possibility that this thing will output to dual monitors? Of course that means going without the awesome screen, but I was just curious?

Still want to know about the Gigabit Ethernet too.

 

Gigabyte, can you tell me if your 9100 has 10/100/1000 Ethernet or just 10/100? Under the Tech Specs (Communications) listed on Dell's website there IS a difference between the 9100 and XPS, but I was hoping it is just a type. I'd love it if the 9100 also had Gigabit Ethernet capability. Can you please verify?

 

Looking at the Device Manager it shows a Broadcom 440x 10/100. Have not used the video out yet. I know that I could do it with the 8200 but that was a Nvida 440 card. I'll try it over the next few days and post again. I will tell you that the computer is still smokin. No problems to report.