I've been searching for a 15.6" screen powered by a Quad Core i7 processer with a dedicated graphics card, decent RAM and SSD, ultrabook dimension and weight and clothed in aluminium silver with all day battery life.
That is a big ask and they don't come cheap. I absolutely did not want the spec to be presented in the form of a bulky gaming looking laptop.
So with the 2017 version of the Dell XPS 15 being launched (9560), the 2016 version are fast disappearing (9550). In fact Dell now only sell 2 basic versions of the 2016 version (9550). So if you wanted a 500GB SSD, you have to pay the premium to but the 2017 version.
My understanding is the 9560 (2017 version) does not have ground-breaking improvements but evidently is has better spec technically including battery. I would be happy with nearly the top spec for less money. Ideally for less than £1000.
The temptation to spend an extra £100-£200 has taken me form looking for a £500 laptop to £1000!! I can't be continue that journey upward indefinitely.
Happy to hear suggestions from others. Please do share the link when you state you can have more for less and please don't compare apples with pears.
Oh, and please note that John Lewis 90 day return is shrinking to 35 day return from tomorrow.
Top comments
mikeyrobbo
31 Jan 173#3
Well aren't you lucky, that's exactly what this is :O
All comments (40)
mubashar
31 Jan 17#1
Accessories Included: AC adaptor, user guide
Battery life Information: Up to 10 hours
Bluetooth Enabled Information: Yes
Brand: Dell
Camera (front-facing) Information: Integrated Widescreen HD 720P Webcam with Dual Digital Microphone Array
Camera (rear-facing) Information: No
CD/DVD/Blu-ray Drive Information: No
Computer Support Helpline Information: Free 90 day computer support
Dimensions: H9 x W49.1 x D33.4cm
Ethernet Port Information: Yes
Graphics card Information: NVIDIA GeForce GTX960M (2GB DDR5)
Graphics card type Information: Dedicated
Hard drive Information: 512GB SSD
Keyboard: Backlit keyboard
Memory (RAM) Information: 16GB
Memory Card Slots Information: SD card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
NFC enabled Information: No
Operating system Information: Windows 10 (64 bit)
Ports Information: 1 x HDMI, 2 x USB 3.0 (with PowerShare), Thunderbolt™ 3
Processor Information: Intel Core i7-6700HQ
Processor speed Information: 2.6GHz
Range: XPS
Screen Resolution Information: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Screen size Information: 15.6"
Screen Type: Full HD In-Plane Switching
Touch Screen: No
Trackpad: Yes
USB ports Information: 2x USB 3.0
Voice Recognition Information: No
Weight: 2kg
Wireless networking: Wi-Fi- 802.11ac
mubashar
31 Jan 17#2
Product information
Boasting a borderless display, this XPS 15 notebook by Dell is one of the smallest 15-inch laptop ever made. This means that you get to enjoy impressive visuals on a 15-inch screen housed within a laptop that's closer to 14 inches - it's pure magic. On top of its svelte dimensions, the XPS 15 laptop is exceptionally light so you can stay entertained even when on the move.
Powerful processor
Equipped with the 6th-generation Intel® Core™ processor and 16GB of RAM, the XPS 15 has the power and speed to keep up with your demands. Open files and programs quickly, plus seamlessly switch between applications and web pages without delay. Teamed up with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, your PC will grant you unprecedented responsiveness.
Superior SSD
PCle is a new kind of SSD technology that promises 94 percent increase in read, 23 percent increase in write speed versus standard, older generations of solid state drives. SSDs are much faster than regular hard drives, and don't use moving parts to work, making them more reliable, too.
Incredible visuals
NVIDIA's 960 graphics card with 2GB GDDR5 video memory works to deliver stunning graphics without lag, so you can fully enjoy movies and video games. The GTX features a range of impressive technologies like GameWorks technologies for fluid, life-like visuals and GeForce Experience for quick gaming optimisation.
Improved connections
Enjoy the built-in Thunderbolt™ 3 port to quickly charge your laptop, connect external devices (including support for up to two 4K displays) and rapid data transfer as its 8 times faster than USB 3.0. On top of this you also have the option to use two super-fast USB 3.0 ports to add a mouse and printer. The HDMI port lets you link up your laptop to your TV to watch your video content on the big screen
mikeyrobbo
31 Jan 173#3
Well aren't you lucky, that's exactly what this is :O
mubashar
31 Jan 17#4
So to seek the 9550 spec (i7-6700HQ, 500 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, GTX 960M) for less, what are the options? This model has sadly disappeared from the Dell website and looks like they will disappear from the few remaining sellers. If the market was flooded, then may be we can sit and wait for them to drop in price.
I have seen it on Dell Outlet for £1,099. Students may get 10% off bringing it down to £987 (braking the magic £1000 barrier!). But I have not seen any XPS 15 advertised on Dell Outlet for some time. In fact it has been strictly the XPS 13 on offer which do not come with a Quad Core option.
There are very few deals offered for a high end i7 Quad Core. I don't want for Gaming but just want a future proof laptop investment that can multitask and handle video-editing and last for many years to come.
scottswaha
31 Jan 171#5
It is amazing spec'ed machine....
But is it overkill for a laptop?
I'll not vote either way as I am clueless if this is good or not.
mats123
31 Jan 17#6
I have this laptop and it's a beauty, bought it from Dell outlet for 1k-isk but 4k display, although, I guess with fhd the battery life will be better
ukting to mats123
31 Jan 17#10
Hey I bought the XPS 13 non-touch with i7 (9360)/8GB ram/256GB SSD for £799. It was a cert refurbished, do you know conditionwise how they end up?
mubashar
31 Jan 17#7
Those that don't need a Quad Core processor, and don't mind dropping the spec and would prefer something even lighter and sleeker with 13.3" screen size as opposed to 15.6", there is another interesting offer with John Lewis:
I would go for the Spectre over the XPS 13 but for the XPS 15 Quad Core, I see no alternative option.
rk505
31 Jan 171#8
I will be honest with you, I have spent nearly 6 months looking for a decent i7 laptop.
danger of hot deals is you fall into a bargain mentality and end up doing nothing.
bottom line is the following are the best laptops for £1k price range:
- Dell Xps 13
- Dell xps 15
- Hp spectre 360 and 13
- Apple Mac book pro (i5)
I ended up paying for a brand new surfacebook i7 off ebay.
for ages I looked at the Xps and never bought it, I wasted nearly 6 months doing that, and have a backlog of emails and missed opportunity items (financially, socially).
it's all about what you want to use your laptop for, otherwise at this level they are all amazing machines, and you have a decent package that you mentioned.
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
That is a big ask and they don't come cheap. I absolutely did not want the spec to be presented in the form of a bulky gaming looking laptop.
So with the 2017 version of the Dell XPS 15 being launched (9560), the 2016 version are fast disappearing (9550). In fact Dell now only sell 2 basic versions of the 2016 version (9550). So if you wanted a 500GB SSD, you have to pay the premium to but the 2017 version.
Options buying form Dell:
9550: i7-6700HQ, 256 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM, GTX 960M: £1,299
9560: i7-7700HQ, 256 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM, GTX 1050: £1,449
9560: i7-7700HQ, 500 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1050: £1,599
If you are a student, or at times it might be pos that Dell would offer discount offers for £100 off or even up to 10% off.
So with 10% off it would be options buying form Dell:
9550: i7-6700HQ, 256 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM, GTX 960M: £1,169
9560: i7-7700HQ, 256 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM, GTX 1050: £1,304
9560: i7-7700HQ, 500 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1050: £1,439
So the offer from John Lewis is for:
9550: i7-6700HQ, 500 GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, GTX 960M: £1,300
My understanding is the 9560 (2017 version) does not have ground-breaking improvements but evidently is has better spec technically including battery. I would be happy with nearly the top spec for less money. Ideally for less than £1000.
The temptation to spend an extra £100-£200 has taken me form looking for a £500 laptop to £1000!! I can't be continue that journey upward indefinitely.
Happy to hear suggestions from others. Please do share the link when you state you can have more for less and please don't compare apples with pears.
Oh, and please note that John Lewis 90 day return is shrinking to 35 day return from tomorrow.
Top comments
All comments (40)
Battery life Information: Up to 10 hours
Bluetooth Enabled Information: Yes
Brand: Dell
Camera (front-facing) Information: Integrated Widescreen HD 720P Webcam with Dual Digital Microphone Array
Camera (rear-facing) Information: No
CD/DVD/Blu-ray Drive Information: No
Computer Support Helpline Information: Free 90 day computer support
Dimensions: H9 x W49.1 x D33.4cm
Ethernet Port Information: Yes
Graphics card Information: NVIDIA GeForce GTX960M (2GB DDR5)
Graphics card type Information: Dedicated
Hard drive Information: 512GB SSD
Keyboard: Backlit keyboard
Memory (RAM) Information: 16GB
Memory Card Slots Information: SD card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
NFC enabled Information: No
Operating system Information: Windows 10 (64 bit)
Ports Information: 1 x HDMI, 2 x USB 3.0 (with PowerShare), Thunderbolt™ 3
Processor Information: Intel Core i7-6700HQ
Processor speed Information: 2.6GHz
Range: XPS
Screen Resolution Information: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Screen size Information: 15.6"
Screen Type: Full HD In-Plane Switching
Touch Screen: No
Trackpad: Yes
USB ports Information: 2x USB 3.0
Voice Recognition Information: No
Weight: 2kg
Wireless networking: Wi-Fi- 802.11ac
Boasting a borderless display, this XPS 15 notebook by Dell is one of the smallest 15-inch laptop ever made. This means that you get to enjoy impressive visuals on a 15-inch screen housed within a laptop that's closer to 14 inches - it's pure magic. On top of its svelte dimensions, the XPS 15 laptop is exceptionally light so you can stay entertained even when on the move.
Powerful processor
Equipped with the 6th-generation Intel® Core™ processor and 16GB of RAM, the XPS 15 has the power and speed to keep up with your demands. Open files and programs quickly, plus seamlessly switch between applications and web pages without delay. Teamed up with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, your PC will grant you unprecedented responsiveness.
Superior SSD
PCle is a new kind of SSD technology that promises 94 percent increase in read, 23 percent increase in write speed versus standard, older generations of solid state drives. SSDs are much faster than regular hard drives, and don't use moving parts to work, making them more reliable, too.
Incredible visuals
NVIDIA's 960 graphics card with 2GB GDDR5 video memory works to deliver stunning graphics without lag, so you can fully enjoy movies and video games. The GTX features a range of impressive technologies like GameWorks technologies for fluid, life-like visuals and GeForce Experience for quick gaming optimisation.
Improved connections
Enjoy the built-in Thunderbolt™ 3 port to quickly charge your laptop, connect external devices (including support for up to two 4K displays) and rapid data transfer as its 8 times faster than USB 3.0. On top of this you also have the option to use two super-fast USB 3.0 ports to add a mouse and printer. The HDMI port lets you link up your laptop to your TV to watch your video content on the big screen
I have seen it on Dell Outlet for £1,099. Students may get 10% off bringing it down to £987 (braking the magic £1000 barrier!). But I have not seen any XPS 15 advertised on Dell Outlet for some time. In fact it has been strictly the XPS 13 on offer which do not come with a Quad Core option.
There are very few deals offered for a high end i7 Quad Core. I don't want for Gaming but just want a future proof laptop investment that can multitask and handle video-editing and last for many years to come.
But is it overkill for a laptop?
I'll not vote either way as I am clueless if this is good or not.
HP Spectre 13-v001na Laptop, Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 13.3", Full HD, Ash Luxe Copper, Free 3 Year Guarantee, £990:
http://www.johnlewis.com/hp-spectre-13-v001na-laptop-intel-core-i7-8gb-ram-512gb-ssd-13-3-full-hd-ash-luxe-copper/p2869268
I would go for the Spectre over the XPS 13 but for the XPS 15 Quad Core, I see no alternative option.
danger of hot deals is you fall into a bargain mentality and end up doing nothing.
bottom line is the following are the best laptops for £1k price range:
- Dell Xps 13
- Dell xps 15
- Hp spectre 360 and 13
- Apple Mac book pro (i5)
I ended up paying for a brand new surfacebook i7 off ebay.
for ages I looked at the Xps and never bought it, I wasted nearly 6 months doing that, and have a backlog of emails and missed opportunity items (financially, socially).
it's all about what you want to use your laptop for, otherwise at this level they are all amazing machines, and you have a decent package that you mentioned.
just choose one and stock with it.