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NewsDell Supercharges Its XPS Desktops with Core i7

Posted 11/18/08 at 11:19:42 AM by Paul Lilly

Dell, Intel's BFF in the OEM systems sector, has outfitted a couple of its desktops with the chip maker's new Core i7 processor, one of which represents a brand new product line in the Studio XPS.

A baseline configured Studio XPS desktop starts out at $950 and comes equipped with Intel's Core i7 920 clocked at 2.66GHz. The sub-$1000 configuration also includes a 3GB triple-channel DDR3-1066 memory kit and a 500GB hard drive. A 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 provides casual gaming chores, with the option to upgrade to a 512MB HD 4850 for $200 more.A 16X DVD burner and the standard assortment of ports complete the feature-set. For those with a little more jingle in their pocket, up to 1.28TB of storage can be configured in a RAID 0 array, along with a speedier CPU in the Core i7 940 clocked at 2.93GHz.

The other series getting a Core i7 infusion is Dell's XPS 730x Gaming Desktop. Starting out at $2000, the 730x comes standard with Intel's Core i7 940 and, like the Studio XPS, 3GB of tri-channel RAM. Pixel pushing power is provided by Nvidia's 512MB GeForce 9800GT. For $4850, Dell upgrades the processor to an Intel Core i7 965 Extreme factory overclocked to 3.73GHz, doubles up on the RAM to 6GB, tosses in an Nvidia GeForce GTX 280 videocard, and beefs up storage duties with a 750GB hard drive. If spending the entire holiday bonus, the XPS 730x offers options for Western Digital's Velociraptor drive and/or up to 2TB in a RAID 1+0 array, along with an option for dual GTX 280 videocards in an SLI configuration.

Studio XPS systems are available now, with most XPS 730x systems expected to start shipping by early or mid-December, according to Electronista.

Comments: 1
TAGS: intel, dell, Desktop, OEM, XPS, rigs, core i7

NewsDell Bumps its XPS One iMac Clone to 24", Priced at $1700

Posted 10/31/08 at 05:57:56 PM by Andy Salisbury

So, you’re in the market for an all-in-one computer with a 24-inch screen, but you’re not looking to splurge on one of those yucky iMacs, huh? Well Dell has got your back, and it comes in the form of the XPS One 24.

The 24-inch beast packs plenty of powerful features, too. Including a gigantic 1920x1080 native resolution on a 16:9 display, 4GB RAM (standard), Intel GMA X4500HD graphics (or an upgraded Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT) and an Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 processor. Should you feel the need to donate money to some worthwhile causes without actually doing so yourself, there’s a (PRODUCT) RED version available too.

While admittedly the name isn’t the best we’ve ever seen (seriously, say it out loud), it is shaping up to be a very worthwhile media machine. Some upgraded speakers and a built in TV tuner are looking to drive that point home. It’s shipping now, and will run you $1,700 for a base model.

Comments: 3
TAGS: dell, hardware, XPS, all-in-one, XPS One

FeaturesApple's Notebooks Take On the PC Competition

Posted 06/24/08 at 09:14:14 PM by The Maximum PC Staff

From the Air to the Pro, Apple’s MacBooks are winning the hearts and minds of consumers everywhere—including PC enthusiasts. Maximum PC investigates whether the hoopla is warranted.

What do you really get for the money when you throw down for a MacBook, and how do these Apple computers compare to their PC counterparts in terms of performance, features, overall usability, and price? Maximum PC tests and reviews the MacBook Air, the standard MacBook, and the MacBook Pro against five PC models sporting similar price points and formfactors. It’s time we set the record straight.

Comments: 41
TAGS: apple, dell, sony, asus, lenovo, hardware, Acer, XPS, features, notebooks, macbook, Vaio, TravelMate, ThinkPad, pc vs mac notebook showdown

NewsDaily News Brief: OCZ Tries Hand at DIY Gaming Notebooks

Posted 05/14/08 at 05:08:08 PM by Paul Lilly

OCZ to offer barebones gaming laptop, ClubIT shuts its doors, news of XPS's death greatly exaggerated, and much more!

Comments: 2
TAGS: notebook, dell, news, console, ocz, DIY, laptops, XPS, Systems, clubit

NewsDell Drop Kicks Proprietary Parts

Posted 02/26/08 at 01:25:52 PM by Gordon Mah Ung

What's worse than the F-word? The P-word. Dell decides to join the crowd by just saying no to proprietary parts.

Comments: 13
TAGS: system, dell, atx, news, Gordon, hardware, XPS, proprietary, desktop pc, prefabdell

ReviewsDell XPS 720 H2C

Posted 11/05/07 at 08:09:51 PM by Nathan Edwards

Boom. Boom. Boom. The 800-pound gorilla has arrived. Dell’s latest XPS system, the 720 H2C, packs some serious power and plenty of extras, but its balls-to-the-wall approach doesn’t completely overshadow its proprietary roots.

Click Read More for more.