Just bought a Dell XPS 15 for Excel work. Did I make the right choice?

I finished my finance undergraduate degree last semester and will be attending graduate school this fall to pursue a Master of Science in Finance. I own a MacBook Pro 14, which I believe is the best laptop ever made. However, as I begin to take my modeling courses more seriously, I realize that it is not sufficient for my needs.

Since Windows is the superior operating system for Excel, I knew that I needed to purchase a Windows computer. After researching my options, I decided to purchase a Dell XPS 15 9520, which I can return within 30 days if necessary. So far, it has everything I need, except for a num pad, and the battery life is average (I need more time to determine its longevity). However, the lack of a num pad is not a significant issue for me, as I usually have it docked and can purchase an external keyboard with a num pad.

I needed a 15-inch Windows laptop for around $1,500, and this computer fit the bill. However, I would like advice from the community to determine whether this was a wise long-term decision, or if I should have considered a different brand, such as ThinkPad. Although my job may provide me with a laptop, that's in over a year and I need one now.

12 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Completely different userbase imo if talking about X1 Vs XPS15. XPS 15 is a creator laptop, a powerhouse. The X1C has a low wattage CPU cos of is form factor but I had ultimate portability, it's small and light and shit.

If talking XPS13 plus Vs X1C then this also is weird. Cos the XPS13 plus doesn't have actual Fn keys, it means it doesn't really suit excel work very well and the normal XPS 13 (with normal keyboard) is underpowered. On the other hand, the X1C is normally way more expensive than the XPS13/plus but you get arguably better build quality, support, keyboard etc. And it's still lighter.

 

nutmegger189

Completely different userbase imo if talking about X1 Vs XPS15. XPS 15 is a creator laptop, a powerhouse. The X1C has a low wattage CPU cos of is form factor but I had ultimate portability, it's small and light and shit.

If talking XPS13 plus Vs X1C then this also is weird. Cos the XPS13 plus doesn't have actual Fn keys, it means it doesn't really suit excel work very well and the normal XPS 13 (with normal keyboard) is underpowered. On the other hand, the X1C is normally way more expensive than the XPS13/plus but you get arguably better build quality, support, keyboard etc. And it's still lighter.

This is very very helpful. Been deciding between the two. Would you recommend getting the touch screen for the X1 btw? Or does it drain the battery life too much?

 

Bro the computer is goated, you don’t need a number pad. Like that’s a joke just get a keyboard and a mouse, you’re not an analyst and even they don’t have number pass on their laptops. Most modelling exercises should be done when you’re really plugged in anyway. Haven’t done an MFin but don’t expect that you’ll be on the public transport trying to rip an LBO. You’ll probably be at your home office hdmi in monitor etc.

 

I have a 6-year old Lenovo T14 I picked up for around $750 during BF sales, has been more than enough to do my job over the years. 

 

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