Mini 9 and XPS One or XPS M1330

Which do you think is better for a college student: a Mini 9 and a XPS One or just a XPS M1330?

I want your opinion. Please don't reply with 'It depends on your needs' or 'It's best to make the decision yourself'.

 

Mini 9 and XPS One. Not only is the desktop upgradeable, but the Mini is better for class. Also, the M1330 uses Nvidia graphics that is prone to failure.

 

I would go with the Mini and the xps one.

 

XPS One isn't much more powerful than the average laptop. In fact, I'm pretty sure a reasonably specced M1530 would be almost on par with the XPS One's only configuration at a not much higher price. I'd personally go for an XPS 420/Mini 9 combo, I think. Go for the base XP Mini 9, the $399 model, and be done with it. On the XPS 420, I'd go for the base model with the Q6600 and 3GB memory, add the ATI HD 3870 graphics card and one of the 20" monitors for a total of $1199. Cheaper and faster than the XPS One.

However, going with a mid level M1330 would be cheaper, and it would give you a far more powerful mobile system, along with the convenience of having only one system to deal with (instead of having two machines to keep current on all files and such). Just saying, so that you know the upsides of the other way as well.

 

Get the XPS M1530 or 1330. Don't worry about the graphics cards you shouldn't have any problems. If you do then you can just get it fixed for free anyway.

Also as said sorting out your files between the two would be more hassle I suppose.

The Mini 9 is okay but I think would be too awkward for typing out a lot of work. I just finished a degree (computer science) and hardly used my own laptop unless I was going into the library to do work. Never used it to take notes or in a class etc.

 

You can order a 1330 without Nvidia graphics - the Intel integrated graphics are an option.

If no heavy gaming is involved (taxing the GPU) a Nvidia card would be perfect in there.

Go with a 1330. Much more machine for the size.

I've been nothing but happy with my 1330. I opted for the Nvidia 8400 in it as well - Aero is nice. I don't game on it.

 

I used a desktop through college, never really had a need for portability. That being said, I wouldn't want to put up with the compromises of the mini. It may be small, but that won't be fun when you are typing a paper for hours.

I would look more at the m1330 or 14 inch inspiron / vostro / precision. Good size / performance ratio. Avoid Nvidia GPUs-they are mostly defective at this time.

 

I would definitely agree. Never really saw too many people use a laptop in lectures other than to websurf, chat or play WoW.

I use my laptop a lot on campus, but generally inbetween classes. You do NOT want to get stuck using a Mini if you plan on spending over an hour a day on it. I made this mistake with a Sony Picturebook my freshman year thinking it would be terrific to use (I love how this mini-laptop idea died and just came back to life). My pinky's are still sore just thinking about it

 

I choose the m1330. Small, portable and light weight and has a DVD player/burner for in-between class entertainment. The m1330 is as powerful as a desktop. Buy a larger monitor to supplement the laptop for better viewing when you're back home/dorm.

 

X2

I bought a M1330 with Intel Graphics and I cannot say anything than "I LOVE IT!"

The machine (Montevina = 965 chipset) is quite powerful, and sometimes I forget it being a laptop having its power.

I run MATLAB, AUTOCAD and other technical and engineering software on it and plays with no hazzle. I am a college student and mostly take notes in plain paper with my pen. Laptop only used for homework and some math and simulation.

Also, I don't know why people would like to have a tiny laptop which lacks power, optical drive and decent keyboard for typical writing. Nothing personal, I just don't understand why nettops exist, why not buy a nice light laptop instead?

 

Another vote for the M1330. I bought mine with the standard video. The only upgrades I've done were to install 4GB RAM and a 320GB hard drive. It's been totally reliable and is a pleasure to use.

 

XPS M1330 anyday.
I'm using it and I love it.. Like mentioned before, it has the power (almost) of a desktop.. I'm playing Crysis, Bioshock on it with medium-high graphics with nil framing or heating..

 

They only thing that I can see as being a benefit is that he can use the One for viewing videos, and movies instead of having to watch them on a 13 inch screen. Of course he could get another monitor to complement his M1330. If I was back in college I would have to say I would rather have the desktop for my room since when I was on campus there were enough computer labs that its easier to not have to worry about losing, damaging, or having a laptop stolen. I would much rather have had a netbook to carry around everyday and not have so much worry on my mind about the notebook.

 

xps one and mini 9 - although why are you so set on going dell? there are far better deals you can get on desktops and probably ultra-portables as well.

edit: guess i changed my mind. go for the m1330.

 

basically, the things to consider are as follows:

- do you want gaming capability?
if so, then you definitely want a desktop, and not the faulty 8400gs that you get in the m1330. but do you really need gaming? there aren't many recent pc games worth playing.

- do you want a big screen?
i'm referring to a monitor. a widerscreen desktop monitor is great for getting people in your room and watching movies, assuming the layout of your room permits this.

- do you mind a desktop being the "centerpiece" of your room?
a desktop monitor and keyboard takes up a fair bit of space on your desk at uni. you can't just fold it away.

 

inspirons and studios start at 15.4", i believe. not sure about precisions, but i considered a small vostro for myself, but decided that they were ugly and the xps laptops got better reviews. it was worth the extra £

 

Insprions run from 9-17 ... 9, 13, 14, 15, 17.

 

i'll add that, if you already have a monitor, you can play movies on it through your laptop. this is what i'll do during term.

 

You will quickly grow tired of using two machines where only one is really needed imo. Get the 1330 and an external monitor (and maybe keyboard too) for home use.

 

oh, just read this.

well, i made a similar choice, and went for an m1330 with integrated graphics. i don't want to play any games on it so i went for stability. it would be nice if it had a gpu catered for HD, as i could then use it to play blu-rays through our HDTV from the laptop hard drive (i download a lot of movies).

the m1330 is still capable of HD, but it means you have the CPU working at like 80% for extended periods of time.

my problem was that my previous computer, a desktop, was the focus of my room. it was irritating that i couldn't fold it away and clear some space on my desk. i found it distracting.

with a laptop, i'll also be able to take it outside and i think it will encourage me to do more writing. desktops don't provide a very "inspirational atmosphere", if you follow

 

true. transferring the data would be a chore.

 

hmm, just checked out the US website. shame the selection is smaller in the UK. inspirons here are 15 and 17.

 

Actually transferring data is quite easy. All you have to do is Use sharing feature in windows which would allow you to keep the files in one place i.e. the desktop hard drive or portable external hard drive that you can keep connected to the Desktop. I have right now a desktop and a laptop, I have an external hard drive connected to the desktop and have it setup to share on my network. So if i want to watch a movie on my laptop I can just go to network places and open a file. I do this all the time when I want to watch a movie on my laptop in another room.

 

Don't listen to people by the way when they say that if you aren't doing gaming the nvidia card won't hurt you. One of biggest reason the card fails is because of the temperature change when booting up and shutting down. Although the card can run hot during gaming it still will fail even if you don't game. It's just when that is unknown.

 

if you want gaming u wont wanna be going for the XPS One either tho and like tential said ur really not gonna have a problem, i just got an m1530 with an 8600GT in it and idk if its defective or not, but my laptop has never gotten very hot, in fact i think the area where the HDD is gets hotter than the video card ever has so far and i play some games. and quick question, why did someone earlier say the XPS 1330 had the montevina chipset when it doesnt?

 

i would also go with the xps m1350, the m1530 is a bit large,

if you dont mind the lack of storage and cd drive go with the inspiron mini 9, its cheap, small, and it will fit your college needs, the keyboard is not that small...
and you would look cool carrying that miniature thing arround, no to mention its like carrying a pencil box.

BUT if you need more storage and cd drive, combined in a compact high performance laptop, go with the m1350, its a very cool laptop, but its a bit more pricey..

 

have they released an M1350? is that where that other guy was getting montevina chipsets from? Have i missed something recently?

 

Fair enough, but if you're not guying for gaming, just go with the cheaper and more reliable integrated graphics!

 

My choice would be the I9, and the XPS One...

The 1330 is nice, and I was pondering purchasing it back in January, but fell for the *red 1530*.

Now, I would be ready to move with a new Netbook & the XPS One, of course!

The I9 is nice, small and very portable!


Cin

 

oh man... mayor typo... no, its the m1330, ( confused, since i have the m1530)

 

I bought a M1330 for finishing college

But I wanted to play WoW

IF and only IF i had a desktop at home the Mini 9---no questions asked


But the M1330 ROOOXXXXX