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    XPS 1330 / 1530 VS dv6700t Special Edition

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by me_ram, Mar 30, 2008.

  1. me_ram

    me_ram Notebook Geek

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    I pretty much settled for a 1530 until I read about the grainy screen, the touchpad shocking and the keyboard terrains. :eek:

    With all that, I suppose that I will have to return to the old forte, HP. :) Below is my preferred configuration..

    Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
    Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
    Display 15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
    Memory 25% OFF Upgrade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!
    Graphics Card 50% OFF 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS - For Core 2 Duo Processors
    Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Influx) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
    Networking Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
    Hard Drive 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
    Primary CD/DVD Drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
    Primary Battery High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

    I pretty much miss the 8600 GT, 7200 RPM HDD and Slot loading Disc drive and almost the hp is half a pound heavier. At least, I can save around 400 bucks and on my budget and also be confident on what I will get. :eek:

    What do you think of this configuration? Is this worth making the switch?
     
    me_ram, Mar 30, 2008
    #1
  2. kobe

    kobe Notebook Virtuoso

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    It all looks good. Except for the GPU. If you are more into gaming, bump up to the 8600m GT. It's a lot better than the 8400m GS.
     
    kobe, Mar 30, 2008
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  3. me_ram

    me_ram Notebook Geek

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    Thanks dhoang417!

    My configuration sums up to a Vista Score of 3.5? The main culprit is the 8400 where as the others are around 5.

    I'm not a compulsive gamer but my apprehension is whether this good enough for Windows Aero / Vista itself? I've been reading that some people experience a not so good performance with it.

    I have been using Win XP Pro for almost 5 years now and this is going to be my first real switch to vista. I'm not really sure how much juice Vista would need to keep itself up and running in the first place.
     
    me_ram, Mar 30, 2008
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  4. Aleman

    Aleman Notebook Evangelist

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    Vista Aero runs great on integrated Intel graphics so it will run fine on any modern dedicated graphics card. Also, the dv6700t only has a 1280x800 screen, pretty low for a 15-incher.
     
    Aleman, Mar 30, 2008
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  5. swd

    swd Notebook Guru

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    I have owned 7 laptops and 2 of them where Hp's and both Hp's where good machines.

    However my new 1530 is by far the best laptop I have ever owned.

    My screen is crystal clear, my touchpad works great and my keyboard is smooth and responsive.

    I use it mostly for business, also Adobe CS2 products and gaming and this computer is a powerhouse.

    IMO 1530 is a good buy.
     
    swd, Mar 30, 2008
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  6. me_ram

    me_ram Notebook Geek

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    @ Aleman - Thanks! The 1280x800 does seem to be of a concern to me. Also the 256 MB card that they ship is a GeForce 8400M GS and AFAIK the 128 MB 8400 that comes with a 1330 should be sufficient for all practical purposes.

    @ swd : Thanks!

    I went to a local Best Buy store today to check out the models first hand. Somehow, I feel that the 1330 has an edge over the 1530 in all fronts except for the extra graphics. With everyone screaming about the cons, I'm a bit hesitant to go for a 1530.

    So, the battle is between the 1330 and 6700t Special edition.
     
    me_ram, Mar 30, 2008
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  7. me_ram

    me_ram Notebook Geek

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    BTW, Can anyone share the Vista score for a 8400 GS on a 1330? Is it good enough for everyday usage and some gaming?
     
    me_ram, Mar 30, 2008
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  8. zunairryk

    zunairryk Notebook Consultant

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    i was gonna buy dv6700t bt then i changed my mind and went to m1330. the reason for this is i like the design of xps and it is WAY TOO lighter than dv6700t which i saw in best buy. Also you have the option of LED screen.
     
    zunairryk, Mar 30, 2008
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  9. me_ram

    me_ram Notebook Geek

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    zunairryk : Thanks! What is the configuration / deal that you went for? How is the 8400 M GS working for you and What is the vista score for your laptop?
     
    me_ram, Mar 30, 2008
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  10. CitizenTony

    CitizenTony Notebook Enthusiast

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    My 1330 with Nvidia graphics gets a score of:

    4.7
    4.5
    4.1
    4.7
    5.2
     
    CitizenTony, Mar 30, 2008
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  11. wilso119

    wilso119 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've heard a wide range of comments about the screens-- ya either love 'em or ya hate 'em. I think that the LightScribe is a great option, I have it on my desktop and I wish that Dell would get on the ball with something like that. Many of my friends use HP notebooks, and many more use Dells, and several of my friends have said that their experience with HP has been nothing short of a nightmare. But then again, many Dell users have said the same thing.
     
    wilso119, Mar 30, 2008
    #11
  12. me_ram

    me_ram Notebook Geek

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    @CitizenTony - What is your config?
     
    me_ram, Mar 30, 2008
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  13. CitizenTony

    CitizenTony Notebook Enthusiast

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    T5450 1.66GHz
    8400GS
    2GB Ram
     
    CitizenTony, Mar 30, 2008
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