Taking the plunge for an XPS M1330

so after reading this forum, researching all my alternatives, and some deep soul searching, I have finally placed my order for an M1330. here's my config:

Item Number Quantity Item Description
222-9699 1 XPS M1330, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7300 (2.0GHz/800MhzFSB, 4M L2 Cache)
310-9240 1 Matte Black Casing XPS M1330
311-7309 1 1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for XPS M1330
320-5583 1 13.3 Inch Wide Screen WXGA TL WLED Backlit LCD with Camera, XPS M1330
320-5602 1 Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3000, XPS M1330
341-4938 1 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for XPS M1330
420-6813 1 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
420-7098 1 Media Direct 3.3
420-6995 1 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP
420-5769 1 Internet Search and Portal
420-5924 1 Icon Consolidation Application
420-6436 1 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
463-2282 1 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access
420-7387 1 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP XPS-M1330
412-0946 1 Dell Travel ExpressCard Remote Control, IR
310-9246 1 Creative Earbud EP630
420-7244 1 Dell Support Center 1.0
412-0917 1 Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0, for Inspiron
313-5361 1 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPSM1330
313-4783 1 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
430-2577 1 Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini Card
462-3905 1 I chose the promotional security package with service
312-0561 1 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, for XPS M1330
412-0148 1 No Internet Service Provider Requested
412-1397 1 No Productivity Software requested
950-3339 1 3 Year Limited Warranty
987-6357 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
983-3710 1 Type 15- Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Week ends, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
987-6358 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year
982-8882 1 Type 15- Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Week ends, 24x7 Technical Support, 2 Year Extended
466-2175 1 Network Associates McAfee 8.0 English, 3-Year Subscription
412-0359 1 Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
960-3652 1 Warranty Support,2 Year Extended
960-8710 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
960-7391 1 1 yr Automated PC Tune Up
420-7273 1 Dell Support and PC Tune-up 1YR
420-7095 1 DataSafe Online 20GB for Dim/Ins/XPS
420-7091 1 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS
986-4349 1 Bundle LoJack Theft Recovery Service - 3 Year
960-9188 1 CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 3 Year
412-0358 1 Soft Contracts - Consumer Complete Care
986-5869 1 Thank you for choosing a Limited Warranty and Service Contract
987-7459 1 XPS,Datasafe 20GB,1YR,DHS
310-9273 1 Fingerprint Reader
466-8037 1 Thank you for choosing Dell
430-2566 1 Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)
320-5771 1 Slim and Light LCD with TuxedoBlack Casing and Camera XPS M1330
310-9348 1 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
310-8628 1 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
988-0089 1 DataSafe included with DellCare Service bundle



all that, plus the free Timbuk2 case they're giving out as a promotion now, for $1710.07, tax and shipping included. pretty decent deal I believe, especially compared to what I'd have to spend on my other real choice, the Sony SZ.

I plan to install 2 GB of RAM as soon as it comes. I also got a pretty decent ship date, 8/31, better than the mid-september dates I've been seeing.

what do you guys think? anything you'd change? anyone have any luck calling and cancelling the LoJack, how much would I get for that?

 

Im thinking of getting a 1520 and dropping my m1330.. It may be bulker but I can customize it so I can get a better system with a bigger screen for about 300-400 less

 

Looks like a pretty solid system for the price. I probably wouldn't have bothered with some of the options like 1 year automate PC tune up or the DataSafe backup, but they dont' really add much to the cost I'd imagine.

 

they were part of the second DellCare package, including which actually dropped the price of the system by about $80. I figured adding CompleteCare and saving money would be a good idea

 

I don't think that was a way to remove those . Looks alot like the order I placed this evening .

 

actually, a question I forgot to ask. I know in the beginning, Dell was shipping these with a sleeve gratis. Are they still doing that? I mean, I'm getting the case, but having a small sleeve could prove useful too.

 

It comes in a sleeve . Did you get in on the Amex deal ? I would upgrade the video card even if you are not a gamer

 

nope, no Amex deal here

I considered the video card, but between hearing that the X3100 is no slouch and not wanting the extra heat/power consumption that comes with non-integrated video, I decided to avoid it. The only games I play, my current laptop runs just fine

 

That is a great deal. I have only come close by getting only a one year guarantee. Which model did you start with? I mean which recommended model? Thanks, Dave

 

Was the Timbuk bag included in your order confirmation, because i ordered one today as well and was told that i was going to receive one, but didn't see it included in the email. Can you tell me where yours is listed in your order confirmation? Thanks

 

the Timbuk2 bag was listed under a separate order number in the same email, same as the LoJack thing. so I have 3 order numbers.

my price: start with lowest recommended model + 12% university discount + 7% DellCare discount + 4% off for DPA + $100 coupon through Dell University

 

I now have 3 orders also

 

Ah, now I see. I did not have those discounts. Thought maybe I was going a bit... mad Dave

 

Timbuk2 bag came already, it's nice...wish I had something to put in it

shipping estimate still says 8/31, but people seem to be getting theirs earlier and fortunately Tuxedo Black is the one non-delayed color...so hoping to see it soon.