New laptop recommendations - I like the Dell XPS 13

[woohoo]

I've got the surface book, went for the i5.

It's a great laptop, good keyboard and pretty fast.

I often run a couple of instances of VS2017 and SQL Management studio etc on it, without any problems.

[doconline]

I've got the surface book, went for the i5.

It's a great laptop, good keyboard and pretty fast.

I often run a couple of instances of VS2017 and SQL Management studio etc on it, without any problems.

Did you go for the 8gb or 16gb model?

[woohoo]

Did you go for the 8gb or 16gb model?

I went for the 8gb model - I have a all dancing main PC for most of my work, but I also like to move around the house and work/travel.

It's not easy to replace the SSD, though you can extend the available space with a micro sd card.

[Guesstimator]

Have you ordered the new Surface Book 2?
Or have the SB 1 now dropped in price with the arrival of the SB2?

[woohoo]

Have you ordered the new Surface Book 2?
Or have the SB 1 now dropped in price with the arrival of the SB2?

I have the SB 1, which are a lot cheaper now - the ms website is showing the SB 1 reduced in price. I bought my SB 1 in the US when the pound-dollar was a little better.

SB 2 looks good - but more than happy with my SB 1.

Only negative is the SSD, you can't upgrade it, so make sure you are happy with the size before buying.

[Guesstimator]

Ace, thanks for the info.
Is the tablet mode easy, comfortable?

I'd have been all in for the SB2 except they've well and truly shot themselves in the foot by not including TB3...kinda a deal breaker for me for VR use (eGPU)..though I might be swayed by the 1060 that's in it.

[sal]

I bought the SB 1 when it came out in UK, went for the top spec, manly to go over 2k and reclaim VAT

Very pleased with it, not used it much in a detached tablet mode, as when I use it for "tablety" stuff it's usually in bed on my lap/knees and end up just inverting the screen over the keyboard bit to keep all the battery life and insulate against heat. speaking of which, when used as laptop in your lap it's great because most of the heat is behind the display not scorching your knees.

My only gripe is that it's a bit hard to open, since the majority of the weight is in the top bit you can't just lift the screen bit with one hand like a normal laptop, since the bottom is so light it just lifts wit h the top and you need to pry it open with both hands or by squeezing one finger in the gap and shacking it.

Never thought about it as a gaming/VR platform, as I have a triple GPU desktop for that, but even the somewhat dated GPU in the SB1 is good enough for most games on modest details/resolution. If this is going to be important for you, definitely go for the SB2 and updated GPU

[SeanT]

I looked at the XPS but then stumbled across a well specified Precision (quad core, 4k, etc.) on the Dell Outlet. Sadly it was less than £2k so I had to buy the wife an XPS to do the accounts on at the same time.

[MonkeysUncle]

I am in the same predicament, need a new laptop...not sure what to get.
I have the original surface pro, as much as i love the laptop and the touch keyboard the biggest gripe was trying to use it when it is resting on my lap, it just didnt work.

I was looking at the XPS 13 and then just seen the SB2 is being released next month. Now I am wondering is if the SB2 is worth the price tag or is it worth getting the SB1 at a lower cost?

The other laptop i was looking at was the HP Spectre, anyone used this?

[woohoo]

Ace, thanks for the info.
Is the tablet mode easy, comfortable?

Tablet mode is easy, often use it to take notes with onenote and the pen.
Occasionally read the kindle on it, in portrait mode.