Dell Laptop comparision

[jhelgesen]

I'm looking to purchase a new Dell laptop to replace my aged one.

I do a fair bit of 3d cad, processor, memory, and graphic intensive stuff.

Does anyone have advice between similarly configured XPS 15 or 17 models vs the Precision 4500 mobile workstations? The XPS will end up at about the same price with similar warranty, but will have a slight feature advantage of more video memory and a blue ray player.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

[stomachmonkey]

As far as the 15 vs 17 you should try to find them in a retail store and feel them out.

My experience (regardless of brand/manufacturer) is 15 inch machines have better ergonomics making them more comfortable to work with and are lighter so carrying is less of a hassle.

But the real estate of a 17 in display trumps that (but just barely) for me.

YMMV.

[island911]

John, I'll suggest you go with the Precision series. The critical difference is in the graphics card. The XPS series usually are optimized for gaming (all graphic resources to one window) whereas the Quadro cards of the Precision series will have resources for multiple graphic windows. (multiple parts and assemblies spin, and move with ease. )

Maybe the XPS series has changed, but years ago I hacked one of the cheaper gaming machines to work for running the multiple CAD windows - it was a PITA to hack, and had to be re-hacked too often.

For the past couple years I've been using an M6400. It's been great. Prior to that I had an M60; also a very productive/low hassle machine.

[fireant911]

My last five computer purchases (both desktops and laptops) have been Dell. When I was getting ready for a new laptop, I looked again at Dell. This computer was going to be used for gaming and such (high processing capabilities and extreme video card requirements with lot's o' ram)... I was directed to the Dell AlienWare laptops. These were some impressive machines but were pricey. After discussing the situation with some of the folks in our IT department, they (hands down) highly recommended an ASUS. I loked at the ASUS G73-XT1 and compared this to the Dell AlienWare 17X. I configured both systems the same and came to the conclusion that the Dell cost basically double for the same system ($1,600 vs $3,050). I bought the ASUS last month and love it - it is truly a powerhouse!!! I purchased this from TigerDirect. I would recommend that you at least look at the ASUS systems before buying anything.

[Eric Coffey]

Personally I'd go with the M4500 (and I have). I just picked one up after going thru the same thing, and the short version is that the Precision is all business. It's built better, has no/limited "bloatware", and higher processor/RAM/display performance ceilings. I wouldn't get hung up on the video "memory" either. The 1800M in the Precision is generally a better all-around card than the current best offering in the XPS (456GT). Also, the optical drive on the M4500 is modular, so you can (hot) swap it out for a blu-ray or even an additional HDD.

Just a personal note: If you are DIY inclined, I'd skimp on the HDD, optical drive, and especially RAM when ordering. Those items can be had and easily installed afterwards for MUCH less than Dell charges for the same "upgrades".

Also worth noting: The XPS models no longer come with the full HD display that is still available on the Precision. Even at the same resolution, the anti-glare screen of the M4500 is superior to the XPS anyway IMO.

FYI: If you are building one thru Dell Small Biz (or configuring thru Dell Premier/EPP/Affiliate), here is a coupon code for 35% off all Precisions over $999:

B6BLL1NM9KTLDS (good thru 1/24/11)


For reference, I called my EPP/Affiliate rep directly and got the following configuration for under $2k:

Precision M4500
*Core i7-840QM
*8GB RAM
* Win7 Ultimate 64
*Roxio 10.3/
*1920x1080 FHD display
*Nvidia FX-1800M
*250GB 7200rpm HDD
*8x DVD+/-RW
*9-cell batt (this does stick out a little vs. the 6-cell)
*6300 WiFi card
*375 Bluetooth
*integrated webcam/mic
*backlit keyboard
*130W A/C adapter
*3 year NBD warranty

[fireant911]

Originally Posted by fireant911

My last five computer purchases (both desktops and laptops) have been Dell. When I was getting ready for a new laptop, I looked again at Dell. This computer was going to be used for gaming and such (high processing capabilities and extreme video card requirements with lot's o' ram)... I was directed to the Dell AlienWare laptops. These were some impressive machines but were pricey. After discussing the situation with some of the folks in our IT department, they (hands down) highly recommended an ASUS. I loked at the ASUS G73-XT1 and compared this to the Dell AlienWare 17X. I configured both systems the same and came to the conclusion that the Dell cost basically double for the same system ($1,600 vs $3,050). I bought the ASUS last month and love it - it is truly a powerhouse!!! I purchased this from TigerDirect. I would recommend that you at least look at the ASUS systems before buying anything.

Resurrecting this old thread to make corrections to my post. About one week after posting positive comments (and less than one month of total ownership), my ASUS computer was plagued with the 'Blue Screen of Death'. This was not a one time occurrence but something that happened numerous times every day (it was not dependent upon any particular activity... it was as likely to go 'Blue' in Excel as it was on the Internet as it was during gaming). Then, the system abruptly stopped working - I had to re-load the operating system twice within the first 30 days. I have contacted ASUS's Technical Support on at least seven occasions describing the exact same problem (BSOD). While the screen was blue, it stated that there was a memory issue with the comuter. Additionally, running Memory Diagnostics too indicated a definite memory issue. I provided all of this information to the ASUS Reps and by following the advice/guidance of ASUS Support, my computer was rendered totally FUBAR (it would do nothing other than show a huge red 'ERROR' statement across the screen). Investigating my problem on the Internet (on another Dell computer that was just purchased to take the place of this dysfunctional ASUS), it was discovered that many ASUS owners experienced the same issue as mine. I expected much more from a purportedly high-end gaming system.

Oddly, I was looking for the original box to put this ASUS computer away and saw on the box that it had a two-year warranty. I immediately called ASUS and requested an RMA. The computer was promptly sent back to ASUS and it has just came back... supposedly fixed - they do have a good return policy!

My purpose for the update is to adjust my earlier 'glowing' view of ASUS. I will not purchase another ASUS system again (I understand that ASUS makes quality components; however, their systems, in my opinion, are trouble).

The comments listed above are my honest experiences. Your experiences/opinions may differ from these. No belittling and/or arguing is necessary.

[RWebb]

my view - tho limited in sample size - is that asus = crap

Dell used to have a good rep and so does Lenovo

one could also get a mcbook and run bootcamp or whatever the thing is that allows it to run windows

[Por_sha911]

Run from Dell. They don't stand behind promises made by sales reps on the phone and don't honor their warranty. I've had to replace the motherboard, hard-drive, video card and memory on a 4 year old Dell desktop that was supposed to be the top of the line.

[lendaddy]

Dell was on a slow boat to chitsville for about 8 years but my last purchase (an XPS13 Ultrabook) from them is absolutely stellar. So far beyond their past offerings in build quality I can't believe it is form the same company. I'm hoping they have altered philosophy.

[Por_sha911]

As of a few months ago, they still won't honor their warranty. Honoring what salesmen promise and customer satisfaction has been kicked out for quick profits.
Don't buy Dell unless you are buying a throw-away when the first problem hits.

[regency]

I've "purged" my office of Dell. I did the lease thing years ago, never missed a payment and almost every month i'd get a call from a Indian Dell dude demanding I make a payment over the phone.

I told him the pmt was in the mail to Dell and he kept insisting I make a pmt. I finally started yelling at him when ever he called and finally, he yelled back, ha. Done with Dell for good now.

Steve

73 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine