Should I get a XPS M1530?

For some time now I had already decided on the Asus F8 series, until I saw an actual XPS M1530 for myself today, and I completely fell in love with it. It looked so beautiful and stylish, compared to the F8 series which was just...*bleh* looks above average.

Unfortunately my dad's not too happy with my sudden change of decision, as he's not too fond of Dell since they don't have a very good reputation for build quality and customer service. Asus on the other hand has an excellent reputation for both. However after looking up some threads and posts about the XPS M1530, it seems there're quite a number of people complaining about their problems with it.

I really think that the XPS M1530 looks beautiful, and is rather slim and light for it's 15.4" screen size, but unless I can convince my dad otherwise about Dell's quality, he's not going to subsidise it.

His main complaints: Poor build quality, poor service, and poor after-sale value.

PS: I'm from Singapore, so Dell products would probably come from Malaysia. Does that mean that Dell's quality may be even lower than compared to the US?

 

With regards to resale, I was able to get $600/$500 for both Dell laptops I've resold, one was a year old, the other 20 months old. Considering that was only $300 less than I paid for each system, I'd consider that not bad at all.

 

Go take a look at the Asus F8 feedback on the Asus forums--tons of problems there as well with build quality and battery life (I was considering one as well for a long time). I'm not defending Dell, although my D420 has been fine outside of a battery that died exactly 1 month after the warranty went up, although this is a Latitude.

 

how much is your budget?

 

I went with the M1530 about 3 weeks ago and i dont regret it. I went for the 9 cell monster battery which is a little chunky but in practice does make it easier to use the laptop and is a convienient hand hold.

Build wise, the M1530 isnt quite as good as the higherend latitudes, but its definately a step above the older inspirons. If you looking for a 15.4" laptop this is definately the one which i would choose.

 

i rather get lenovo t61? its reliable, very iconic, professional looking, better software pre-installed than dell.

 

My budget is around US$1500 for a laptop, minus misc. fees like warranty and all. Filled out the FAQ some time back - the laptops which fit were the Znote 6224/6324, T61p, F8 series & XPS M1530. The Znotes are unfortunatly quite expensive, and I heard their build quality isn't too great. The T61p...well let's just say I'm not too fond of their designs. Looks too dull and business-like.

Hmm, could your describe some of the build problems faced with the Asus F8s? I know about the battery life, the crappily placed Fn button, and the part about hot air coming out on the right side of the laptop, but other than that I haven't seen anything else.

Mm...how would your rate the build quality of an XPS computer vs other laptop brands?

 

i was considering the XPS M1530 as well, but after the many problems with the screen, it has put me off...definitely looks good on the outside though.

 

Hmm....something about the Samsung screen right? Do you think that problem would go away if I buy my M1530 in a few months when it's upgraded with Montevina and all?

 

You realize MOST people that come here will say they are not happy with their product? What's the proportion of people coming to this forum just to say their laptop is A1? You think with that many laptops sold by Dell everywhere they would get away with it if their laptops were crap?

My m1530 is a true charm, it runs blazing fast and I had A1 customer service when they ****ed up when I sent back my laptop for dead pixels and built a complete new replacement for me.

P.S.: Products are assembled in Malaysia and shipped after.

 

what about macbook pro from outlet?

 

Macbook pro's going to cost me about 50% more than the Dell, for the same specs.

Cost of Singapore notebooks are way overpriced.

 

i see...well then xps is the way to go!