Buying soon, couple of questions

Hey like a lot of other people posting, I'm buying the 1530 for college. I'm just wondering if you guys think Dell will upgrade the 1530 before August? I can't decide if I should wait it out, or just buy it now. Also, would you guys highly recommend the 1680x1050 screen over the 1440x900, I'm not sure how big of a difference it would be? Thanks for the replies, can't wait to place an order.

 

Montevina updates are in their roadmaps for their business line, and pretty much everyone is going to update by late July or early August.

Personally I would recommend the lower resolution screen on the 15.4" unless you don't mind smaller font size or work with photos. Also, games will run better at a lower, native resolution.

As for waiting or not waiting, I would wait if you can. Things will only get cheaper.

 

I agree with adaptive mostly here. Waiting can never hurt with technology. Either you will get a better product or it'll prolly be cheaper.

As for the resolution, I personally like a high resolution (I have 1920X1200 on my 17" widescreen), and so I would recommend the 1680X1050. But if you have a chance try to go and see each of the resolutions on a computer if you can.

NOTE: In order for you to really understand the resolutions they must be the native resolutions of a 15.4" notebook.

Hope this helps!

 

About the resolution : Personally I think 1680x1050 for a 15" is bit too much (especially for icons and text) unless you don't mind changing DPI, which IMO doesn't look as nice as standard (96) dpi. Better look at an actual 15" with that resolution and decide.

BTW I use 1680x1050 on my external 22” and find it just about right.

 

I like the 1440x900 LED, the LED is alittle brighter and it is really nice..

Make sure you get at least a T8300 or something or the laptop wont be as good as it should be..

Also, get the least amount of RAM, which is 2GB, call and ask for 1GB if you want, save yourself more money.. then buy a 4GB somewhere else like newegg for like $50..

If you have a question about hard drive, i would get a higher capacity at 5400RPM rather than a MUCH lower capacity at 7200RPM, it isnt that much faster..

Any other questions?

 

I use 1680x1050 on my 15.4" Inspiron 6000 series. Make sure you are nice to your machine, as I bought this one 2 1/2 years ago for school and it has been destroyed. I am going to the Latitude series, as the Inspirons (at least this model and the E1505) just don't hold up as nicely to traveling around and being tossed in a bookbag each day.

 

The 1060x1050 screen is no longer offered by Dell, AFAIK. I personnally recommend the 1440x900 LED LCD. Very nice screen.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I want to place an order today, but I'm just scared they'll update the processor or something within the next month. Do you guys think I should pull the trigger?

 

Hi,
That's entirely up to you..ordering now or waiting

You just stated *I want to place an order today* but....and then *Do you guys think I should pull the trigger?* It sounds like you want to order, but are hesitant, because there maybe a newer processor in the new future.

Technology is always changing..you wait one day you lose on a good deal..or, you get a great deal That choice is yours!!

You need it before August? That's a couple of months away..as the OP's stated a few things can happen bet. now and then.

If it were me, I would probably order now...I couldn't wait til then..I played the waiting game, when I should've just ordered my 1530 when I knew I really wanted it

Good luck to you!!

 

1440x900 is perfect for me. If I were you I would wait a little unless you really need it now.

 

I had the same debate as you - should I wait or not. But then, i found an incredible deal on dell outlet that cinched it for me. I know that even if the deal hadn't come along, I would have wasted a ton more time in the next 2 months checking forums every day etc. I decided my peace of mind was worth it and decided to take the plunge.

 

What deal would that be?

 

I'd highly recommend 1680 LED... if there was such thing...

Though it is unlikely as even Dell's Alienwares and 17 inchers don't have WSXGA. I dont understand why they are taking away the middle ground that is really the best res for a 15.4 inch laptop imo. It doesn't make any sense, though i find it unlikely that they will bring WSXGA+ back even with a new refresh just because if they had a chance in offering it, they would probably have it in other lines as well such as alienware and such.

Though supposedly some europeans still have the option of WSXGA correct me if im wrong, if so, I guess its Dell's compensation for LED?

 

Yeah both dell and AW pretty much just carry 1440X900 or 1920X1200... not really sure why they don't have 1680X1050. Guess we may never know... :S

 

Take it from somebody who just graduated college, don't get anything lower than 1680x1050. I can't tell you how valuable it was for writing papers and researching to be able to run multiple documents parallel on my display, especially research journals, websites, syllabi, etc, with a paper on the other side.

 

I agree. It is nice to be able to run a couple of different windows on one screen without minimizing.

 

lol well now I'm stuck... they don't offer the 1680x1050 anymore, and I think the higher res one would be way too much on a 15" screen. my current 20" monitor is 1680x1050 and it seems to fit well. i'm confused lol

 

Tough decision, but perhaps this will make up your mind:

Nicely equipped system for $1199

You'll be hard pressed to find a better deal on this system. (Click "View configuration details" for more detailed listing)

 

it says theres nothing in my cart when i click that link

 

Damn I'm about to buy that $1199 m1530 but the only screen resolution avaliable is the 1920x1200 and I really want the LED screen. Do you guys think I could call them and talk'em into it?

 

They won't change it as it's a preconfigured system. You're a college student, you'll want the higher resolution.

 

1920*1200 IMHO is much better~ 1080p ^.^

 

Resolutionwise it is better, but totally not every other display-related thing wise. Though I wouldn't mind it being 1920x1200 just because the price is pretty cheap. You might be able to change your order. Try it out and see, call Dell CSRs.

 

Yeah I got the XPS M1530 deal that was happening back on Friday. Same deal basically. Which is why I ended up with the 1920x1200 screen as well. I figured I can deal with it, sincE I too am a college student. I prefer higher resolutions, but 1920x1200 on a 15.4" screen really is crazy. I couldn't pass up the deal either though.

 

I am thinking about catching a ride on this deal also, but am still having some doubts. I don't know if I should up about warranty (college - is one year warranty enough?), or call to get LED (is the FULL HD too small?).

 

Warrantywise, one year is good enough. Chances are, by the time you do have major problems, there will be cheaper models out there that are better than the one you already have.

In terms of LED vs. HD non-LED, that is the biggest and most frustrating decision I had to make. Though I went with LED in the end after switching from WSXGA+ to WUXGA, then finally hopping onto WXGA+ LED. Reasons why here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=258291

Sure there is bias, but my bias is based on my observation on the forums, reviews, research, and looking at other peoples screens. So, think of it more as what convinced myself to get one.

 

The Latitudes still offer 1680x1050, just a thought.