Substantive difference between XPS and E-series Inspirons?

Other than better support, is there a substantive internal difference between the XPS and the E-series Inspirons? I currently have a 700m, but will be purchasing a new machine soon. I'm trying to decide between the XPS 1210 and the e1505 (I need dedicated graphics, and wouldn't mind something a bit bigger than the 700m).

Thanks,
Dogfish Jones

 

You might get higher end options to choose from with the XPS systems. They also tend to have better looking exteriors

 

memory limit on inspirons is 2 mbs and xps is 4 gbs is one difference

 

Dell's XPS line tends to be built better than their Inspiron line. And I personally think something like the m1210 looks a lot better than the 700m. If I were you... I'd check dell outlet for the m1210. I have seen them as low as $800. With a ded. GPU though more like $1000. And you can get a 10% off dell outlet coupon on ebay.

The E1505 though has some really good deals right now. Have seen them as low as $550 for a core duo one.

 

has to have a different motherboard as it supports 4gb vs 2gb.

 

I think the E1705 uses the same motherboard as the XPS m1710. It should also support 4GB's of RAM, but dell just doesn't offer it as an option.

 

The XPS M1710 is based on the E1705 though - did they change anything about the build materials?

Adding to the conversation, another difference between the XPS and Inspiron is the service - XPS has special support.

 

I would go with the xps it is built alot better

 

Just for us noobs who have already bought a laptop and those still thinking about it, is there a way for you describe how the XPS is "built alot better". Are the screws screwed tigher, is there some kind of internal something or another that is done to the XPS line that sets it apart, short of the ram allowed, exterior experience, and help line is there anything else different between the two lines.

"built alot better" is about the same as just saying "its better". Some of us need to know how its better.

Thanks.

 

That's exactly my point. Sure, "it's better." But what is it that makes it better? What makes it built better? That's why I asked about substantive differences.

4GB RAM vs. 2GB RAM and therefore a better/different motherboard makes sense. I'm already aware of the better support that is available with the XPS computers.

I wonder if/when Dell is going to release a 13/14/15" XPS laptop with dedicated graphics. Right now they go 12" to 17" to 20". That's quite a spread.

To further muddy the waters, is the Latitude line a decent alternative? I like the balance the D620 brings between weight and size...

 

BTW I think you can get 4GB of ram on a E1705 if you can find the sticks aftermarket. At least the online documentation indicates the possibility.

Mike

 

Chaz, the 1710 has that metal cover behind the screen, while the 1705 is all plastic. Other than that the only difference is the better options and LCD lighiting with the 1710.

OK here is how I would say the XPS series is "built better" than the Inspiron. My friend has an E1505, ive held and used it. It isnt made of metal like my M1210. Its also alot more flexable and flimsy feeling, my 1210 is solid as a rock. The only flex it has is in the screen, which flexes in and out if you try to do it, but there is no LCD ripples at all on it. Also on the 1505 the exterior lcd cover is basically that, just covering to top, and thus there is alot of light leakage. My 1210's magnesium cover wraps around the LCD, and gives a little more protection and eliminates any possible light leakage. All the seams are alot tighter too. I wouldnt be worried about this thing taking a 4 foot drop if the screen was closed.

Finally the XPS support is top notch. Ive use the support for dimension systems before and the wait is long and the people are unfriendly and cranky. Ive used the XPS support 6 times in the past week (something I screwed up, not the system) and I never waited more than 5 minutes on hold and the people were cheery and very helpful.

 

Thanks, folks. That's really helpful.

Has anyone heard anything about a 13-15" XPS laptop with dedicated graphics coming down the road anytime soon?