Dell Inspiron XPS2 and Dell Inspiron 9300 Revealed (pics, specs)

The Dell Inspiron XPS2 and Dell Inspiron 9300 should hit the virtual shelves of Dell.com very soon, we have the pictures and likely specs of these upcoming laptops.

The expected release date of the Inspiron 9300 is this week while the XPS 2 is out today.

Dell Inspiron 9300 (suggested mid-range configuration available)

• Centrino Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz), 2MB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB
• 17" screen WXGA, 1440 x 900
• 1024 MB DDR2 (533MHz, 2x512MB)
• 80GB Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
• 256MB Nvidia GeForce FX 6800 Go, PCI-Express
• Integrated Intel Pro Wireless 802.11 a/b/g
• Integrated Bluetooth
• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• 1 IEEE Firewire Port
• 1 PCMCIA card slot
• S-Video out
• Max RAM 2GB
• Microsoft Windows XP Home/Pro
• Weight 3.5Kg (7.72lbs)

Dell Inspiron 9300 Pics (looks exactly like the 9200):

Links to Dell website where more pictures are located:

• http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/inspn/9300_back_314.jpg
• http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/inspn/9300_front_314.jpg
• http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/inspn/9300_left_closed_314.jpg
• http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/inspn/9300_right_closed_314.jpg
• http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/inspn/9300_bottom_314.jpg

Dell Inspiron XPS2

Dell Inspiron XPS2 -- check out the black trim!

Dell Inspiron XPS2 Rumored Specs

• NVIDIA GeForce Go 6800 Ultra Graphics Card
• Intel PentiumM processor 2 GHz up to 2.13 GHz
• Customizable Lights in 3 different areas on the Notebook
• Customizable Cover option kit (Design your own picture to keep on the top of the notebook)
• 10/100/1000 Intergrated NIC
• 533 MHz Dual Channel DDR2 RAM
• Weight: 8.6 lbs
• Screen: 17-inches

 

black on silver looks very slick. the i6000 could learn a thing or two from the xps... then again... i know it's a gamer notebook, but the top cover... the only thing its missing is an underbody light and a spoiler

 

Argh, no X800? It IS available on some other laptops now and it beats out the 6800 (in default form) by a small margin. At least they could have offered an option on that...

Not my field anymore though. I'm eying the "thin and light" performance segment right now.

--------------------
Toshiba Hard Drive (40GB 5400rpm) finally blew on my 2.5 year old Compaq 2800T.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by abaxter

Dell Inspiron XPS2 Rumored Specs

• NVIDIA GeForce Go 6800 Ultra Graphics Card
• Intel Pentium 4 processor w/ HyperThreading
• Customizable Lights in 3 different areas on the Notebook
• Customizable Cover option kit (Design your own picture to keep on the top of the notebook)
• 10/100/1000 Intergrated NIC
• 533 MHz Dual Channel DDR2 RAM
• Weight: 8.6 lbs
• Screen: 17-inches

thanks to madaxle for providing specs on the XPS2

<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

According to http://notebookforums.com/showpost.php?p=701339&postcount=6 the XPS2 is featuring Pentium-M technology. This comes from the AAFES military website where appearently the specs of the XPS2 are out. Are you sure it's still P4? The case doesn't look like it can support that.

Either way, I'm going to get an XPS2. I've made up my mind. I have to say it's the first Dell laptop that's visually impressive to me.

 

the XPS Gen2 is actually already on the Dell website - with pentium m processor!

 

I'm not so sure on the specs for the XPS2, they are just rumored, different sources seem to report different things...so you may be right on the processor. Though I would find that slightly odd for a gaming laptop.

DigitalCameraReview.com | BargainPDA.com | TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

well, that solves that question then, the XPS2 has a 2.0GHz or 2.13GHz Pentium M processor!

Thanks for the heads up.

DigitalCameraReview.com | BargainPDA.com | TabletPCReviewSpot.com

 

It's lighter and bigger! Will the 9200 go away when the 9300 is available. Also, how much will the base config of the 9300 cost? The 9200 looks tempting now, though everyone else seems to think the 9300 is a major upgrade.

 

Is it just me or does everybody else also sees the same notbook with some flashy lights , black trim and a tacky ( my opinion only ) logo of the cover ?

other then that its just a little spec game :
6800 vs. 6800 ultra and a better cpu

So when you price them both , take the difference , reduce the extra specs costs and you'll know exactly how much Dell charge you for a piece of black plastic .

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by davids

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by davids

 

There are certainly more differences Gilo. Checking out Dell site for the xps2 and the uncomfirmed specs for the 9300, a quick glance at least shows a much better screen. Ummm.. I see more 6 vs 4 usb ports.... does 9300 have dvi output? The screen is huge diff... other stuff mgith be minor?? But, you do have me curious... I might do that comparison even though I think I'm going with the xps2 if only for the screen alone. I have a Inspiron 8200 that I'm replacing that has a 15" 1600x1200 res screen and I love it, so I really want that 17" 1920x1200.

Also, keep in mind the 9300 specs are not confirmed. I'm not relying on any of the specs of the 9300 until it's on the site. I had heard folks say Dell told them the 9300 would be on the site today, but nadda. I never even heard of the xps2 until today.

Lyndal.

 

I just bought a 9200 from Dell last Monday 2/21. It has yet to ship and now I am wondering if I should just cancel it and wait for the 9300. Anybody know if you will be able to upgrade the video card in the 9300?

I called dell earlier today and they said they did receive a notice that they would be selling the 9300 but didn't have any other details yet. they also said that if I get the 9200 that I have 30 days to return it and could then upgrade to the 9300.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by smallz

 

Thanks for the heads-up. I called back and they said 21 days. How do you think the radeon 9700 will be for gaming. COD, MOHAA, AVP2, Warhammer: dawn of war, maybe some half life 2

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by smallz

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by smallz

 

Yeah, the ati 9700 will play the games you listed fine. But, only fine. One year from now you wont be happy. Cancel it and get the 9300. You'll be glad you did. Or cancel and get the XPS2!

I was waiting on the 9300 for quite a while too. I didn't even know there was going to be an XPS2. But when the XPS2 came out today it was exactly what I wanted! Plus I think the case is kinda cool. My assumption is you are wanting the 9300 instead of the XPS2 to save money. It's a downgrade on LCD quality/res and CPU, slight downgrade on Vid Card, and a few other minor options.

About 2.5 years ago I bought a top of the line Inspiron 8200 and got all the options. Yeah, it was $3000 but I'm still using it 2.5 years later and played all of Call of Duty on it and I even play World of Warcraft fairly regularly on it while travelling. Oh yeah, and all that work stuff. Anyway, I think it makes sense to get all you can afford, especially if you're even remotely interested in playing any games on it. You will not be happy with the 9200 in 1 year.

Lyndal.

 

My order doesn't ship until March 7th so I guess I have a little while to save. Can you upgrade the video card in the xps2? I haven't seen any screenshots of the actual ports on the bottom. I will be getting either the xps2 or he 9300...I just hope the 9300 comes out before my 9200 ships.

 

Does anyone know what the TruLife screen is? Is this Dell's term for XBrite? If so is it going to be on both the XPS2 and 9300?

 

Definitely go with the XPS2 or 9300, for upgradability sake alone. Any newer games which use DX9 or OpenGL 2.0 will be dog slow on the 9700 Mobility.

I also have used a (then top-o-the-line) Inspiron 8200 for 2.5 years, and I do 3d graphics software development. I've been waiting a long time for this day

Unfortunately, I priced an XPS2 and found it won't ship until April. Quite a lag... I'm wondering if this will be true for the 9300 when released next week? Anyone venture a guess?

 

i was worried about the shipping date as well

 

Because the 6800 Ultra is such an exotic part (as in rare), I imagine that's what's keeping Dell back from shipping these right away.

--------------------
Laptop Requirements
- Sonoma
- ATI Mobility Radeon X700
- Thin & Light form factor
- 15.4" (bright/enhanced) screen, at least SXGA+
- Nice style

 

Well I cancelled my 9200 order. I'm either going to get the 9300 or the xps2. I wish the ship date wasn't so far out.

 

Yeah, I think Eliwood is right - the 6800 go standard card will likely be a lot easier to come by than the ultra part.

Hopefully a mid-march ship date. Just have to wait and see...

 

If anyone doesn;t know yet

http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspn_9300_au?c=au&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn


the 9300 is now available on the australian website.

 

I see very little diff between that Australian 9300 and the US 9200. The only thing I can see is the 9300 they list has the high end lcd that is on the US XPS2. Their notebook line is also much diff than the US one. Has anyone speculated that there wont be 9300 in the US??

I've been waiting on the 9300 for a month or so, but I think it's called XPS2! The only diff between what we thought would be the 9300 and what is the XPS2 is the high-speed plastic. Why would they release a 9300 in the US?? My research has been fairly limited but that's my thoughts.

My xps2 is supposed to ship on 4/8. I saw no reason to wait. (...besides I hate waiting)

 

Gamespot has an article some really good pics up here http://hardware.gamespot.com/Story-ST-15427-1541-x-x-x (look at bottom of story.)

 

The pics look awesome

 

I posted these links in another thread:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2004/2005_02_24_sf_001?c=us&l=en&s=corp

Pictures/PDF docs
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/conversations/en/2005_02_24?c=us&l=en&s=corp


Just an FYI for those not sure about getting the I9300 or the XPS2. If you're a gamer that wants a powerful mobile desktop that doesn't weight a whole lot and you don't want to spend too much the I9300 is for you. The performance gain with the XPS2 will be barely noticeable with today's games (excluding Doom3), as newer games are released performance differences might start to become noticeable. I would recommend the XPS2 for either hardcore gamer that needs every bit of frame rates as possible or someone that will use the XPS2 as a literal desktop replacement. Other then the processor and video card options these two notebooks are nearly identical. Key features like the screen, Ram type, front side bus speeds are all the same.

 

I think a lot of you guys are under the misconception that the Go 6800 and the Go 6800 Ultra have similiar performance differences -- or at most the Ultra is barely faster.

Doom3 At 1280x1024 4xAA setting the Go6800 with GDDR3 RAM (the faster version) managed 36.2fps, the same setting on the Go6800 Ultra managed 47.4fps This is almost a one-third performance increase!

It gets more interesting:

Farcry, at 1680x1050 on the Go6800, no AA, managed a respectable 35.7fps. Farcry, at a *HIGHER* resolution of 1600x1200 on the Go6800 Ultra, no AA, recorded an AWESOME 68.9fps. THIS ultra pretty much DOUBLES the performance of the Go6800. This is the reason why the I9300 will be sold separately from the xps2. Their level of performance is NOT close.

If you are thinking of getting a laptop to handle fast fps games -- XPS2 is your choice. For the I9300 to sell it has to be priced significantly cheaper than the xps2 -- as those who doesn't need a super-fast graphics system can look at the x700 (Acer) or the Go6600(Toshiba, soon Asus).

I also do not believe the 6800ultra will be avilable on any other platform in the near future -- as the M9800 is *STILL* a DELL XPS exclusive, after almost 2 years. Dell probably have exclusive deal with Nvidia just to maintain that edge. And no, the M9700 released everywhere else is not even CLOSE in performance to the M9800, as the m12 part has HALF as many pipeline as the m18 part, essentially the m9700 is a slightly overclocked m9600, whereas the m9800 is the mobility version of the full-blown desktop 9800 pro!

hope that helped,

cheers,

yass

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by eraseu2

 

In respect to actual FPS you are absolutely correct, the 6800Ultra is a significant jump in performance over the 6800. But as I had stated there won't be a "noticeable" difference in performance with most of today’s games. If a game is running at a steady 35+ FPS it is rather difficult or impossible to tell the difference between that and say 50+ FPS. Unless you're sitting around watching your FPS in Far Cry or UT2004 both of these systems will be more than adequate. Yassarian does make a valid point the 6800Ultra shouldn't be underestimated, in a year or so the difference between the two cards will be visually noticeable with the new games on the horizon and there's no going back. Choose wisely.

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by yassarian

 

Of course, A consistent 30fps is sufficient for everything. In fact, movie projectors in theaters churn out frames at a steady 24fps!

However, an "AVERAGE" 30fps sometimes is NOT sufficient for a smooth gaming experience -- the reason being that you will definitely feel the lag during the heavily populated areas. Most measurements nowdays takes the frame rates over a period of time/scenes and average it out -- a 37fps average could mean that at certain spots it might dip as low as 15fps or go as high as 50fps. In order to fully enjoy smooth gameplay you need a MINIMUM of 30fps, not merely an average. Because you certainly do not want to be bogged down during the parts where it really matters.

Besides, if you really want to see the difference, just crank up the details and the res The XPS is definitely a gamers toy, the performance will be VERY noticable -- to those that plays games.

cheers,

yass

 

I have the problem of being in australia. It is more than likely that the XPS2 wil not be released here due to a very small market. While the funky case would be kind of fun i am more interested in the 6800 ultra.

So would it be possible to upgrade the graphics of a 9300 later on? That is the whole point of the MXM/PCIe system isn;t it? Teh only problem i could see, other than the 6800 ultra beign hard to get hold of as a replacement part, is that due to the higher clock frequencies of the 6800 ultra the inspiron 9300 may not have an adequate thermal solution to deal with the extra heat.

any ideas?

 

Sorry cammyron I'm about 99.9% sure that the graphics card is not upgradeable in the I9300 or any other laptop at the moment. I too was under some impression as well that PCIe graphics cards for notebooks would be upgradeable, but it doesn't appear to be the case as of yet. If anyone has any hard evidence that states otherwise I would love to read about it. Also after a previous reply by yassarian I decided to look further into the actual performance of the 6800Ultra. According to TomsHardware.com the XPS2 kicks major butt. In benchmarks for Doom3 it even significantly beats out top of the line NVIDIA and ATI graphics cards! After reading this article I'm completely sold on the XPS2. Check out the article here -> http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20050224/index.html

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by cammyron

 

Great. So i probably can;t get an XPS2 because i am inaustralia, and i can;t upgrade a 9300 to XPS2 level graphics

Do you think if i order one from dell americas website they will ship it to australia?

i guess there is always ebay.

 

Ebay is probably your best bet. I highly doubt Dell will ship you anything from the American site. Have you confirmed that the XPS2 is not being released in Australia? They might just release it there as well but it might take a bit longer. Look into that prior to purchasing the 9300.


<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by cammyron

 

I stand corrected on an earlier post. Apparently some of Dell's notebooks can be upgraded with graphics cards made specifically for that unit. This may not solve your problem cammyron since the card wasn't specifically made for the I9300. Although the units hardware seems to be nearly identical you might just be able to pull something off. From what I read in this other thread this procedure doesn't seem to be supported by Dell in most cases and the procedure seems a little involved.

Check it out here:
http://www.notebookreview.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1562

 

Thanks for the info. I have seen that post before, they refer to changing the older style non PCIe graphics cards. Basically if the model came out with the card you can put it into it. eg some older dell laptops had 2 or three graphics card options. If you have the bottom end card you could buy the top card as a spare part and install it yourself.

I thought the newer PCIe graphics cards are pretty much unplug the old and plug in the new in the slot under the laptop. No removing the whole casing etc.

 

I guess now that the 9300 is out it is just a matter of choosing between the xps 2 or the 9300. Anybody know if there are any requirements when ording through dell small business? Seems you can get the xps2 cheaper through there.

 

I'm not sure about there being any criteria for that or not. I do my purchasing through my job which gets a discount as well, Dell doesn't really as any questions about it. Just an FYI if you're in the military you can get a discount as well.

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by smallz

 

I'm not sure how they set that up over the phone but you can go to the government section on their websites to see the discounts. You might be able to make a purchase through the site and still get the discount.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/inspn?c=us&cs=6004&l=en&s=eep

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by smallz

 

does retired military count? How do you setup that discount?

 

Does anyone know if the new XPS Gen2 with the ultra card will be capable of running AutoCAD and 3D modelling software. I would order this unit in a heartbeat if I knew the answer to this question. I currently have an i8500 and while using REVIT (similar to 3dMax), the rendering slows me to a virtual stop. I know I should be considering the Precision M-70 workstation with Open GL, but the options are very limited and about all you can configure is a workstation.

 

I don't see why not. But I can't say since I don't have mine yet. I wouldn't bother calling Dell and asking them since most of the sales people don't know a whole lot about specifics. It would be best to test it yourself so you can gauge it's performance under your own working conditions. I think you should buy the laptop. Dell does have 21 day return policy, you just have to pay to ship it back. Just to give you fair warning, Dell told me it "COULD" be up to 3-4 weeks until my XPS2 is actually built.

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by rookwood

 

Hey just curious if anyone knows When or even IF, The Dell XPS Gen 2 will be coming out in the UK?
Iv contacted Dell UK 4 times and i havent even got a single reply!...

So now im hoping someone here might know, The reason for my question is im starting a cource at College in about 2month In Media/Animation/Games and it would be handy to take an XPS for the "Gaming" side of my development + ease of carrying it there an back...

I would settle for the 9300 (its on the uk site) But knowing theres the XPS im kinda hoping it will be out over here...

So if anyone knows>? or has any info it would be grait!

Thanks Folks

Offspringy

 

The XPS Gen 2 is now out in the UK!!

Offspringy

 

Well at least you got an order in, Damn you! Damn you to hell! (just kidin)

God im almost there, just a few £££ and im gonna be Blowing zombies up for weeks! lol

Thanks for the info on the shipping, They probably got some guy building it, left it on the desk ready for putting in a box, the dinner bell goes, and some arse nicks ur new XPS guy comes back, swares he left it on the desk! and thats why your order is nocked back?

[xx(] Ok i realy have godda get out more!

Thanks [ ]

Offspringy

 

I ordered my XPS2 on the day it was released - 2/24. My order went to status "In Production" last week and moved swiftly through Kiting, Build, and Testing. Then it stalled in "boxing" for 3 days. Today my order was cancelled and replaced with a new order. Estimated Ship date is 4/22. I ordered on 2/24. I've talked to several people there and all I've gotten is...

1. "There is no way to tell what happened to your order - this out of our control. There is nothing I can do. There is no manager here that you can talk to. We are a mail order company and some things are out of our control." ??? huh?

... I call back...

2. "There was some 'skew number' that was wrong or something on your order and there is nothing I can do. Your order is likely dismantled by now. There is a new order that should begin production soon. It is not possible, for any customer, for a priority to be put on an order. There is no possible option that we can do to speed your order up. This is not possible. I can give you the extension of a Manager."

... I call the Manager and get voice mail. I leave a message for him to call me back.

I'm thrilled. I'm wondering if they just oversold or something. I have not yet cancelled my order. Who knows... maybe they will fix this problem soon.

Just passing along. Buyer Beware.

Lyndal.

UPDATE: one day later my new order is in the "boxing" stage and they did upgrade me to 2-day shipping. Might turn out ok.
UPDATE: 2nd order Shipped today. Guess it wasn't so bad afterall.

 

Hey guys,
I have been following these laptops for quite some time. I am a developer and I have noticed one important feature that no-one ever mentions. These two laptops are the only laptops I have seen with dvi and vga outputs. Do these outputs enable the laptop to power two extra monitors? Can this laptop use three desktops at once?

I have googled, ebayed, and looked on dell for someone who boasts about this feature but to no avail.

Can I request that someone who owns one of these laptops test this out? If it can have three screens (two monitors and the laptop screen) I will buy one very soon!!

Thank you for your forum,
Sean Reynolds