HP Pavilion dv6t or Dell XPS 15 or Dell XPS 15z

I've been trying to decide between the Dell XPS 15 or Dell XPS 15z, but now the HP Pavilion dv6t specs look interesting. the HP Pavilion dv6t is lighter than the Dell XPS 15, has an additional USB port, and includes a numeric keypad. So far, the HP Pavilion dv6t looks like it might be a good contender instead of the Dells.

But, what am I missing, if anything? IOW, what are the issues with the HP Pavilion dv6t that I should consider: what are the negatives of it?

Help me choose between these three laptops. I do prefer a lighter weight if possible, but want good screen and keyboard.

 

The DV6 HD screen is AWESOME. I'm very picky and I like it. Now that I had a DV6 for a few days (it was defective so I had to send it back) with the HD screen there's no turning back to a 1366, glossy, limited-viewing-angle screen.

 

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If you are going to be gaming then definitely go with the hp, answering this question is very need specific.

 

Someone posted this in the Dell forum:

 

Now for me, who wants to run FSX, I'd rather have a great video card, plus I can hook up to my external monitors (not that I dislike the HD screen of the DV6). Likewise, I always hook up my laptop to an external speaker system. Performance (speed of CPU and graphics) are a top priority for me. Others have differing opinions, obviously...

and I wonder what the guy didn't like about the HD screen? just a matter of comparative, subjective quality of image?

 

So the beats audio is not the speakers it is the headphone jack.

The build quality has gone exponentially up on the new dv6t version

The XPS does have a better screen and better speakers, but I wouldnt say that the dv6ts are bad, just not as good.

The XPS does have a backlit keyboard option which I must admit I like

The dv6t has a much better GPU so if you are going to be gaming then you will want the dv6t for sure

I have heard that the XPS has some heat issues, and while the old dv6t also had some heating problems my brand new dv6t never gets above warm anywhere on the body

 

It was the older SXPS 16 that had heat issues. The current XPS 15 and XPS 15z are supposed to be fine for cooling.

 

The screen on XPS is only better in specs; visually - HP's the better one now (I have seen both). The backlit keyboard is a substantial advantage for Dell, however.

 

When getting a laptop you really need to consider a bunch of factors. What do YOU value in a laptop. Knowing that will help you be the happiest with your purchase as every laptop will have its detracting factors.

The dv6tqe for me was ideal. I wanted power, but I also had a limited budget. I wanted to get the best components I could get before I hit the price ramping that happens at the bleeding edge of technology. I, however, also have a very practical need for my laptop. I'm buying it for med school.

Knowing that, I knew I needed portability and great battery life while still being able to unwind for 30min every other week or so with a quick video game. The HP quickly shot to the top of my list.

For me, the HP had an excellent price and excellent implementation of the switchable graphics technology (at the time, I still prefer manual while I don't mind the current dynamic system...at least the switching works). The Lenovo y560p that I had looked at initially doesn't switch. The HP also has an option for a 9-cell battery (as does the Dell) which was another added advantage as I needed good battery life.

However, what really decided it all for me was the price. I was able to luck out and get a $1500 system for $900. That more than any other factor made the dv6t overwhelm and stomp all over whatever the XPS 15 could even try to muster.

The XPS 15 only has better speakers and a backlit keyboard. The screen is only better when you compare tech sheets.

The HP is lighter, has longer battery life, cheaper, and better graphics.

 

Does the HP have media buttons (play/pause, FF, etc.)?

 

HP basically invented that for laptops a few years ago, so - yes...

 

I don't know man. I don't think I have any of those buttons. I just have power and web. They might be function keys (f1-f12), I know I haven't checked those, however there are no dedicated buttons for that.

 

Why would a company waste precious laptop space on a media button when they can simply implement it with the "fn + key" setup?

 

Because they're darned useful, that's why. My 8-year-old Dell has dedicated media buttons on the lower front edge of the laptop, so they are accessible even when the screen is closed. I use them every day, when playing music.

 

and welcome to the era after the invention of ipod =P

 

I never own HP laptop personally except for my work laptop. So, I don't know how good HP is in terms of return and warranty.

How is HP return policy? Dell usually never gives you a hard time if you want to return your laptop within 21 days.

How is HP respond to warranty service? When I had a problem with my Dell laptop, they sent me a new one the next day. Once I receive my new laptop, I could take my time to transfer everything over and then send the bad one back to them. Dell paid for all shipping fees. Is it the same for HP?

I am having the same debate now: XPS 15, XPS 15z or HP dv6tqe.

 

HP support is one of the worst in the business, unfortunately.

 

Do you have any recent experience since I hope the new CEO made a difference?

 

My experience, or anyone else's, isn't all that valuable, as that would be anecdotal and specific to that person. I'm going by the research done by Consumer Reports, which is based on thousands of customers and their own communication with computer manufacturers.

 

Here are the reasons why I like about the dv6tqe:

1 - matte screen with 1080p
2 - much thinner design vs. the bulky XPS 15 (XPS 15z has no blueray)
3 - much better GPU

Now, because of the inferior support vs. Dell, I don't know what I want to do now.

 

I also was considering XPS15 or DV6T SE. And I havn't ordered it yet but i plan on going with the DV6T SE because its lighter and not nearly as bulky, plus the graphics card is superior, and I really want to start getting into computer games again.

 

and its cheaper...