Dell - Software & Hardware Question M1710

Hi there,

I have a question about Dell software packages.

I'm looking into a Dell XPS M1710 for a friend. It's the cheapest Laptop you can buy for the best performance over here in Australia.

Now I understand that the 512MB NVIDIA Go 7950 GTX Graphics does not support direct x 10. So if the graphics doesn't support Direct X 10, to me, there seems very little reason for me to go with Windows Vista.

If I'm not going with Vista 64 bit, I certainly won't go higher then 2 GB of ram.

So what my question comes down to is this... I own a spare copy of Windows XP 32 bit. Dell gives you no choice but to purchase a operating system. If I go ahead and purchase a copy of Windows Vista 64 bit, and upon arrival delete the O/S and install my own copy, would I be able to at a later date upgrade to a future Graphics card that supports DX 10, and then reinstall my copy of Windows Vista that came with the dell? As well, would I then be able to stick another set of RAM, to make it a total of 4 gb?

I understand that upgrading Graphics cards for laptops in general is pretty difficult, but is it possible?

I know that Dell products come with bloatware... Is it easy to remove? I know if I wipe the OS, and install XP, I won't have that issue, but will that bloatware be there when I turn around and reintall Vista?

Secondly, I remember reading some reference that the CPU chipset itself in the m1710 does not support 64bit... Is this true.

Thanks

You could do that with the OS without issue. It sure would be a lot nicer to go with someone who would image the drive or send it w/o the OS.

As far as upgrading the DELL 1710, it may be a problem, or very expensive through DELL... just to warn you ahead of time.

Thanks for the replies guys...

After some thorough research, I've decided to look into a clevo 570RU model instead.

Killer I'd love to purchase your Executioner model, but unfortunately after exchange rates and shipping it would be about 4000 AUD