The dell xps m1210 was a very good contender to the q35 (it was one of my “nominations” before the purchase) firstly not only with the integrated graphics options but the built-in webcam as well. For a gamer, I strongly recomend the XPS over the Q35 as the GF Go7400 is definately far superior to the GMA, but there are some pitfalls on the XPS:

I’ve tried the m1210 at a few PC exhibitions and it just have the typical flimsy plastic feel, typical of dell notebooks not quite as solid as the Samsung. Tough spotting similar resolution, XPS screen is also quite washed in bright conditions, (esp with spotlights around the show area, so I guess it would be the same in sunlight, unlike the Samsung). Otherwise the construction and form are very similar with the battery sticking out at the back too.

The major tradeoff the XPS with dedicated graphics would be battery life. But I guess as you said, gaming on a small screen may be quite off, but it’s mostly made to personal prefs I say. Also playing intensive games unplugged can’t even last you more than 1hour @ 100% CPU based on some reviews I’ve read online. It doesn’t have the dual graphics option like some Sony Vaio have, so it’s a very “neither of both case”.

However, the dell has 2 more USB ports than the samsung (XPS=4), and S-video TV out. On a sidenote, Dell do enforces and strongly recommends a larger 9-cell extended battery for optimal XPS battery life if you choose the GeForce Go 7400… It just makes the XPS one more step away from portability.

I guess you did get quite a good deal on ebay, surprising you are not buying direct form dell?

I was thinking of getting one or the other. Mainly for travel purposes. Over in the uk, I can get them both for similar price (xps on ebay brand new saves a lot of money), but with the xps clearly getting much better specs (double RAM, dedicated graphics, faster processor). I do game, though i don’t think i’ll be using a 12″ laptop for gaming too much.