Dell Studio 17 vs XPS M1730

Hey all,

I currently have an xps m1710 but I think it's time for a new lappy. Looked at alienware but I think Dell is my better option. I use my lappy as a desktop replacement, for business, movies, occasional games (nothing super-high-gfx) - pretty much everything 24/7. I also travel about once per month and my current m1710 is almost shoulder-breaking so i'm a bit concerned m1730 wouldn't be doable. It's 90% of the time plugged in, but sometimes at airports etc it would be nice to have a battery that lasted over 50 mins (as I've seen in some m1730 reports).

So basically, I'm looking for a real top of the line PC that I can do everything and is 100% solid + reliable - price isn't a factor. Opinions on which of the 2 I should pick?

Thanks.

 

Well if price isn't a factor, and the gamer-flashy-flashy look doesn't bother you in your business trips, then I would go with the m1730. I assume the Studio 17 weighs less. It's also less powerful. I would say it looks more professional in a business environment. I just can't imagine someone dragging the m1730 beast around to meetings, lol. It's a bit overkill.

 

This laptop doesn't enter business meetings with me, fwiw

The m1710 is quite nice looking. Not sure I like the odd kind of grainy pattern to the m1730 but I wouldn't say it's a turn-off.

 

I envy your budget Nick, i bought an E1705 instead of the 1710 you have 2 years ago and regretted it pretty much ever since. I would get the 1730, or wait a few weeks and get the 1730 replacement that is in the works.
So what makes you want to abandon your 1710?

 

The only reason I don't have a 1730 is they don't offer an LED backlit screen for it like they do on the Studio 1735

Otherwise, the 1730 probably has a nicer keyboard (I wasn't terribly impressed with the Studio 15's keyboard), and of course massively MASSIVELY higher end grahpics if you get the 8800GTX cards (which are actually still just about top of the line).

 

What's this 1730 replacement I hear about?

I don't really need the amazing graphics, I don't play a lot of games and when I do they aren't super-cutting edge ones at all.

I just need an ultra fast, powerful, top of the line machine. But I still can't really pick between the studio and the xps, other than the fact my m1710 has been pretty **** solid.

P.S. I was looking for RAID harddrives so my data is safer.

 

There is no 1730 replacement unfortunately

All I'd like is a minor bump on the 1730 to update it's specs, plus a choice in screens so I can get one with LED backlighting. Even just give my the backlighting and I'd pick up up today. The Studio 17 is a nice system too, but the GPU is kind of wimpy-ish so I just can't quite pull the trigger (wish it offered a 9800GTS anyway, if not better).

 

Saddly at the moment there isnt much info "when" or "if" the XPS 1730 gets repaced.. Dell has been refreshing its product lines, but they have stated that XPS will no longer be high end gaming..

the rumor is that the XPS is becoming a sub brand.. ( inspiron XPS, or studio XPS, etc). In november they will stop the M1530, and a new studio XPS 13 and studio XPS 16 will released, i find it difficult to believe dell wont make a new XPS 17' inch.. but maybe im in denial

i really want a M1730 but i have to wait till november to find out what will happen to the product line up,,

 

That's so pathetic if we have to wait until November, and then no guarantee. Dell used to be so far ahead of everyone else, and anymore...well they're almost dead last.

 

Well I've just gone and ordered an m1730, let's hope its good

 

If you look at the documents that Dell let out, they were on engadget not too long ago they seemed to show that theyd switch to using the Centrino 2 processors in late sept and then introduce the Centrino 2 MotherBoard and the rest in November. I'd look and try and find them but campus Wifi isn't the most dependable. IF they're switching their main product lines to Centrino 2 i find it hard believe they'd not do the XPS line unless they're abandoning it with that refresh

 

i know. but i have a decent laptop i can afford to wait. if dell doesnt offer anything special i can always go to alienware..

 

go for the studio. because the m1730 is one heavy SOB. the power brick alone is the size of an ultra-portable and weighs as much as a light laptop (5-6 lbs).

overall my m1730 came in it's original box @ 23 lbs. box weighed about 2-3 lbs. the documenation/discs was about a lb. the rest is the hardware.

 

For me that wouldn't be an issue, and I've never heard of real complaints with the 1730. It seems like an awesome system, but CCFL just makes me nervous at this point.

 

ok....just my 2 cents.

i had mine in a messenger bag WITH the power brick. i can tell u i wouldn't want to haul it around for more than an hour....

also note that there aren't that many good bags out there that will fit the m1730 just right and completely protect it and be comfortable too.

 

It does depend on your priorities I guess (and how strong you are). For me, I only have to haulf a 'puter back and forth to my car once a day, so I really don't care how much it weighs, and mostly use it plugged in. But someone who's able to ride a bike to work 20 miles each way or whatever (that would be cool...can't do it in my area), I can see how they'd want something a lot lighter, and maybe a much lower end system would be decent (and just buy a new one more often).

 

i just sold my xps 1730 on ebay, xps1730 is 11p on the system, plus a huge power brick 4p. check out the size & weight of xps1730, thats not portable.

best 17 inch out there:
1. sager np 5796--boutique brand
2. gateway p7811fx-just bought it from bb
3. studio 17--best macbook clone
4. hp dv7t-- returned it due to poor quality.

 

The 1730's portable to me Just depends on the person.