Powerful PC vs Dell XPS 210
Notable Differences
- No RAID 0 - There is
also no place to add a second disk. I have found the RAID 0 to be a
core feature in the speed of the system and would not build a system
without it.
- Max RAM 4GB - The Powerful Portable can do 8 GB which is important for larger scale virtualization and higher load SQL Server demonstrations.
- No GB Ethernet - The Ethernet is only 10/100. The Powerful Portable has 2 x 1 GB Ethernet + 1 WiFi.
- Not Portable - The XPS 210 is smaller than the Mark II, but has square corners (on back side), no handle, and no feet. Square corners catch on things easily. The Powerful Portable purposefully has rounded corners as well as rubber feet. In addition the Powerful Portable has a close top case to keep ports from catching and dirt out.
Versus Mark II
The XPS 210 is roughly half the size of the Mark II, but nearly the same weight.
Versus Mark III
Since I have not built the Mark III yet accurate comparisons cannot be made. However based on my experience with the Mark II, I believe the Mark III will be about the same size as the Dell XPS 210, but weigh about 30% less. I expect the Mark III will be better than the Dell XPS 210 because:
- Faster - See RAID 0 in Notable Differences above.
- More Memory, GB Ethernet, etc - See Notable Difference
- Portable - This is a huge aspect. I have carried around desktops before many years ago that were roughly the same size and weight as the Dell XPS 210. Boxes that are not designed to be carried are very uncomfortable to transport, continually catch on other items, and collect dirt through open vents and port.
- Lighter - It remains to be seen, but I believe it will be significantly lighter, even though it contains and additional drive over the Dell XPS 210. This is based on my testing of the Mark II's components.
