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    XPS 17-3d vs HP Envy 17 build quality

    Discussion in 'HP' started by kalm, Mar 27, 2011.

  1. kalm

    kalm Notebook Consultant

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    Hi,
    I am trying to decide between these two machines and I would like to figure out which one is manufactured/built/constructed better.
    Also any other suggestions on which one to get would be appreciated too.

    Thanks.
     
    kalm, Mar 27, 2011
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  2. MrButterBiscuits

    MrButterBiscuits ~Veritas Y Aequitas~

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    What are you planning on using this laptop for, that will help us tell you which system has better specs for you.
     
    MrButterBiscuits, Mar 28, 2011
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  3. kalm

    kalm Notebook Consultant

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    I do programming, digital design, PCB layout and ton of browsing. Currently I have VMW workstation with 2 vms (2 only because my vostro 1720 with 4G can't handle more), FF4 with probably 30 tabs, Visual studio open with 3 different projects. PCB layout is relatively graphics intensive but not as much as a recent game. I also do quite a bit of simulation where large display helps visualize large waveforms.

    So in my estimation I can use all the cache the processor can bring and probably 2 cores would be enough for me. If I could find a 8M cache processor with 2 cores, I'd get it but my budget forces me to get 4 cores with 6M. Cores 3,4 would probably sit idle as I pin my cpu intensive tasks to a single core. Luckily some of my programs which do FPGA compilation are starting to support multi-cores (but no more than 2) so maybe I can efficiently use the 3 core.

    So I think as much memory as possible, as much cache as possible with a large display is what I need. GPU power is not that critical.
     
    kalm, Mar 28, 2011
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  4. MrButterBiscuits

    MrButterBiscuits ~Veritas Y Aequitas~

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    If GPU power really isn't critical and processing power is needed but not at extreme levels, then why do you need a 17 inch workstation? is it just personal preference? Otherwise, I prefer dell computers personally, their warranties have always been great, build quality is excellent, and they have some of the most powerful systems around. are you looking to get a system with 3D? both of those systems offer 3D.
     
    MrButterBiscuits, Mar 28, 2011
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  5. kalm

    kalm Notebook Consultant

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    I ended up with an XPS 17 3D; with two coupons worth of $400 and removing the 3d glasses and some upgrades it came to $1370 after tax+shipping. I was also able to put it on a DPA with 12 month no interest so I think it was a decent purchase. Will ship on 4/19.
     
    kalm, Mar 30, 2011
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