Finally set on the Dell XPS M1530... any opinions on my specs?

Hello everybody, after searching the Dell Inspiron 15, studio 15, Inspiron 1525 I've decided to pay a bit more and get a better quality unit.
Are there any common problems/defects/flaws with these units?
I know the Studio 15 has issues with speakers cracking/low volume and multimedia touchpad problems.

After seaching, I can't really find many problems with these units.
Can anybody look over my specs on what I plan to purchase and give some insight?

I want to get the best 'bang for my buck' and want to be able to purchase my first laptop with ease and not have much stress afterwards haha

Catalog Number: 70702 NX15_F_1E

XPS M1530 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-bit
Tuxedo Black
Memory 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
LCD, Color and camera High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD(1440x900) & 2MP Camera
Video Card 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS
Dell Printer Driver Windows Vista™ Premium
Hard Drives Size: 320GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Software - Adobe Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 9.0
Combo or DVD+RW Drive Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
Sound Card High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Networking Cards Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Primary Battery 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Services 1 Year Return to Depot Service and Technical Support


Thank you for any help!

bart

 

Get a 8600m GT and a 7200rpm harddrive (will load faster)

 

Sorry I forgot to mention what it's purpose is.

The ram/HDD I don't mind 'lower spec' as I will upgrade down the road.
The video card, I'm not much into gaming so I don't need a good one.

I have a PS3 for all my gaming needs but just need a good laptop that will play music good, movies and travel around with me.


But everything else seems fine?

 

common flaws? Umm, well, the 8600gt was prone to failing, although some say this has been fixed. Dell do offer an extra year warranty for the gpu so not really a huge problem either way.

some people experience HD ticking, where the HD makes an access like sound every few seconds or so. I experienced this. However, with HDparm the problem is gone and, to be honest, this seems to be effecting pretty much every notebook to some extent.

So far I have had my m1530 and, aside from the slightly loud HD, i love it. I even like the keyboard that so many complain about. I got the 1200x800 screen and i am glad i did. everything seems very clear and i can play games at a lower res and they still look supersharp - meaning i get great framerates with no real loss in quality.

 

Thanks proninja, yea I've read the video card issues, the HDD noise and the heating but I think they'd be all fixed by now since this unit has been out for a bit now.

The HDD I will replace down the road anyways.


What about the screen that I selected? is that a pretty good display? or should I get the LED display?

 

as for your graphic card I can tell you that ive never gotten any heating problems with mine...and ive had my laptop for over a year now. it idles around 58'c and 72'c at the max

 

Thanks, I am going to do the order in a few min/hours when I have some time.

What about the LED display? from my searching, LED seems to be more clear/better on battery life also?

is that correct?

 

led is suppose to be lighter,easier on the eyes and uses less battery...if i could upgrade i would....so i recommend you to get it

 

i woudl say get bette rprocessor and graphics card... just get the graphics card.. the 8400 AND 8600 are both rumored to be bad, so why not?

the LED screen is optional.... theres no decrease in thickness and u only get light + brighter... maybe, but if the cost is >$150, then no

are you in london, ontario or usa?

 

Well I don't need the better video card anyways really, I'm not much into gaming as I mentioned. And the games I like to play would work with a intel based video card haha


and I'm in London Ontario, Canada

 

Get what works for you. Your pricing is a bit higher in CA, isn't it.

I have the 1530 also, and have what's supposed to be the *bad GPU* but I haven't had any probs. I like the extra one year warranty on it because of that.

I'm not a gamer...and this lappy has worked out great for me!

If I had a choice in a new 1530, I would definitely get the LED res. 1440x900.
The 9 cell is a great batt', as it gives you some nice elevation and ventilation in the back

Cin

 

Thanks everybody

I think I am set on the PC but now I don't know if I want the LED screen or not.

I wonder how much the LED screen helps with power conservation compared to the standard LCD in the same resolution?

 

Glad we all could help you.

I don't have LED so I can't comment...But my power conservation is really good with my LCD. Plus, you can set power savings on your lappy! I like that!

Cin

 

Thanks again, I'm just paranoid that I'll order this laptop and get something like 2 hours 1 min of battery time under power savings mode haha


I've been at the order page for over 1 hour deciding if I want LCD or not. Any bit that helps save power I want it but not sure if its really worth it.

 

Nope, either battery choice is good! Me = 9 cell, and I also have the 6 cell. I *bounce* between them. 6 cell when out and about

Either choice you make in the screens will be a good one. I'm going with LED on my next notebook purchase!


Cin

 

Get the LED and don't look back.

 

The 8400 was prone to failing, the 8600 was less prone to failing. if you don't do gaming the 86 would last a very long time since it won't be stressed.,

 

i dont know what you are saying...he wont be gaming so how would it get stressed?

 

I have the LED on mine and couldn't be happier that I went for that option.

 

/nevermind

my order has been acknowledged!