So FWIW, I got an XPS 13 9310 at the end of June for $1799 (marked down $200 because of a Costco special) that had an 1185G7, 32GB of RAM, 4K screen, 1TB hard drive. I also configured an almost identical DIY Framework (which will hopefully arrive today) with a bunch of extra modules (Dell just has two USB-C ports and a micro-SD). The drive-out price on the Costco (with tax, which is 10.25% in Seattle) was $1940.38.
The drive out cost on my Framework, which has a better network card, faster RAM (though the Dell RAM is soldered so it is better for battery), an SN850 SSD (I trust WD for the high-end gen4 SSDs), and better port options, was $2032.00. I could have shaved off more than $100 if I chose a different port selection (I got 8 total modules) and didn't get the AC adapter and I could have saved further money if I had chosen the SN759 and the non VPro WiFi adapter (which I probably should have in retrospect)
For $90 extra, I get something repairable, something that that will let me upgrade to 64GB of RAM (32GB is the max on the XPS 13), and something more versatile from a port perspective.
Framework didn't charge tax (that will change, I'm sure as soon as they sell the required amount in various states), but even if we account for that, that would leave us at $2240.38. I'm personally willing to pay a 10% penalty for having something more repairable and sustainable. (Also need to factor in the cost of a Costco membership
That said -- I just checked Dell's website and the Developer Edition with an i7 (1165G7 or 1185G7), 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and 4K screen is $2159.00 before tax. So that's $80 more than my identically configured Framework, but with a lower quality SSD and WiFi adapter. The Dell has a better screen -- though I prefer the 3:2 aspect ratio of the Framework/Surface/Matebook X Pro).
I understand you CAN get a cheaper laptop, but as someone who will be returning the XPS as soon as the Framework arrives (assuming it is half as good as the reviews have been), I'm looking at something that costs the exact same and is also more sustainable.
edited to correct the price different between the XPS with tax and the Framework without. It is $90 difference vs $70.
The drive out cost on my Framework, which has a better network card, faster RAM (though the Dell RAM is soldered so it is better for battery), an SN850 SSD (I trust WD for the high-end gen4 SSDs), and better port options, was $2032.00. I could have shaved off more than $100 if I chose a different port selection (I got 8 total modules) and didn't get the AC adapter and I could have saved further money if I had chosen the SN759 and the non VPro WiFi adapter (which I probably should have in retrospect)
For $90 extra, I get something repairable, something that that will let me upgrade to 64GB of RAM (32GB is the max on the XPS 13), and something more versatile from a port perspective.
Framework didn't charge tax (that will change, I'm sure as soon as they sell the required amount in various states), but even if we account for that, that would leave us at $2240.38. I'm personally willing to pay a 10% penalty for having something more repairable and sustainable. (Also need to factor in the cost of a Costco membership
That said -- I just checked Dell's website and the Developer Edition with an i7 (1165G7 or 1185G7), 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and 4K screen is $2159.00 before tax. So that's $80 more than my identically configured Framework, but with a lower quality SSD and WiFi adapter. The Dell has a better screen -- though I prefer the 3:2 aspect ratio of the Framework/Surface/Matebook X Pro).
I understand you CAN get a cheaper laptop, but as someone who will be returning the XPS as soon as the Framework arrives (assuming it is half as good as the reviews have been), I'm looking at something that costs the exact same and is also more sustainable.
edited to correct the price different between the XPS with tax and the Framework without. It is $90 difference vs $70.