I got Dell XPS m1330

[AznSensation]

I have Dell XPS m1330 (typing on it rigt now). Is there anyone considering to buy one and would like to know more about it?

 

[TheStu]

Did you get the 8400M graphics in there and if so, how is the performance in gaming?

I am wanting to get another system, and am on the fence between the MacBook Pro (love OS X), the iMac once it gets refreshed, or the XPS1330. I like the design of the 1330, and the option for the LED backlighting.

 

[AznSensation]

I do have 8400gs and it's a little better than 7400. I get around 20-25 fps in fear with high settings. I have LED as well. Make sure you get it. It's bright (it'll give you a seizure when you turn it up) and colors seem very nice.

 

[TheStu]

What did you pay for the LED backlighting, 8400M, and what ever else you had?

I am seriously considering the iMac most of all, the fully self-contained aspect of it all really appeals to me, and if the refresh brings more base RAM and a better graphics card then I will almost definitely buy it.

Like I said, I like the look of the 1330, and like the form factor, but it would probably be the same price to get the iMac and keep my MacBook as well.

 

[AznSensation]

I paid $740.05 USD + free overnight shipping for the following:

XPS m1330 black

Core2Duo T5250
13.3" LED panel with VGA webcam (+$150)
1 gig ddr 2 pc5300
Nvidia 8400gs
120gig 5400rpm hdd
Biometric finger print reader (+$29)
Intel wireless N (+$49)
Bluetooth (+$29)
dual layer dvd burner
creative ep 630 in ear headphones
dell xps sleeve
infarad remote
windows vista home premium
15 mo norton internet security

I bought 2 gigs of crucial sodimm ddr2 memory from fry's for $45.

Can macbook/ macbook pro offer this kind of config for even remotely similar price? I dont think so. Man this notebook is so sexy. Very well built. There's hardly any bloatware installed.

 

[shredman]

Hey AznSensation, can you fill me in on your deal at Dell? I tried to price out your system and was quickly at $1299 and going up. What am I missing? I'd love to get one. Please PM me.

 

[TheStu]

Yea, I saw that price and new something was up... considering that the base cost is 1299... what coupon did you use??

I think it is a little unfair to compare a deeply discounted price against sticker. That is like saying that you got a ferrari for $1500 because a buddy of yours is wicked generous... "Can Lamborghini offer this kind of performance for even remotely similar price? I don't think so"

Also, you got it with a 1.5GHz Core 2.... why not go for the santa rosa?

I just priced this config on Dell Small Business (since they sometimes have better prices)
I got it as close as I could...
$1899 for almost the exact same config
$1649 for almost the exact same config on Dell Home

MacBook Pro
2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo Santa Rosa
2 GB DDR2 667
8600M GT 128MB
120GB HDD
8x DVD-DL-RW
LED backlighting
Backlit keys
1440*900 resolution
802.11n wireless
$1799+tax (Student discount. After all if you can pull coupons....)

 

[AznSensation]

T5250 is a merom processor with santa rosa chipset (socket p). It's just underclocked, 2mb cache, 667mhz front side bus as compared to T7xxx series.

I guess for you, mbp would be better. I went m1330 for portability & windows.

 

[TheStu]

For me the iMac is best, I have no need to take my gaming with me. If I am going to be in any one place long enough to want to game seriously, I can take the iMac.

For portability and windows and os x and linux, ill take my macbook.

 

[vshah]

question: how on earth did you get that price?

 

[StinkyMojo]

Originally posted by: vshah
question: how on earth did you get that price?

Answer the man!

 

[Abhi]

Three Questions:

1) 740.05 USD or 1740.05 USD?
2) How is the built quality? In other words, is it built like a Dell or built like an IBM?
3) Do you have the 6 cell or 9 cell battery? How much does it last under normal usage?

 

[AznSensation]

$740.05 USD

The deal I had was $1040 from my university deal from June 30, 2007. I upgraded LED, wireless N, bluetooth, and fingerprint reader. I subtracted 3 year warrenty to 1 and subtracted free bag. Used student $100 off coupon. Free next day shipping and $100 concession coupon (b/c of 3 delays) after calling dell rep.

Build quality is supurb. A lot of little things add up to overall value. For example, I really like super thin/light/bright LED screen. I like the webcam/2microphones that come with it. Touch-sensitive media buttons are really cool (like those found in PS3). Slot-load dvd is cool but it's kinda loud. Fingerprint reader (I didn't really need it, but I'm gonna use it during class in front of girls...lol) Wireless N is good b/c I get much faster speed/range than wireless G, 8400gs graphics card is pretty good (I get solid 25-30 fps in FEAR. all high settings after installing new drivers). I like media direct (it's like having another operating system where you can watch dvd/picture/music etc) without booting into windows vista. I really like the looks and keyboard (brushed aluminium as compared to plastic). I love the buttons/touchpad. It's very responsive. I also like HDMI output that can output audio as well. Bluetooth is nice for transferring files with my LG chocolate phone. Built-in express card remote is awesome for watching movies/power point presentations. 3 audio ports (2 headphone jack/ 1 microphone) can be used as 5.1 (auto detection). Built-in speakers are fairly small but loud (however, you'll hear distortions at high volume settings). Media card reader. Core2duo, santa rosa, latest everything...

Comes with free notebook sleeve and creative ep 630 in ear headphones.

It's very light (around 4lbs) and around 4.5 hours of battery life with 6 cell battery. It's a bit warm under heavy load. But it's pretty quiet (only 1 fan-- gpu/cpu/chipset connected via heatpipe)

Adder plus is lack of bloatware installed. As soon as I got my laptop, only thing I deleted was google desktop. Everything is good to go from the start.
XPS customer/technical service ROCKS. Those guys know what they are talking about.

 

[Abhi]

Thanks for your review.... any minus point that you ve noticed so far?

I am having a tough time deciding between the 1330 and 14 inch inspiron. the m1330 is much cooler, slightly smaller and ligher, but in the inspiron one ends up paying quite a lot less for the same hardware.

 

[Abhi]

Hey AznSensation,

Does your m1330 suffer from these issues .... http://www.obscurehideout.com/

 

[AznSensation]

Yes and no. Some of those "problems" you've mentioned aren't problems at all.

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: AznSensation
$740.05 USD

The deal I had was $1040 from my university deal from June 30, 2007. I upgraded LED, wireless N, bluetooth, and fingerprint reader. I subtracted 3 year warrenty to 1 and subtracted free bag. Used student $100 off coupon. Free next day shipping and $100 concession coupon (b/c of 3 delays) after calling dell rep.

i still don't get how it's so cheap. please correct me where i'm wrong but this is my though process to reading what you've written:

1. your university has a deal with Dell that allows them to get the laptop configured to the specs you've listed for $1040.
2. you subtracted the 3 year warranty to 1 year (i don't get this cause the standard warranty on the site is 1 year, not 3 years. does the university deal come with 3 year as a bonus?)
3. you subtracted a free bag (how does this get you any money back? the bag was free...)
4. you used a $100 off coupon. did you use this at dell or at your university? and how were you able to use the coupon on top of the deal the university was offering?
5. Dell didn't deliver by date promised so they gave you $100 back for your wait.

 

[ng12345]

1. how loud is the fan/how often is the fan on?
2. how hot does the laptop get?
3. any qualms about weight?
4. does the 6 cell battery stick out?

 

[LouPoir]

Nice - and what a great deal too.