Dell XPS M1730 and Battery Life

Hi Folks.
My first post and I need some info.

I'm a programmer who is looking for a decent grunty high end machine to develope code on. I'm, not a gamers so really raw power, RAM, HD, ands screen real-estate is what I need.. And for various reasons.. DELL!!

I have been looking throught the Dell site and comparing options but when I add in the things to make a laptop.. interesting - the pricing goes up drastically (as well as add in the full 3 year onsite support - my livelihood depends on it) Also I need a machine that will last me 3 years of decent performance (Last machines was a Dell Inspiron 5150 which has since died)

Currently what looks interesting is the XPS M1730 with a 2.4gig core, 4 gigs of ram and 2 x 200g HD's, with the 17 inch 1920x1200 display.

I have read various review re how poor the battery life is when running the DVD full bore and all of the lights and Gizmo's activates.

If one was not using the DVD, and one had (if one could) turn off all of the extra lights etc.. How much more battery life would I get.

For me - this IS a desktop replacement. I'm a web developer and dotNET programmer who often needs several version of the same DB enginge running, as well as a coupe of virtual machines for Client/Server testing.
If I can get say 2 hours out of the battery that be great..

Many thanks for any insights.. Of suggestions of other models to look at..

Dave

 

No Chance sadly, i believe the most Bat life ive read about, (i have one shipping the 15th) is 90 mins.....and i think that was a stretch, the beast is raw power and it shows.

 

m1730 is for gamer not programmer..

 

I'm a programming student with a 1730

I also love gaming, so I don't mind carrying a 11lbs laptop on my shoulder.

 

If you want a great 17" with more than decent performance I'd say the 8710P is what you need (from HP). If you want a higher resolution go to: 8710W or Sager 5791. Both have been reviewed here.

 

Hi Folks

Many many thanks for you advice. It has helped me greatly.
I was able to find a local DELLL store and actually see the M1730. It's a lovely unit.

However when I was there I also saw the M1720 - which basically has the same chassie but not the Video capabilities (ie 2 Graphics chips etc).

That unit would suit me needs better as the screen power (not screen realestate) does not really bother me. Normal refresh is great and as I mentioned I so not game.

I can also spec up the M1720 to the same level as the M1730. So I will be going with that unit.

Again thanks for you help and comments. And I hope you all enjoy your M1730's for whatever purpose you use them for

Take Care

Dave

 

hope you will have a great choice!

 

Hello,

This is Richard from Dell's Online Community Outreach group. I just wanted to add information about the battery life. A large amount of battery consumption is used by the LCD not just the CD-ROM and the processor.

Adjust the hardware profiles to turn off devices that are not used while in battery mode, and lower the LCD brightness. You will get a reason battery life out of your computer.

Regards,

Richard B
Dell Online Community Outreach

 

lol "1730" and "battery life" should not be mentioned in the same sentence.

Disclaimer: I am not trying to troll or put down the 1730 (it is pretty sweet, after all). Just stating the obvious....

 

mine can go a good 75 mins gaming with all the LED's going. But honestly when I'm at campus I'll always find a socket to plug into.