Inspiron 1520 v XPS M1530

Out of curiosity I looked at configuring a M1530 similar to that of my current Inspiron 1520. My current Inspiron 1520 is configured as follows:


Intel® Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
4 GB RAM (2 x 2 GB Kingston)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
160GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
4Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Accidental Damage and LoJack Theft Protection to 4Yr Warr.
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)

Got a great deal through Dell U for about $1300, plus another $100 for the aftermarket RAM.

Configuring a M1530 of similar specs, it's costing me $1600 or so plus the extra $100 for RAM puts me at $1700. This is also without all of the 4 year warranties...

The only major difference I noticed was the Hard Drive on the XPS has a Free Fall Sensor. Besides that, all of the specs seemed to be the same.

With all of the warranties I have, I'd guess that it'd be in the range of $2,000 or so. I know I did originally get a great deal on the Inspiron 1520, but what is so good about an XPS with similar stats that would make it cost so much more for a computer that seemingly does the same thing?

 

Well, for one the XPS 8600gt video card has ddr3 ram, which will give it some advantage in gaming. Its also thinner, lighter, looks cooler (imo) and has a fingerprint reader Aside from that not too much difference. Both laptops will do well of course. I looked into the inspirons but decided on the xps which should be here on thursday. Personally i think if you are getting such a powerful laptop you should go with the xps and 1 year full waranty with accident (you can extend it later), it just seems like better quality.

Good luck deciding
all the best

 

I have about 7 days left on the 21 days to return my Inspiron 1525 to get an XPS. It's not something I have been contemplating for a while, but actually something I just recently decided to look into.

I just wanted to see why the XPS systems were more expensive. I guess the sleeker design and the few extras like HDMI, functional headphone jacks, and fingerprint reader help jack up the price some.

 

GDDR3 [vs 8600M GT DDR2 on the Inspiron]
Thinner and lighter
HDMI
Fingerprint reader
2 headphone jacks [have you tried your 1520's headphone jacks?]
XPS support, I guess it's different?
Slot-loading drive

That's all I can remember.

 

Yeah, the droning noise is horrible for the headphone jack.

Do you think there is anyway to use the XPS instant savings of the preset special at $1399 with $669 of savings, but then let you downgrade it to 1 GB of RAM (I already purchased 4 GB)? On the site you can't, but I wonder if you could over the phone....

 

scythie pretty much sums up the differences above.

I've just ordered a M1530 and prior to that the Inspirons were on my shortlist.

I chose the XPS for a few reasons. Primarily the headphone issue on the Inspirons and the fact that the UK Dell site no longer offer the 8600GT on them (they're obviously pushing the XPS quite hard over here).

I could have still specced up a Vostro 1500 (as they still offer the 8600GT) to the same level, but with the current discounts the difference in price was less than £100 (200USD) in relation to my XPS.

Also, it's my birthday this coming week, so I thought I'd treat myself to somthing a bit special!

 

I tried doing that with a dell rep and was denied lol.......I have 4GB of memory too. You can try on the phone......its a waste of time online lol

 

Any other comments or suggestions on how to get an XPS with similar specs at the same price of my inspiron?

 

You're option seems to be either:

1 - Return you 1520 for a refund and wait for a good deal on an M1530. The risk is you may have to wait a long time.
2 - Call your Dell rep, tell them you're not happy with your 1520 and intend to return it for a refund. Ask about upgrading to the M1530 and see what kind of deal they can give you. If it's a case of having to refund you or upgrade you, they may make you a deal to keep the order.

You could of course keep it, sounds like you got a good spec for a good price.

Good luck!

 

Thanks, I'll see what I can get out of them...