A couple of XPS M1330 questions

Hi all,

Just a couple of questions before I dive in and purchase the Dell XPS M1330!

1. The screen is only 13" - quite small for a laptop. To those that own this laptop, or one with a 13" screen, do you find it too small? Does it hinder your work in comparison to, say, a normal 15" laptop screen?

2. I would be running this laptop on XP, as I don't get on well with Vista. I'm technically proficient, so setting it up is no problem, but are there any known issues with running this system under XP, especially hardware / driver issues?

3. With the biometric scanner - can the Windows login process be set to require both a fingerprint AND password, rather than just the fingerprint? And, I assume the biometric scanner works under XP?

4. Battery compatibility - am I correct in saying that these batteries would work with the M1330? (I know it stated 1330 at the bottom, but I don't know what "NB" refers to).

And finally, 5. Overall, would you say that you are happy with this laptop (if you own it)? Would you recommend any other laptop in the same price range higher than this one?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post! Looking forward to any replies .

 

1. It is neither small nor big. Personally, I feel anything smaller than this size is not practical. Unless you use toolbox intensive applications (e.g. photoshop) or remote connection applications, you will find the size and resolution good enough.

2. No. Ensure you know how to workaround the ATA/AHCI issue. You'll find the solutions for this in our forum. So nothing to worry about, just read before you install.

3. No. Biometric reader is redundant. You can either type or swipe not both. The biometric reader is not secure as it is not accompanied with a TPM chip. Sometimes, it doesn't recognize your own finger. Looks like it has a mind of its own.

4. Yes, but you are better off buying the battery with the system as it works out cheaper. I guess NB stands for Notebook but I could be wrong.

5. Yes. If you can wait (for the higher resolution in January 2008), M1530 is the better option for less cost.

Anything else?

 

1. No, screen's great, wont hinder your work almost all the time, and it's really bright, even with the standard display.

2. I use Vista, sorry.

3. In the Windows logon screen, you only need your fingerprint or password, you can't configure it for both. Once again, I use Vista, so I do not know.

4.I'm not sure.

5. Make sure you order the 1330 with the Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS video card if you'll ever be doing some gaming,video/photo editing, or watching HD videos. I ordered it with the Intel x3100 card, and am sort of disappointed with it, but that's probably cause I'm a casual gamer.

 

sinstoic -
3. Damn, I was under the impression that it did come with a TPM. Shame those Vaois cost so much .

4. Really? I figured it was the same cost regardless. I don't mean buying the main battery seperately by the way, I would be buying a second one for extended away-from-desk use.

5. I figured so . My main choice has been between the 1330 and the 1350, I've been finding it hard to choose.. The 1350 certainly looks better, except for the weight, but with the size of the screen and lower cost, it looks compelling.. But then I'd have to wait another month or two >_<.

That's it thanks . Good info!

XPS1330 -

1. That's good to hear, as I saw a vid on YouTube that had the 1530 and the 1330 (LED) side-by-side and the 1330's screen looked positively dull by comparison.

5. Definately . I would never pick integrated graphics unless there was no other choice - I'm not really a gamer, but it's nice to have the option .

Thanks for your advice people!

 

lol I saw that video and i am pretty sure it was just the camera angle

 

I guess you meant XPS M1530!

 

Oops, butterfingers .
Yup, I meant that one ^^.

 

That's the thing - I use Photoshop a lot, and also other space-intensive apps like spreadsheets, where I need to be able to see a lot of data at once. Basically I was just wondering if the extra 2" makes a lot of difference

 

i thought the 1530 could only do 1280x800. the m1330 also does that resolution so would three be a difference in what he sees on screen?

 

i think on the 1530 the icons will be a little smaller

 

Even if the res is the same, the viewing area will still be smaller, so the 1330 screen would be harder to see - run a 15" CRT monitor at 1600x1200 and a 21" at the same res and you'll see what I mean

 

Yes. The picture will be bigger at the same resolution on a 15.4 inch display than a 13.3 inch display.

I am suggesting to wait for the higher resolution on M1530 before purchasing the same.

 

Yeah, that would make sense. With a bigger screen, you would expect a bigger res. Plus the 1530s don't have the LED option yet.

But do you think a 1330 would be sufficient? Or should I wait for the 1530?

 

You could connect an external monitor to the HDMI port for productivity apps. I intend to. You are then not compromising on screen real estate with the smaller, more versatile notebook.

 

I could, but at home I have a decent PC anyway, so I probably wouldn't use the laptop except to transfer data. The laptop is just for when I'm on the go (and don't have a monitor).

 

Well then you can stick with M1330 with integrated video for portability and higher battery life.

 

Could do But I would get dedicated graphics just in case I want to game on it (HL2 or whatever) sometime. I'm just worried whether the screen would be big enough ^^.

 

Happy buying and hope you get a perfect system!

 

Thanks .

 

XPS1330, my answers to Arbital24 are exactly the same as yours 1 thru 5. I'm a little sorry I didn't go w/the better graphics but its too late now/ otherwise, this system is awesome. i've had a lot of trouble getting a M1330 that worked properly but it appears my luck has changed for the better. Enjoy your M1330!

 

Is putting Ge force 8400 really increase the graphic performance so much? I am consider to buy this laptop and I will watch some HD movies on it. And does the optional LED screen worth it? Thank you everyone

 

From what I've heard, the LED screen makes a big difference - although it's also more "shiny", so you get more reflections (or so I hear).