XPS15 Debacle

As I ponder purchasing a new XPS 15, I am presented with a multitude of seemingly tough choices ahead of me. I am looking to spend anywhere in the range of 1250-1500 (in place of a MacBookPro 13inch) including warranty/software etc. Plans for this machine include mainly a hefty diet of multitasking, online video streaming, with some gaming here-or-there. My first issue revolves around processor choice, 2630QM vs. 2620M, as I struggle to quantify the benefits of a faster dual core, vs. the slower quad core. Dell is asking for a ~90 dollar bump for the faster dual core but I am somewhat skeptical after reading many threads posted on this issue. I have already decided on going ahead with the screen upgrade to the 1080, but Is the 540M NVIDIA video card going to be necessary to run this to its full potential, replacing the stock 525M card, both with Optimus. Similar considerations are given to the upgraded ram from 6 --> 8gb, which I guess hinges upon decisions I would make regarding concerns earlier in the post. Finally, is the 9-Cell battery worth the extra 40 bucks? I know this is a lot but I am aiming to make this purchase last me for the rest of my educational career, 3-4 years, and I do receive university discounts totaling around 460 bucks. My current configuration includes, 2630QM processor, 3 years warranty, 525M 1gb NVIDIA card, 6gb ram, 1080p screen, and the 9-cell battery, for around 1400 bucks. I am still not completely sold on this system as my roommate just got the m14x, and I am writing this post on a Macbook, and while I have been a PC guy in the past, I vacillated towards Macs due to my core focus of longevity. Any and all comments are appreciated!

 

I think the difference between a 2630QM and a 2620 will be negligible. If it weren't Dell would have priced it higher and Dell knows that.

For multi-tasking memory plays as much a part. I would go with at least 4 if not 6GB and choose Windows 7 64bit. If you plan on using your laptop off the cord then yes a 9 cell would be a wise choice.

Lastly I have used and owned both Windows and OS9 and OS X. Windows 7 is fast, stable and looks great. My previous suggestions still stand Windows 7 64.

edit: If money allows, consider SSD.

 

You sohuld take portability into consideration as well. The macbook pro is much more portable than the xps but not as powerful. If your gaming isn't too heavy then the macbook pro would work for that, but you also have to contend with a limited os (I don't care what anyone says, we live in a windows world). Also be aware that for macs, your limited in little add ons and indie games. Software also has to be bought seperately for the mac version and those costs add up. The dell offers much more power and I would go with the quad core processor. Its a nice little bit of future proofing and an absolute godsend if used with the right programs.

With that being said, the macbook pro is a great machine but its for a very specific kind of person.