M1330 vs M1530 and other general advice needed

So I need a new laptop and I'm pretty much decided that it is going to be either the 1330 or the 1530. I'm leaning towards the 1330 (because of the size and portability) but all the threads about problems is making me a little nervous. So I have some questions for the better informed people here.
Are the quality issues from the 1330 addressed on the 1530? It sounds as if they are better made, but anyone with first hand knowledge can probably give a better answer.
Because I am in Canada, we still can't seem to get the LED screen on the 1330, but is that really a big, big deal?
I'm not really planning on playing games on it, so what processors/graphic set up would people recommend. I'm currently using an old Inspiron 600m, so am not used to blinding speed. And the majority of what I do is the usual kind of desktop publishing, writing and internet stuff. Nothing too major, but some Photoshop and film editing from time to time too.
I want good value for money and if the M1330 isn't problem-free enough, I could always go for the 1550 and then pick up something else for traveling like the Asus EEE, espcially because of the 1550 being a little bit cheaper.
Any suggestions for the specs to go for would be greatly appreciated, and also putting my mind at ease about the M1330's "issues". I'm new to the forum, so be gentle with me...

 

from what ive seen the m1530 seems to have less problems

 

M1530 has evolved from M1330 and has therefore skipped those problems. Currently neither of the two have any issues.

 

So the latest M1330s can be ordered worry-free? If that's the case then that pretty much answers the first question.
But I'm still not sure what the minimum set up I can get away with and not compromise performance completely.

 

I wouldn't say it's worry free. With any piece of equipment you take the chance of getting a lemon or something that has issues. For the most part, the kinks seem to have been worked out of the newer m1330s. It was sort of a training ground for the m1530 which thus far has started out with fewer issues. I think you'd be relatively safe going with either at this point.

 

I'm still coming to a decision, but I just e-mailed Customer Service in Canada to see exactly why we are being screwed out of all the good deals on the XPS notebooks.
Going by the latest deals on the M1330, a well equipped model costs $700 more for the same specs. I've asked them why they won't match that kind of deal and I will happily share the response. If I get one...

 

I would make your decision based on what you would be happier with later on. One major advantage to the M1330 is the size and portability. I know you say you can get a eee pc for travel. But I have used one (my friend owns one) and it's not the best. The keyboard is so tiny. The screen is only 7 inches and the thing only gets about 2 hours at most from the battery when watching video, 3 and a half hours if just surfing. With the M1330 you have something that will last alot longer on battery life. I to am from Canada and looked into the LED thin and light display and decided i was what I wanted. So I ordered one from the states. Mine also is coming with a 4yr warranty that will be transferred to me.

$1571 US total including delivery price.

(1) NEW (not refurbished) Dell XPS M1330 Laptop with the following specifications:

Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.2ghz processor (800mhz FSB, 4MB cache)
Windows Vista Home Premium
Tuxedo Black color
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667mhz RAM
Slim and Light LED Display with VGA camera
128mb GeForce 8400m GS Video card
160GB SATA 7200RPM Hard drive
DVD-RW (dvd and cd burner)
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N wifi card
Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)
15months McAfee SecurityCenter
6 cell AND 9 cell battery
4 year warranty
1 year lojack
Biometric fingerprint reader
Datasafe 10gb online backup for 1 year


If this were specked by dell.ca and if canada offered the LED display then the cost would have been $2500. If it was purchased from dell.com then it would have cost $1900. So either way it's less money.

I am selling my old 640M to my roommate, is a good laptop just to big and heavy. I thought about going fro the M1530 and just find it to big. The only reason to get a bigger XPS system is for gaming. Otherwise make good use of the thin and light M1330. buy with warranty and be worry free.

Just some food for thought. In the end it is what you really want for yourself. Go with what you want most.

 

IMO, the m1330 is a much sexier (due to it's size) and attractive machine than the m1530.

I got the m1330 when it came out and my machine was relatively free of problems. One minor cosmetic issue which I got an excellent discount for.

Keep in mind that you only hear about the negative experiences here. All the people that bought the m1330 and DIDN'T have a problem will have no need to search out this forum and make a post.

The CCFL screen on my m1330 is fine......there's NOTHING wrong with it at all and I find it hard to justify the extra money for something which may only provide slight advantages in comparison.

Worst case scenario, you order the m1350 and aren't happy with it......return it and get the m1530.

 

agreed. Though the LED display is much thinner, lighter and sucks up alot less battery juice.

 

Only by 2-3 millimeters....

Marginally....

Subjective depending on MANY factors.

 

The weight and thickness of the LED screen compared to the regular one is miniscule and the price just isn't justified IMO. I say save the money and buy yourself an extra battery.

BTW, does anyone have any exact numbers on how much battery life you save with the LED. I'm thinking it may not be all that significant.

 

I heard from a topic in this forum that said a xps m1330 equipped with LED screen can save the battery for up to 40 minutes. But I think, it depends on how you use the notebook itself. Every person might get a different result. An extra battery is a good advice too if you are not very considered of your bag's weight. I heard there are 0.2 lbs difference in weight if you configure the xps m 1330 with CCFL display, if you bring another battery, it safe to think the difference will be 0.4 or so.

 

The thin LED display is .31lbs lighter .10 inches thinner and average battery life savings between 40 mins and an hour.

Might be minuscule to some, to me it's a difference, the biggest difference is the weight reduction. One of the major reasons I say it's best to have is that the XPS M1330 was designed to be as thin and light as possible.

 

The battery savings is a best case scenario number which was calculated under ideal circumstances.

 

I was actually basing the time on what users on this forum and the web have reported. There are many reviews out there and enough users posting about the power savings.

 

Are there any pictures of the xps m1330 and m1530 side by side. i'd like to see the size difference.

 

there is actually a vedio on you tube ... jus search XPS M1530

here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBcvxrXybTM

 

when do you think they will stop the 799 offer