I've decided to buy the m1330

After my previous 8-year-old Dell notebook died on me recently (only via my own fault), I've spent a VERY LONG time researching and agonizing which new notebook to get. My choices were narrowed down to the Sony SR, the Dell m1330, and the new SXPS 13. (In case you aren't aware, they still the m1330 on clearance starting at $799).

I've decided the SXPS is not for me. I love the 1330 design and it's also a bit thinner and lighter, which is important for me. I am also disappointed in hearing the hundreds of stories about the overheating issues in the SXPS 13 and they needed to have their motherboards, GPUs, and screens replaced because of it. I don't want to pay top dollar and put myself through all this. The specs of the 1330 are a bit outdated, but they are fine for me overall.

There seems to be disagreement over whether the overheating issue in the m1330 GPU has been resolved or not. I've read and been told that 1330s that ship since early this year use the fixed version of the previously flawed nVidia 8400M GS, and therefore the problem is solved. Have newer owners of 1330s found this to be true? Or have there been problems anyway?

I tend to have my computer run all the time, but I don't really do heavy stuff on it. I do not play games at all. I do photoshop CS4 stuff once in a while, I watch movies in full screen, and sometimes I edit videos in Premiere. I think I'll get a cooler for the notebook too. Do you think it'll last me 2-3 years without a problem?

 

I say if your going for the M1330 XPS do the copper mod.
Yes there are issues with the SXPS but there's issues with most laptops.
I'm sure there othere brands you could also look at MSI, IBM but still I have been using my M1330 since 2007 and still gone strong.
Good luck with your buy.

 

Do you the Nvidia GPU or the intel integrated chip?

 

well it depends on how you'll use your stuff buddy...i've been using my dell laptop for 3 years and it really works, i don't have any problem on it... so again it depends on how you'll use your notebook... oh i really like your notebook btw...try also to research and read some feedbacks from m1330 users

 

I have the Nvidia GPU in mine and the wife has intel plus one other Nvidia GPU M1330 XPS.
The only problem I had was high temps in summer as it very hot here but since I did my mod its been very stable other than that for me its a great rig.

 

My 1330's been great. As Russian says though, do the copper mod and you'll never have any problems.

 

Forget about the m1330. There are plenty of other laptops.

 

I honestly cannot find one that fits my needs and likes as much as the m1330 and I've been searching for a month. The only one that slightly may compare is one of the Sony VAIOs but that's about it. I have yet to see any laptop so sleek and thin as the 1330 with all the specs that it has.

 

I don't think there is a fix for the Nvidia overheating issue (8400GS) - at least not that I'm aware of. The copper mod is a temporary method to reduce temperatures but it is certainly not a guarantee that it would not fail again. Also doing this mod will void your warranty. This is the main reason why I don't recommend the m1330 for any prospective buyer.

I would suggest getting X301 or T400s if you don't need to run graphics intensive applications. If you must get the m1330, I would go for one with Intel integrated graphics.