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ski3r247

XPS 15z, Envy 14 Beats, or Samsung Series 9

I am looking to replace my aging MacBook Pro 13" for university. I am completely torn between the Dell XPS 15z and the HP Envy 14 Beats. Originally I was thinking that I didn't want anything bigger than a 14" but the HP is a 14.5" and the Dell is pretty much the same weight. The specs are pretty much the same save for the Optimus on the Dell, and the 1080p screen I would option for; the prices are the same too. HP's intention to spin-off their PC business, leaves me a little weary of purchasing one of theirs. I am also considering the Samsung Series 9, which is a little more money, and in a completely different category. Just looking for some input...
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NotHotWater

NotHotWater

I have always been a Dell guy, so between those computers, I would have to go with the XPS 15z. I previously owned an XPS M1530 and loved the computer. However, since you are already familiar with a Mac, I would DEFINITELY (caps for emphasis :P) recommend checking out the MacBook Airs. They are sleek, light, and powerful.

If you're looking for gaming, the Envy 14 Beats is going to be your best bet because of its discrete GPU, but the Samsung Series 9 is way more expensive than many of the MacBook Air models even though it has similar specs.

At any rate, I would vote for the MBA over all of the computers you listed, especially if we're rating Customer Service as a part of the computer. Apple's customer service (in my experience) has never left anything to be desired, whereas I have been consistently disappointed by HP and Dell.
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vmyap

vmyap

One downside for 15z, is that the battery isn't interchangeable.
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Downbeat68

Downbeat68

I agree with nothotwater. My only other thing to add is that I can't imagine why it would be important to get 1080p on a laptop. Even with TVs you wouldn't notice the difference between 720 and 1080 unless it was over 50". I can't imagine that it would make that much of a difference on a laptop either. Just my 2 cents.
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ski3r247

ski3r247

Macs aren't on the table, I do not want another. For the rest of the week, I can get the Samsung Series 9 for $300 off. The Dell has arguably a better GPU system, in Nvidia Optimus.
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patfactorx

patfactorx

the XPS 15z is an awesome laptop. I have the XPS 17 and you have never heard speakers until you hear the JBLs
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Dwayne

Dwayne

I love my Envy 14, but HP just left the PC business, so I'd go with the Dell. Also easier to get the drivers for the Dell after a clean install. It took me 3 days to figure out how to get my wifi card to do bluetooth (you have to install proprietary software that's not available for download) after a clean install and upgrade to Windows 7 Pro. Dell's got a convenient, model-based download driver package. Go Dell.
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