Build quality on XPS M1330

Hi everyone!

I've read through some of the many threads covering the above laptop. What I'm wondering is, how is the build quality now a couple of months after release? I read that it was so-so at initial release, has it improved overall?

Cheers.

 

It's improved alot.
The only problem with my m1330 is this gap at the top of the screen, but it's a small thing.
I also have cpu whine but that's not dell's fault..

Everything else is good
No dents, wobbling, dead pixels, etc.

 

I had gaps and an uneven base. Thankfully, Dell replaced it with a new unit.

I've posted pictures and a mini review here.

 

It's much improved, but it's still pretty bad. You'll often get one or two bad parts on the machine, usually the screen or something. I've done 5 replacements and a service tech who recently came to fix something just screwed everything up, so it's going to the depot now.

Basically, their build quality sucks, but they're prepared to do everything (replacements, service calls, whatever) to fix your problems. It's a nice machine, but you should be prepared for an ordeal in terms of getting a good one.

 

I had to get a replacement also as the front panel from the keyboard was really badly put together. Replacement I got was perfect. 4/5 of the guys here got perfect machines first try. Remember you'll always get more people moaning about it!

 

I have to disagree with this. Yes there are problems, but the build quality certainly doesn't suck.

I had a small aesthetic issue with mine, but was given a credit in return for keeping it. Functionally there is nothing wrong with mine and the credit I received took care of my 3 year Complete Care.

 

The build quality is pretty good

 

Would you like a rundown of my "XPS experience"?

• Ordered XPS M1330, first machine received to find several appearance issues.
• Second machine received to find almost the same appearance issues.
• Third replacement has several more issues, a tech is set up to come and replace parts. The tech never reaches me.
• I'm sick of the thing, and I want different parts on it anyway, so I return it and place an order for a different M1330.
• I ship back the machine to be returned, and they do not properly reverse the charges on my account for it. I receive collection calls from Dell Financial for almost a month.
• I receive the new machine I ordered. The screen is total crap, its whites are completely yellow.

And on, and on, and on. Would you like more?

When I post, I go by my own experience. So in that sense, what I'm saying is perfectly true.

 

Thanks for the replies, seems it is still a bit of a lottery but the winning chance has increased.

Off topic, I've also seen a lot of posts complaining about crappy W-LED's, worth taking the chance of getting a good one?

 

I just placed an order for one and hopefully mine comes fully intact and flaw free. Im hoping this community doesnt represent the majority of the m1330 owners. You can ask to swap the LED btw if you dont like the CMO or TMD one.

 

This community represents mostly the people with problems. People who are happy generally don't go looking for help, and to complain.

 

that's reassuring....

 

Mine was built in Ireland and is pretty much perfect as far as I can tell.

From the sounds of it Dell has quality control issues in Malaysia. Perhaps they're using the infinite number of monkeys with hammers approach to QC over there ? The only way to improve this is to let Dell know where the problems are by complaining and returning unsatisfactory machines. There are relatively few people who are discerning enough to do this - a lot of people will just soldier on with a seriously faulty machine. By pointing out the problems we're contributing to better machines for ourselves in the years to come.

Cheers,

jahboo

 

An unhappy M1330 owner can be found here.

www.obscurehideout.com

Has the build quality increased significantly since then? (Granted, this review was from August 07).

 

Yeah, it's fine now, on my unit at least. No dents/wobble/sticking out covers (apart from the remote, but that doesn't matter).

Only annoying thing is having to put something between the screen and keyboard when carrying, lets it get scratched.