M1330 well-known problems

I'm in decision making phase of choosing a notebook. I like Dell XPS M1330. But I've heard about many problems it has.

Here is a list of well-known problems of M1330 that I heard about:

1) CPU whining
2) Build quality issue
3) A07 BIOS problems
4) big sound of DVD driver

Are these problems still there in newly produced M1330s? Are there any other well-known unsolved problems of M1330 that are not listed?

Thanks in advance.

 

I ordered my m1330 about four weeks ago and I've had it for a week. Here's my answers to your questions:

1) Non existent -no CPU whining.

2) I think it's the best built laptop I've ever owned -so good that my next laptop will be an XPS.

3) I have A08 or A09 -not sure. I'll check the next time it boots.

4) The DVD drive makes some noise when I insert and eject a disk -they all do. It's not loud, and while spinning a disk it makes less noise than the tray loader in my old Asus A8js.

I was a little nervous about getting an m1330 from all of the complaints that I read on this forum, but I couldn't be happier with the laptop! Get the travel charger when you order -as thin as a deck of playing cards and not much bigger in length or width...

 

Me too have not had any of them problems either with it and has been going pretty good so far. I've only had it for almost 2 weeks now and did a little video editing with it yesterday and it did pretty good for only having 1gig of ram I will be upgrading to 2 gigs as soon as I can afford it too! I'd definitely get another dell XPS M1330 if I had the money they are awesome.

 

Hey, has anyone here compared the m1330 to the Sony SZ series? Just wondering if they have similar "issues" or not.

 

I had TONS of issues with my 1330. But I have to say that customer service was awesome, AWESOME. They took care of issues quickly, and when they determined that I had a lemon, they gave me a new one. Build quality on this one is great. It's an awesome laptop at an awesome price. I've heard the Sony is great too, but for about a grand more. Only issue I have on this is the occassional "clunk" sound from the Samsung HD (HM250JI). Apparently this is not a problem, but rather something to do with the samsung firmware. Maybe just request that you get something other than a Samsung HDD in yours?

Hope this helps.

 

Got my m1330 about a month ago with the T8100 and Geforce 8400 gs.

1) I got some CPU whine but it really doesn't bother me. Haven't even contacted support about it, although it might be a good thing for future reference
2) Quality was the first thing that hit me when I lifted it out of the box. It's amazing.
3) Updated from A08 to A09 as soon as I got it, very easy to do and hasn't had any BIOS related problems at all (I think, see below).
4) The DVD drive doesn't produce any more sound than any other slot-in, and apart from the non-disturbing "suck in" noise it does during start up, it's all quiet when it's empty.

The problems that I do have is that my computer freezes frequently when I put it to sleep. I'm not sure if this is a Vista (got Swedish Vista, so not running SP1 which supposedly should fix "sleep problems") issue, a Dell issue or a BIOS issue. Also, the sound doesn't go automagically to my tv when I plugin the HDMI cable which is quite annoying but easily fixable by choosing HDMI as sound output within whichever media player I'm running.

 

Also, at the risk of sounding like a "fan boy", the quality and performance of the m1330 is so good that my next laptop will be an XPS. I'm a network engineer who comes into contact with a lot of different computer equipment and this new laptop just blows me away...

 

Since the HDMI also doubles as DVI out (with a cable or adapter), it makes sense to not automatically switch the audio over, since many people (yours truly included) use it that way, and do want the sound to continue to emanate from its default sound card and not from their LCD which can't handle the sound.

 

You're certainly right there, but would the option to chose behavior be too much to ask? (if I've missed something here, do tell )

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Go to Dell's download site, download the A09 bios. It's an .exe file. Run the .exe, your computer will reboot, done. Something like that, don't remember the exact details but I was astounded that I didn't have to do anything except run the file and it took care of the rest by itself, totally superduper convenient.

 

I purchased an M1330 from the Outlet and I have had no issues at all. I would say the build quality is good. A friend at work just bought a Sony 'SZ' notebook, I think it is a better unit. Of course the price was 2.5 thousand.

 

Ahh, that's what I'm looking for... in what ways do you think the SZ is better?

Thanks!

 

The first thing I noticed was the screen, that 'Ecobrite' Sony screen is damn nice. I thought the XPS screen was good, but there was a difference in color and clarity when you put them side by side.

It did seem to be better built. Everything seem to fit together better on the SZ. The seams between the various panels like the palm rest, the side pieces around the screen were all evenly spaced, where as with mine a seam on one side is wider than the other side. This shows me they pay atttention to details.

It was very quiet. I also liked the magnesium metal they use too.

But, because of the price is it a fair comparison? She paid 2600.00 dollars for it.

 

Good point, but aren't there less expensive SZ configurations?

It would be interesting to do an exact "spec-by-spec" price comparison. Anyone feeling bored?

 

how do I know if I ahev A09 already

 

When you boot, and get the blue Dell logo in the middle of the screen, it shows the BIOS version just below it.

 

Never mind figured it out. It was easy to download and install.
Thanks so much,

 

Never had that.

Buid Quality is good. Could be better IMO.

My M1330 came with the A08 so I can't comment.

My M-a-t-s-u-s-h-i-t-a driver is "a bit" noisy.
But only when inserting/ejecting disks so not an issue for me.

.

 

Thanks.
Anyone has experience of the problems?

 

Mine had the whine but I sorted that with RMClock.

 

RMClock, a CPU frequency automatic adjustment tool as I know, for resolving CPU whine, I don't understand......

 

I use it to undervolt my processor to make it run cooler and also disable popup and popdown which stops the whine. RMClock allows you to adjust many processor features.

 

You can also use NHC [Notebook Hardware Control] to underclock processors IIRC. Now to answer OPs questions:

1) Whine wasn't an issue - my 1330 is pretty quiet.
2) It has above average build. Expect the palmrest to dent if you drop something heavy and pointy (like say you dropped your phone and it fell such that the corner of the phone hit the palmrest first)
3) I haven't checked out what version my BIOS is, but so far it has been smooth sailing.
4) The DVD drive is a bit noisy while inserting and ejecting the disc. While in operation everything is pretty mild and smooth.

I got my 1330 refurbished from Outlet about 3 weeks ago or so. Let's say 2.5.

 

So lowering CPU frequency can solve the CPU whine. But when the frequency is lowered, you cannot use the full power of the computer. Isn't it a pity?

 

I adore my 1330 I have the 9500 but it does vibrate when I put
my hands on it. And I noticed many other types at Best buy did too
but the 1330 Santa Rosa didn't.

So I'm thinking it's the new chip
but it's not like the first one I got , it's more subtle but
It does bug sometimes....

 

Bump. Close to my buying day.

 

1) CPU whining --- non -issue on mine, very quiet machine

2) Build quality issue --- no issues here

3) A07 BIOS problems --- mine came with A08

4) big sound of DVD driver --- non issue a little noise loading or ejecting but smooth otherwise

Mine was delivered end of March. Hope that helps.

 

My first unit had the ubiquitous keyboard bulge problem, which I improved myself (not perfect).

My replacement unit (for other build reason) didn't have the keyboard bulge problem at all.

 

Thanks to all.

 

I'm seriously considering buying this notebook for my girlfriend. Can you guys tell me what's the difference between the 4 and 6 cell as far as battery life goes. And also is the LED screen worth the upgrade? Thanks

 

As far as I know, there are 6-cell and 9-cell batteries. Not 4 and 6.

Somewhere on Dell's site says that 9-cell provides half more battery life, if my memory is correct.

A dealer of Dell (I'm not sure if he's a genuine Dell employee) told me that 9-cell provides about half an hour more than 6-cell, which has at least 2.5 hours battery life.

I'm not sure if I can trust either of them.

 

Also to when I ordered mine it would since I picked the Nvidia Graphics would only let me choose the 6 or 9 cell battery, I chose the 9 cell for obvious reasons and it wouldn't let ya select anything less then the 6 cell at least that is what I experienced anyways!

P.S. They have the best support for a computer that I've ever experienced anywhere's!

 

DOHXPSFan: How is your 9-cell battery life?

 

Got mine a month ago...no problems here build quality is great!