you can't beat a dell I also bought this laptop because I had a less than favorable more expensive brand that I have replaced every part of because they all went after my warranty was up but I have had this for a while and no problems at all I will never buy a computer that is not a dell

I just recently bought this computer. I have found that if you look online there are coupons for this computer-- so long as you buy it directly from Dell. I obtained the product at a very reasonable price for a laptop less then $800. I was happy with the purchase. The battery life is short-- one might consider upgrading the battery... which makes the computer a little bit heavier. Perfect size. Light weight.

In purchasing my first laptop, I was most concerned with price, appearance, and performance...in that order. As I had no need of my machine at the office, I was simply looking for a pc to satisfy my desire to stay "connected" wherever I went.
Although on the pricier end of my what-can-I-afford-without-becoming-impoverished price range, I really enjoy the options which allow you to truly customise your machine. Everything from processing speed (and all of the associated hardware, of course) to screen resolution to speaker quality to color, I created my ideal electronic buddy. Upon receipt of my laptop, however, there were a few things I feel I must pass on to those considering purchasing a Dell XPS:
--Will you be listening to music or gaming on this machine? If so, don't opt for the basic speakers. I thought to save myself $80-- but even my casual use of the speakers is enough to make me regret my decision. Tinny, shrill renditions of your favorite songs somehow just don't cut it-- this is one upgrade for which you will be grateful.
---Are you abusive and/or negligent with your electronics? Shocking, I know, but when you juggle a laptop and a baby and junior decides to make a dive for the buckle on your boot, 3 feet below him, the laptop's safety is the last thing on your mind. I am ashamed to admit that even whilst devoting both hands to laptop transport, I have tripped and fallen (I swear, I call myself coordinated!) and subsequently had to deal with a loose piece of laptop. Upon closer investigation, I have noticed several pieces surrounding the body and screen that seem to be attached solely by the pressure clips (similar to that which holds a remote's batteries snug in their home), which allows mild jarring to dislodge or loosen large sections of machine. Even after forcing back such a piece, it never seems to be held as securely as I once thought. There are definitely more durable laptops out there than the XPS.
As far as appearance is concerned, the XPS is sleek. Thin, smooth, and lightweight, I can't help but feel a little bit proud when I set my petite 'top down aside my mother's "ancient" dell inspiron- her machine is a behemoth, while mine appears dainty. I can't lie, her speakers beat the crap out of mine, and yes, the bigger screen can be useful, but really! All things considered, bigger is no longer better when your goal is to own a PORTABLE piece of machinery without throwing out your back.
When it comes to performance, I was immediately impressed with the speed and lack of noise with which my laptop runs. Although I continue to inundate my poor XPS (who runs on vista, by the way) with an abundance of photos, chat logs, e-mails, and applications, it is holding up as well as can be expected. The antivirus software that is bundled in the package seems to be more than capable of combating the plethora of viruses that continue to target Windows users.
Overall, I have been pleased with my new toy, and my concerns are rather mild in the scheme of things. Dell is a reputable company known to supply several companies with their work machines and tech support. Unfortunately, with technology always one step ahead of itself, this particular line is bound to fade away to nothingness in order to be replaced with faster, smaller, more intelligent pcs.