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    Multiple XPS questions

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by phaaam, Aug 6, 2008.

  1. phaaam

    phaaam Notebook Consultant

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    New to the forums but I've been reading a lot about laptops and which ones to buy and such. I finally made my decision of the XPS M1530 over the new Vaio FW. However, there are a few questions I'm wondering about the XPS that didn't come up until now.

    1. About the grainy screens, are the problems immediately noticeable? As in first boot and it will be there? Or is it a long term thing?

    2. The A09 BIOS update. I just ordered my XPS on 7/31/08 (still waiting on arrival) and I was wondering if it would come with the A09 already installed. If not, I'll just install it myself. However, if the A09 is installed, how do I check? And can I just install the A09 that I got off Direct2Dell anyway?

    3. Since the 8400M GS is slower I'm hoping that it will last longer than the 8600M GT? I'm not a hardcore gamer, just games back in early 2000.

    4. I'm hoping that my XPS will last a few years as I'm planning to use it for university. How likely is that to happen considering my lifestyle and the odd and rare gaming?

    5. Any tips for prolonging the XPS life in terms of battery life and hardware?

    Thanks in advance. The info will clear things up and what I should do when the system does get here. Really looking forward to it.
     
    phaaam, Aug 6, 2008
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  2. paper_wastage

    paper_wastage Beat this 7x7x7 Cube

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    1) its immediately noticeable.... ask dell to change it

    2) it should.... at boot up, u'll see 'Dell M1530 BIOS Axx' or soemthing along the lines

    3) get 8600M GT.... theres not much difference in those cards except performance...

    4) get warranty? see ur homeowners policy for stuff like accidental damage... (flood, power surge etc)

    5) take care of your laptop, dont let it over heat(eg use cooling pad)...
     
    paper_wastage, Aug 6, 2008
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  3. phaaam

    phaaam Notebook Consultant

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    wow that was a fast reply, thanks.

    Although are there any settings I should be aware of with the nVidia 8400M GS that I could configure myself depending on what I need and will be doing? As in anything that'll improve computer performance instead of gaming and video quality. Also, can I replace the card if it ever dies?
     
    phaaam, Aug 6, 2008
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