Thinking of buying XPS M1330

As usual, I have to post a disclaimer first: I don't really know anything about computers.

I've been eyeing this laptop for awhile now, due to generally good reviews, lightweight and battery life (my primary concerns). I've just been hesitant, as the price is a bit steep after adding on the LED screen (which I've read helps with the weight and battery consumption), and tax and 3-year protection plan (note: I live in Canada). As well, I am influenced by the fact that this seems like a pretty old laptop, and I wasn't sure if I should be investing in it.

I'm mainly asking for advice as to how to spec it. I've emphasized weight and battery life, so these are my main concerns. But I'd still like to buy this laptop for the long run (should last a couple years), and so I want to make sure I'm not missing out on anything that the average consumer should know about.

As a note: I don't plan on doing heavy gaming, as this laptop is mainly to bring on the go to classes and for internet surfing (youtube, etc.) and watching the occasional DVD.

One particular issue is the graphics card deal. I'm not familiar with the terminology, but I just know that the nvidia graphics card is...not stable. Should I just stick with the integrated graphics? (plus I've read that it helps with battery life)

I also read about the studio xps 13 that may be coming out. However, I'm not sure if I can wait any longer, especially since I expect there to be issues/kinks with the initial batch, etc. But if I have reason to believe this new model will offer better weight, battery life, and also be more affordable, I might have to reconsider.

Again, any other input on how to choose the rest of the specifications will help immensely.

Just one more thing: would anyone be able to guide me to coupons? It doesn't seem there any on this website that aren't expired...anything to cut costs would help a lot.

 

have you considered the new macbook?

 

An XPS m1330 that can do youtube and class stuff is going to be significantly cheaper than an equivalent macbook.

The M1330 is an older platform that is starting to get phased out, but there is still good battery life with the LED screen and Intel graphics card.

The 'new' platfform is certainly more expensive

 

I LOVE my dell

but to be honest...from what you are asking you don't really even need a full laptop...

What I mean is: Those extra portable laptops (Eee PC, Mini 9, ext)

I just bought my girlfriend the Eee PC 1000.. and I will admit fully...for web surfing...word processing.....It is just as fast as my WAY more expensive XPS ...it will load Firefox maybe a second slower.

and it came up to 400 dollars with taxes and everything from a Best Buy impulsive..need one now buy (her old one broke)

Although...it will not play DVD's without a usb DVD player


Also something to think about:
http://www.dell.com/content/product...s=19&~oid=us~en~29~laptop-inspiron-13_anav1~~

It's small and will do what you need it to do.


To be dead honest I only see the XPS as future proof..but to do what you want it to do and cheaply...there are better alternatives that an XPS

 

Thanks a lot for the replies.

Yeah, the price issue is the main thing swaying me from the macbook.

As per the above reply, I have definitely considered netbooks...but the main problem is the small keyboards. I'm going to need it for note taking in class, and I'm sure it's going to interfere with my typing. The Inspiron is intriguing though...do you know how it compares in terms of weight? And in terms of its specs, would the default ones (when buying online) suffice for my purposes? One issue too is that the extended warranty doesn't seem to cover accidental damages...unless I'm misreading it.

 

Hi, the o/p wants help with 1330 options, not other laptops (although of course there are other good options). As for the 1330, unless you game, the integrated option is fine, 9 cell will give you more juice but weigh more, led is a good option for weight and battery time and h/d 7200 might use more juice but is faster (for the equivalent size). I am not sure there is anything more to say about the rest of the options except to choose what you need. It is a good machine that will serve you well .

ps. the latitude weighs more, I believe, and had a lesser quality build.