I've owned and used several different types of Dell computers over the years, mostly through work. I have always enjoyed them, especially for the battery life, speed, and durability. I received this one today after ordering for cyber Monday. All in all a superb, everyday laptop. I have an older model I bought around this time 2009 and it is still going strong. With a nice 15.6 high res display, decent processing speed as well as current tech memory, this machine is an excellent deal considering the list price for comparable units. This machine comes with Windows 8. If you like an app based system then you'll love this system. After I first read comments regarding 8, I was a bit cautious about purchasing this particular model. However, I was confident in my ability to be able to use 8 sight unseen. I made the right choice. With smart phones and tablets that use applications displayed using icons I guess it was the logical move for Microsoft. I think I read that this OS is designed for touch screen systems. Although this model doesn't have one, I still found maneuvering around the OS without issue. Anyways...enough about the OS. I went with this model because it had the best overall combination of specs. It's fast for how I've used it so far. We'll see when I start using more processor intensive programs. I'm looking forward to seeing the USB3.0 speeds when I plug in one of my compatible externals to transfer data between devices. I don't know how practical the lid switching thing will be for most people; if I'm going to buy accessories for the laptop it will be a newer model mouse or another HDMI cable etc... Catching this unit on sale during cyber Monday was definitely an added bonus. Nice sized track pad and sensitive, firm keys as well. Can't wait to dig in and see what more this machine can do. I do alot of ripping, burning, and dvd authoring. Oh yeah, so far all software programs like winamp vlc, 7zip, mozilla,etc... work just fine on Windows 8. At first I was very nervous about that, but no issues so far. For the price (perhaps wait till it goes back on sale to get an even better bargain) so far it is totally worth it.

With the loss of my company's laptop and hundreds of vehicles due to Hurricane Sandy, I was looking for a cheaper alternative to the "toughbook" laptop that we had. I did not want to sacrifice speed, memory, performance etc...We use the laptop to program truck engines, transmissions and modules. The laptop is great in every regard right down to the crisp, clean display. If you run a fleet this is the laptop for you. If you don't run a fleet, this is the laptop for you and you probably have less stress in your life than me.

It came as a true 21st century equipment. it had all the modern day features. All apps are in place. it is more than what I expected. It was worth the wait.

I have been using Dell desktops and laptops for almost 15 years. Thay are reliable and durable, which is why I bought this one (the touchpad is a bit sensitive, but I have always had this problem - uncompatible skin electrochemistry) . It is an excellent item except that Windows 8 really sucks. Get this laptop with Windows 7 if you can. Instead of making things more streamlined and efficient, Windows 8 is more cumbersome and less intuitive than any previous version. Just try to shut it down!!!!!! Windows 8 is just a marketing tool for the big retailers. MS probably gets a piece of the action if you visit these retailers from Windows 8.