gdgt

Don't get me wrong, I am more than satisfied with this notebook. The second-generation Intel Core i7-2720QM is blazing when you need it to be, and easy on power when you're just checking mail. I admire the design of this laptop, unlike most other notebooks on the market. The audio is overkill in a good way (JBL 2.1 speakers + Waves MaxxAudio3 + Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi MB2). It's even Skype certified, with an HD webcam and noise-reducing microphone!
I will say that the RAM clock speed disappointed me. Dell has begun taking the "Apple" approach to marketing on their websites, and in that respect they haven't clearly stated what the hardware is capable of. I'm used to a desktop with nearly the same specs (imagine the CPU is running at full capacity) with a 2400 MHz RAM clock. The 1333 MHz clock really leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to application interactions. The processor handles pretty much everything I throw at it, though I've yet to find the options for TurboBoost, which doesn't seem to be working. I do use the machine on battery power a lot, though, so that might be my problem.
Wireless-N is a must. I have the Intel WLAN 6230 dual-band adapter, and it does a wonderful job with Wireless-N networks. At the GSU campus in Statesboro, I get 300 Mbps over wireless, and it makes short work of the Internet connection as a result. Gigabit LAN is an added bonus, as now I can connect straight to my desktop and transfer files without Flash media or ridiculous wait times.
With the screen brightness set to 30% and the radio antennae turned off, the 9-cell battery will last you for 10+ hours. With screen brightness set to 50%, radio antennae turned on, and nVidia GeForce GT 540M at full tilt, a full charge will get you maybe 3 hours of game-time. Doesn't take too long to charge, either.
The display on this sucker is incredible. Full HD (1080p 16:9), LED backlit, Dell TrueLife, and a contrast ratio to envy. The screen is so bright and well-tempered, I would probably buy the screen if it were sold separately. And this awesome display is coupled with next-gen graphics processors. nVidia Optimus uses the Intel HD Graphics driver on non-graphics-intensive programs, and switches on the nVidia GeForce GT 540M when you bring up a game, video editing app, or other demanding program. The only issue I ran into with this technology is the profiling for Java executables. When I play Minecraft, instead of running smoothly, by default the frame rate is low, as it is running via the Intel driver. I had to add a manual profile for javaw.exe and set it to always run on the nVidia GPU. There was an immediate difference in windowed mode (from 13 fps to 130!). Before turning off multithreading optimization, however, any large/maximized window would freeze the game and fullscreen would crash it. After fixing that setting, I can run in maximized mode, under certain conditions, but fullscreen mode continues to crash. I'm working on that even still. On every other game, the GPU is a solid processor and is nearly incapable of disappointing.
Did I mention that there are two USB 3.0 ports on this XPS? That's a VERY GOOD THING! In addition, Dell included an eSATA/USB 2.0 port combo, making external hard drive connections easy, and saving your USB 3.0 ports for more important devices. Also works great for wireless mouse receivers.
Keyboard is laid out well. You can reverse the action of the Function keys, so that the media/volume keys act like a Mac's (i.e., press to perform symbolized action, hold Fn key to perform action assigned to F keys). The XPS is available with or without the backlit keyboard. I bought mine without because I'm paranoid about things breaking and lights behind the keys I press a lot just sounds like trouble. Only real drawback of the keyboard is the fact that no number pad, condensed or not, was included; this is unusual compared to most consumer laptops on the market. The advantage to this, though, is that full-sized keys fit on the chassis, making life for some larger-boned people easier.
Trackpad can be oversensitive at times, but there's that eSATA port you can use to plug in a USB wireless mouse, then press F3 to disable the trackpad. Easy workaround.
All models come with a Blu-Ray player!
There is the available option for a TV tuner (of which I took advantage). The tuner quality is great. I'm serious. Colours are right, not much noise, clean audio. Very, very good for those times at college when you realize you don't have a TV in your dorm and the disconnected cable on the wall is killing you to see it like that.
Don't forget the card reader! Reads SDXC/MMC and MemoryStick/Pro (not Duo) cards quickly and reliably.
My conclusion? Great notebook for the money! Your conclusion? You should buy it. ... or not; you can do that too...
No, but seriously, check against Toshiba and ASUS laptops to see what's best for you. And for God's sake don't buy an HP. I might have to hunt you down.