Dell XPS One 2710

Pros: USB 3.0 & the two side USB ports that charge while the machine is off will be a hit for charging i-junk. HDMI in will keep this thing from becoming a 35 pound paperweight if the internal components ever fail or when the components become outdated.

Cons: The screen is a bit glossy from what I can see. I haven't actually received the unit yet, but hopefully it won't be too bad. It's going to be really hard to find something to complain about after picking this up for 70% off of the retail price.

Summary: I ordered this from the Dell Outlet store after they cancelled my All-In-One Inspiron 2330 that I ordered due to a hardware failure. This one popped up in the Outlet when I called to find out what happened to the cancelled order and the customer service rep applied my 25% coupon to this even though the 25% off deal was no longer valid. I was really pleased that Dell honored the coupon. I expected to have to kick and scream and throw a fit but the rep that it wasn't my fault that the order got cancelled so he would be happy to take the 25% off of whatever system I would like. What's wild is the original Outlet price was --------------- $529 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable! The price had to be a mistake considering there isn't another XPS One 2710 in the Outlet for less than $1079 and 25% off of that brought it down to $425 after tax.

I frequent the Dell Outlet to keep an eye on any new deals for my company which needs to keep a fleet of around 20 machines pretty current. I've learned you have to be like a hawk and watch closely to keep up with the ever changing inventory, coupons, and deals. This time I get to reap the benefits personally and my family will be ecstatic when they sit down to this beast considering the best machine I have now is a dual-core desktop running Vista and a 19" monitor.

We're moving on up.

Updated on Nov 9, 2012

Fed Ex delivered the machine today and I was right about the glossy screen. It's not great if there is a lot of sunlight or glare. The Windows Experience numbers are off the charts though - Processor is 7.4, Memory is 7.7, Graphics is 7.0, Hard Disk is 5.9. Hard disk transfer rating stinks but it's hardly noticeable though. This computer absolutely SCREAMS. I wasn't really expecting my machine to have the GeForce 640M GT installed - needless to say I was ecstatic to see it show up on CPUID. The processor that came with mine was the 3330s, can't imagine the 3450s score. Perhaps it might score a 7.6 or 7.7??!!

Really like the slot load DVD player. Mine didn't come with a cordless keyboard and mouse - OH well, I think I can live with that. My wife and I watched a movie on it tonight and were blown away with the picture quality. The premium sound is also a huge plus. Nice and loud, with plenty of highs and bass, and no distortion whatsoever.

10's in every category in my book!!!