Dell XPS M1710

Dell XPS M1710

• Dell XPS M1710: The Facts

  The Dell XPS M1710 appeals to two crowds, gamers and users who want the fastest laptop money can buy! Designed primarily for the former, the XPS M1710 features an nVidia Go 7900 GTX graphics card with 512MB of memory, the best graphics card nVidia currently have to offer, making this laptop the fastest on the market. To compliment this the M1710 has an Intel Core Duo T2600 processor, 2 GB @ 667 MHz memory (with an optional 4GB maximum) and 100GB capacity hard drive with a speed of 7200 RPM. Of course, no gaming computer would be complete without an elite screen, and the XPS M1710 has just that, a 17" widescreen WUXGA LCD, with Dell TrueLife and a resolution of 1920 x 1200. This provides great contrast, bolder colours, and a screen that is a whole 30% brighter than its predecessor, ideal for gaming, watching films, web surfing and general use. A laptop that excels so much at gaming and watching media would be sorely let down by the speakers provided on almost all notebooks, and with that in mind Dell have actually provided an impressive sounding system. This is thanks to the addition of an integrated sub-woofer providing bass to the sound. Consequently, listening to music on this laptop is actually enjoyable and watching movies is also a much more engaging experience.

  The design of the XPS M1710 is definitely not it's most subtle feature, with the options of a striking red of metallic black top and an external lights display with up 16 colour options for each light. Adding to an already, chunky industrial look this laptop really does look the part and if you're gaming against friends, it's illuminated chunky exterior will explain the situation to you friends for you, "my machine is better than yours."

  The build quality of the XPS M1710 makes it ideal for gaming on the move, the magnesium-alloy casing, thick, solid components and steel hinges which Dell claim will stand up to 20,000 openings and closings without loosening or developing a wobble. Dell has also used a StrikeZone shock absorber to protect the hard drive from knocks.

  Dell offer a choice of three operation systems: XP Home, Xrofessional and XP Media Center Edition with a package of software and trial offers that most gamers will feel have no place on a gaming laptop and quickly be removed and/or changed.

• Dell XPS M1710: The Verdict

  For an elite gaming laptop the XPS M1710 not only looks the part, it provides phenomenal gaming performance courtesy of the best graphics card available at time of manufacture, the nVidia Go 7900 GTX, as well as great images from the 17" widescreen WUXGA LCD and Dell TrueLife technology and possibly the best audio set up on a laptop yet. Unfortunately, performance is always at a price and compact performance is even pricier, this laptop is no exception!