Should I trade my xps 15 for a 15z for college?

Hey all,

Dell just replaced my studio xps 1340 with an xps 15 l502x, which is an amazing upgrade in terms of specs but pretty bad in terms of portability. i'm a full-time student now and really wanted a replacement laptop that was lighter than the xps 15, like the 15z. Do you guys think I should try to exchange my xps 15 for a 15z? I honestly don't want to trade the xps 15 in because the specs are so nice, but portability really is something that I want/need. Alternatively, if someone can tell me that the xps 15 isn't so bad in terms of portability from first hand experience, I would be much more happy with the current situation.

 

sounds like portability is very important to you, college wise and all

the 15z would be a better choice if you will travel alot with it

looks nicer too, you will be shining against macbook pros and air's and will get lots of looks lol

I would see one in person and type on it first ! I imagine you will be typing in and out of class a bit.
The keyboard is unique on the 15z and some don't like it much, but maybe you will

and the battery life is not so great on them, check that info out too

review: http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/dell-xps-15z-review/

IF you can deal with the thickness, bulkiness and extra weight of the xps 15 with the nice specs I would stick with that

 

XPS 15z will fall apart from all the portable use. Don't recommend if you don't have one.

 

Engadget's battery life test is known to be strenuous.

You can get 6-7 hrs of internet usage. It will obviously decrease if you put a heavier load.

 

this is regarding the 15z, correct? I think I read in reviews that the xps 15 battery life was worse than that...

 

the 15z gets pretty good battery life

take a peek in the 15z owners thread and read up

(if you haven't already)

good info

btw the body is mostly aluminum and magnesium

very sturdy and far from falling apart due to traveling imho

 

btw, keep in mind the battery is sealed internal

you can't just easily swap one out when dead

 

The 15z is sturdy? It pretty much falls to pieces as soon as you get it.

 

c'mon seriously, falls to pieces ?

if you would be more realistic, stop exaggerating and site proof of that claim I might listen....

ya know, links, to cases where the unit fell to pieces the moment someone got it, or even close !

thanks

 

Ok, I exaggerated a little, but the build quality really isn't top. People have been having the silver trim come off within a few days from purchase.

 

lol no worries

trim coming off so soon sucks indeed

I gave the best info and advice to the OP to help decide between the two I could

will let others chime in now

peace all

 

15" notebook not suitable for travel or school. xps 15z 2.54KG very heavy too.
13" macbook pro about 2KG, sony 13" 1.8KG, that good for out side.

 

I agree, but i'm stuck with dell for at least a few years so I need to pick the best option within my restrictions. I guess what I'll do is use the 15 l502x for a bit and see for myself if it's too heavy. Here's to hoping that it isn't... exchanging laptops and reinstalling software requires a considerable amount of downtime.

 

Do you have the 1080p B+RGLED ? If so you'll loose that on the 15z. It's an WLED, a bit different.

 

yes I do, so that's a definite plus. I think right now the only thing that's holding me back from loving this laptop is the weight. Do you think removing the optical drive from the chassis would lighten it a good amount? How easy would that be to do?

 

If it's any consolation, I bike with my SXPS1640 to college sometimes along with my notebooks, a cooling pad, a 360 controller, some headphones and a mouse.

 

I travel everyday to work with my L502x. my backpack is slim and it has 0 damage since purchase! I think it pretty light and battery life is upwards to 5 hours with standard battery. I would not recommend the 15z. You will lose the awsome screen, speakers, and power....just sayin

 

Part of portability is going to be having a good case...

After looking around quite a bit, i got this case for my xps15 from Staples...

Targus Spruce EcoSmart™ Clamshell

Targus Spruce EcoSmart? Clamshell | TBC036US

I initially didn't notice this case at first when browsing online because it isn't considered a 'messenger' style...
It's less bulky than it looks in the pictures and the strap is very comfortable with rubber grips underneath so it doesn't slide off your shoulder...

The other nice thing is that everything is zipped, so u don't have stuff falling out... it has a separate padded sleeve inside to protect the laptop, and even fits fine with the extended 9cell...
It has a front zip pouch for bulky stuff like mouse, and back zip, and 2 middle zip areas, one also with a divider for papers or ipad, etc...
It can sit upright, and holds its shape well...
It is also eco, so it doesn't smell rubbery and cleans easy for scuffs etc...

Regardless, xps15 is never going to be a macbook13 or air...

However having a good case will probably help in this area...

__________________
Dell Xps15, 2630qm, 1080p, 8gb Ram, nvidia 525m, 750gb HD, Blu-ray, BLit Keyboard, 1030 wifi+bt, 9cell

 

thanks for the tip RadianV. I actually already have a messenger style bag to carry my laptop in, but I'd also like to have a sleeve to carry the laptop separately with. Does anyone have suggestions?

 

Do NOT get the xps15z even if its for free lol, I replaced two of them.. the rim on the side will come out from the first week and as u said u will use it for college so most likely it will take you 2days.

The screen is glued, the glue will start coming out and you will notice the gap, the wireless connection on it so messed up and slow.. Dell still cannot find a solution so basically it is an expensive piece of junk.

XPS 15 is way better, I order one but I returned it since they messed up my order and it had heating issues.. I ordered another one because I loved the way it was and hoping there are no other issues with it.

 

@ HitokiriX:

I'm in the exact spot as you bro, been ruminating over these two laptops for a month now and from everything I've read the 15z has reliability/build issues, which is not uncommon considering it's the first gen. My dad has the regular xps 15 and I can tell you with the 9 cell battery it is a biotch to carry around if you intend to carry any kind of textbooks with you too. Add to it the fact that the power brick on it is ridiculously over-sized and heavy too. My suggestion would be to consider buying a good sleeve like a zeroshock to carry the laptop in your hand and toss the charging brick in your bag. This is something I'm considering too, but I haven't quite given up on the idea of slumming it until next feb/march when Intel releases the Ivybridge chips and all these laptops go through a refresh at which point the 15z might be a decent option provided they've ironed out the kinks. Either way, good luck and keep me posted on your travails, I might follow suit too.

P.S. - What are you studying?

 

thanks iceman, it's comforting to know that others are also in a similar boat as I am. If the 15z does go through a refresh next year I'll definitely consider switching, but the school year is about to start so it will take too much time to deal with all of these computer issues at this point. If I'm really lucky they'll release an xps model in a smaller form factor like they have before.

I'm studying biology and psychology, and plan to enter a health profession in the future.