XPS M170 for grown ups? Need some advice!

Hi all,

I've been lurking on these boards for a while looking for advice on buying a new laptop. As a closet gamer, I'd like to get a loaded M170, but as someone who also needs to do a lot of business presentations at some more conservative corporations, the flash of the M170 is not quite 'respectable'. What can I do to tone down the looks of the M170 without having to switch to a Inspiron 9300?

Thanks in advance

 

That is going to be your only option then.. as the M170 is actually the same chassis and guts of the 9300.
The only difference between the XPS and the 9300 is the case, Grapics choice(7800 vs 6800) and the service offerings.
I am a Mid 30's gamer, 'Grown Up' working in a professional enviornment... I just turn the lights off. I get comments about it looking pretty cool and powerful more than it being inappropriate. I work in Technology/IT consulting so 'Conservative' is a must.. I just think when it comes to technology.. it is viewed a bit differently.

If you are that concerned.. Check out the Sager laptops as they are along the same lines in terms of options, performance, and price. They are just a smaller boutique type of outfit. I only went with the XPS because I know the name and got a hell of a price and deal.

 

Well yes, the M170 is really looked at more the specs. The looks arent bad for a business environment, like said before, people would look and say thats a more powerful laptop. Sager is nice to but i would just keep with the M170.

 

Be sure to check out the Sager NP-5720. It is not as flashy as the Dell, and is cheaper with better components. I recommend ordering it from www.PowerNotebooks.com.

 

The Sager lineup of notebooks is more business oriented, but are all much heavier than the Dell. From what I've read, they are also less reliable and tends to overheat and breakdown more easily. I would also consider the asus w2v. While the x700 isn't as powerful for gaming, the w2v is much more portable 17in notebook and very professional looking

 

why wouldnt you want to switch to the i9300? same as the XPS...only cooler

 

Ya, the XPS may give off that 'i'm a gamer ROAR' vibe, whereas the also bulky i9300 is more conservative. You want a gamer but you also want to take it to work for presentations ect. Hmmm... I would suggest the XPS for gaming and a seperate (maybe smaller) notebook for presentations but that can't be the case here can it?

I guess i'd go with the i9300 with upgraded dedicated graphics.

 

I think the Gateway 850 offers the 6800 go card as well if you'd like another option.

 

How is Gateway's overall reputation? They are one of those manufacturers you hear little about. I was once told not to trust there 'always breaking' machines.

 

Actually, the Sager 5720 is lighter than the Dell XPS M170.

Overheating/unreliable - that's a myth. Sager has been in business for over 20 years, and have always made great laptops. I know people who have Sagers from the mid-1990's which still run flawlessly. Look in the Boutique forum - no complaints about Sagers. A-W's are a different story...

 

I think Gateway has been better of late, but they are not ThinkPads.

 

Ahhh I see. ThinkPads seem like tough, very reliable machines but there isn't any other incentive to purchase. The price/components seems over the top, the display seems dull from what I have viewed, quite thick. Something I am missing here?