Dell loads new laptop with gaming firepower

Dell today has announced a new high-end Inspiron XPS laptop specifically designed for the PC gaming community. The Dell Inspiron XPS M170 features a Pentium M processor and offers the option for advanced Nvidia GeForce Go 7800 GTX graphics.

The new laptop is an updated version of the Inspiron XPS Gen 2 Dell originally introduced last year, and it continues the tradition of being the showcase vehicle for new Nvidia mobile GPU technology. The Inspiron XPS Gen 2 was the first laptop to have Nvidia GeForce 6800 Go Ultra graphics, and the Inspiron XPS M170 will be the first to ship with an Nvidia GeForce Go 7800 GTX GPU.

The GeForce Go 7800 GTX, a 24 pixel-pipeline chip based on Nvidia's GeForce 7800 GTX desktop GPU architecture, is roughly twice as powerful as the 12-pipe GeForce Go 6800 Ultra but has the same power draw to maintain battery life. The GeForce Go 7800 GTX ships with a 400MHz clock speed and comes with 256MB of memory.

The Inspiron XPS M170 shares the same case design with its XPS Gen 2 predecessor, complete with a 17-inch WUXGA 1920x1200 display, brushed gunmetal chassis, LED perimeter lighting, and an optional laptop cover for owner personalization. Processor options include the Pentium M Processor 760, 770, and 780.

The system is available for purchase from Dell starting at $2,710 with GeForce Go 6800 Ultra graphics, or $3,107 with the GeForce Go 7800 GTX upgrade.