If you are going to explore the Dell XPS route, I would recommend you do the following:
- Go on http://www.dell.com
- Find the XPS line of computers (Home users --> Laptops --> Studio XPS series
- Find the Studio XPS 1340.
The specs that are listed on the website are ok, but I would recommend:
- Upgrade the graphics card to the nVidia GeForce G210M card (instead of the 9400 or 9500 that is listed in the Best Buy ad).
- Upgrade to an LED-backlit screen - they may call them "ultra-thin" screens or "WLED backlight" something like that. Whatever they call it, the LED-backlit screen is the more expensive of the two display options. LED-backlit screens are brighter, crisper, thinner, last longer, and are more power-efficient than a CCFL-backlit screen.
- Upgrade to a 3-year warranty. THE most important part of any laptop is the warranty. The standard warranty on the Best Buy-listed laptop is 1 year - because they want to sell you the $hitty Best Buy "product protection plan" supported through GeekSquad. Forget that - go with Dell instead, with the in-home repair option and Complete Care (accidental damage protection). The moment you use that warranty one time (and you WILL use it at least once in 3 years), then it pays for itself.
