XPS M1330 now or wait?

Seems like every time I buy new computer equipment, there is a huge update around the corner. This time, I don't foresee any huge changes in laptop models from Dell and since the new Penryns are available on XPS machines I am set. Can anyone think of anything upcoming that may replace current gen XPS models?

One thing I'm am interested in is the new X series from Lenovo. X200 is a 12 inch with Penryn and discreet graphics. However, I just wonder at the costs and the time frame, which is not until late June.

Good time to buy a laptop or not?

 

From what I know, this would be a fairly good time. Since they just updated the XPS 1530, I doubt they will revamp the line much. Dell has some great discounts. (Although they often do...) Especially if you are a student.

Only thing is, come June intel has it's new processors coming out, so if you can wait...

 

I'm not so worried about Intel's new processors for a little bit, more worried about major design changes. Atom seems to still be marketed towards sub 12" notebooks/UMPCs right now, which means they are underpowered compared to C2D. Underpowered is not what I'm in the market for! Mobile variants of Nehalem (Auburndale and Clarksfield) are not slated until Q1 2009.

Anyone know how often Dell does the $599 off XPS systems from MPP? Deal ends the 17th, I wanted to wait a little longer but if this is some rare deal I might have to jump now.

EDIT: There will be new Latitude E-series coming soon. Latitude typically does not include a video card right? I'm interested in a video card, but if the new Intel chipset has decent performance I might settle.

 

Didn't they do $699 off just a week or so ago?

 

Since Penryn has near just come out in Dell Notebooks, now is a good time really. Plus as you said Lattitude doesn't normally have a video card, where as the M1330 has a 8400M GS which is alright really.

Now is a good time, since there are always new chips just 3 months or so away.

 

I think it was $599 still, could be wrong though...

Whatever it was though, it was supposed to end April 11th. That obviously didn't happen.

 

Lets get things a bit straight on the differences between Processor and Processor Platform. Yes the NEW penryn processors are out, BUT the Santa rosa Platform which is about a year old will be replaced in JUNE by the Montevina Platform. Differences between the 2? Supposedly the Montevina platform will be smaller then the santa rosa platform, also more powerful yet not drain as much battery. you will see a increase in FSB up to 1066 and instead of just DDR2 ram also the use of DDR3 Ram. ETA of the new platform release is june ETA of the earliest time dell might use this platform possibly july/august.

 

when you want to buy a dell never fall for the $$$ off its all bs. They raise prices or include things you dont want and raise the discount. However every once in a while they release a 10% epp coupon that stacks with all other discounts, this is the only true discount. I recently purchased my m1330 with the 599 off(nothing new)+10% off epp coupon + 12% off student discount, and I asked for free shipping, 50 dollars off, and free upgrade to 9 cell. If you want to know the person I spoke with pm me, I may still have his extension number.

 

There's a current deal at MPP for $599 off + 10% EPP + 8% 3/4 year warranty. Comes out to be $1,328.11 pre-tax.

I just wish there were more specs on the Latitude E-series and price. Meh.

 

Is ordering by phone advantageous? I've heard you can get extra discounts or random things like that.

 

I don't really want to say this, but there isn't ever a "Good time to buy a laptop". When Intel releases their next platform later this year, every company is going to try to adopt it as soon as possible, and within a year (if not faster) all your technology becomes obsolete.

The best time to buy a laptop is when you actually need one. And yes, Dell has some good deals most of the time. Also, check out the outlet - I recently scored an m1330 with T7500/LED Screen/3GB RAM/160GB HDD @ 7200rpm/8400M/9 cell batt/4965n and BT for $1150. I say that was a good catch. Keep poking your nose in there - you never know what you can get.

 

Definitely, at least get free shipping

 

Do you know how I would be able to get a Student discount?

 

Maybe it would be best to wait until Friday: http://www.gottadeal.com/Deal/24383

 

Oh wow, nice. 10 Days of Deals also applies to MPP site and stacks with EPP. So that makes it $100 less than the current MPP deal I talked about. Total: $699 + 10% EPP + 8% MPP, as opposed to current $599 + 10% EPP + 8% MPP.

@Seshan
Your school should have a site set-up to link you to Dell. Buy with your university email address and you're set. If not, the MPP site open to anyone provides the same discounts.

I was able to configure a M1330 exactly how I want it for $1,311.55 today. I assume it would be $1,228.76 pre-tax on Friday ($100 more off the price reduces percentage off discounts). After sales tax, I save ~ $80. I'll call up a Dell rep to see if I can bring this rock bottom deal to ~ $1,150.

 

i'm just waiting for the M1330 to have Blueray and 1440 x 900. I'll buy it again!

I think gbEthernet be pushing it.

 

at the main page when you scroll over laptops instead of selecting "home & home office" select "gov't, education, healthcare, & health sciences"

and then on the next page click "student personal purchases"
and the rest should be pretty self explanatory.

just note that you won't see any discounts until you add it to your cart!

 

If you call Dell EPP (to find their number, go to the Dell EPP site by navigating to www.dell.com/epp) and talk to a sales rep, they would be able to give you free shipping and possibly some freebies. I know a couple of Reps there if you want an email, let me know through PM.