Dell XPS M1730 - Update

While the XPS is undoubtedly a pretty garish looking machine, build quality is beyond reproach. The wristrest is fantastically tough and the screen doesn't twist and contort.

Of course, this does come with drawbacks: at 5.3kg in weight and just about 60mm thick, it's a bulky, thick notebook and not ideal for travelling with every day.

Battery life suffers, too, because of the powerful processor and pair of graphics cards inside the XPS. Our light use tests resulted in a lifespan of a mere hour and a quarter, with this figure dropping to just over an hour in our heavy use test. We can't see the XPS M1730 spending too far away from the mains, though.

And then there's the price. It may be the best gaming laptop we've ever seen, but it's £300 more expensive than the last M1730 we reviewed, which adds up to a jaw-dropping £1,786 (exc VAT). Despite its many positive qualities that means its for enthusiasts with deep pockets only.

Author: Mike Jennings