Message Edited by charlesc111 on 09-22-2006 01:59 PM

To be honest I don't think it is even a smart option for anyone to be looking at purchasing a new XPS 700 right now as the Quad core processor is going to be coming out in next few months not to mention 800 Mhz RAM which is silly to buy a system that has maxed out before its time. If you buy this computer it will work no doubt... It just doesen't make any sense is all.

For this kind of money I would be hard pressed to have anyone tell me they MUST have the computer right now when the XPS 700 was shipped already outdated and with new technology so close.... just wait

Message Edited by Skully79 on 09-22-2006 11:49 AM

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@Skully79 wrote:
To be honest I don't think it is even a smart option for anyone to be looking at purchasing a new XPS 700 right now as the Quad core processor is going to be coming out in next few months not to mention 800 Mhz RAM which is silly to buy a system that has maxed out before its time. If you buy this computer it will work no doubt... It just doesen't make any sense is all.

For this kind of money I would be hard pressed to have anyone tell me they MUST have the computer right now when the XPS 700 was shipped already outdated and with new technology so close.... just wait

Message Edited by Skully79 on 09-22-2006 11:49 AM

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There is always something new around the corner. At some point you just have to pull the trigger and be happy with what you have. My son has a 60 GB ipod that is only 8 months old and now he is bucking for the new 80 GB one. (Which he won't get.) I expect this computer to more than meet my needs for the next 4 to 5 years and then I will beg and plead until my wife lets me replace it. I expect to do some upgrading as the years pass, but I know at some point the upgrades will not be able to keep up with what I need/want. When the quad cores come out and it looks like they can be added to my pc, I will consider it, if they can't then so be it.

So far, I love the XPS 700. It has more than met my expectations.

strikezone100,

My home PC is the XPS Generation 1, purchased on 5/16/2003. The only upgrade I have done was installing the Radeon X850XT video card. I can play all games on the market at medium high settings and get respectable frame rates (45FPS to 60FPS). I still do not feel the need to get a new PC. What I am trying to say is the XPS 700 is a great PC. You should not need to upgrade any of the hardware for years to come, unless the PC game creators make a huge leap in their requirements. Just my opionion.

While its true there are always new technologies on the horizon that could keep you guessing, you should base you decision on a 2 year life span.
Will you be able to upgrade in 2 years?
Or, will you have to buy a new system completly?

The XPS 600 was mistake for many because the the upgrade path was pratically restricted to a CPU upgrade to the Prescot 965. That upgrade limit was reached in less than a year.
After that.....nothing. Not many possiblities. Of course Dell "could" change that but they won't, cuz they don't CARE.

The XPS 700 is a little better.
You have new C2D chip that it supports, and I imagine that Intel will keep improving upon this chip for quite some time regardless of the new quads coming out.
The Video upgradability seems to be pretty good as well. Probably run everything until the DX 10 cards start making there way into mainstream. Even then, without the software support from Developers, DX 10 is still probably 2 to 3 off before it becomes a mainstream API.

I would say the XPS 700 has 2 years (if you purchased the 7900GS and the E6600) because you can upgrade to the newer 7950GTX or better and the E6800 or better in a year or so to improve your rig.
If you bought your 700 maxed out, then your upgrade path and years of use will be smaller.
After that, i'm afraid your out of options.

Your best bet?

Take your credit card and jump online to newegg or another good site and buy the best parts FOR LESS money.

Don't let a pretty case fool you.

I've seen guys (including myself) build systems that would destroy the XPS 700 and built them out of old milk cartons. Of course you wouldn't do that but the point is, the case means nothing if the insides aren't what you want.

If i were you, and you already have the money (no loans or credit) buy the componets yourself and build it yourself.

Unfortunantly what i see alot of is that people are buying Dells (and other OEM systems) because they can buy it on credit, where as buying a system yourself from a parts dealer means you need all the money up front.

Its alot of money brother, don't give it to Dell cuz I assure you, one day that purchase will smack you right in the face.

Unless of course Dell changes and offers support where and when it can.
hehehehehehehe......that was good one eh?

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DELL-ChrisM wrote:
strikezone100,

My home PC is the XPS Generation 1, purchased on 5/16/2003. The only upgrade I have done was installing the Radeon X850XT video card. I can play all games on the market at medium high settings and get respectable frame rates (45FPS to 60FPS). I still do not feel the need to get a new PC. What I am trying to say is the XPS 700 is a great PC. You should not need to upgrade any of the hardware for years to come, unless the PC game creators make a huge leap in their requirements. Just my opionion.

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I appreciate all the replies and the great information! I'm not going to wait, the Core 2 Duo processor is teriffic and I'll be very happy with it. Thanks again!