Buying a Dell 9300 ?! Can't decide..

Try looking into threads that are a few weeks old, they are out there. I love my 9300 screen reflection and light leakage are not a problem. It handles games well and would do extremely well if I put a 7800GTX in it. Do realize the 9300 is big and not the lightest notebook out there

there are lots of reviews and many of the answers you want have been beaten to death but it may take you going back to oct, nov, dec, jan posts

one thing to do is search and use titles only type in, 9300, then under, search options, go to, Find Posts from, and select ,3 months,then put, older,and select this forum, Dell 9300 / Dell XPS 2 / XPS M170

and another thing alot of what you are going to read on here are complaints/problems because people are looking for help but if you keep reading you will see that there more people that couldn't be happier with their 9300s

one example of an older review here

There are also lots of 9300's FS on this forum and many already have a 7800GTX in them....and it would probably be somewhat better than ebay especially if its someone that is regular on these boards because with ebay you never know what you will really get....

can you carry ten pounds all day....it doesn't way quite that much but if you could handle ten then you'l be fine

i have zero light leakage problems and since you are buying second hand then be sure and ask the person if it has any problems....and it seems like a lot of peoples light leakage lessens or goes away after a while

not sure I understand what you mean.....the truelife screen is great for everything i've done...but i have heard it isn't good outside...but i don't take my notebook outside and use it.

again i have no problems with it

i think the general consensus is at least 2 hours possible a little more

I have my i9300 and its great. I use it indoors mostly except when i go to the computer fairs and i don't have a problem with the screen.

I carry mine in my backpack, its not that big of a deal, just make sure its off

This is my screen:



not that long gaming, about 2-3 hours just using the internet

1. Its not mobile, at least, its not fun using it mobile. After your first day at school with it, you wont want to bring it with you again.
2. Screen is great, I have some light leakage, but its not distracting
3. Truelife makes it brighter, DO IT!
4. Reflection is not an issue!
5. I didnt upgrade the GPU, but my 9cell runs about 2hours 38minutes, with mild cpu use.

The laptop weighs about 7.5 pounds. If you can't carry that with you, you have some serious issues. It tends to be a little bit long, which is my only complaint with mobility.

If you're going to carry it about I'd definitely get a backpack for it. This will distribute the weight more evenly and will be much more comfortable. Bear in mind though that its still a rather heavy machine. If your trips around Uni are short then fine, but if you have to walk a few miles then I'd avoid it.

I've backpacked it.. for work. Its a pain and its not a pain.

At times when I feel the energy and the backpack is empty with only the lappy its good. I drag it to the coffeeshop for work. RARE days.. But the size is enormous. Taking it out of the bag is like taking a sword out. SHORT TIME ON SHOULDER .. thats why..

At times when I am traveling for work.. its a PAIN ..even if I have some papers in the backpack. Long time on shoulder...... PAIN!!!!.

I bought it for one reason.. and I drag it along for that one. TO HAVE MY PRIMARY PC AVAILABLE TO ME WHEN I WANT IT. SO IF I AM OUT OF TOWN ON VACATION.. MEETING THE FAMILY ETC.. BUT ......

I DONT WANT TO CARRY IT DAY IN DAY OUT...WALKING AROUND.. SORRY... TOO HEAVY .. TOO BIG.

The 17 inchers may be PORTABLE.. but they are not MOBILE .. if you get my drift.

1. I love my 9300.

2. I carry it to and from the office everyday without a problem. I take it to the bars and business trips too. A good bag makes all the difference and I can hardly tell it's on my back with my Kensington backpack. (I use a shoulder bag to go to/from work)

3. TrueLife and the reflection sucks. Go with the XGA+ screen. I was torn up about the decision but it was a good one since I can't control my environment at work. I get migranes from reflections on glossy monitors.

4. I have the 6800 which is plenty for me. I also have the 6 & 9 cell batteries; the 6 cell lasts 2 hrs and the 9 cell is 3 hrs.

5. There is some light leakage but it doesn't bother me. If I hadn't been reading this forum I wouldn't have noticed it.

Get the 9300, you will love it!

Yeah, and buy mine no seriously, I'm selling it, PM me if you are interested
OK I'm done advertising

Gaming is the only reason I bought the 9300.... and I wanted the 17" screen. I also use it for work. I don't mind lugging it around. It was a lot lighter than I expected. If you are going to do any serious gaming, I'd go with the 9300. If not, then stick with what you have. You're a college student, make a wise decision for yourself. Base it on what you can afford and what you need. It sounds like you are taking a serious look at whether it's a good fit and that's a good start.

Good luck on your decision.

sent ya a PM with the info