Dell xps 15 versus Oryx Pro for Computational Research

**neuromot** · May 5th, 2016

I am a new Linux user looking to buy a computer for computational physics research. My group purely uses Linux so one of the requirements is that I have a linux machine. My advisor suggested a system76 Oryx Pro or xps15, but the VERY SHORT battery life and weight of the oryx pro is putting me off (I could just get a desktop honestly) and the idea of not having a computer with linux out of the box with the xps is also a consideration (including several negative reviews on issues with the dell and their support). Anyone try both of these machines or have any advice? The stats on both computers and the prices are the same (non touch xps15). *edit* My advisor prefers the Oryx Pro, computer is paid for by my fellowship, and the dell does NOT come preloaded with Ubuntu.

*edited* https://system76.com/laptops/oryx vs. http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15-9550...15-9550-laptop

**him610** · May 5th, 2016

Welcome to Ubuntu Forums.

To get a quicker response, it is common courtesy when someone requests feedback on the comparison of different products that the requester also provide links to those products to be compared. We will review the very same system specifications that you did because most of us don't own either one of those particular models; although, we may have had experience with products from the two companies.

It is probably a moot point anyway because it sounds as if you are already leaning toward the XPS 15 based on battery life and weight. That's okay. It's your money. All other things being equal, it is a perfectly good decision. Both Dell and System76 sell models that are sold with Ubuntu pre-installed. It is normally the peripherals that cause the problems.

We wish you success in your computational physics research group.

**howefield** · May 5th, 2016

Thread moved to the "Hardware" forum.

Just press the Report button and request a thread be moved if required.

**neuromot** · May 6th, 2016

Because of a sale I decided on one of the new lightweight Dell Precision workstations (part of Project Sputnik)...excited to start playing around with it and getting to know Linux a bit better!