XPS 1330 vs 1530...

So im sure this is a common post... but im trying to decide between these two.

Now that the 1530 has the LED screen and is still cheaper, im very tempted to get it. Im only a little worried about portability (i would be taking it to lecture, to work, then to study)... but as long as its still pretty portable, i wouldnt have a problem. The other concern is the GPU heating up in the 1330. I Dont really want to do the copper mod. Has this been resolved? or is there any other solution? If i just didnt get the Nvidia Video card... would the Laptop still perform pretty well? How important IS the 8400 video card? Couldnt just the fast processor and basic video card do the trick for most things? Would i see much of a difference? And finally, does the 1530 have any heating up issues like the 1330 with the 8400M?

Thanks for any help!

 

The heating is less significant in the M1530, but it uses the same defect chip. The issue has not been resolved and the laptops are most likely still being shipped with defective GPUs.

I went with the mobility of the M1330, if that's any help. There's quite a difference in weight between the two, while both are mobile only the M1330 really is so. Pick up something with the same weight as the M1530 and compare it to something weighing as much as the 1330 and consider what you want to carry around for a day.

If you don't want to do the copper mod I think you should go with the 1530, since the heat really is a problem for the 1330.

The importance of the GPU really depends on what you intend to do with the laptop. If you're not going to do any kind of gaming/other GPU intensive taskts, go with the integrated GPU.

 

I have a 1530 and I pack it around at LCC all day, which is kind of hilly, but it's never been a problem. Will you be going to U of O, OSU, Lane, Linn Benton? I ask because of the considerations of what your campus will be like on foot and how far apart all the classes are.

 

Lenovo T400. Sony 13.3 inch laptop? Why get a laptop on an old platform when every other manufacturer uses this new one. Not to mention you are purposely buying a bad gfx card to game on.

 

I'll be going to the UO. The 1530 is where I'm leaning right now. i REALLY want the 1330... but the GPU issue is holding me back. Maybe its because the copper mod seems pretty... intense. Maybe its really easy, but I read through the instructions and I was lost... haha. And I WOULD go with Sony but i feel they are so much more expensive. Especially with the 30% off deal right now on the XPS that ends tomorrow! Which is why im tryin to figure this out ASAP! But WOW, thanks for the quick responses guys!

 

If you're not going to do any gaming or graphics intensive tasks, go for the M1330 with integrated graphics. If you're only going to use it for taking notes and watching movies, that'll be enough.

 

I have no problem carrying around the 1530. Then again I think that any laptop under 17 inches is very light. Good Luck!

 

Thanks guys. I might just go with the integrated gpu... i mean the only game i really play is WCIII frozen throne.

Does the 1530 with the 8400M REALLy have heating problems? theKooler, how is yours in terms of heat? Especially considering you have the 8600M... which would be hotter right?

 

If you can, get both! I originally had my 1530 grounded for games and such. Then class began. Even though it is a relatively light and slim laptop, it gets heavy after a while. I just got a 1330 with the integrated graphics (just for class) and it made a HUGE difference. Very very slim and light compared to the 1530. I don't think I could ever carry that 1530 around again.

 

**** you guys are making this harder!! haha, no but the feedback is great.

The 1330 with integrated graphics... would that be ok with video editing? Sometimes i liek to make slideshows with music using Movie creator or something. And what about basic games like WCIII Frozen Throne? I dont know much about GPUs...

The 1530 is like a pound heavier i thought... did you have yours with the LED? Cause that makes it lighter... Hmmm so much to think about! But unfortunately I can't afford to buy both...

 

earlier this summer I had same dilemma as you. First bought the 15, got it and realized it was too heavy / big for my needs. Returned and bought the 13 and love it. Im really happy i went with the 13. Im a grad student commuting by train/foot/bike... you name it.

Cant speak to other issues, tho. but for portability I love the 1330.

 

OregonDux have you seen either the 1330 or 1530 in person?

 

I don't have the LED but I did get the awesome LG! The 1530 is more like 2lbs heavier. I know it doesn't seem like much, but add in the larger dimensions and it becomes more significant. I'm not sure about the video capabilities of the integrate card but I doubt it is good for games. If I were you, I would probably get the 1530 with the 8600 and the 6-cell battery...IMO

 

No sir. I have been doing a lot of research online. I dont really have time to go to the store to check them out... nor do i know where they have them. I want to make my decision by tonight so i can get the 30% off. It says it expires on the 5th.

Im leaning towards the 1530... I drive most places... I'd just put it in my back pack in its sleeve. I'd rather get the 128mb Nvidia just to make it more future proof i guess...

 

I know you said you don't really have the time but they carry them at Best buy if you just want to check them out in RL.

 

Hey man thanks. I should do that...

 

Doesnt the 8600 get heated even more? And would the 8300 suffice?

Im sorry, maybe i sound anal, but its a huuuge purchase for me... like the biggest ive ever made, so I want to get it right. Thanks again for your help everyone

 

I used AS5 on my 8600 and got rid of the crappy heat pad. Made a very big difference! Get the 8600...

 

One last question. Anyone know how much improved the Montevina line is? is it worth waiting for in Dell computers? I like DELL for some reason, but its odd they havent offered the new chips in their notebooks yet.

 

Yes i believe alot of us would love to know this, i really want to buy a xps m1330 its just the right size for my handbag / totebag but since reading on the chip improvements i dont know if i should wait and how long that might be.

Im also worried that the xps will get a downgrade in design or spec although someone kindly posted they didnt think it would, i like to play games too and the current m1330 seeems like it quite capiable..on youtube anyway.