The current first few batches of XPS has serious QC issues. I managed to snag a  good deal for XPS 17 from the outlet store however will be returning it for a refund.

a. CPU fan was not working upon arrival (managed to fix it by wiggling the cable but it will stop again if i move the laptop and no user should be self-servicing on the first day of a "premium" device)
b. Right speaker produces no treble
c. Battery drain during gaming while plugged in
d. Very bad Dell support (when I first logged in case for the first 2 problems the agent asked me if I would like a whole unit replacement or refund. After a week of daily calls they only told me my unit not entitled for WUR due to refurbished unit. The worst part is that they just mentioned so without giving any resolution!)

Machine was built on 21 July based on the BIOS info.

Issues apart, it's a very nice machine and I had the intention of keeping the unit if not because of the inability to replace the unit. I'll probably relook into them again once they have sorted out the issues and go for the Precision Mobile line instead. That titan gray colour option looks better and the business support is better as I have Latitudes in my office.

It's a lottery to get a proper unit. Advise to wait out until issues are sorted out (Dell reddit is a good source) or if you still do intent to play with the lottery, return and reorder a new unit whenever you get a lemon. Don't let them give you a replacement as it will be refurbished units and once you're out of the return window you'll be spending a lot of hours on the phone.

Next week I'll be calling them on a daily basis again to make sure that my refund gets approved before I'm outside of the return period.

Yes XPS 17. Read quite a lot of comments over on Reddit but decided to play Toto. Should've known better I'm never lucky when it comes to gambling

I read that the 13 and 15 has trackpad issues as well and also coil whine. The unique problem to 17 only is the power drain while plugged in under heavy load.

If they had allowed Whole Unit Replacement I wouldn't mind replacing until I get a working unit. Over on Reddit those guys also needed 3-4 replacements before getting a working unit.

Refund dept just contacted me just now. Guess this goes back to the factory. Heavy-hearted, but I'd rather not headache trying to get it fixed.

Really clueless on what to substitute. Initially a ThinkPad kaki but this year's XPS is really another level. With the specs that I want on the fruit brand I can buy two of these XPS.

If you are dead set on XPS and able to wait, I suggest you do so or maybe wait till the next generation until they have really fixed their mess. Otherwise I suggest you look elsewhere. Their upgraded "ProSupport" was not much help either.

Coil whine:It's hard to explain.

https://clyp.it/nqi0s2m4?token=036923fcec28...4a56abd9919de81

Listen carefully: it's faint, but high frequency and it's constant all the time. You need to turn the volume all the way up. Some people may or may not be bothered by it.

Just google for Dell Reddit and take your time to read.

Good luck and stay safe.