UK (or EU) Members, Dell v Rock

I've written a side by side review here:

http://www.rockforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2603

For customer service I would say Rock are better - althoguh Mobile-Support is far from flawless, if you're having trouble they also have a forum which you can speak to someone higher up if you're having problems that aren't being resolved.

On the downside, the Rock warranty is collect and return which can be problematic for picking up and collecting as obviously you are at the courier's mercy so in theory the onsite warranty of the Dell would be better there. However, at best I would say Dell's support is 'random', sometimes I'll get a helpful person at technical support but other times it cam be a long and frustrating 'debate' on the phone with someone who has trouble understanding my accent and I have trouble understanding their Indian accent if it's a stronger one.

Personally I preferred the build quality of the XPS M170 - the XtremeCT is a solid machine but its cooling system is less robust as it relies on a larger fan on the underside. The XPS on the other hand uses two cooling fans at each back corner of the notebook which seem to draw air from above and the side and vent it out the back, this system is quieter and can cope better when the laptop is not on a solid surface.

The XPS is a also a little spartan on details, the memory card reader is SD only (not even MMC), no webcam, no mic etc. plus as you've said there is a hefty premium.

John