9170 vs 9150

So I've done a lot of threads on this, but seriously, I can't decide... Honestly, I'd get the 9170 right now in a heartbeat, but I got to take this laptop with me to college in two years. I know the 9170 isn't that much bigger or heavier, but idk if I'd want to lug it around campus all day. Does anyone have any advice?

Basically 9170, like that it's bigger screen, better cooling, 2 hdd spaces, brushed aluminum finish.

9150, like the better screen- better density, cheaper 95% gamut matte. Like how the keyboard fits the barebone (9170 same keyboard more space >..>) Overall its about 100 dollars cheaper, not to mention lighter and would fit in the laptop case thats being provided.
Correct me if I'm wrong but the laptop case provided by xotic pc only fits 15" right? Anyways please help me make a decision ?

 

If you don't want to lug it around campus, get the 9150. The 9170 will also have a bigger power brick, and the cooling difference isn't that significant.

 

Take this in mind.

Do you want a bigger screen with slightly better cooling?

or

Do you want a BETTER screen with Gamut colours, with the exact same GPU power, with slightly more packed cooling?

That's really what you've got to think about... HDD space isn't really a problem (IMHO)

I would personally choose the P150EM/9150 as it's perfect to have in college, while the P170EM is good to have standing at home and gaming on.

It is if you want to overclock, but since he didn't mention it.. it doesn't really matter but I agree

 

ok, I suppose another question is, is there a noticeable difference gaming on a 9170 compared to a 9150? And also, I'm planning on getting a 256 gb crucial m4 for my only hard drive, will that be sufficient for gaming and schoolwork? If the answers are no, and then yes. 9150 is for me i suppose

 

No and yes

 

No, and yes (depending on how much gaming you plan to install).

 

I am using a 180gb ssd with windows, office, Starcraft, dues ex 2, Skyrim, and a hunch of random apps and still have 80GB of space left. A 256 is more then enough space for music and college work. Movies of store on an external.

 

Seeing as I just went through college not more than a year ago, I would recommend the 15-inch laptop. It has a smaller footprint, so you won't be taking up as much desk space. Not much more than an open text book would take up.

 

alright thank you guys very much for your help, a moderator can close this if he/she wants

 

To be honest I'm on the same boat as you and everyones stating that it has a smaller foot print but it doesn't. The size is a literal 1" difference between the width with the only major exception with weight. If you put it on your lap the 15" and the 17.3"(16" really) shouldn't make a huge difference unless the weight affects you.

Also the two major factors that might affect you are the casing on the 15" and the screen bezel. The 15" model is coated with a plastic material that I've found wears off after half a year and you start noticing it, the 17" model has the palm rest and back of the screen coated in aluminum for a much better look & feel (trust me I hated the feel of the coating). Also similar to most 17" notebook models the screen is actually edge to edge. I hate how most 15" notebooks have almost an inch of space used in plastic around the screen.

Edit: oops looks like you've already decided...

 

If you have to carry it around campus, I don't think you want any of these...gaming laptop+power supply+other stuff it's such a pain, I try that my first semester and immediately bought a 13in mbp after 2 week which make my life alot easier. But it really depends on how big is your campus, I have to walk from one building to ther other between 15-25min, so it's probably a extreme case.