Xps 15Z vs L502X ? & XPS 15Z vs Macbook Pro ?

I'm in the midst of trying to find out what laptop we should buy for my girlfriend. I had been away from the scene for some time and I noticed the 15Z model is released. I myslef own an L502X, so I need to know what are the differences between the two....?

Up till now I have gathered this information:

XPS 15z
Size: height x width x depth (in mm): 25 x 385 x 260
Weight: 2.54 kg + Power Supply: 0.45 kg

+ much longer battery life

-No JBL speakers; are the speakers bad?
-No Blu ray reader, only DVD reader

XPS L502X
Size: height x width x depth (in mm): 38.2 x 381 x 265.4
Weight: 2.86 kg + Power Supply: 0.65 kg

What other differences exist between the two models?

Also I've read that 15Z's battery is irremovable. What does it mean? Do I call the service for battery renewal if needed or what? Is it a big disadvantage?
...

Also how would 15Z compare with Macbook Pro?

This is what I've found up to now:

Macbook Pro slightly thinner
Macbook Pro screen resolution 1440x900
15z screen resolution 1920x1080

How would the screens of both models compare, other than resolutions of course?

I need to conclude my quest asap, so I need to hear your valuable opinion...

Thanks in advance...

 

For Girlfriend, not choice. Macbook pro or sony, that design very good for girl . and most girls like this 2 brand.

For Girl not more important performance. light and thinner, good design is important.

 

Buy your girlfriend a macbook pro, she will be much happier with it.

 

My girl is a smart one, not a pink loving half-brained decorative plant.

Besides, even if I choose Macbook in the end, I would like to base my conclusion on reason like a man would do anyway.

Please tell me your opinion assuming it willl be a man's notebook...

 

+1 to that. Hate Apple, hate when Apple is recommended just because people think it's maintenance free, stylish, easy, or what have you. When you buy Apple, you buy Apple, not a computer. My wife absolutely loves the L502X I built for her. It's the right size, the screen is awesome, it's good looking, and it won't fry if you play games on it. Oh...plus it saves you $1k vs a Mac...

 

That mean macbook pro user is not *smart ?

For me mac most stable. most windows base laptor default is 'game system', that has many problems, such higher temperature, noise.

if you gf is smart, not like play game. Macbook pro 13" with Intel 3000 Card is very enough. when has ati/nvidia card notebook may has many not stable problems.

mac 2011 lcd already better then dell.

 

Xps l502x, 3KG, not light. I known most girls not like 'bigger notebook'.

girls now very smart, if the laptor bigger size, better buy pc.

only man think 17, 18" higher price notebook is a pc replacement. girls not.

 

I got the gist of what you're saying, but a smart person can use a PC with ease. Apple and their pricing is just nonsense and, at least imo, it is NOT smart to buy an Apple at a $1k markup for an 'easier' OS and 'slightly better' screen.

Might I remind you that Apple is the only place where you could buy a Macbook that is $1.5k but uses 3 year old technology (completely skipping the 1st gen i7's)...

 

LOL you're funny. I think I'm done here.

To the OP, don't buy Apple. It's a brand and experience, not a computer. For the function, price, and specs, better shop elsewhere. Dell is a good place if you have patience to deal with tech support when needed, if not, look towards 14" or 15" Asus or MSI laptops. Both are good brands and don't have Apple and Sony's money hungry brand names all over them.

Remember when buying tech... buy tech, not a brand.

 

I didn't mean getting macbook is not a smart thing to do. I just meant that my girl is not attracted to commodities solely due to their appearance like most girls are. I would like to present my cause to her reasonably when she asks me "so, is this the better one?" And that doesn't mean looks are not important. The notebook will be a 15.x inch notebook by the way.

So how does XPS 15Z compare to Macbook Pro?

 

See review:

Review Dell XPS 15z Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

Review Apple MacBook Pro 15 Early 2011 (2.2 GHz quad-core, glare-type screen) - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

 

The important question to ask yourself: Who is going to be fixing her computer when it breaks?

If it's you, do yourself a favor, and go with what you know. If you know nothing about apple's tinkertoy OS, then don't saddle yourself with the burden of having to fix it for her. If you're familiar with both, then go with whichever one you're more at-ease with.

 

That's one important thing you pointed out!

 

I have owned all three, I still have the macbook (At least the wife does) I had an LX502 which was gret but had a problem with it (hardware) so swapped for the 15z, Despite all the 15z haters (OSX Incrowd) including many reviwers. It's a joy to own. fast, great HD screen, great keyboard and has form factor.

Andrew

 

For me, macbook pro is out because it is so expensive. There is no question about the build quality. But at the end of the day, if I am running Windows, why buy a Mac.

I have been comparing XPS15, XPS15z ...and HP DV6T Quad Edition. I think I am going to go with the HP DV6T Quad. Reason:
1 - cheaper than XPS15
2 - more powerful in terms of GPU
3 - matte 1080p screen
4 - thinner (less bulky)
However, I am not sure about build quality since I always have Dell myself - both work and personal. It would be the first time if decide to go with HP.

 

I have been comparing XPS15, XPS15z ...and HP DV6T Quad Edition. I think I am going to go with the HP DV6T Quad.

However, I am not sure about build quality since I always have Dell myself - both work and personal. It would be the first time if decide to go with HP.[/QUOTE]

There are plenty of people who will you that HP makes products that are just as good as any other consumer-grade laptops. I am not one of those people.

However, due to the rampaging failure rate of the HP laptops that we use in the office, I now have excellent data backup habits, so I guess it's not all bad.

Good luck with your choice!

 

Yes. HP also ok.

 

Does your GF prefer Windows or OSX?

Why has it taken this long for a PC maker to finally make something comparable to an MBP (ie the Dell 15z)? While the HP Envy came close... it couldn't match battery life.

The big plus for the 15z is the 1080p screen (which is not being offered right now, or at least the last time I checked) and the $1k price point. But although slim, it is a pretty big (almost more like a 16"). And like the MBPs, the battery is not easily replaceable. Having spent some time with the 15z, the build quality is a little suspect too (that chrome trim piece is awful).

If your GF doesn't need the optical drive and prefers OSX... why not an MBP or MBA 13?

 

Maybe Apple will sue them if it looks anything similar to a Mac...

 

if money isn't issue
MacBook pro must be first choice.
15z is very good one, plus, it has in home warranty

15 is very bulky and ugly in my opinion, beside you get good speaker and screen from 15, it has no advantages compare to mbp and 15z

 

Is Mac OS really that user friendly? To me, it is not. It maybe because I am too used to Windows. However, if your gf knows how to use Mac OS and you have the $$, go for a Mac.

 

Asside from the fact that apple charge about 1k above any other company for the same product simply for the logo, I'd advise against apple simply because of the company its self, their practices and what they're ultimately leaning to.

 

With either the Macbook pro or the XPS 15z you are going to have more issues with heat than with the L502X. They have smaller chassis so everything is more packed in and gets hotter. The big differences between the 15z and the MBP are the OS and the fact that for comparable hardware the MBP will cost a lot more. I would say go for one of the dells unless you have the money for the MBP burning a hole in your pocket and you can't find anything better to spend it on.

 

I've been searching for an equivalent PC notebook to the MBPs and MBAs since they've come out and nothing really comes close in regards to screen resolution, build and battery life.

The Envy's were close but had horrible battery life and while the Dell Adamos tried to be thin like the Airs... they cost just as much (back then) and didn't have close to the same battery life. Even the new Sammie S9s are in the same price range as the MBAs.

And all the new Android tablets are floating in the same price range as the iPads.

While many may not agree with how Apple does business, I think that other manufacturers are seeing that engineering the same type of thin/light products with enough power and battery life isn't cheap. Even the new ultrabooks are finding that breaking that $1k price isn't easy.

The Dell XPS 15z is the first notebook I've seen that can compete with the MBP 15 and it does it with just as good battery life, a better resolution 1080p screen and a lower price... but it is not built as well (disclosure: I bought a 15z when it first came out and have returned it due to several issues including that crappy chrome trim).

So even if you hate Apple, the "Apple tax" isn't as outrageous as it seems... and don't get me wrong... I'm a PC guy... but I can appreciate the build quality of their notebooks... how many of you have looked at the MBPs or MBAs and haven't thought "Why aren't there more PC notebooks like these?".

 

*Raises hand*

I've seen and used Apple computers (hell my sister owns a MBP 13) but it's not like their built by angels made out of gold or something...

To be honest, the only notebooks that aren't like them are really cheap ones. And I have yet to see a MBP that doesn't have an annoying heating/cooling system, or a harddrive that does't do that annoying clicky sound when you tilt it.

The only time I've ever really been impressed by Apple laptops was when I saw how thin the MBP 17 was. Totally dfidn't see the point in making a super thin 17 inch laptop, but it looked cool for a few seconds, totally isn't work $2.4k though.

I'm not an apple hater but the machines are only computers, just like all the other ones

Now if I had to choose between these 3 laptops (and operating system wasn't an issue) I would choose the L502X. It's a tad bulky, but at the 15" size, it's not like you won't be sitting at a desk or putting on your lap. The L502x has a removable battery, so you can switch out a 9-cell and a 6-cell if you want to get long usage time. The screen is better (besides brightness) and Plus you can get a quad core and a good graphics card for under 1k. The 15z can't even handle a quad core (barely handles dual core heat) and the MBP starts at $1.4k last time I checked. I don't think the .5 inches less is worth all that money. (If portability is super important, you should just get a desktop/desktop replacement and a ipad/other tablet). If performance isn't an issue though, I would just get a MBA. If you're going to thin, might as well go all the way