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    dv7t vs XPS 17

    Discussion in 'HP' started by blackrack, Jul 1, 2011.

  1. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys,

    So I'm considering getting either an XPS 17 (1109$) or a hp dv7t quad edition (1012$) but I can't decide mainly because I don't know whether the screen on the hp is of good quality or not, here are the specs

    [​IMG]

    http://www.imagebam.com/image/789cde138788854

    on the XPS 17 for about 100$ more you get a little faster CPU, and a better quality screen from what i've heard but the 3gbs are useless on a graphics card this lame, should I go with the hp or no ??


    also: i do NOT in any way want a blu-ray reader it's not a criteria for me but the hp insists on offering me one

    Edit: woops i posted the wrong XPS 17 one minute guys
    Edit2: fixed
     
  2. primeboss

    primeboss Notebook Consultant

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    You know that you have a dual core proccessor on the xps?
     
  3. jiggawhat

    jiggawhat Notebook Evangelist

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    The GT 555M is slower DDR3 memory, but its a faster GPU so more or less equal than the 6770m.

    The 1080P screen on the XPS 17 is not matte nor is it the nice RGB one in the XPS 15. The HP dv7t screen is matte (anti glare).

    I have weighed these two models and have pretty much decided to go with the dv6t/7t because it's cheaper and offers better specs. The XPS 17 advantage is better speakers, backlit keyboard, and overall beter build quality, but it is bulkier and thicker.
     
  4. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    yeah sorry i posted the wrong one, it's fixed now
     
  5. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    sounds good to me, but what about the i7 2720Qm on the XPS ( I posted the wrong one earlier ) ?? also can you please confirm that hp laptops reliable ?? I heard they overheat and break easily, I intend to keep my laptop for 3+ years
     
  6. jiggawhat

    jiggawhat Notebook Evangelist

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    That's debatable and a) I don't know b) everyone has their own opinion c) most likely both HP and Dell are equally reliable as both are mainstream vendors.

    In fact I think I read something about 22% of HP and 22% of Dell computers required tech support, while Lenovo was the best at like 16% or something

    2720qm will run hotter and drain more battery life [than the 2630qm] and isnt worth the money IMO - I think you should get the XPS 17 price to 1600 by adding some other feature that might be more useful. unless there isnt anything left to upgrade then its OK

    I'd get the 2 or 3 year warranty on the dell instead

    you cant go wrong with either...id just like watch a youtube video of each or go to best buy and see which you like more
     
  7. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    There's no options left really I tried all the possible configuration/coupon combinations on that website, I don't plan on getting the 2-year warranty because I'm going to buy the laptop from the US then take it back to my country so it would be pretty useless, for all that I think I'm going to get the dv7t
     
  8. otacon

    otacon Notebook Evangelist

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    Get the 7200RPM 640GB drive....there is a noticable difference between the two. I will never have another 5400RPM drive.
     
  9. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    @otacon, I see you have both the laptops i'm talking about, would you advise me to get the HP ?
     
  10. otacon

    otacon Notebook Evangelist

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    When I got my DV7T-6100 the switching issue didn't bother me because it doesn't really effect me. After I started having issues with 6770M unrelated to the swtiching issue and knowing it's going to have to back for service I've changed my mind. It doesn't matter who is to blame whether it be HP or AMD but the fact is the DV7T-6100 has faulty graphics IMO and if I'm going to spend $1000+ of my money I don't want any issues with it. I shouldn't have to wait for them to fix something that shouldn't have happened to begin with. For some the switching issue is no big deal and that's cool. It's a heck of a laptop with great hardware. But I decided to order an XPS and when it gets here the DV7T is going back for a refund. The XPS cost me like $70 more for more HD space, better wireless and a backlit KB. The CPU is the same, the screens are awash (I've watched the same Blu-Ray movie on my friend's new XPS and they look the same). The GPUs are awash too. The 555m is slightly more powerful but with only DDR3 it equals out. I also don't like the fact you can't OC the 6770M with the switchable graphics. My friend's 555M is slightly OC'd and it benches almost as good as a GTX460M. But for those who don't OC...not a big deal.

    So in the end, if the swtiching issue doesn't bother you and you don't OC either rig would be good. If you really like having a fingerprint reader go with HP.
     
  11. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    hmm what are those issues with the GPU precisely ?? did the screen flicker, go black or was it just some games that wouldn't start ?
     
  12. otacon

    otacon Notebook Evangelist

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    The 6770M uses a dynamic switch between the Intel HD and 6770M. When the program requires more graphics horsepower it switches to the 6770M. If the program or game uses OpenGL (like say Adobe Photoshop) it won't switch to the 6770M and will only use the Intel HD graphics. For some this is an issue for some it's not. There has to be a fix at some point in time but when that happens no one knows.
     
  13. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok, a bit like nvidia optimus but much worse. I wouldn't want that to happen, I think I'm going to go with XPS 17 i7 2630Qm, 8gb ram, nvidia gt 555m 3Gb, 750 Gb 7200 rpm hdd, backlit keyboard and 1080p display all for 1104$

    by the way people keep telling me to check out ASUS but I can't find a similiar asus in this price range
     
  14. jiggawhat

    jiggawhat Notebook Evangelist

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    IMO an important difference between the two is the matte screen which as far as I know the XPS 17 does not have

    besides that though the XPS 17 is as good and it seems to me better build quality than the HP

    I haven't ordered yet, I'm planning to do it this weekend

    ASUS G53 $1049 on newegg beats the crap out of both Dell and HP IMO, probably 100-200 more for hte G73 which is 17 inch version. however im not getting one because its big, ugly, and there are severe reliability issues including many DOA's
     
  15. otacon

    otacon Notebook Evangelist

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    I would LOVE to get the new ASUS G74SX-A1 but at $1800 out of my price range. Specs and price are good on the XPS.
     
  16. otacon

    otacon Notebook Evangelist

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    The ASUS G73SW-A1 is running on Amazon for $1600 great laptop but too pricey for me too. You are right, the 1920x1080 on the XPS is glossy. Could be a deal breaker for someone. I've had laptops with both and either is fine with me.
     
  17. mjl2116

    mjl2116 Notebook Consultant

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    If someone was looking to get the ASUS G74SX-A1 , they might as go with a desktop...those things are huge and the power adapters are straight up BRICKS. In addition to the $1600, you would have to factor in the costs of the visits to the chiropractor after luggin it around
     
  18. otacon

    otacon Notebook Evangelist

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    I had an ASUS G50-VT and first, the laptop weighed 10lbs then add another 5lb for the adapter..lol Great gaming laptop for it's day but far too heavy.
     
  19. sav

    sav Notebook Consultant

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    I don't believe Dell has fingerprint security - I like mine so much that I wouldn't get a laptop without it now.
     
  20. jiggawhat

    jiggawhat Notebook Evangelist

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    well...it's only a matter of time..everything is going to go mobile and low-power low-heat...28 nm GPUs, ARM CPUs

    the time when a macbook air can run crysis on 1080p is possibly less than 5 years away
     
  21. grimreefer1967

    grimreefer1967 Notebook Evangelist

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    The last Dell I had with a fingerprint reader was the M1530 (IIRC) and it was a cool feature. The facial recognition software is a good replacement though.
     
  22. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    one of my friends had a dv6 with a fingerprint scanner 2 years ago, we would always make fun of how he would get stuck for 5mins on the welcome screen until the device finally accepts his fingerprint, sounds too buggy to me, or maybe it just needed a calibration but anyway, I think a simple password would do
     
  23. sav

    sav Notebook Consultant

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    It's very fast and accurate now, no need to enter password for any websites and fast user switching are priceless.
     
  24. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'll pass, i don't intend to switch users it's just for me :D
     
  25. otacon

    otacon Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a big fingers and it would only read my index. Even then I'd have to swipe it 3-4-5 times. I just disabled it.
     
  26. ghost305

    ghost305 Notebook Consultant

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    dell has a bogus facial recognition software. Different people were allowed to log into my computer.

    the one advantage the XPS has over the DV7T is that the XPS is much more durable.
     
  27. Falco152

    Falco152 Notebook Demon

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    Well there is a big improvement with the Dell FastAccess 3.0 over 2.0.
    It's a free upgrade for activated Dell users.


    Even still I find the fingerprint more useable than the Facial Recognition since I can switch using a different account at will. (Why? I blame AMD, different story, but still exist in the 6xxx series ugh).

    Both still gimmicky anyways...faster to type login and password.
     
  28. Kalookakoo

    Kalookakoo Notebook Evangelist

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    Use coupon code NPB61449 to get 30% of the dv7t quad.
     
  29. blackrack

    blackrack Notebook Enthusiast

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    that's what made me consider the dv7t quad in the first place, but I've decided to go with the XPS 17