Dell XPS 1530 or Studio 15?

I've finally given up on the Alienware m15x, right now I'm thinking between the XPS and Studio. In regular price, there is a $500 dollar canadian difference between the two with the same build.

XPS $2,089:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.5GHz/800Mhz FSB, 6MB Cache)
Genuine Windows® Vista Ultimate Edition SP1
Tuxedo Black
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LED LCD (1440x900) & 2.0 M
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600M GT
8X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition

Studio ($1,589):
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9300 (2.5GHz/800Mhz FSB/6MB cache)
Genuine Windows® Vista Home Premium Edition SP1
Ruby Red
Hi Resolution/Bright, glossy widescreen 15.4 WLED display (1440x900)
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450
8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Dell Wireless 1510 802.11n Half Mini-Card
56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy™ Advanced HD Software Edition

There are some differences between the two though I try to keep them both at the same level. The biggest difference is probably the graphic card
Geforce 8600m GT vs ati radeon hd 3450. Which is the better graphic card? Is it worth the $500 difference? Is "slot-load" drive more expensive? What are the advantages?

Finally, the weird thing that I want to ask is Studio charge $50 more for the Hi Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1920x1200) while XPS charges $50 less for the higher resolution, why is that? Is it because XPS 1530 is not widescreen?

 

Well, the obvious difference is that the 8600M GT is a passable gaming card, while the Raedon HD 3450 isn't so much. So I guess the bottom line is, if you want to game (and if you were leaning towards Alienware, then I'm guessing that you do) then the XPS is a better choice. If you're not interested in gaming, then the Studio at $500 cheaper would be a better deal.

Also, the slot load drive is nice and I prefer it to a traditional tray (few things feel more flimsy and prone to breakage than a notebook DVD/CD tray) but I'd never make a notebook choice because of it.

 

oh im definitely not a gamer, i was leaning towards Alienware just for the lights haha... but the 256mb HD 3450 is weak? How about the 3650 on the 17inch studio? well i don't need high end but don't want horrible as well, I don't game, most I do for now is just movies, in the future I'm not sure..

 

The HD3650 on the 17" Studio is about equal to a 8600M GT. A HD3450 is about equal to like a Nvidia 8300/9300 graphics chip, both lowend graphics chips for basic 3D needs not games. The HD3650 and 8600M GT are midrange graphics which are pretty good for games.

If you don't play games then Intel onboard graphics should do you fine.

 

I'd get the studio. If my second replacement XPS isn't perfect, i'm getting my money back and getting a Studio.

 

Get a Studio UNLESS there is a major discount for the XPS, which is unlikely in canada.

Considering you even considered purchasing the Alienware m15x, if you want to be able to max out many games and play games at high settings, the XPS is for you, even if its not as cheap as studio, it has a killer graphics card and the price point is lower than the alienware m15x even if you max it out.

 

How in the world are you spending $2,089 on an XPS 1530???
I bought one with the same specs even with 4gb of ram included for $1500.

 

Configuring a Studio 15 today with specs not quite as good as my XPS M1530 is actually more expensive then what I paid for my M1530 in the beginning of the month.

 

The one in my sig was only 1300$. I recommend getting some dell coupons. (I saved over 400$ with one)

 

Check the Outlet for M1530s before you buy. You might find a great deal.

They are both comparable just depends if you want to save the money.

 

Like I said earlier, unless a 25% off coupon arises, which is not going to happen in canada, it most likely won't happen.

 

Go Here to buy an XPS 1530 with all the specs you mentioned for about $1449.00 (Canadian). About $600 cheaper.
http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=cadhs1&l=en&OC=N15302V_F_2E

 

m153- does come with a slot load drive, thats the only option i had.

 

yeah canada has different coupons than the usa does

 

I would just go with xps1530 because the tech support is better or wait until 1540 released

 

or 1550.

 

Same here...I still love my 1530 and at this point wouldn't change...
(except the wait for the Mini I)

 

i want to thank everyone who replied, i noe how u guys try to recommend xps m1530 with coupons but the reason i compare them using regular price is because i won't be buying a laptop until the end of summer, so sale prices will change.
the xps m1540/1550 that two people mentioned confuses me, is it a coming soon or just bs? cuz it's not on the website

 

The XPS M1540/50 is just speculation given next month's release of Centrino 2 notebooks. The 1330 has been out now for about a year, so it's definitely getting replaced this summer and it's possible that the 1530 may get replaced as well due to the Centrino 2 switchover. I don't think Dell can continue to sell the outdated 1530 until October/November.

There's even a possibility of a XPS M1640 with Acer & Sony both releasing 16.4" models which would give people a true 16:9 aspect ratio for watching videos. Maybe the 1730 would be dropped then.

 

I think its a little more than "just speculation". With Montevina, I think there will certainly be a model change in all of Dell's XPS offerings. The m13xx, m15xx, m16xx (possibly?), and m17xx that replace the current offerings will all sport the new platform and new line of processors. Especially now, with the release of the studio notebook, I think Dell needs to do something more with the XPS line to differentiate it from the Studio. Before with just the inspiron and XPS lines, the XPS was at a major advantage with both design and components. The studio has reduced this gap. Thus, there will probably be a design change or at the least a model change.

 

look for some deals there out there


XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800MHzFSB, 3M L2 Cache)
Tuxedo Black
4GB, DDR2, 667MHz
15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MP Camera
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Dell 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR
2 In Home Year Limited Warranty
McAfee Security 9.0, 3-Year Subscription(Which I wont use system HOG)
2 Day Shipping
$1248.00 +Tax

 

A spokesperson from Dell recently said that they would be releasing a large number of new notebook models in the second half which began today. New 13xx and 15xx models are probably days away from at the very least being leaked by the online media, if not officially introduced by Dell. With the combination of Centrino 2's arrival this month and back to school sales, July/August would be the time for the new XPS models to arrive.

 

Sure they can wait until september/october to release their new notebooks. All summer long places have "back to school" sales and discounts. They're going to give those sales on the current tech while they can get it for cheap. They'll wait until the rush of school buyers is over. At least, that's what generally happens. Release them in september-november and you build up hype for the holiday season.

 

Yeah they can, Studio 15 and 17 are the fodder for back to school. After back to school hype is over and school gets into October, USUALLY notebook sales slow, but... Dell pumps out the new XPS to keep momentum going. Quite an efficient tactic.

 

Exactly. Forte got it.

 

Do you have any source for this?

 

wow we must be overpriced in New Zealand, I've ordered a XPS 1530 for $2500

Specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.5GHz, 6MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB
Vista Ultimate
15.4" Widescreen WXGA+ (1440x900) TFT Display with TrueLife
Tuxedo Black with 2.0 megapixel cam
4GB ( 2 X 2048MB ) 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
400GB SATA Hard Drive
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
Integrated Stereo Sound

I'm pretty noob at this ****.
wata ya guys thnk?

 

Is that NZD$2500 = US$1716? If so, it seems you are paying full price before discounts. Can you buy from USA "Home" website, pay by VISA and export? Would an import duty apply? I compared prices yesterday before and after Dell discounts (coupons not applied) and Dell Home actually had a lower net price after discounts than did Dell EPP (business affiliate employee website). As posted last night, my M1530 ordered yesterday cost US$1200 + sales tax http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=301893