Alternative to M6400?

Hi all,
I was wondering what is an alternative to the Dell M6400. I'd love one with a smaller screen size but with a similar performance, although there can be some compromize. I will be using the laptop mainly for architectural renderings, graphics, multi-tasking between softwares etc... I'd like one with 8GB Ram without the need for ability to upgrade to 16GB etc like the m6400...

The price for the m6400 is way to much for a student, especially without any deals or coupons. So I'm hoping the alternative will be much cheaper due to the smaller size etc.

I talked to the dell help guy and he recommended the XPS studio 13 model... i don't trust him as he didn't seem too knowledgeable.... so here I'm asking the real experts for help

thanks

 

15.4": Dell Precision M4400, Lenovo W500, HP Elitebook 8530w.
17": Lenovo W700 (ds version is more expensive), HP Elitebook 8730w.

I'd forego the Lenovo since 8GB DDR3 is substantially more expensive still.

 

Lenovo T500 or W500; or Dell Precision M4400. Configure each with fast cpu with 6MB cache. Check ram prices on crucial.com before deciding how best to have 8GB ram on system.

 

The SXPS 13 is a good choice for someone looking to buy something powerful in the 13" category, but if you only want something a bit smaller, the SXPS doesn't have even close to the power in the M6400.

16" - HP HDX16t, Dell Studio XPS 16
15" - HP Elitebook 8530w, Dell Precision M4400 (this one is my personal recommendation to you), Lenovo W500
14" - Asus F81/N81, Lenovo T400, HP dv4t
13" - Dell Studio XPS 13, LG P310, Asus F6V

 

I'd get a fully loaded M4400. 8gb RAM, quad processor if you want, RGB LED WUXGA. Mine isn't configured that high but i use it for much the same tasks and it's doing wonderfully!

 

Doesn't sound too demanding!
The M4400 will do the job, but you can also look for a refurbished M6400. If you really need 8GB of ram, the M6400 has a great advantage over any other notebook. On the other hand, even the low model grafics in the M6400 (FX2700) is more powerfull than the high model (FX1700) on the M4400!
Performance and upgradewise I'd always prefer the M6400.