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Entered CNET Catalog: 10/23/2006
SKU: M1710R2
Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
Manufacturer description
The XPS M1710 is totally packed with the latest technology to help you handle any application, any game or any task with confidence. The NVIDIA graphics cards allow you to play any game with outstanding performance. The unique XPS M1710 design with brushed gunmetal LCD display back, configurable perimeter lighting and customizable personalization panel gives your notebook that individual touch.Product summary
The good: Latest and greatest laptop GPU; built-in strobe lights play along with music and games; unbeatable mobile gaming scores; can play media files without booting up.
The bad: Similarly configured laptops are faster on some tests; some special features hidden in hard-to-find menus; expensive.
The bottom line: Dell's latest update to the XPS M1710 doesn't make it any cheaper but allows it to maintain its position as the leader of the mobile gaming pack.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 10/27/2006
The top-of-the-line XPS M1710 with Blu-ray, configured similarly to the $3,498 system we reviewed in October, costs $4,249. It costs slightly less to add a Blu-ray drive than a stand-alone set-top box Blu-ray player, but it costs slightly more than a PlayStation 3 console, which also plays Blu-ray discs. Of course, neither set-top boxes nor the PS3 will allow you to record onto Blu-ray recordable and re-recordable discs. The XPS M1710's dual-layer drive can write up to 50GB of data on Blu-ray discs, as well as play back Blu-ray movies.
CyberLink's PowerDVD 6.6 is included for playing back Blu-ray movies, while Nvidia's PureVideo HD is behind the Blu-ray decoding, and Roxio Creator Plus handles burning chores. With Roxio Creator Plus, you can create Blu-ray data discs, for storing massive amounts of data, or Blu-ray video discs, which you can play back on set-top Blu-ray players.
The XPS M1710 does not have an HDMI output, so to send that HD signal to a big-screen plasma or LCD, you'll have to use the DVI output, which should work fine, as long as your display is HDCP compliant. (12/11/06)
Dell's latest update to its monster XPS M1710 desktop replacement may not warrant an entirely new model number, but the changes are deep enough to deserve a fresh look. The system earns gaming props for being the first laptop to carry Nvidia's latest mobile GPU, the GeForce Go 7950 GTX. Also of note: Dell, in an unusual move for a mainstream PC maker, practically encourages buyers to overclock the 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo T7600G processor. Let's not forget the multicolored lights built into the speaker grilles, air vents, and lid, which play along with music apps and select games (Dell calls it XPS LightFX technology). The $3,498 system is a budget-buster to be sure, but one that's hard to top if you're looking for a top-of-the-line desktop replacement for gaming. If you're willing to sacrifice a little gaming performance for cash, the Gateway NX860XL is worth a look.
Dell calls the reflective red pattern on the back cover Special Edition Formula Red, but it's also available in the more subdued Metallic Black. Both colors feature backlit XPS logos. The interior and exterior surfaces are covered with a magnesium alloy, and the system measures 15.5 inches wide, 11.3 inches deep, and 1.7 inches thick. Our test unit weighed 8.7 pounds (10.4 pounds with the AC adapter)--a few ounces more than the Gateway NX850XL, but nearly 1.5 pounds more than a smaller desktop replacement such as the Toshiba Satellite P105.
The XPS M1710 includes a full-size keyboard and a touch pad with horizontal and vertical scroll zones. When activated by a compatible application (or when the M1710 is angry with you), the backlit XPS logo on the touch pad glows red. On the front panel of the system, below the touch pad and accessible while the lid is closed, sits a row of media control buttons, including volume controls, fast-forward and rewind buttons. There's also a button for launching Dell's MediaDirect software, but that's located near the display, far from the other media control buttons. MediaDirect is Dell's homegrown version of Media Center; it plays CDs and DVDs and lets you access photos and other media files stored on your hard drive. The advantage is that you can use MediaDirect without booting up the PC's operating system, saving time and battery life.
You shouldn't have much trouble connecting your peripherals. The system includes headphone and microphone jacks, VGA and DVI outputs, S-Video-out, four-pin FireWire, and six USB 2.0 ports. Networking connections include a 56Kbps modem, 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, and integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless. Bluetooth is an available option. Also onboard are an ExpressCard slot and a 5-in-1 media card reader, but no PCMCIA card slot. The stereo speakers (plus internal subwoofer) are located on the front edge, so they'll work even with the lid closed.
The XPS M1710 comes equipped with a 17-inch wide-screen display. Its 1,900x1,200 native resolution puts your average 21-inch desktop LCD to shame. The screen has a glossy finish, which many people prefer for gaming and media viewing, but it can be distracting under bright lights or when dealing with text documents. While we've complained in the past of limited brightness on M1710 screens, this particular system seemed perfectly adequate once we turned up the brightness control a couple of notches.
Also potentially distracting is the XPS LightFX feature, which takes the 16-color LED lights built into the system's speaker and fan grilles and back cover and causes them to strobe and flash in time to supported music apps and games. You can also set the lights to flash, strobe, or stay in any color combination you want--although the control panel for the lights is somewhat hard to find. It's under Dell Quickset in your program menu, and within that, under the gaming tab. The lights are either very cool or very lame, depending on your aesthetic sensibilities. Rest assured, you can disable the lights with a few mouse clicks.
Our review unit arrived fairly tricked out, with 2GB of RAM, a 100GB 7,200rpm hard drive, and a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 CPU. For the baseline $2,299 model, you get a slower T7400 CPU, 1GB of RAM, and a 60GB hard drive. What really sets it apart from the competition is the 512MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7950 GTX; this is the first laptop we've seen with this just-released GPU. You can trade down to the previous model, the GeForce Go 7900, and save $150.
The system held its own against other Core 2 Duo T7600 laptops, such as the Velocity Micro NoteMagix L80 Ultra, in CNET Labs' multimedia tests. Ironically, it fell behind the Area-51 m5550, from Dell-owned Alienware. When it comes to gaming, however, the XPS M1710 is unbeatable, turning in a score of 99.5 frames per second in Quake 4 at 1,280x1,024 and a respectable 53fps at the same resolution in the more challenging F.E.A.R. test. For almost $3,500, you could doubtlessly get better performance from a desktop PC, but for a gaming laptop, it's top of the charts. We only saw a nominal performance bump from the GeForce 7900 version of the M1710, but slightly older games such as Quake 4 and F.E.A.R. may not be the best test of a new GPU.
In our battery drain test, the XPS M1710 lasted for 2 hours, 51 minutes, about 10 minutes longer than the last XPS M1710 we looked at, and certainly provides decent battery life for a desktop replacement.
Though Dell has cut warrantees to 90 days on many of its less-expensive models, the company covers the XPS M170 with a two-year warranty, which provides parts-and-labor coverage and onsite service. You can upgrade that to four years for $160 or get four years of Premium service, which adds night and weekend onsite service, for $268. XPS machines get a special 24-hour, toll-free tech-support number to cut down on hold time, and the Dell Web site is reasonably well equipped with driver downloads, FAQs, and user forums.
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Find out more about how we test Windows laptops.
System configurations:
Alienware Area-51 m5550
Windows XP Media Center 2005 SP2; 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7600; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 666MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7600; 100GB Seagate 7,200rpm SATA/150
Dell XPS M1710
Windows XP Media Center 2005 SP2; 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7600; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 666MHz; 512MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7950 GTX; 100GB Hitachi 7,200rpm SATA/150
Gateway NX860XL
Windows XP Media Center 2005 SP2; 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7400; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 664MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7900 GS; 100GB Hitachi 7,200rpm SATA/150
Toshiba Satellite P105-S9722
Windows XP Professional SP2; 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7200; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 666MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7900 GS; 200GB Fujitsu 4,200rpm SATA/150
Velocity Micro NoteMagix L80 Ultra
Windows XP Professional SP2; 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7600; 2,048MB DDR2 SDRAM 666MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7600; 100GB Seagate 7,200rpm SATA/150
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 User Rating: 
10/10
A REAL HAED TURNER
Pros: everything seems to blend in
Cons: quite heavy
User Rating: 
7/10
Fast, but missing stuff for the price
Pros: Speed demon.
Cons: Where's the frosting?
But at a price of $3700, it's missing firewire 800, SATA, and a webcam. For that kind money, everything should be included.
User Rating: 7/10
A Relatively Good Laptop, But Missing A Few Things- Check Them Out
Pros: Gaming Power, Screen, Cool Extras
Cons: No HDMI Port, No Built-In Webcam, Not SLI configured, Could Use a Number Pad
Overall, this computer provides a great gaming experience, but for the money it doesn't seem worth it. You have to spend quite a bit for this laptop to really measure up against a decent gaming desktop. The screen is nice a bright, the keyboard and touch pad are nice and spacious, and the battery life is decent for a 17 incher.
A few things I would like to see changed or improved upon on this laptop:
1) With the new XPS M1710 now coming with BluRay drives, I would like to see and HDMI port.
2) Like the M1210, I would like to see a built-in webcam (although it's not necessary, it helps it stack up to Alienwares and MacBooks).
3) Alienware- a subsidiary to Dell- has gone fully SLI enabled on their high-end laptops. Dell needs to incorporate this into their best laptops as well.
4) A number pad would be convenient for gaming.
5) A more durable exterior- the red surface scratches relatively easy, even when being transported in a neoprene case.
Although it's not perfect, CNET isn't biased on this particular case. It is a good laptop, but still not perfect. If you really want to spend this much money on a laptop, I suggest checking out the Alienware M9750. Dell service is always a nightmare.
User Rating: 10/10
Rock soild portable gaming power house!
Pros: Fast Duo processor, long life 10 cell battery, 512MB 7950GTX Geforce graphics, 100GB+ HD, 4GB RAM available, 17" crystal clear display, etc..
Cons: Nothing really. May be a tab bit on the heavy side but would you rather carry around your desktop?!
User Rating: 
8/10
Fantastic screen, expensive
Pros: Screen clarity, ease of use,
Cons: Speaker sound, runs very hot.
User Rating: 10/10
Great Machine-awesome performance
Pros: Overclocking, At Home Warranty, Accidental Damage Coverage, Great screen, 6 USB ports, top of the line graphics card
Cons: Price-but if you want the best :)
It is a beast, OC'ed my processor & GPU, pulling 11,000 3DMark05 scores....That is unheard of on a laptop.
I hear all these people comparing their machine with the 7600GO graphics card claiming the same framerates. I refer anyone that dares say that to this website:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html
Scroll way on down until you see the 7600 which pulls in a score of 3,400 on 3Dmark05...
There is no camparison. this is a serious gaming laptop. If you aren't into gaming don't get one, it is not for you. Please do not compare it to an HP Multimedia PC...
The screens on the 1710 are extremely bright & clear. The only downside is the price...But if you are looking for a gaming laptop you WILL pay a premium...you will get a premium product...and FTI Most companies outsource their tech support...XPS support is based in Nashville, though.
I give this product a 9 out of 10 (every laptop has it's quirks) but I am giving it a 10 on the rating to offset the 3 people who gave it a 1 when they had no experience with the machine.
User Rating: 
9/10
Sexy, but expensive
Pros: Great Warranty Package, Great Battery Life, Gorgeous Display
Cons: Windows Vista is still not compatible with all software/games, No Number pad
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 677MHZ,2 DIMM
512MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7950 GTX
100GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Edition
Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card
8X DVD+/-RW Drive
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)
Express Card Media Remote for Bluetooth-enabled Notebook
**************
First off, this machine is Beautiful...I got the Metallic Black armor brushed metal LCD cover.
System is fast.
Wireless is great (Linksys WRT350N router.)
DVD playback is smooth with gorgeous picture. This display is so bright and crisp.
Battery life is impressive.
Keyboard is nice, no touchpad issues.
Plenty of ports.
Received System 1 week ahead of date promised.
Best warranty package I could find
-At-Home Service and 24x7 Technical Support 4 Years
-McAfee Anti-Virus/Spyware Suite 3 Years
-Dell On Call Phone Support 14 Months
-LoJackŪ for Laptops Theft Protection 4 Years
-Complete Care Accidental Damage Service 4 Years
-Online Training with Live Tutor Support 14 Months
Received System 1 week ahead of date promised.
******
My only concerns are
-lack of number pad.
-Windows Vista is great (search feature ROCKS!!!) , but not all my previously owned software is compatible. (Download Accelerator Plus, Madden NFL 07)
-Vista drivers are still a bit shaky, but I anticipate this to work itself out over the next few months.
-Dell insists on partitioning hard drive for system restore
-Had to remove a lot of needless startup items.
User Rating: 9/10
M1710 is the greatest!!!
Pros: Excellent display, lightning fast processing and awesome graphics on F.E.A.R.
Cons: Cost a lot of money and it's slightly difficult to make the lights react to games.
Okay, this is not a knock on the system that is why the rating will not change but a knock on the customer service by Dell. There is nothing (currently) wrong with the system. It is still running great. I mean the new C&C game looks awesome on it. This computer just kicks butt with F.E.A.R, Doom 3 and C&C 3!! But unfortunately, Dell's customer service doesn't match the performance of this computer. I didn't get something in my order and I personnally think it's going to take an act of congress to get it. The system is great but Dell's customer support has made me vow never to buy a Dell again. I mean if this is how they do when the system is running great. I hate to see it when the system is having a problem. Please XPS don't have a problem.
User Rating: 9/10
Buy it on Ebay and save $$$
Pros: Overclock 7600G
Cons: Short battery life (but expected)
User Rating: 
1/10
Died out of the box
Pros: Have no idea
Cons: The harddrive issues
$5000 and this is what i get? Pathetic
User Rating: 1/10
DOA - Dell Wanted Me To Play With It!
Pros: Never could get it to work - how would I know?
Cons: It never worked
Call Dell.... wait... wait.... wrong department "your company has less than 400 employees we can't help you". The switch me to another number it sounds like I'm being connected to the Moon. Man answers in thick accent, broken speech based on the connection and there is an echo echo echo.
I tell him I can't hear him and the line goes dead. I call back the "Samll Business Group" and get someone who speaks English and I can hear them, I'm feeling lucky now. Sounds like Texas and they ask me for my order #, ser # and phone # want to know what the issue is. I tell tech support that my them my computer does not turn on. They ask me to plug and un plug. To remove the batt. To put the batt back in. Top plug it in again and hold the on button. To close the top and open the top. They tell me I have to speak with customer service now. He put me on hold and comes back with a phone number for me to call and give me a number to give customer service. I call customer service and we're back on the Moon again... Echo Echo, Hello may I help you you you...
I give the fellow the number that tech support gave me and he does not show that as a valid number. He asks for my phone #, order #, Ser # and asks what the issue is. I tell him the story about the batt in out, the lid open close, the power on off and he says he can't do anything until technical support approves a "REPAIR". A REPAIR????? I just opened the box. They want to fix the thing!!!!! I told him I want a new one. I just spent $4,600 and I can't get a new one that works? He says he'll have to send me back to technical support.
Bottom line I handed the issue to my secretary. It took her an entire day to get this thing turned around. I refused to take a new dell and will buy a Toshiba. Dell can keep this overprice paperweight they sent me.
No wonder our company stopped buying DELL a long time ago. Now I know why.
Dell wonders why their business is so bad. It seems they make products that don't work and then they give you POOR or NO customer service at all.
I will never do business with DELL again.
User Rating: 1/10
Never Purchasing a Dell Again
Pros: You can use it as an expensive paperweight when it finally dies.
Cons: Dell produces unreliable systems; Off-shored tech support useless
My advice, stay far away from "Disposable Dell".
User Rating: 9/10
XPS SUPPORT AND DELL CUSTOMER SERVICE ARE TOP NOTCH!
Pros: Graphics performance, expandability, Dell's dedication to customer service
Cons: The Samsung WUXGA monitor is plagued with dark lower right and left corners (other than that the screen's sharpness and color reproduction are awesome), Price, but you do get what you pay for!
HP DV9260US $2250.00 AFTER REBATE (CIRCUIT CITY 3-1-2007)
WARRANTY: LIMITED 1 YEAR MANUFACTURERS COVERAGE
PROCESSOR: Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 (2.0 GHz)
RAM: 2GB DDR2 667MHz
HDD: 240 GB 5400RPM
SCREEN: 17" WXGA 1440x900
VIDEO CARD: 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 w/ VGA ONLY OUT
OS: Vista Ultimate w/ TV Tuner
DRIVES: HD DVD Player/DVD+RW
BATTERY: 8 Cell LI Ion
EXTRAS: Built in Camera
DELL XPS E1705 ($2169 DELL.COM 3-1-2007)
WARRANTY: 3 YEAR AT-HOME
PROCESSOR: Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 (2.0 GHz)
RAM: 2GB DDR2 667MHz
HDD: 160 GB 5400RPM
SCREEN: 17" WXGA 1440x900
VIDEO CARD: 256MB ATI RADEON X1400 w/VGA Out
OS: Vista Ultimate w/ TV Tuner
DRIVES: DVD+RW DL
BATTERY: 9 Cell LI Ion
This would be a fair comparison of the two computer manufacturers, I would first take notice to warranty support for the two notebooks, who is more confident with their product? These two computers are apples for apples in performance capacity, the Dell does not have a built in camera, does not have an HD DVD player, and has a 160 GB HDD vs a 240 GB HDD. The HP only has a one year limited warranty (only known defects) and the Dell has a 3 year IN HOME warranty and can be extended to 4 years for $70 and you'll get a $75 rebate therefore it is cheaper to go with a 4 year warranty than a 3 year. Alright, the question is do you value the built in camera ($30 for a better quality external camera), extra HDD space (personally I would go with a 100GB 7200RPM drive for an extra $25 from Dell, the performance capacity of the CPU is hugely effected by the lack of bandwidth from the HDD slow rotational rate of the 5400RPM drives), and finally is there any use for a HD DVD player??? I only see Blu-Ray and even then for a computer, why? These two computers are identical, I believe 3 or 4 years of IN HOME coverage and a tech support that far surpasses anything HP has ever offered is the better value. If you want to extend the HP warranty it would cost $199 to get a 3 year warranty for in shop service bringing you to ($2449 after rebate vs $2169 w/ in home, don't even ask what Circuit City wants for their extended warranty!).
NEXT:
Dell XPS M1710
Right off the bat you cannot compare the above systems to an XPS that's like comparing a Ford Mustang Cobra to a Ford Contour.
Realistically:
T7200 vs T7400 2.0GHz to 2.16GHz add $175
WXGA vs WUXGA Huge gain in res. add $140
100 GB 7200 RPM SATA vs 5400RPM add $25
RAM EXPANDABLE TO 4GB VS MAXED PRICELESS IN FUTURE ESP. W/ VISTA
OK now why the XPS is the XPS, The motherboard of the other models are not off a PCI Express bus (major loss in bandwidth!), the expandability of the RAM makes the XPS an upgradeable investment vs what you got is what you got with the above 2 systems, There is probably a $100 difference in the motherboards between the HP and E1705 and the XPS. MOST IMPORTANTLY you buy an XPS to game or run GRAPHIC INTENSIVE programs!!!! I can't even begin to compare a 256MB GeForce Go 7600 to a 512MB GeForce Go 7950GTX, I can put a price on it though, add $400. Not to mention the BLING, I want you to show me an HP that can light up like a XMAS tree IF the user wants it to, even without the lights it simply is a stunning looking machine.
So...$175 + 140 + 25 + 400 = $740, Now admittedly, Dell is about $1000 more for the XPS M1710 vs the E1705, but you have to remember you get another level of support above and beyond ANYTHING you will get from HP.
Alright, here is the low-down on the two companies: First of all, I have been a Sales Manager for Circuit City for 4 years. I started as a technology sales counselor, now known as a technology product specialist (non-commissioned). HP up until recently did not even have an 800 number for their customers! They would not even talk to a customer after 90 days until last year! Now for Dell, I purchased a notebook from them and have had alot of issues and Dell's customer Service staff has been WONDERFUL!!! Had an issue with shipping, they gave me a $75 Coupon for their online store, had an issue with the monitor, they gave me a $300 credit for my inconvenience plus a notebook bag, had an issue with a OS recommendation by their sales staff, they upgraded my OS to a retail Vista Ultimate for FREE (in my opinion this issue was caused by Microsoft and Dell took it upon themselves to resolve the issue because Microsoft was not willing), had an issue with Vista software included they OVERNIGHTED delivery of the appropriate software. As for the issue of dark corners on the Samsung WUXGA monitor you commonly see complained about, they sent a technician to my house within 3 days of calling them to attempt to fix it (this happened today), I will post again with how they ultimately resolve this current issue but I'm sure they will go above and beyond to remedy the situation. Now, if you add it all up they do care about their customers. If this were HP I can almost guarantee they would have pawned it off on the retailer, because it's no big deal to them, the retailer has already bought the product from them i.e. you really are not their primary customer and they do not allow Circuit City to return notebooks or desktops to them, no matter what! Now who do you want to deal with when you have $2200-$4000 on the line???? How long do you want to have the notebook for? Are you a PC user or a PC Gamer?
In conclusion, this is my system:
XPS M1710
17" WUXGA Monitor
Intel Core 2 Duo T7400
2GB DDR2 667MHz RAM
80GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
Intel ProWireless A/B/G Wireless
10/100/1000 NIC
512MB NVidia GeForce Go 7950GTX
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
3D Mark 2006 Score: 5009 <--Will be better when NVidia releases a decent set of drivers for Vista
WoW Performance ---> Avg. 55 FPS but have got in the 90's
I will be updating this review when Dell finally resolves the monitor issue for me.
As of yet the system is a solid 8.5-9.0 and would easily be a 9.5-10.0 if the monitor would have been flawless from the get-go. Honestly, the only way I could have a bad taste left in my mouth is if Dell Customer service drops the ball on the monitor issue, however I doubt that will happen.
First of all, I made a mistake in the above review. I must have started comparing the HP to the Dell XPS and wrote Dell XPS E1705, the comparison was the Dell E1705 to the HP not the XPS (You could never compare the XPS to any HP branded computer). Also, I have to clarify that the performance ratings were WoW set to 1920x1200 and all settings set to HIGH. I set the settings to 1024 x 768 and the detail to low and had framerates in the mid-200's!!!! Also, as of right now I have a new notebook being shipped OVERNIGHT from Dell and all I will say is the above configuration is no longer the same, Dell didn't think that my computer was fast enough and upgraded it for me for the inconveniences!!!
User Rating: 8/10
WOW... Blows Games Away....
Pros: Super Fast Processor, Great GPU, Tons of on board memory Options, BluRay, Amazing Dell Warrantee, and Solid Construction
Cons: Poor support for brand new 7950 GTX, Mic port has problems, heavy, gloss screen easily smudges
This computer craves to be gamed on... I play Battlefield 2142, and I run it on 1600 by 1200 with everything set to the max and this computer runs it smooth without a hitch, I like, I like a lot...
There are some problems though. I had an issue with the aforementioned game with the screen flashing weird patterns on me, I suspect its a driver problem and tried to fix it by downloading a new patch, but much to my surprise a new patch was unavailable, and the latest patch on the Nvidia site was dated in July when this card was announced in Oct. I got one from the Dell site but it was the same version so I am pretty frustrated with that part, but I suspect that they are just waiting to get all the bugs worked out of their Vista drivers.
I ended up being sold on this computer after my other Dell needed repairs. The warrantee on these computers are second to none and the prompt services they give (especially when buying through a company) is amazing. I had another Dell which I broke, but said that it just happened, without asking or probing deeper into the problem they just sent me a brand new laptop, no question not waiting. That was the main reason why I got this laptop because I am guaranteed to have this beast for two or three years even if I break the thing in half or drop it in the ocean, I LOVE that part.
If you buy this computer you have to buy the warrantee there is no other real reason to get this compared to an Alienware or a
Voodoo.
All in all I am really happy with this laptop, the driver support got me kind of frustrated but they will come out eventually but thats the only reason I didn't give this bad boy a 9. I'm almost positive that anyone with this laptop will love it, and will chew up any game you throw at it for the next year... that is until DirectX 10 games come out....
User Rating: 7/10
Had a few problems but Dell took care of me
Pros: Sweet machine, great for Gamers
Cons: PRICE, poor standard warranty
User Rating: 9/10
Outstanding Laptop!!!!
Pros: Fast CPU, Fast GPU, Great Looking, Solid
Cons: Expensive but that's it. It does everything I need it to do
User Rating: 
3/10
DeLL M1710 Gaming vs. HP Dv8000 Xbright
Pros: professional look and feel.
Cons: very poor quality colors, dim display not worth the money.
Has anyone else out there sat the M1710 beside another laptop and compared the picture quality? I expected for the money i spent to be so impressed when i fired it up that i would almost fall out of my chair.. instead i fell out of my chair with disapointment..
thanks for reading.. 29 yr old male, Ohio..
User Rating: 9/10
AWESOME! Need I say more?
Pros: Design, performance, everything.
Cons: The brushed aluminum case can scratch if u wear a metal watch (this is a reach)
As a developer and gamer, I needed expandability, power, hi-resolution, speed, lots of RAM, and a Core 2 Duo CPU. This system had all that I was looking for and was designed for gamers.
User Rating: 10/10
Best Laptop Ever!
Pros: FAST, quiet(!!!), beautiful display, great look and feel.
Cons: None. At all.
I got the T7600 2.33ghz, 2MB memory, GeForce Go 7950 GTX 512MB graphics card, the Draft-N Wireless card, Soundblaster Audigy sound, 100GB HD at 7200RPM, and the RED cover. And let me tell you, this baby SCREAMS. I also have a Dell XPS 410 Desktop computer with the E6700 Core 2 Duo chip, and believe it or not, this laptop is FASTER than the desktop. No joke.
Anyway, the 17-inch screen is gorgeous. The font is a little small at such high resolution, but I'm used to it already. Plus, it's easy to switch it temporarily if it's hard to read the small letters. I have perfect eyesight, so it's no biggie for me.
I also noticed that this laptop is rather light and is not uncomfortable on my lap at all! I used to use a Sony Vaio, which I'm now going to sell, and it got way too hot on my lap! Really uncomfy. The M1710 gets warm but never too hot. Also, my old Vaio used to go crazy with the fans just from pressing "Enter". This computer is so darn quiet you can't hardly tell it is even on! I think that's kudos to Dell but also to Intel for making such an efficient series of chips with the Core 2 Duo line.
Anyway, overall, for my $3900 or so, this is one of the best purchases I've ever made, and I wouldn't change a thing. Get one, you won't be disappointed, I promise you.
User Rating: 9/10
truth is IT REALLY ROCKS
Pros: solid construction, great "feel" to it overall, tons of connections, FAST!!!
Cons: Mouse pad is very sensative ... kinda takes some getting used to ...
As the saying goes, "you get what you pay for" .... I think we all silently wish there was some way around this truth .... but let's face it ... it is a true proverb. If you get the XPS 1710, you will not be disappointed ....
Some have said the brightness of the screen was not that hot .... to me it seems quite good. The resolution is great, of course ....
I have seen a few poor ratings of this XPS here and now that I have one .... I don't get it. What is not to like???? I suppose that if you are still undecided about this purchase, maybe you could go to one of the Dell stores and see it for your self (look on the Dell web site for locations) ...... by the way ... the GeForce Go 7950 GTX is worth the money ... you will love it! Even if you had to stretch your $$ a little to get the 7950 video card, I would ... it is worth the financial effort, in my opinion ....
If I could do it all over again in hindsight ... what would I do? BUY THE XPS 1710 AGAIN! Heck ... this thing is SO HOT I would even be willing to go deliver pizzas for a couple of months just to nail this deal !!!
Go get it !!
User Rating: 10/10
I have owned this laptop for 3 months now and it is awesome!
Pros: Quiet running, great graphics, looks good, great support.
Cons: A litle expensive, but worth it.
User Rating: 10/10
Incredible faultless gaming
Pros: Very fast, stylish, well constructed
Cons: just the speakers
User Rating: 8/10
Impressed with Dell
Pros: Fast, great display, feels very well built
Cons: Certainly not light, gets hot
I picked the Dell because it was generally reviewed better than the Macbook and I liked the design. I think Apple is closing in on PC guys like me, but isn't there yet.
(Please don't leave a dozen comments about how wonderful Apple is - I am not looking to start a debate - Apple people love their machines and PC people tolerate theirs because of the number of software titles and hardware options that PC users have over Apple)
So...it's a 10lb beast of a laptop...my 6lb Acer feels like a feather compared to the Dell...it is also a true desktop replacement...it runs a bit hot and so there won't be much emailing from bed...it feels very solid and well built...I, personally, don't care about things like the LCD lights but I did set them to purple and it's kinda cool, I guess...
I have put it through it's paces and it performs well...I can run the newest games and set the visuals pretty high and have the performance remain smooth...
My CD/DVD burner started making strange noises about a week in and DELL customer service cut me off mid-sentence and said they would immediately ship me a new one. I called on Sunday and had the new one on Tuesday. I have heard lots of complaints about Dell's customer service but haven't had any problems yet and give them kudos for the speed in resolving my 1st (and hopefully last) issue.
Battery is an "issue". One shouldn't expect great battery performance from a machine like this. I bought two extra batteries for plane rides. I find I get a solid two hours when playing a game or watching a DVD. If you're writing an essay and are ok with a less bright screen, you'd probably get 3 hours.
Cost...well...it's not a cheap machine...priced against Alienware and VooDoo or Falcon Northwest...it stacks up pretty well.
The 19'' screen is great. I don't get the brightness issue mentioned in the CNET review. I do find I have had to tweak the setup options a dozen times to find a resolution combination that I can handle. As shipped, I'd be blind in a week staring at 1900X1200 (or whatever it is).
Overall...I am impressed...but for what it cost...I expect to be impressed.
User Rating: 3/10
Dell's are trash
Pros: Graphics are very good,
Cons: poor construction, cheap knock off of media center, because they can't get it
User Rating: 9/10
Has no equal in the non-gaming specific laptop category
Pros: Best laptop performance for a system without dual SLI
Cons: Expensive, but who cares? At this level of performance, paying more makes you feel better
Try to find a Lenovo, HP, Sony Vaio, Acer...with the same specifications...You can't.
Dell are very fast in including the latest components in their laptops.
What other aspects are important when you buy a latop? Powerfull speakers, silent cooling vents, bight screen, cool design, keyboard with a good pressure point, reliable WiFi connection.
The Dell XPS 1710 has all this.
Now let me respond to the contemptuous user who rated this system 1. What is your vision of the laptop world?
McBook=10, Dell= 1, remaining manufacturers=0?
I am sorry but you are defeating your own purpose by being so obviously biased...
Noone can call the design of the XPS cheap. You Mac users have become so entrenched in your own view of style that you don't realise there are other cool systems out there.
I don't think the XPS looks anything like a MacBook, so I fail to find any trace of emulation in Dell's XPS 1710? Can you be more specific? On the contrary, to me this laptop has many things the MacBook hasn't: overclockability, better 3D performance, Dell's Fxlight technology (I am straining but no, I never saw Apple use this).
By the way, in case you would think the iPods are the coolest Music/Video Players...Have a look at the Archos 604 Wifi with tactile screen...Apple have planned to offer an equivalent product only this December...and with a much smaller screen and only half the functionality.
This is reality and your wishing for Apple to be way above the rest doesn't make it so. At best they are on par with other high-end OEMs.
User Rating: 1/10
More Dell junk.
Pros: Its has a few MacBook Pro features.
Cons: Its made by Dell. Its a PC that uses Windows as its OS.
Do yourself a favour, get yourself the laptop this one is emulating. The Apple MacBook pro.
User Rating: 7/10
On par with the Alienware M7900?
Pros: The exterior Lights
Cons: No sli config
With this laptop having a (512MB) 7950 in it are they comparable or does this offer more power? Anyone in the know please elaborate for us if you will? Btw, the system is good but is it a better choice than getting a laptop with SLI?
User Rating: 7/10
Overclocking NOT warrantied
Pros: cpu, gpu, screen
Cons: price, bulkiness, price again
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