New laptop specs for L5-question on hard drive?

Juanita
Juanita Member Posts: 1,339 ✭✭✭
edited November 2024 in English Forum

I am looking at the new Dell XPS 15. Option One has a 750GB 7200HD + 32 SSD, with 8 GB RAM 

Option 2 has 512GB SSD, with 16 RAM. Both have the i7 processor and nVidia GeForce 2 GB graphics.

The difference in price is $ 600. I did want a solid state hard drive but is it that much more important to justify the higher price given the first would have the same i7 processor and same graphics card?

Thanks for any helpful comments. I am in over my head when it comes to these specs. and how to evaluate them.

Comments

  • Fred Chapman
    Fred Chapman Member Posts: 5,899 ✭✭✭

    I'm no expert, but it looks to me like either of these will run L5 very well. Both machines are are much better than anything I'm running right now; and my old Toshiba handles L5 just fine. 

  • Schezic
    Schezic Member Posts: 298 ✭✭

    Hi, Joan;

    SSD's are very advantageous... If they are large enough to accommodate Logos. 32G won't get the job done. My library is 21G. but keep in mind Logos additionally requires almost that same amount when indexing. If it's the same Dell in both cases, the cheaper option would have an open HD  slot. You would be wiser to add a larger SSD after the purchase. Prices of SSDs have come down. You could get a 160G for under $300....or bite the bullet and get the larger SSD and more ram to begin with. (which is what I would do given those options.) Keep in mind the bulk and weight of this machine...sharp contrast to a tablet. Here's a professional review. 

    http://www.cnet.com/laptops/dell-xps-15/4505-3121_7-34207711.html

    God Bless

  • Eric Ruhnow
    Eric Ruhnow Member Posts: 59 ✭✭

    The 32 GB drive is probably either ONLY for the OS or is used in a "hybrid" configuration as a cache for the larger drive.

    If the ONLY difference between the two systems is the memory 8GB vs 16GB and the tiny SSD, go for the less expensive model (unless they did an Apple and soldered the memory to the motherboard) You can manually upgrade the memory for well under $70 (8 -> 16) and get a SSD (mind you not 750GB) for much less than the $600 difference.

    I recently swapped a 254GB SSD for the 750GB HDD (put 750GB in a USB 3 external enclosure) in my laptop and bought 16GB to upgrade the memory, and prices these days at some place like Newegg would run you less than $300 if you price wisely.

    Remember - Black Friday and "Cyber Monday" will be your friend here. [:)]

    Lenovo TS130 Xeon E3-1245V2 | 20GB | 256 GB SSD (OS and Logos) | 3TB WD Red | Windows 10 Pro x64

    L4 & L5 Platinum, L6 Gold, L5 Reformed Gold, L6 Reformed Bronze, L7 Lutheran Silver, L7 Reformed Starter, L7 Full Feature Set

  • Dave Hooton
    Dave Hooton MVP Posts: 36,339

    I am looking at the new Dell XPS 15. Option One has a 750GB 7200HD + 32 SSD, with 8 GB RAM 

    Option 2 has 512GB SSD, with 16 RAM. Both have the i7 processor and nVidia GeForce 2 GB graphics.

    The difference in price is $ 600.

    Go for option 1. The OS could reside on the SSD and that has some advantages, but it is likely a cache drive and that also has advantages!

    Dave
    ===

    Windows 11 & Android 13

  • The 32 GB drive is probably either ONLY for the OS or is used in a "hybrid" configuration as a cache for the larger drive.

    The 32 GB mSATA SSD drive arrives unpartitioned so have options how to use.

    If Logos folder is 24 GB or smaller, then could format 32 GB SSD drive, assign a drive letter and custom install Logos 5 on the drive.

    When Logos 5 is merging indexes, need enough free space so new index can be written before old one is deleted.

    Dell has an online outlet store, which has coupon codes posted on twitter, including Black Friday.

    Dell has 17" laptops that can have two 2.5" drives plus one mSATA.

    Keep Smiling [:)]