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    XPS M1330 or XPS 13?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by rufik, Feb 5, 2009.

  1. rufik

    rufik Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,
    I've been thinking about 13" laptop for a 3 months. XPS M1330 seems to be ideal choice, but XPS 13 came out and it's Centrino 2 based i really good looking (black)...

    I don't like 2 USB ports and weight over 2kg (2,2kg) - how can you live with only 2 USB ports? One is constantly in use by mouse, what if I want to plug in i.e. printer and tv tuner and pendrive? This doesn't make sense...what do you think? It's better to go for XPS 13 or old&good M1330?
    When M1330 will be dropped out?
     
    rufik, Feb 5, 2009
    #1
  2. villious

    villious Notebook Geek

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    As far as the mouse....go bluetooth. Then you don't have to worry about having a mouse receiver sticking out of the laptop all the time.
     
    villious, Feb 5, 2009
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  3. Sephye

    Sephye Notebook Guru

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    Yeah, or you could just use external usb hub. Their pretty small, and they don't require external power source unless you're powering devices off them.
     
    Sephye, Feb 5, 2009
    #3
  4. rufik

    rufik Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hmm, bluetooth mouse is a good idea, thx :)
    I'm not sure if external USB hub is solution, maybe...

    Still thinking M1330 is better choice...lighter :)
     
    rufik, Feb 5, 2009
    #4
  5. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Bluetooth = awesome choice! :D

    And, if you go with the 1330 there are some great deals at Dell's home site, and you should also check the outlet! :D

    20% off Dell XPS 1330, 1530, and 420 $1299+ with Coupon Code: 5VHCG2KCC1DFTM

    25% off Dell XPS 1330, 1530, and 420 $1699+ with Coupon Code: 0419MFN8D09P45

    I think these codes expire, pretty soon! ;)

    I almost got the 1330, but decided on the 1530 last year! :D
    Now, I will be getting the Adamo 13 when it's finally released! ;)


    Cin ;) :)
     
    Cin', Feb 5, 2009
    #5
  6. uberkoozy

    uberkoozy Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's not actually Centrino 2 based, as it has neither the Intel PM45 chipset nor the Wifi Link 5xxx wireless cards.

    Studio XPS 13 actually has a NVIDIA MCP79 (or Geforce 9400) chipset, which was probably the better choice in a cramped form factor like a 13" laptop.

    The Studio XPS 16 however is Centrino 2 based.
     
    uberkoozy, Feb 5, 2009
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  7. Jidde

    Jidde Notebook Guru

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    Jidde, Feb 5, 2009
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  8. mjames_84

    mjames_84 Notebook Guru

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    In order to be certified as Centrino 2 a laptop needs to have three specific Intel components; an Intel montevina processor, an Intel montevina chipset and an Intel montevina wireless module.

    A laptop can contain any or none of these components but requires all three to be Centrino 2. The 1340 only contains the required intel processor as the chipset is nVidia and the wireless card is a Dell own brand, this means it doesn't qualify as Centrino 2.
     
    mjames_84, Feb 5, 2009
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  9. Jidde

    Jidde Notebook Guru

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    Good information, thanks!
     
    Jidde, Feb 5, 2009
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  10. mjames_84

    mjames_84 Notebook Guru

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    No problem :D
     
    mjames_84, Feb 5, 2009
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  11. Quillz

    Quillz Notebook Guru

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    Between the two, I'd say the XPS Studio 13. I, however, bought an XPS M1330 a few months back (before the XPS Studio was available) and have had no problems with it.

    Just get a USB hub if you need more than two USB ports.

    However, note that the M1330 does suffer from the typical "cheap" Dell feeling. It's primarily plastic (with a lot of give on the top lid), and the parts that look metal are merely stamped, not truly metal. The keyboard feels very cheap, too.

    I'm not saying at all it's not durable (it is) or a bad notebook (it's not), but don't expect the M1330 to match Apple or Sony in terms of design and build quality. Perhaps the XPS Studio is different, though.
     
    Quillz, Feb 5, 2009
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  12. basnet2

    basnet2 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I strongly disagree, I own an M1330 and given the chance to choose today between my computer or a new Studio XPS 13 I would choose the M1330. With 1330s so cheap these days plus the added weight of the Studio and no huge jump in technology don't make it worth it to me.

    Yes the lid is plastic but in no way is it cheap feeling, its plastic to save on weight. Combined with the brushed aluminum to give it durability on the palm rests and its a great laptop, on par with a build quality of Apple & Sony if not better!
     
    basnet2, Feb 5, 2009
    #12
  13. mystery905

    mystery905 Notebook Deity

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    + 1

    Actually the lid is magnesium, the same as the base.

    Plus, if you want a better looking and feeling keyboard, just swap in a black Vostro 1400 keyboard :)
     
    mystery905, Feb 5, 2009
    #13
  14. rufik

    rufik Notebook Enthusiast

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    You're saying Vostro 1400 keybord is better and it fits M1330? Hmm, need to consider swapping...
     
    rufik, Feb 6, 2009
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  15. rufik

    rufik Notebook Enthusiast

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    You're saying Vostro 1400 keybord is better and it fits M1330? Hmm, need to consider swapping...
     
    rufik, Feb 6, 2009
    #15
  16. laziepig

    laziepig Notebook Geek

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    why bother swapping when it's gonna die anytime.. try conisder on sony SR it's 13" 1.9kg centino2 with ati graphics at ard the same price.
     
    laziepig, Feb 6, 2009
    #16