XPS 1330 vs XPS 1530

I'm having a difficult time deciding between the XPS m1530 and the XPS m1330. I will be using this laptop for casual gaming, portability (school), and home use. I was dead set on buying the m1330, but when the m1530 came out, with some better options and a more attractive price tag.. i started thinking.

So i guess my main questions would be:

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1) Would it be worth purchasing the XPS m1530 now, or wait untill Dell releases more options, such as a higher quality screen? (would i be able to return my laptop and get it replaced with the new screen if Dell updated?)

2) Would the m1530 be portable enough to fit my needs? (to school, to friends house, on the road..etc)
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I'm just worried that with no reviews out yet for the m1530, if it would be a smart buy. Both systems have similar specs, only differing in areas such as video card and HDD, where the m1530 offers a better option.

thanks,
Kyle

 

if your gaming get the 8600gt of the 1530. and yes, its still portable.

 

^ what he said....beat me to the punch

 

It's still portable on (2), probably reduced battery life.. at least a 1lb of extra weight.. we will find out when reviews come out..

Dell will definitely not upgrade the screen for you on (1), you will have to give some other kind of reason and return within 30 days.. and then reorder.. a headache.

 

IMO, a 15" laptop is too large to be truly portable. I got the m1330 and have loved it since the day I opened it. I still get that "Wow" feeling when I get home and open the lid.

As others have mentioned, the 1530 will give you slightly less battery power, however more video power, same screen resolution.

 

Thanks alot guys, i think im leaning towards the m1330 just because i rarely game, and i think portability would be the most important factor for me.

 

You will not regret it..

 

Indeed, if portability > gaming, go for M1330. At least get it with dedicated graphics, and it should probably be enough for your casual gaming.

I kinda wished you'd have gone for the 1530, though. I've been itching to see a review of it since it was released

 

This (like any laptop decision) ultimate comes down to personal preferences and needs, but for my own money the M1530 is not worth it. You simply don't gain enough over the M1330 to be worth the extra size and expense.

The availability of a higher resolution display in the M1530 would work decisively in the M1530's favour.

 

Actually, the 1530 is quite cheaper, given both XPS's are configured the same [aside from screen resolution].

 

At first I was worried about the meager 1280x800 display resolution on the M1330. Then I got the thing... Any smaller I doubt I'd be able to read it when lounging on the sofa with the thing on my lap.

Which brings me to my next point...

The M1330 is the first laptop I've ever owned (and I've owned many, from Apple to Sager) that I can actually put on my lap and not have difficulty working!

1. It's light! OMG... for this much power, it's amazingly light! (I have the LED screen and SSD instead of HD)
2. It doesn't get too hot on the lap. (my old iBook was a nut-blazer)
3. Mine is very quiet! Even with the fan on, it's barely audible.
4. The battery life if fantastic! (my Sager would get about 1hr, this gets 5!)

 

Since you rarely game, the M1330 is the best choice. The size and power are amazing. I'd never go any bigger than a 13.3" screen on a laptop now. If you get the LED screen, you won't regret it. It's my favorite thing about the M1330. I've also had my M1330 since August and I can say it's extremely durable. I carry it around all the time and never had a single problem with it.

 

K so i just ordered the XPS m1330 last night, and it is estimated to arrive on the 17th. Thanks alot guys!

 

I've been having this debate too. I don't really want to wait for the 1530, and I rarely game.. But I do love my screen real-estate, and 13" sounds so... small :/. But then, battery life is really important too...

 

As soon as i recieive my laptop, ill give some feedback. And as to the size of the screen, i think its a fairly decent size, even for home use.