Dell XPS16, or not?

[dlc]

To all the laptop owners and laptop gurus, my friend is sending me a laptop from the states within the next week or so but I still haven't decided what to get. I was sold on getting a Dell Studio 17 from their website but this will take more time that what I have. So this would be my first laptop so I'm very excited. The laptop should basically be a complete desktop replacement as I don't get to use my desktop anymore. Usage would include browsing net,music,movies,gaming,web development etc. Now the place i'm getting the laptop from is bestbuy.com. And I've narrowed it down to 3 laptops, i really wanted a dell but the others here also have great specs. Can you guys please have a look and give some opinions on which one you would go for.

1.) Dell Studio XPS (X1640-1492OBK)

Intel P8700 Core2Duo 2.53Ghz 3MB Cache​

15.6" Hi Def LED, widescreen, Edge to Edge, LCD​

6-cell battery​

4GB DDR3 Memory​

500GB 7200rpm Harddrive​

DL DVD Writer + BluRay reader​

ATI Mobility Radeon HD3670 512MB​

2.) HP Pavillion DV7 (dv7-2270us)

Intel Q9000 Quad Core 2.0Ghz 6MB Cache​

17.3" Hi Def LED, widescreen, LCD​

8-cell battery​

4GB DDR3 Memory​

500GB 7200rpm Harddrive​

DL DVD Writer​

ATI Mobility Radeon HD4650 1GB​

3.) Sony VAIO (VGN-FW560F/H)

Intel P7450 Core2Duo 2.13Ghz 3MB Cache​

16.4" widescreen, LCD​

6-cell battery​

6GB DDR2 Memory​

500GB 5400rpm Harddrive​

DL DVD Writer + BluRay reader​

ATI Mobility Radeon HD4650 1GB​

Those are the main specs of the laptop. I've done some research and seams as though the Ati HD4650 chip is better than the HD3670 in the XPS. The HP is the only one with a 8cell battery and quad core. Damn, I really wanted that Dell off their site, would have had the i7 cpu aswell. Anyway, would you guys mind giving me some thoughts on the above? PS - i want to hook up a 22" screen to the laptop later on to do some gaming. has been ages since i last played a good game. my current desktop still has a FX5200 card.LOL.feel my pain. If you guys perhaps now of other reputable online places i can have a look at in the states that would be also great.

Thanks a million in advance. cheers for now

 

[cornestoltz]

I am a Dell man myself, but that Quad Core sure looks sweet...

 

[thedon124]

What are the prices of these laptops?

 

[Chevron]

I'd take the hp.

 

[dj_jyno]

If pricing is similar, I'd take the Sony. Has a Blu-ray drive and you can always upgrade the CPU to a quad core later.

 

[arkunsan]

Dell because it never breaks , great support ,product updates and a high quality components

 

[cerebus]

I love the xps16....what a gorgeous machine. Leather trim etc etc.

 

[sn3rd]

I think you'll have fewer issues getting warranty support with the Dell.

That said, you can't go wrong with any of those brands.

You should also look at what operating system you get. Give preference to the Windows 7 machines.

 

[Nameite]

If pricing is similar, I'd take the Sony. Has a Blu-ray drive and you can always upgrade the CPU to a quad core later.

If I had a choice I'd take the HP, larger screen and you could always get a blueray drive later

 

[arkunsan]

Nothing beats the DELL styling , best is if you see and test one for yourself .Its a kickass machine .Take note of the transfer speeds if you ever get your hands on one

 

[Messugga]

If pricing is similar, I'd take the Sony. Has a Blu-ray drive and you can always upgrade the CPU to a quad core later.

In what world do you live in where you add two more cores to a laptop?
My money would be on that HP. Does it have an international warranty?

 

[Prof.]

HP, but it is very close.

 

[dj_jyno]

In what world do you live in where you add two more cores to a laptop?

It's called a ZIF socket.

 

[DefecteD]

If I had a choice I'd take the HP, larger screen and you could always get a blueray drive later

+1

id also take HP

 

[Messugga]

It's called a ZIF socket.

It's called cooling issues.

 

[Anarchy012]

Maybe have a look at acer

I'm working on an aspire 6935G
C2 Duo T6400
4GB DDR3
320GB hdd
16" hd display
Geforce 9600GT

I know its nowhere near the quad-core levels but i use it too play the occasional game (gta4, cod4, demigod, hawx) They can all run medium graphics at least.
It costs R12 000 and runs cooler than my old hp with celeron M.

 

[Brawler]

If you want to play games i'd stay away from that dell.. HD4650 quite a lot better than that..

+1 HP.

 

[dlc]

hi guys,

The laptops costs more or less the same +-R400 differences. So price isn't a factor. The thing is, I wanted a Dell but with the Ati 4650 graphics, as the Ati HD 3670 in the Dell XPS seems to dissapoint?? And according to a review the dell gets pretty hot:
dell xps 16 review But yeah, i really like the Dell's, especially the build quality. and the slot load dvd. But the HP seems to have a better hardware spec. I want the laptop to last me quite long and be able to play a few games when i feel like it. been out of the game playing thing for a while now and burning to get my hands on a good game. i know the laptop wont last forever gaming wise as upgrading it isn't an option, so later on it will turn into a multimedia/internet browsing machine.

 

[dlc]

oh yeah, and all of them have Windows 7.

 

[Nameite]

If u like the dell u already made up ur mind, and its clear which one everyone else thinks is the best bang for bucks (ie performance-wise)

Best built and look and what not, maybe the Dell?

Want it to last? Well performance maybe will last a few month or more, but looks-wise...usually 3 months for me