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

I don't know if its different for other countries, but is there a reason many people are ordering the T8300 2.4ghz CPU instead of the T9300 2.5ghz? I know i opted for that extra .1 ghz becuase of the fact that the CPU also had 6mb Cache (3mb per core) instead of 3mb (1.5mb per core) so i'd get that much more of a performance increase.

Just curious on peoples reasoning behind getting the 2.4ghz cpu, unless its strictly price.... which I dont remember being that much different.

 

Why the 2.4Ghz chip? It's the cheapest 45nm Penyrn available on the M1530. I think the 2.5Ghz chip was $125 more. I wasn't gonna pay more for a measly 100mhz increase even if it did have double the L2 cache. Also one interesting thing to note is that CPUs with less cache run a bit cooler. Although it's really not by much. So yes, its mostly price. Cheapest 45nm.

 

Has anybody been having trouble with their 9-cell battery in terms of portability? I'm thinking about going the 9-cell route seeing how there is a 30% off on the battery and the wait for the 6-cell is a whole effing month as of now.

Does it get in the way of things at all when you're trying to use it in tight spaces? I'm going to be bringing it to college next year and will be using it extensively in class and on airplanes. Is the 9-cell fine for that?

 

Posted this earlier but with no response.

not sure if anyone knows the answer to this. the "u" key on my keyboard seems to not work all the time as of today. i unplugged the laptop and moved it and ever since then the u key doesnt register sometimes.

this same thing happened once before with the "y" key and i just pressed it hard and i heard it snap back in and worked fine since then. but it doesnt seem to work with the "u" key. is there a way to safely remove a single key and put it back on? dont really wanna get a new kb from dell.

 

I have been all over the forums here and elsewhere, I do not believe you are the only person to have seen this, but those that have promptly returned it for a replacement through Dell. One other thing.... does this just happen when in Windows, or have you tried any DOS utilities by booting up off a CD, etc... and tested whether or not the U key works there? If not, then its a physical problem which you will MOST likely need to deal with through replacement.

 

its a physical problem i can tell. the key is not set properly for some odd reason. apparently me moving my laptop 30feet caused this .
and i cant figure out how to pop the key off to try to fix the problem.

 

that all depends on how exactly you tote it around with you. My bag is more than comfortable with my 9-cell battery. I have zero issues with it.

This is the case i bought. I love the strap design that auto-retracts so you do not have the carrying strap hanging around while you're not using it. It fits the M1530 perfectly, although its thicker than some others I looked at.

http://reviews.cnet.com/notebook-accessories/solo-smart-strap-laptop/4505-6459_7-32416631.html

 

if thats the only cause... did you move it 30 feet by holding on to one side or another with the notebook open... allowing the keyboard to flex? that would be where the y and u are

i will say, i've caught myself doing this by only holding the laptop with one hand on the left or right side.. leaving my thumb on top of the aluminum finish, and the rest of my hand underneath. Not good for it so i'm trying to stop my IBM T41 lasted years doing this... but I dont think i'll chance it with the M1530.

 

i didnt need a bag i closed the laptop moved it from my desk into the kitchen table which is 40ft away it was closed and moved a short distance.

 

hey im lookin for a lock for the 1530. alot of them have bad reviews though.
has anyone had any experience with this lock?
http://www.buy.com/prod/targus-defcon-cl-notebook-computer-cable-lock/q/loc/101/10219330.html
does it fit in the 1530? i heard the combination changes itself? other recommendations?

also do i really need a cooler pad? ill be bringing it to dorm in college.

 

chevy i dont remember if i closed it or not or if it was on its side! but either way that flex is impossible to happen like you say unless the laptop was wavy it would snap the mb or flex that before its going to flex a key

 

I never even use mine ... I guess I just do not spent that much time with it on an airplane or in my lap away from a power source. *shrug* I should sell while they are expensive.

 

Hi folks, I just ordered the system you see below in my signature on June 8. It currently shows a ship date of July 2. I'm guessing this is due in part to the battery option I went with. I've tried to read through some of the comments and there seem to be a couple of concerns with this particular system, one being the shipping delay due to the battery, and the other with the display.

So my question is should I have chosen a different display? I figured the the HD display would be the best option but it would be nice to know. And while you are at it, p,ease look over my other components and let me know if there is some detail that I have overlooked or if there are any "Must Haves" in there that I did not get.


Thanks in advance.

 

like some ppl say but still some ppl are satisfied with that full high def resolution, full hi def LCD screen is too much for 1530 because the texts and icon size get really small comepare to other resolution and unless u r getting blueray option with it.
Also, i'm not sure if free 9 cell battery is still going on though, but
u could've have gotten that upgrade since u bought it on 6/8
but i guess u must have not seen that option when u were configuring it
if u have chosen the free upgrade and considering that u change ur LCD option then u could get it 2 weeks earlier.

EDIT: so i just checked the website and free 9 cell battery offer is still going on.
check this link:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_xpsnb_deal?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

 

is there by any chance that the xps would get a 9M series graphics card?

 

Perhaps on the refresh it might get one. Not sure when that happens, but look though the threads on the forum...there are a couple threads on the XPS updates coming out later this year.

 

Price was my main reason. My 1530 started off with a 2.1GHz T8100 which I upgraded to the 2.4GHz T8300 for €50 (about $75). To go up to the T9300 would have cost me another €90 ($140). I was on a low enough budget and didn't have that much money to burn. All I really wanted to do was future proof this machine, because I know laptop upgrades are far more limited than on desktops.

My current Desktop is a 5 year old, non-hyperthreaded 2.4GHz Pentium 4 system, with 1GB of RAM and is lagging like crazy (e.g. 13 min. startup), so I'm sure I won't miss the small amount of processing power I would gain from the T9300. Anything's a bonus at this stage.

 

So what do you think for 950 for this laptop?? My work is going to sell to me:

XPS M1530 Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
- 15.4 inch WSXGA+ Laptop Screen with TrueLife
- 200 GB Free Fall Sensor Hard Drive 9.5MM (7200)
- 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz (2 DIMMs)
- 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
- Integrated 2.0 Mega Pixel Web Camera
- 8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
- MEDIADIRECT 3.3 Software
- MEDIA DIRECT 3.5
- Sound Blaster Audigy ADVANCED HD Audio Software Edition
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
- Dell Travel Remote Control
- 6 Cell Primary Battery
- MEDIA DIRECT 3.5
- Crimson Red
- Operating System DVD
- Operating System Label
- Roxio Creator LE
- Image Restore Software
- Resource DVD
- Service Software
- Intel 4965 802.11a/g/n Dual-Band Mini Card
- XPS M1530 STD: 1Yr Ltd Warranty and On-site Service

 

My config (came about a week ago):
- XPS M1530R, C2D T8300 (2.4GHZ)
- 3GB, DDR2, 667 MHZ,2 DIMM
- 15.4 WXGA+ TL LCD, M1530 W/C (1440x900)
- 256MB NVIDIA GEFORCE 8600M GT
- 320GB HARD DRIVE,5.4K

So far everything has been perfect. No bad keys, or bulges. Screen is fantastic although I wouldn't mind being able to go a bit brighter. I opted for 1440x900 instead of the higher res myself. In hindsight, I could've gotten 1GB of RAM and bought extras to put in for cheaper. It was a bit tough deciding betw a smaller but 7200Rpm HDD vs the 320gig 5400Rpm; in the end I figure the extra space would serve me better than the speed. What I do miss is the Apple magnetic locking system. I'm guessing Apple has a patent on it but yeah, it's sthg that I miss quite a bit.

I've reformatted, got rid of the Media Direct partition altogether and got the bugger dual booting nicely. Still have a bunch of drivers to install (BT being the big one) before I disk image and really go to town.

 

You can use the Nvidia control panel in the display properties to fool with the brightness and contrast. Don't make huge changes there, but a few percentage points one way or another can make a real difference in how vibrant the dispaly looks.

 

i did a fresh install of vista after receiving my m1530, and now trend micro says its a 30-day trial instead of the 15 month subscription that came with my computer. Any ideas to make it recognize my subscription?

 

probably came with a key you have to enter and once you enter that key it changes yer subscription to the 15month.

 

I have neither a key, nor somewhere to enter it

 

Just ordered the deal of the day XPS M1530, and I was wondering if the "tingle" problem is still widespread? I was hoping to use this plugged in quite a bit, and would prefer to not get shocks (however minor) when I do.

Also, if it doesn't ship with the three pronged plug does anyone have experience with trying to get Dell to send one?

 

Mine arrived about a week ago and it came with the three prong plug, no tingles

 

Which wireless option did you get?

 

I'm officially an M1530 owner now.

Just ordered a refurbished M1530 with these specs:
-Tuxedo Black
-Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
-15.4 WXGA Laptop Screen Display with TrueLife
-256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
-200 GB Free Fall Sensor Hard Drive 9.5MM (7200)
-3 GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz (2 DIMMs)
-8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
-Intel 4965 802.11a/g/n Dual-Band Mini Card
-1Yr Ltd Warranty and On-site Service

Subtotal: $1,129.00
IVA: $81.73
Shipping and Handling: $39.00
Total: $1,249.73

Not bad for the price. A few things I would've liked to change, such as a bit higher resolution and maybe an LED screen. I also wouldn't mind a 9-cell battery, but I supposed I could always buy that later if I really need it. I also didn't really *need* 7200 RPM, but I'll take it.

I also noticed that on the confirmation e-mail, it lists that I'll also be receiving "Lord Of The Rings Online," something I don't remember ever seeing on the description for the refurb, but I'll gladly take a free game, even though I have no interest in those kinds of games.

I also don't understand why a refurb won't ship until 6/17, EDD on 6/19. Seems like all they'd have to do is getting everything together and throw it in a box.

 

Congrats on the new notebook. I expect you'll see it shipped before the ESD. The last time I ordered from Dell outlet they gave me an ESD a week away...then shipped it the very next day.

 

That's reassuring. Thanks.

 

I just started playing with my XPS yesterday. So far I LOVE it! The display is beautiful. I followed your directions and this is what I got:

MONITOR\LPLDF00

I'm assuming that's an LG?

 

Yes it's an LG. Congrats!

 

I was so worried about getting a computer with Vista, that I had already made plans to go back to XP. But this computer is awesome. It flies! I couldn't be happier. BTW, it came with SP1 installed.

 

I just wanted to say that this forum helped me in my decision to purchase my XPS M1530 and it was the best decision I ever made! I have had this laptop since March, and I have to say that I use it everyday for many hours on end, surfing and playing games and listening to music. I am just as excited and pleased and very much as in love with it as the day that it first arrived! Just thought i'd let you all know. Mine has the LG screen too which has proven to be the crispest display i've ever seen. I purchased a shaggy mat to keep it scratch free when I close the lid, and i'm considering a lid cover from gelaskins.com to protect it further. )

 

Just a quick question. Are there newer drivers available for the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT than the ones on the Dell website? My Vista PC told me that it had encountered a problem with my graphics drivers and I should upgrade to a newer version to fix the problem. However, it won't accept the GeForce from the NVIDIA site.

thanks
Mark

 

The ones from Dell's website are older than what comes installed. Gave me a very low score in 3dMark06. I'm running 174.31's and they are awesome so far. Used RivaTuner and oc'd at 625/902 and got 5200 on 3dmark06. Company of Heroes runs like butter at 1900 x 1200, some settings high, some medium and 4xAA. Looks amazing.

 

markheath you should go to laptopvideo2go.com and download one of their drivers, they have a large selection. you can google ones you are thinking about installing to see what experience people have had with each set of drivers if you want. I personally use the 174.09

 

excuse me, the 169.09

 

if you search "updating mobile video card drivers" on this website you should find a sticky with instructions on updating

 

Yup, just shipped today, and will arrive Tuesday. Nice.

 

whats the big deal about the LED screen? Dell makes the HD option sound good but all you guys shut it down. Whats wrong with the 1900 by 1200?

 

Nothing's wrong with 1920x1200...but you better have good eyes or glasses. Text is small. But desktop real estate is HUGE.

 

Hi everyone, I just ordered my M1530 on Wednesday and its already in testing! ESD: June 24 EDD: June 27

Here are the specs:
Tuxedo black
core 2 duo T8300
Vista home premium
320 GB hard drive 5400rpm
4 GB RAM
1440x900 WXGA+ LCD
256MB 8600M gt
9 cell battery
abg wireless + bluetooth and travel mouse

I cant wait for it to get here

 

I can't get over how much I love this machine... at least so far. I've only been using it three days. The speed is incredible and the screen amazing. I'm really glad to have found this forum.

 

I'm really glad I opted for 1440x900.

Compared to a desktop, even this makes things quite small.

I imagine 1900x1200 would be crazy small and you'd have to have your face right next to the screen

 

Not sure as I haven't seen the LED option in person. I'm extremely happy with my WUXGA 1920x1200, although i'm almost always set at 1440x900 so I do not have to squint to read the text. My eyes aren't that great (need glasses) so I have it set lower. If the LED is even better, then more power to those who got it. I'm loving the WUXGA.

 

Just ordered this on 6/12 ESD 6/20. I currently have a Inspiron 8200, still alive and kicking but it's time for upgrade.

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
Tuxedo Black
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
Hi Definition, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LED LCD (1920x12001440x920) & 2.0 M
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Size: 320GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
No Microsoft Office
McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 24-months
Free Upgrade to a 9 cell Battery
1Yr In-Home Service, Parts Labor,24x7 Phone Support
1Yr LoJack for Laptops Theft Protection
No ISP requested
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)

$1319 shipped

Anyone know if there a difference in thickness between the regular florescent and LED backlight?

 

yes there's a difference btw the thickness of standard LCD and LED LCD where LED is thinner than LCD.
Also, laptop with LED is little lighter(100g difference i think) than LCD one obviously.

 

Great, good to know! Thanks.

 

I just ordered mine today:

Black
core 2 duo T8300
240 GB hard drive 7200rpm
4 GB RAM
1440x900 LED
256MB 8600M gt
bluetooth

im so excited!

btw, is it possible to change the processor on a laptop?

 

yes you can swap out processors as long as they use the same socket.