Dell XPS 15z

daz103

daz103

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Darren
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Ok I think i have done away with the idea of getting a macbook pro and instead am looking at the new dell XPS 15z.

Now I am basically wanting it for a bit of editing in the field and for shooting tethered.

The main issue with this model is that there is a big gap in performance and pricing. My budget is £1050.

The options are

a) latest I5 processor 2410m
4gb Ram
500gb HDD
720 res screen
nvidia Graphics card

£899

b) I5 2410m
4GB RAM
500GB
1080p hi-def screen
nvidia graphics card

£1029

c) I7-2620
8GB RAM
750GB HDD
1080p hi-def screen
nvidia graphics card

£1229

ideally i would have gone for one with a i5 processor but with 6gb ram, but as the ram is not upgradable i am not sure about the power of the 4gb model.

I would probably go for option B, but i am still a little worried about the lack of ram.

Is 4GB enough to run CS5 and Lightroom 3?
 
Probably an obvious question but do you really need the portability of a laptop? If not you'll get far more performance and a much better monitor for a desktop of the same value.
 
Is the 1080 screen the only upgrade between the first 2 options? For £130?

You'll find 4GB RAM more than adequate for running CS5 and Lightroom, but they will of course slow down a wee bit when you chuck massive batches of RAW images into them, but you've got to give them a chance ;)
 
4G will do, but the laptop will use the extra 4G of the 8G for caching disk access so swapping between images on the 8G version will be quicker. Def. go for the 1080 screen., I love mine on the (XPS 15, not z). The non-z XPS' are slightly better value. Also, Dell are doing a £70 off voucher which might help ease the quad core i7 decision ;) (have to say, if I was spending 1050, I'd stretch to the 1160 it would cost with the i7 proc). See: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/t...ST&cid=41141&lid=1069630&acd=1240410277620564

Alternatively, look at configuring a standard XPS 15 up. Mine cost just over £900 and has quad i7, 8G Mem, full 1080p screen, 750G HDD, uprated wifi, backlit keyboard. Battery life is great too... I'm really, really impressed with this machine....
 
It's as portable as any other "standard" 15.6" laptop. We've carted it around the US for the last 3 weeks. 15z is 2.51 kg, standard XPS is 2.78kg. About half a pound difference. Not a lot in it IMHO - especially when you also have to cart around the power adaptor which is on top of that, but you may think differently.
 
Daz, at the prices you are quoting I assume you are still not factoring in the 10% discount code or the ~7% (net) cash back.
 
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