**Official Dell XPS M1530 Owner's Lounge**

there will always be changes as time goes on. The new inspirons do look very nice. The only thing i really see that would happen is an LED backlit keyboard and perhaps a higher res led screen.

kinda like cars every year their is minor or major tweaks to models. i personally really love the look of the xps and i dont see it getting much better and if for some reason it did, i would still be very happy with what i own.

but if you look at the inspirons they made them look more like the xps (still look a little bit cheaper to me) but i think they did that to make the inspiron look better and probably to cut down on prices due to the two models looking more like each other.

 

yeah, and I'm going for it.
Well, sometime this week.

 

Yeah, you always get that feeling... what if they make it even better just after I bought it? will i have wasted my money?
I'm taking the plunge. You've got to sometime.
Oh, I don't think they will change it... latest dell leaflet that came through is for 'summer deals' and it had the same m1530 just the new inspirons. doesn't look like they'll change it this summer anyway. No worries, I say. (then again, this is the Dell UK one- US might get an update ealier. Doesn't say where u live.)
Take the risk. You'll get an amazing laptop whatever.

 

Does anyone with the LED screen have a lot of light bleeding through on the bottom and right parts of the screen? Its a nice screen but its quite annoying when the screen is black.

 

does anyone know if i have my laptop plugged into my tv as well and i have my desktop extended if there is a way that if i close my lid on the laptop that it leaves the extended desktop on the tv? it always messes videos up if im streaming them on the extended desktop. And i dont like leaving my laptop screen to have a still image stil there for 2+ hrs.

 

Does anyone have a problem with their mouse going off screen to the right and bottom? Mine was like that straight out of the box.

Thanks

 

all mouse pointers go off screen to the right and bottom whether its windows or Mac OS just something they do

 

Its Official now, these words I'm typing on a XPS m1530.

I LOVE it! It's a grat laptop, can't get enough of it!

I already put VISTA x64 SP1on it and it just rocks!

I have the same thing but as the brightness of the led sreen when on full power kills my ability to see that anyway, it isn't a big problem. No seriosly the black Vista taskbar doesn't show any sign of that bleed. One can only see it when the screen is all black, so its not really bad.

What bothers me more is this whine in my earbuds... we'll see, there is probably something on this bord for this too..

 

Not sure if this is a ridiculous question, but is the keyboard replaceable on this thing? Hell will break loose if it gets an illuminated keyboard AFTER I buy one...I really want it for some reason.

 

lol aceZsta, I thought about that the moment they announced Inspirons with illuminated keyboards. The answer to that is yes, keyboards are replacable. However if Dell changes the dimensions of the system, changes the location where the keyboard is connected, etc. then no it is not replacable. I hope they just update the current M1530 and keep everything generally the same.

 

didn't you ask this in another thread?
anyway, did the Fn + CRT/LCD thing work? (CRT/LCD is F8 on the laptop i'm on now, but it's not an M1530.)

 

ok... so this is weird.

Dell UK Business website (so all prices excluding VAT):
There's one deal (the "best" of the preset configurations) for £100 off, with these specs (after I upgraded some things) for the M1530:
T8300 processor (2.4ghz, 3mb cache)
3gb ram
8600GT graphics
320gb 5400rpm hard drive
everything else as standard
=£640


Now, they also have a £73 off (£70 off +10% off 3gb ram) offer which, when upgraded WITH THE SAME SPECS, is less than this, at £628.

How on earth does that work out? You get less off, but costs less anyway for the same kit. hmmm...

 

Just ordered mine last night! How did I do?

1 223-5880 XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800MHzFSB, 3M L2 Cache)
1 313-6439 Tuxedo Black Casing XPS M1530
1 311-7822 3GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for XPS M1530
1 320-6691 15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MP Camera for XPS M1530
1 320-6082 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
1 341-5632 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for XPS M1530
1 420-6813 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
1 420-7590 Media Direct 3.5
1 420-6995 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP
1 420-5769 Internet Search and Portal
1 420-5924 Icon Consolidation Application
1 420-6436 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 463-2282 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access
1 310-9764 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP, XPSM1530
1 412-1056 Turbine Lord of the Rings Online
1 420-7468 ADOBE ACROBAT READER 8.1 DIM/INSP
1 313-5820 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPSM1530
1 420-8183 Roxio Creator DE 10
1 313-5014 Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
1 430-2449 Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card
1 410-1184 McAfee SecurityCenter 15-month
1 312-0639 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for XPS M1530
1 412-0148 No Internet Service Provider Requested
1 412-1397 No Productivity Software requested
1 412-1397 No Productivity Software requested
1 412-0360 Soft Contracts - Banctec
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty
1 950-9797 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
1 960-8710 Warranty Support,Initial Year
1 988-5607 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
1 984-2350 Type 3- Third Party At HomeService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year
1 467-2337 Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
1 320-6795 15.4 inch Black Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MPCamera for XPS M1530
1 420-7715 Camera Software XPS M1530 2.0MP
1 310-9348 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
1 310-8628 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
1 420-7091 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS
1 420-7092 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS 1YR-FREE
1 987-4817 Insp Datasafe 3GB,1YR(Incl in price),DHS
1 988-0099 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online


Total: $1367 (with the 25% off coupon)

Estimated arrival date: 6/11 - 6/13 (any chance it comes earlier?)

 

seems pretty good to me... I can't seem to find any coupons though for UK, which is annoying. Any suggestions?

 

Those of you installing Vista 64, do you have to buy another copy to do this since the 1530 ships with Vista 32?

Thanks!

 

No. You just have to have the media (CD). The key for 32-bit works fine on 64-bit.

 

Your 32-bit Vista Home Premium key should work for installing Vista Home Premium 64-bit. I just got my m1530 last night, and will be attempting to use the key for a fresh install early next week. I know that I was able to install Vista Ultimate 64-bit on my desktop using a 32-bit Vista Ultimate key. Only difference is that it was a retail and not an OEM copy. As long as you can get a 64-bit disc you should be fine.

 

Thanks for the info, but how do you get the media without the key? Seems like a catch 22.

 

You know what? I'm getting confused by this as well...
So, you can use... what CD? The one that came with the pc?
So the laptop does come with 64-bit but just not preinstalled?
What?

 

Damn it, Business Post tried to deliver my XPS M1530 today and I was at work. Taking the morning off tomorrow though I can't wait....

 

Your key will work to install 32-bit or 64-bit, but if it came with 32-bit you will only have the media for 32-bit. You should be able to find the iso for a 64-bit version on your favorite bt sharing site. There isn't anything illegal about getting the media this way. In fact, Microsoft was offering the 64-bit download for a while, but has since stopped...

 

Recap:

Your system comes with the 32-bit CD and the Key is on the bottom of your notebook on a sticker. You need to obtain the 64-bit CD by whatever means, and then use the key on the bottom of your notebook.

The CD's are not key-specific, if you know someone that has the 64-bit Disc, you can use that, you just use your Key when it asks for it. I believe you can also order the media (CD) for a small fee from Microsoft, as its useless without a key anyway.

 

cool,i probs could do that but i'm not bothered at the moment

 

Have to agree with you (we have a similar machine). I too just received my XPS M1530 today! I had great help from you guys regarding the pros/cons of a 1920X1200 screen (Samsung SEC3255). Decided to stick with my orignal order and I'm glad I did. Fanstastic screen, great deal of real estate, and I can still see the text. It is small, but as it turns out, I didn't have to upgrade to microscope glasses after all. Turns out my ancient Inspirion 4150 has a graniness too, but I didn't notice it as much since the resolution is not anywhere near this screen. When I move my head from side to side by 8 inches or so, the opposite side of the screen dims a bit . . . On the other hand, I ususally don't behave like a monkey when I'm on a laptop - but when you drop serious coin (even with a 40% discount) you want what you want.

Now the big question: To 64 or not to 64 (Vista Ultimate) . . . Its a question that I have been wrestling with. Seems many have succeeded and some had to struggle a bit. Before I begin transferring data to my new machine, I have to make the decision.

 

If you plan on playing games like Command and Conquer 3, forget about 64-bit. It's not compatible with 64bit OS.

 

How does this work? It's cheaper to configure the worst preset config up to what you want than choose the higher config with the biggest discount on the Dell website! Strange, but true. Maybe it is cheaper to upgrade from the worst rather than take the best. I always thought it's cheaper to work from the 'best'.

 

Got my M1530 yesterday. On first power-on I immediately booted to a Ghost CD and imaged the hard drive to a backup unit. Then, I installed the 4GB of RAM I purchased off of NewEgg, blanked the drive and installed Vista 64-bit.

Everything installed smoothly. Most drivers I knew where to get, but thanks to the 64-bit thread on the video drivers. It's annoying how the chipset vendors don't release drivers for their mobile series.

It came with the LG DW306 screen and it looks great. Incredibly bright. However, notebook build quality is questionable. The unit certainly looks nice, but I immediately noticed the keyboard center bulge. Also, the front left rubber foot is not quite touching the surface the notebook is sitting on, so it will "wobble" as you rest your wrist on the armrest. Annoying but probably easily fixable.

 

I posted a solution in the Top 10 Questions about the M1530. Look at question 17. Link in sig...

 

hi my dell xps ships in the next couple of days....
i want to dual boot vista and ubuntu 8.04 on it and keep dell media direct also, which seems rather neat to me.....
can someone point me to a thread where i can read a guide to do so?
tia

 

You already posted this in the Top-10 Questions thread, but I'll reply here as well.

:Taken from other thread:

I am sure there are articles on it, but its really quite easy. Assuming you are not planning on re-installing Windows Vista, all you need to do is go into Computer Management (within Vista), go to Disk Management, right-click on the C:\ Partition and select "Shrink Volume" This will free up more than enough space on the drive and leave you with a blank section of the drive in which you can install Ubuntu 8.04 on.

The only thing i've had issues on with Ubunto 8.04 was the mouse and there is a good thread on what to add to the /boot/grub/menu.lst file so when you boot up the Touchpad works as expected. I will find it and post it back here.

EDIT: Here's the thread on the touchpad - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=737060&page=2

 

How about Starcraft or the first Unreal?

 

depends what you want. when i got mine back in march doing the best option was the way to go. just depends on what they put in each models during the sales and the discounts etc etc.

 

Can you guys tell me if the hdmi port on the m1530 is standard or mini?

 

Standard connector.

 

Starcraft yeah, dunno about first Unreal.

 

thnx rhodan

 

forte how did you already got ur m1530?, i ordered mine on freakin April 28, and my esd is still june 3 thats ridiculous

 

I have not gotten my M1530 yet. It has shipped as of 5/25, but it won't be in my hands until this Thursday (5/29). I ordered mine on May 13th. I have no clue how their queue works, but I agree, that is messed up.

 

It's official: M1530 owners are 1337.

 

Ironic that the post that shows it's 1337 is also the one that changes the count to 1338...

 

haha how ironic.

btw to those that complain about the speakers having a bump etc where the XPS |m1530 is mine had a lil bump as well i think when my lcd was replaced the guy didnt snap in that peice correctly, so i took the piece off myself and put it back on and snapped it all together and now there is no bump over it anymore. just an fyi if you happen to have a problem with yours its easy to fix.

remove battery there is 3 screws remove those then to the right and left below the usb/power outlet and the otherside where the svideo there is a screw on each side. thatn where the battery plugs into you can just gently lift up on that area and it pops right off. then you just snap it all back into place until u get it all down properly then just put the 5 screws back in.

 

also i just found this little gem. Anyone who uses winamp and uses the media keys here is a plug-in for winamp that works with the M1530 so the media keys work inside winamp.

http://www.winamp.com/plugins/details/146178

ps. if anyone has a plug-in for the media keys to work in vlc would be great if you could pass it along .

 

You don't need that. Global key support already comes with Winamp, just need to enable it.

 

i just got my new shiny dell xps m1530m, it comes with vista home premium....
the problem is that when i tried to update to service pack 1 it gave an error and the installation halted.
i am using a university campus line and hence i can't use automatic updates as it is blocked or something
is there a specific dell oem version that i need to download? or is there some other method to install?
i just installed it on my friend's vaio and there was absolutely no trouble at all.... so what are my options????????
thanx in advance... the main problem is that my ram reads as 3.50GB when i have 4GB installed, i read somewhere that 32bit vista cannot use anymore ram... still i would like it to still read 4GB
please help me out
tia

 

You should be able to update normally. There is no "Dell OEM version". You could insert your original Vista DVD that came with your computer to repair any possible issues, then run the SP1 update again.

 

Why are they still installing pre-SP1? Come on Dell. It's been out awhile now!

 

I'm about to order a 1530. The salesman I spoke to, who seemed pretty new at things, told me that SP1 was installed on the system.

Anyone know anything to verify that ?

 

I recently purchased my XPS with these specs:
System Specs:
Processor: 2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo (T8300) w/ 800Mhz FSB
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2 Dimms)
Screen: 15.4" Full High Resolution 1920x1200 WUXGA LCD Screen
Graphics: 256MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT w/ HDMI out
Media: Slot Loading DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
Wireless Networking: Intel Next-Gen Wirelss-N Mini-Card
Hard Drive: 160GB 5400rpm SATA HDD
Battery: 56WHr 6-cell Premium Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Audio: High Definition Audio 2.0

if i wanted to go about putting in a Blu-Ray player, what is the best way to go about that?

 

you're going to want to format it anyway. No offense, but Dell puts alot of unnecessary programs on it that really bog its performance down. The first time i booted it up i thought the laptop must have been running in 30 programs by the way it was running.

 

with Service Pack 1 it says how much ram is installed