Sources today leaked information about the replacement for Dell's long-serving XPS M1710 gaming notebook. Called simply the XPS M1730, the 17-inch system will join the M1330 and other Inspirons with a newer Intel Santa Rosa-based platform but will also have access to features barred from the other systems. The overclock-friendly 2.6GHz mobile Core 2 Extreme will join 2GHz, 2.2GHz, and 2.4GHz Core 2 Duos as options; a free slot on the mainboard will also accept a 1GB Turbo Memory cache to speed up loading times. A major reworking of the notebook's style is in order and will replace the entire outer surface with a textured look.

Graphics will start with a 256MB GeForce 8600M GS but should eventually gain an 8800M option when the part is ready. Other options will be more in line with earlier systems, the leak claims, with expansion ranging from up to 4GB of memory, a Blu-Ray burner, and wireless via 802.11n or Bluetooth. The historically reliable sources predict a formal announcement of the M1730 for August 27th with shipping occuring very soon afterwards.