XPS M1530 questions

I'm planning on getting an XPS M1530 for Christmas this year. It's purpose is use as my computer when I enter college next year, and as such it will mainly be used for browsing, programming, etc. as well as some light to moderate gaming when I'm over at my friends'. The 1280*800 screen resolution doesn't really impress me, but I think I could live with it. Gaming performance isn't a huge concern since I have a desktop as well, but I do have some questions. I realize that there is probably not any answers seeing as nobody has the laptop yet, but I'd like to hear what some people have to say.

1. Is it likely that the motherboard would be compatible with the 45nm processors when they come out? (I don't have a problem performing the upgrade myself)

2. Is there a reasonable estimate of battery life anywhere? I'm likely getting it with the 6-cell, but if I'm planning on using the gift card to get an extra 9-cell before I leave for the university.

3. Does anyone know if the 9-cell battery sticks out the bottom such as on the M1330?

 

Yes, The battery will stick out. (3-6hrs depending on your settings/use)

I can't say about the upgrade, but i doubt the mobo would support the two different sizes of proc.

Upgrades like screen, color, etc, will be available at or near X-mas/new year. so if you wait, you can always get a better screen then.

 

FourForty where is the 3-6 hr battery life number from?

Even the M1330 struggles to do that in real life? Are there Dell style divide by 2 battery life?

 

I think he meant the 9-cell, since I can only get two and a half hours on my 1520 with the 6-cell

 

Hate to add to your questions but I figure it would be better than creating another xps 1530 thread.

Im thinking about buying an xps 1530 and was wondering if after christmas dell would kick the price up, because right now it's pretty low. Maybe it's just their way of making a competitive 15' I dunno. As many others are doing I plan on waiting for a better res screen and as much as I'd like to get it I would rather not pay a lot higher starting price + upgrade price for something I can probably live without.

 

I don't think it will go up, as that would be a very bad move since the 1530 is not a gaming laptop, and you can get gaming ones for just a couple hundred more.

The new screens may probably end up making it look more expensive, but I bet the base price will stay the same.

 

Excellent, then I shall have no regrets waiting!

 

Do they make a 14" version of this laptop???

 

1 hour 28 mins DVD battery life with 6 cell according to the CNET asia review posted a moment ago...