OK, looking at xps 1530 for neice and have some issues

OK, sat down with the niece last night and went over laptops for college.

The folks in the WHAT SHOULD I BUY forum pointed out several, and after sitting down with the niece, she seems pretty high on the 1530

I am not a huge fan of Dells, but it's not for me, so I've been looking at reviews and pictures and these things leap out at me

In no particular order

• reports of screen grain--it seems the quality varies greatly depending on screen manufacturer. I would like to get the LED, but they do not seem to be offering it at the moment
• slot loading drive--as she is going to college, some text books tend to come with those small cds to provide student with additional course content
• speakers weak
• headphone out is on the front--since speakers are weak, external speakers are probably going to be needed and I find headphone wires get in the way when on front
• power jack is on the back left, rather than back (easier to break)--probably not a big deal, but I prefer them on the back. I repair laptops and find that powerjacks on the side tend to be broken more often then those on the back
• vga out is on the left side, about 2/3 back--hooking up a laptop to a projector for presentations is easier on side, but gets in the way of the mouse when so far to the front of the laptop, especially for left-handed mouse users (she's not left-handed, but I am, so probably not an issue)
• Lan port is about half way to front on the left--same reasons as above
• harddrive loud--seems to be a big complaint about this laptop
• 3 usb ports, two adjacent to powerjack, which interferes with access to ports.

Would any of these be deal breakers for people who use this laptop?

 

Honestly take a peek at the Dell Vostro 1500. The plug in layout which seems to be your main concern by the number of listings reffering to them appears better suited by the vostro.

 

Many notebook LCD screens are a bit grainy, but it's generally not noticeable unless you really look for it. LEDs are definitely better; if you can get one, do.

As for a "slot loading drive", it's a normal CD drive that will take any CD or DVD. By "slot loading" it means that there's no button or tray that pops out; you simply slide the disk into the slot, and to eject, push a button on the keyboard, and it will slide out. All Apple laptops work like that.

As for sound, you don't really need external speakers unless you want high quality music listening or DVD watching. The speakers are plenty loud enough for everyday tasks.

As for port location, well no laptop is perfect, and there are compromises. It's pretty much a matter of preference, and you can't please everyone. And hey, maybe your niece will be happier with the ports than you are.

Bottom line is, none of those factors should inhibit you from buying a Dell. It should be just fine.

 

Thank you for your insight--just a question/comment

I am familiar with what a slot loading optical drive is--I have read numerous accounts from 1530 owners who say mini-discs are not properly mounted (also read quite a bit about how noisy the drive is)

Are they simply wrong? Have you tried a mini-disc?

 

Those are all valid concerns.

Screen Grain is hit or miss. Dell will make good of it....eventually, if you are so unlucky. God hates me when it comes to things of luck, but I got a non-grainy screen on the first try. GO for the LED for sure.

Not too sure about the slot loading drive. Most of the CD's i've used in college are normal sized, I don't think you would have a problem using the mini-cd's with this drive. One thing you might worry about is the Ssot-loading drive bring a wee bit loud.

The speakers do suck, so I bought myself some USB speakers. That should take care of your 4th problem. Look at the Altec Lanxing XT1's or XT2's. You should be able to pick them up cheap on ebay.

The harddrive isn't that loud. The optical drive is probably louder for me. I think people are confusing the sounds. Just get a 5400rpm drive and you'll be fine.

All of your port concerns are the same for all laptops. Yes, cords are really annoying and can take space, until they make everything wireless we have to deal with it. If she uses the mouse in her right hand, she'll be fine, even if she used the mouse in her left hand, I don't see why you would be putting your hand all the way up there in the first place. All USB peripherals thats adapters take more than the length of the USB port (causing the peripherals to not fit with the power adapter) are poorly designed anyway and shouldn't be bought in the first place.

And there is a good 3/4 inch on both sides of the ethernet port. You could easily fit a VGA and Ethernet connection at the same time.


Buy away, I know your nitpicking which everyone does when they make a purchase this large, she'll be thrilled with the laptop.

 

They are offering the LED screen for the M1530. Are you not in the U.S? The have discontinued the grainy screen WSXGA+ at least for now.

I think the power jack on the back is easier to break so I like when it is on the side.

Hard drive, just depends on what model they give you. Hit or miss.

 

Thanks guys--yes, I am nitpicking, thanks for understanding. I am not trying to suggest this is bad laptop--there are always compromises.

I should note they do not offer the LED screen with the RED option--which is of course the one she wants--why this is has me completely baffled.

 

The LED screen is beautiful in every way. Put it near any laptop without LED lighting and you'll start humping the LED one.