Dell XPS M1730

While it may be loaded with plenty of gadgets and gimmicks, there's no denying the genuine potential behind the XPS's bling facade. It also manages to outdo the Rock Xtreme 770-T7700 (web ID: 137121) - to the point of knocking it off the top spot. The hard disk is 50GB bigger, but more importantly the dual graphics cards could unleash even more power if SLI support is optimised. Factor in the potential of the PhysX card, and the Dell is the stronger machine. It's a close-run thing, but the gap will widen - and that makes the XPS a wise investment that will mature with age. Use E-Value code NPUK5-NRX7301 to order the reviewed specification.

Author: Mike Jennings