Dell XPS M1710 Notebook

Gaming enthusiasts can certainly remember a time when the thought of fragging on a Dell system was somewhat comical. Granted, Dell built systems were solid and reliable and often came at an exceptionally good price. However, these systems lacked the aesthetics, upgradeability, and high-end hardware the gaming community craves. As a result, those gamers who opted to purchase a complete system rather than build their own often went elsewhere to the more boutique PC vendors such as Voodoo, Alienware, or Falcon Northwest.

With the launch of the flagship XPS series of systems though, Dell has declared war on this collection of boutique gaming PC vendors. Throughout each generation of XPS systems, it seems as though Dell is gaining more and more ground on these competitors in the minds of enthusiasts as they offer a solid combination of killer performance and a unique aesthetic. With the arrival of the XPS M1710 flagship, Dell has created one of the fastest notebooks money can buy. It features a 512MB GeForce Go 7900 GTX GPU and an Intel Core Duo processor which work in tandem to give nearly any desktop system currently available a serious run for its money.

Specifications

Processor
._Intel Core Duo T2600 processor
(2.16GHz)

Chipset
._Intel 945PM + ICH6

Memory
._Two SODIMM sockets
._2x1GB DDR2 667 Unbuffered Non-ECC memory
._Supports maximum memory capacity up to 4GB

Graphics
._NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GTX 512MB (MXM)

ATA
._1 x DMA 100/66
._100GB Hitachi 7200rpm HDD
._8x Dual-Layer DVD+/-RW

Communications
._10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
._Intel Pro 3945e(802.11a/b/g) Wireless LAN
._56K v.90 Fax/modem

Display
._17" WUXGA TFT LCD (native 1920 x 1200)

Audio
._2.1 speakers and subwoofer
._24-bit High-Definition Audio

External I/O Connectors
._1 x Power port
._1 x Lock jack
._1 x Ethernet port
._1 x Modem port
._1 x Headphone jack
._1 x Microphone jack
._1 x SPDIF jack
._1 x PCMCIA slot
._1 x TV-out port (S-Video)
._6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
._1 x D-Sub port
._1 x DVI port
._1 x 4-pin mini IEEE1394 port
._1 x Multimedia (MMC/SD/MS/MS Pro) Card Reader

Dimension and Weight
._1.6" x 15.5" x 11.3"
._Starting at 8 lbs.

Software
._Microsoft Windows Media Center 2005

Armed with a gorgeous 17" WUXGA LCD panel that runs a native resolution of 1920x1200, the XPS M1710 is aimed directly at the elite multimedia and gaming demographic. Although relatively light for a desktop replacement notebook with a respectable 8lb weight, the overall size and bulk of the system certainly won't be mistaken for an ultraportable anytime soon. Those who travel with a notebook often might want to reconsider their choices as frequent travel with the system will be anything but pleasant. However, for those who need one of the fastest mobile systems on the planet the XPS M1710 is an exceptional choice.