Xps M1710 Metallic Black- DEAL?

Hi Everyone!

I am in the process of buying a computer for school. I will be attending Sci-arc in the fall and need some help deciding if this the best computer and the best deal I can get....I have also heard of the M90? I use programs such as Autocad, photshop, 3dmax, etc...

It's on hold until I make up my mind

XPS M1710 Metallic Black $2,827.00
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
XPS M1710-- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
LCD Panel-- 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™
Memory-- 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHZ, 2 DIMM
Video Card-- 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7900 GS
Hard Drive-- 80GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
Operating System-- Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
Network Card and Modem-- Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software-- Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.0
Combo or DVD+RW Drive-- 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Sound Options-- Integrated Audio
Wireless Networking Cards-- Intel PRO/Wireless 3945a/g
Office Software-- No productivity suite- Includes Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed)-- I chose Security with Value, Plus,or Premium Warranty Bundle
Primary Battery-- 80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Warranty and Service-- PC-Care Plus Bundle
XPS Specialized Support-- Inspiron XPS, Specialized Support
Internet Access Service-- No ISP Requested
Miscellaneous-- Inspiron XPS M1710 Black
Dell Digital Entertainment-- No Security software pre-installed
Processor Branding-- Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
Labels-- Windows XP™

Please let me know of any discounts that I should know about thanks!.... THANKS!

 

If you are going to get the Dell M1710 at least get the 512mb 7950 GTX.

If not so, get the Dell E1705 with the 7900GS and it will be much cheaper.

 

You could save $500 and not get the Dell.

 

I just ordered the E1705 with similar specs. Actually I ordered a slightly faster processor (2.16GHz), and a slightly bigger hard drive (100GB 7200rpm), and it was much cheaper than your quote. What's the reason for going with the XPS over the Inspiron? The only reason I can see for going with the XPS is if you want a faster processor (2.33GHz), better video card, or 4GB of memory (and maybe a cooler looking case).

 

I went into the mall looking for the Inspirion, but the rep said he was residential only and that he had a better computer...but truthfully, I don't trust him much...
I just want a computer that can handle several arch programs, store my cad drawings and that is fast...

 

Grab a coupon code from this site, then go to Dell.com and build yourself an Inspiron E1705 with the same specs. I think you'll find it will be less expensive than your quote.

 

Customize a Sager 5760 at powernotebooks.com or any other reputable online dealer. The Sager 5760 comes with a 7950GTX standard (currently the most powerful mobile graphics card in the world), as well as a great processor (T7200) and 2 GB of RAM for under $2500.

If you have any other questions about what notebook to buy, I recommend posting in the "What laptop should I buy?" forum. Other than that, I agree with the people above. If you're only getting a 7900GS in the XPS M1710, you're better off with the E1705. You'll save a lot of money (at least $500).

 

The following is a good deal & he's a great seller as well:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=83652

 

I agree you got to get the 7950 or you might as well save money and get a 1705