New/updated XPS M1710/M1720 17" performance notebook
Gaming, XPS products submitted by hjwasson
05/02/07
Dell's well regarded XPS M1710 is arguably the flagship of their notebook line. Unfortunately, it is starting to show it's age, and I am hoping that Dell will soon update it. Here is my personal wish-list for an updated M1710/M1720. Please make additional <u>realistic</u> suggestions, or discuss what you'd like to have that is different from my vision.
<u>XPS M1710/M1720 wish list:</u>
Processor: Intel Montevina (Mobile counterpart to Penryn) Core 2 Quad. If that's not yet ready when the new M1710/M1720 debuts, then Intel Centrino Pro(aka 'Santa Rosa') T7700 & T7500 Core 2 Duo.
Alternative Processor: If AMD manages to strike back at Intel with a powerful alternative to the Core 2 Duo, perhaps Dell could add a 'M1715' alternative with the AMD processorDX10 compatible GPU: To fully support Windows Vista & DirectX 10, Dell needs to offer DX10 compatible video processors on all new notebooks. The nVidia Go 8800
(and AMD/ATI's mobile DX10 GPU, whenever it comes out) should make any XPS notebook gamer drool. Even Linux users wouldn't scoff at the 8800 - would they?
HDD/SSD Storage Options: Since Dell has acquired Alineware as a wholly owned subsidiary, perhaps we'll see some new technologies coming out of Area 51 to infuse the M1710? Specifically, I'd like to see multiple Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive bays available on the M1710. I'd be happy with 2 bays, which would allow for:
1. 32 GB (64 GB* or larger) SSD Primary Boot drive + 7200 RPM 160 GB SATA HDD** for additional storage
(slower but larger HDD's could of course be offered in addition)2. 2 Raid 0 (Striped) or Raid 1 (Mirrored) 7200 RPM SATA HDD's**
(RAID 0 for increased storage and performance, RAID 1 for data redundancy [this does not replace the need for regular backups])3. 2 Raid 0*** (Striped) SSD's for the extreme performance geeks
(& you know who you are!)* SuperTalent has already announced 64 GB SSD's, according to OverClockersClub: http://forums.overclockersclub.com/index.php?showtopic=69431
** I would want these 7200 RPM drives to be Seagate Momentus 7200.2 drives with "free fall protection" to protect data from loss due to drive head collisions with the platters.
http://www.techshout.com/hardware/2007/13/worlds-first-7200-rpm-160gb-momentu...
*** I have not seen real-world performance tests on striped SSD's yet, but the extreme performance enthusiasts sites seem to think it should work
Memory: 4 DIMM slots to allow for up to 4 GB per core
(800 MHz as well as 667 MHz offerings, natch)UXGA (1920x1200) Display: Dell's current M1710 display is already impressive, but I've seen many posts requesting a minor antiglare coated screen option to the TrueLife display. Not a return to old anti-glare technology - just something a little less shiny. I guess not everyone enjoys looking at themselves,
(especially when trying to use the display outdoors or in heavily backlit conditions). Why not use the same anti-glare coating technology used in eye-glasses and SLR cameras?
Optional A/V Communications Module: Similar to what is already offered on the M1210. There are many posts requesting webcams, and this module would allow the use of an internal cellular broadband modem Mini-Card, like the M1210
(1.3 MP webcam, microphone, internal loop antenna in the display panel for the cellular modem).
Mini-Card cellular Broadband modem: Drop the legacy dial-up modem port on the chassis
(people who still need dial-up can use an ExpressCard or PC-Card option). Instead, offer cellular broadband modem Mini-Card options, HSUPA/HSDPA (aka 3G) for AT&T
(formerly Cingular, formerly AT&T) and EVDO for Sprint/Verizon. I recommend the Option GTM380 HUSPA Mini-Card:
http://www.option.com/products/gtm_380.shtml AT&T is already upgrading to this standard (increases upload speeds - download speeds remain unaffected).
* Those who don't opt for the A/V Communications Module can of course utilize ExpressCard versions of these cellular broadband modems.
Backlighted buttons & keyboard: There are many posts requesting LED backlit keyboard and mediadirect keys that can be read in the dark. There are additional requests that the backlighting be controlled by the user
(Off, as well as brightness settings). This would greatly enhance the usability of the notebook in low-light conditions. The MediaDirect buttons on the M1210 light up, but do not show the function symbols - this needs to be addressed in future models.
Auto screen brightness sensor: This feature is now found on many notebooks, including Apple iBooks. It should be adjustable & overrideable by the user. This sensor could also be set to control automatic keyboard/MediaDirect button backlighting.
Dedicated hardware controlls for Wireless: Seperate dedicated buttons (or Fn-key combination buttons) to turn on/off Bluetooth, WiFi & Cellular Broadband transceivers
(WiFi & Cellular Broadband <u>could</u> share a button and toggle in a loop, since it's unlikely you'd want both on at the same time: Off>WiFi>Cellular)Update video ports: Keep S-Video, but drop the VGA in favor of two DVI outputs.
Better audio: Larger diameter speakers (primaries as well as sub-woofer) for better fidelity & greater volume output. Multiple 3.5mm audio jacks (like the M1210) that can convert to surround sound output. Integrated (not ExpressCard add-on) Creative X-Fi* audio option to power those new speakers.
Larger touchpad: I hate touchpads, but if the M1710/M1720 has one, it should take up the entire space from the spacebar to the front edge of the computer
(for less lift & drag, lift & drag suckiness and higher precision) Dimensions should match screen ratio
(WideScreen). There should be a physical Scroll wheel/middle button between the Left & Right buttons
(or perhaps on the front bezel, centered between the L&R buttons - to avoid issues with closing the display).
Dedicated Numeric Keypad: There have been many posts requesting a dedicated numeric keypad on larger notebooks
(no, the function-key enabled embedded keypad does not cut it). I personally would not want to sit off-center from my display to have this feature (like those found on Toshiba & HP notebooks), but would welcome a dedicated pad in the unused palm-rest area below the
keyboard & immediately to the right of the touch-pad.
Increased I/O ports: 2 ExpressCard slots (or 1 ExpressCard + 1 PC-Card for legacy support), eSATA & FireWire in addition to USB 2.0 ports on the chassis.
Multiple battery charger option for XPS notebooks: Especially for a power hungry beast such as this, it would be nice if there was a multiple battery charger accessory to charge spare batteries while the notebook is in use. I realize that most owners would keep their M1710/M1720 tethered to the wall for gaming, but sometimes it's nice to be able to sit on the couch next to the missus/mister/significant other and just surf the web. More importantly, while this system is heavily focused towards LAN party gamers, it would make an absolutely dandy mobile sales presentation machine! You wouldn't even need to bring along a digital projector for small group presentations
(1 or 2 clients). See this
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/66117
