Torn between XPS m1710 and e1705...

I have been reading so much that my eyeballs look like Red snapper Pulled up from the deep!

I like both models and it looks like I will need the LG Screen. I was hoping that if I got the XPSm1710 that they would use only the best screens on those models. Do they?

I also like the XPS 512 on the video as I have an inspiron 8200 with 64m on video card and it's life is all but over.

Is the touchpad smooth on the XPS or can you feel the letters?

Is there any reason why one would choose the e1705 over the 9400 or vica versa?

I have tried to negotiate with dell on a fully loaded xps and they will only give me $200 off...

I will try to negotiate on the e1705 but how much is reasonable?

Thanks for helping me with all my questions...

 

I'm fairly certain they get the same mix of parts. You pay for the name, not for premium parts. My old XPS M140 had generic RAM, a Fujistsu (I think I spelled it right) hard drive, and Sony DVD+/-RW that rattled all the time...not exactly high quality parts. You might be able to request an LG screen though.

Both the 7900GS and 7900GTX perform admirably on games today. Look around on NBR to find reviews of laptops with both cards. Personally, I'd go for the E1705 with 7900GS...far better performance/price ratio.

Don't worry too much about the memory here...it is the core of the card that counts. However, both have 256MB or more...so you'll be fine there too.

Price...the E1705 is a better deal IMHO.

No...one is the model sold to business, the other to consumers. Same support team, same price. However, a deal might be available on one and not the other from time to time...so look for the lower price.

They (XPS Sales) sometimes won't help you on a notebook. When I tried to order a M1210 about two months ago, I questioned the 2GB RAM upgrade price. You could have upgraded aftermarket with great RAM for less than they were asking for generic 2GB RAM.

The sales person BELIEVED that the RAM was some premium stuff, and refused to offer me a deal. I told him that wasn't the case with my M140 and it's generic RAM, basically implied he was full of it...and hung up after he refused to budge again. Called back in to get someone else, got SOMEWHAT of a deal...but I still didn't like it so I moved on.

You might try talking to a different sales rep...they might do more for you.

 

The XPS customer support is better than that for the E1705.
The E1705 is supposed to be built from the same metal alloy chassis as the m1710, thus build quality will not be that much different.

 

night is pretty much right on all things though if you have the cash you should spring for the 7900gtx you get 20-30 more frames at 1900x1200 resolution when compared to the 7900gs

also there is this great read about how dell computers are made
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread85821.html

" The LCD display was made in either South Korea (Samsung or LG Philips LCD), Japan (Toshiba or Sharp), or Taiwan (Chi Mei Optoelectronics, Hannstar Display, or AU Optronics).

it's pretty much a crapshoot on which screen you're going to get
note that LG or Samsungs are mainly used in their 17inch models

You can also try your luck in the dell outlet

www.dell.com/outlet