M1330: Worth buying now?

Hello,

I was looking into buying a new laptop, and the M1330 looked like the best candidate. However, as I was looking into it, I heard of all the GPU overheating problems. Is that still much of an issue today? Is it worth buying it if I'm looking for using it for 3 years or so?

 

The GPU issue does exist, but there have been reports that they have been fixed. In any case, if u get it with a warranty, this issue will be covered... also, dell will be coming out with the details of a free 12 month warranty extension... so I would say, yes, get this system or even look at the 1530 or one of the studio models, if you wished to avoid the nvidia cards..

 

The GPU issue is still there, I'm getting mine tomorrow and I'm calling Dell immediately to send it back. I'm going for the Vaio SR or Z instead. Check the thread called "1 year owner of Dell XPS M 1330" and make up your mind about it.

Off Topic:
Does anyone know if there's a fee for sending it back? Could the fee maybe be avoided if I complained about problems with the GPU?

 

that does not mean the people getting their 1330' now are gonna have the same problem 1 year from now.... also it would be highly unlikely the they are shipping systems with defective units.. I am sure they aren't that dumb either.. and in this case, you should be avoiding any brand that comes with a nVidia inside.. anyways, your choice.

 

Well, the thread contains reports of people who owned it a lot shorter than a year already. I also think that Dell rather get rid of the defective GPUs by selling them rather than trashing them, people with new M1330 also have the heat problem (GPU reaching 104C+) and that's bad for the mobo/GPU even if it isn't defective.

If nVidia really did ship new and non-defective GPUs to Dell or other manufacturers I think they'd be a bit more loud about it. The same goes for Dell, I'm sure they lose a lot of potential buyers because of the GPU problem, what do they have to lose from advertising that the problems is definitely solved?

 

I've been thinking of buying this laptop aswell but not so sure due to the problems everyone has had, nearly everyone having something replaced.

Surely they must have fixed all the problems by now, the main problem being the overheating gpu.
There is no other laptop I can find with the same weight and performance apart from sony's SR, but they are expensive.
When will dell fix this problem or has it been fixed??? i would really like one but I won't be able to live with it if its going to overheat and if the fan is going to work continously...

 

It is a known problem but I don't think it is anywhere near 100% on the GPU problem rate. You will mostly hear about problems here, the people who have working laptops are not going to complain, I have friend who owns the 1330 and he has been using it fine for 4-5 months without any overheating problems, granted he doesn't use the laptop for gaming.

 

Why would you want to take the risk though? Seriously, who needs a headache. I personally would keep my coin away from ANY of the models Dell has stated are affected. Just my opinion of course...

 

Not worth the risk! The GPU issue is in part an issue because of the design of the notebook itself. Dell has failed to design a well cooled/ventilated unit...too many issues.

Check out the Lenovo U330, same basic specs, looks better IMHO, and roughly the same price (Probably a bit more, but I think you get a better manufactured machine). If you are sold on Dell, go for a larger unit, 15".

 

The Lenovo U330 and the dell M1330 shouldn't be compared. The Lenovo is tons better. DDR3 ram, Montevina platform for increased performance and batterylife, along with switchable graphics (if the U330 doesn't have it hte T400 does). The M1330 is running last years hardware while the U330 is running the latest.