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    should i buy the m1530?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by lyj_8191, Oct 6, 2009.

  1. lyj_8191

    lyj_8191 Notebook Geek

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    Hi, i was planning to buy a dell xps m1530 but after some searching apparently there has been problems with the 8600m gt gpu.

    Any experiences or suggestions?
    Any other problems faced by the m1530??

    thank you
     
    lyj_8191, Oct 6, 2009
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  2. ACDCGAMER

    ACDCGAMER Newbie

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    I have mine and have had few problems with it; I personally haven't had any problems with my 8600M GT, although I did need to have my computer repaired when the cable connecting the GPU to the monitor apparently broke, making my computer screen utterly useless until it got fixed. Other than that, though, I love my XPS M1530; it's pretty fast and gets things done, although it is kinda pricey for what you get IMO.
     
    ACDCGAMER, Oct 6, 2009
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  3. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    The XPS 1530 is no longer available on Dell's US site. You can still get it at the Outlet though. The 1530 is nearly 3 years old, you can probably get a much better deal right now on more current lappy's! :)

    The 8600 GPU has had it's fair share of *issues*...I've been thru 2..and am on my third..or a new lappy. :(

    Dell Nvidia issues on the 8600 GPUs, were bad enough that a warranty was *extended* out a year on the 1330's and 1530.

    See HERE

    It's a good, solid lappy...But Dell has since replaced it with the SXPS 1640 line.. :) Have you checked that out?

    Cin...
     
    Cin', Oct 6, 2009
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  4. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    How much are you paying?

    Like Cin' said, the 1530 is an old laptop with outdated technology. Unless if it was really really cheap, I'd stay away from it even if there wasn't the nvidia issue.
     
    Peon, Oct 6, 2009
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  5. Ole man

    Ole man Notebook Evangelist

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    It's nice, but it's dated. The 8400m GS is also problematic, and weak, so I'd avoid 8XXX Nvidia series. Check out the SXPS 16.

    Damn, I just noticed 'Cin said that, mid-typing.
     
    Ole man, Oct 6, 2009
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  6. lyj_8191

    lyj_8191 Notebook Geek

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    Hey thanks for commenting!

    Thx Cin! No i didin hear about the extended warranty bit.
    My budget is only around 900 to 1k USD and in malaysia there was a clearance sale for the xps m1530 which was priced around 850usd.
    I am currently choosing between the Studio15 and the XPS m1530.

    Unfortunately the new SXPS line cost a bomb.

    I have compared all the other laptops around 1k and i think only dell offers pretty good specs.

    thanks for the comments!
     
    lyj_8191, Oct 7, 2009
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  7. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    If it's the same price and similar specs, the Studio 15 is the better choice. You get the faster Montevina (or even Calpella though I'm not sure if the i7 would fit into your budget) platform and a GPU that won't crap out on itself.

    Besides, 850 for a 2+ year old laptop is kinda expensive.
     
    Peon, Oct 7, 2009
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  8. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    @lyj...Can you please post the specs that you are looking at on the the 1530, and on the Studio 15??? That way we can take a lookie at them (if you don't mind), and give you some ideas. :)

    The Studio 15 is a very nice lappy...and, it's much newer than the 1530..For $850 that you may be spending on the 1530, I would think you could get some great specs out of the S15 for that price (and more *up do date*). ;)

    Cin...
     
    Cin', Oct 7, 2009
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  9. lyj_8191

    lyj_8191 Notebook Geek

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    lyj_8191, Oct 7, 2009
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  10. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Lyj..I think you may want to consider the S15..its more *current*, pricewise it's fairly near what you would be paying for the 1530, and I think (even though I have the 1530), you will probably find the S15 a bit more *reliable*, right now! ;)

    Cin...
     
    Cin', Oct 7, 2009
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  11. TexasEx7

    TexasEx7 Meat Popsicle

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    Performance will be better on the Studio 15, and its more reliable. I would pick that one definitely.
     
    TexasEx7, Oct 8, 2009
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  12. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    My vote is for the S15 as well.

    Faster CPU, faster RAM, more reliable GPU, newer just about everything else. The only drawback is the screen resolution - the M1530 is 1440x900 while I think the S15 is 1280x720.
     
    Peon, Oct 8, 2009
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  13. mirage_bg

    mirage_bg Notebook Deity

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    The screen resolution is very important and it's not a little deal, especially with LED one...the RAM size as well as CPU speed can always be improved by upgrading, but the screen- not so easy and keeping the warranty alive. The graphic cards are equivalent, even more- good clocked 8600 outperforms 9600GT on stock speeds. So, hoping for no troubles with the GPU, my vote goes to M1530...
     
    mirage_bg, Oct 10, 2009
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  14. TexasEx7

    TexasEx7 Meat Popsicle

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    He doesn't have the option of upgrading. He is in a part of the world where he can buy one of two machines, and he doesn't have the luxury of ebaying spare parts to upgrade.

    The Studio 15 is better.
     
    TexasEx7, Oct 10, 2009
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  15. Peon

    Peon Notebook Virtuoso

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    I wonder if mirage_bg even looked over the specs, or if he just made that post based on a misinterpretation of what I said. Cuz both systems have 4GB of RAM :rolleyes:

    Besides, why would you want to overclock a card that already has major longevity issues at stock clocks?
     
    Peon, Oct 10, 2009
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  16. MikeyMike01

    MikeyMike01 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's a giant pile of garbage. The battery life is terrible (45 min?!), the touchpad is small and unusable, the crappy paintjob peels off under normal wear and tear, the screen is grainy, the thing is so incredibly hot, and it gives you shocks from the metal palmrest.
     
    MikeyMike01, Oct 10, 2009
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  17. freedom16

    freedom16 Notebook Deity

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    I agree with most of the people here, i have a m1530 and it works fine, the 8600GT is great!. To this date i still have no problems with the graphics card, I do recommend to just get a new one either the 1640 or 1340 or even a business notebook, precision m4400 is a great machine and also comes with RGB led it's awesome man. What will you be using the laptop for?
     
    freedom16, Oct 10, 2009
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  18. lyj_8191

    lyj_8191 Notebook Geek

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    freedome16 - for college and gaming. Most likely a desktop replacement i guess.

    MikeyMike01 - hey! thanks for telling some other defects. Shall look into it.

    Peon - Yep, wouldnt dare overclock it based on its history of dying off.

    Just a curious but seeing that the S15 is made almost the same way as the m1530, would the S15 also have problems with heat and electric shocks?
     
    lyj_8191, Oct 11, 2009
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  19. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Lyj...I don't think you will have the same problems with the Heat and electric shock that the 1530 has had. The S15 does not have a Aluminum PalmRest for one thing, and there is not the past severity of the Heating problems the 1530 is/was known to have. It does not have the 8600 GPU, it has an ATI.

    And, I know someone *personally* that has a S15..and they have had theirs for about over a year now, and they still really enjoy it. They only had to replace the keyboard..that's all.

    Go with what *you* personally want to go with..what feel *right* for you..You can take all this information from what *we* are giving you. But in the end, you will know what the *best choice* is to make! ;)

    Cin...
     
    Cin', Oct 11, 2009
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  20. lyj_8191

    lyj_8191 Notebook Geek

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    Lol thanks "master guru" Cin ^^
    yea most likely will stick to the S15 then.
    Thank you all for posting.
     
    lyj_8191, Oct 11, 2009
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  21. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    LoL...no *master guru*... :eek: Just trying to help out!
    I think you will be happy with the S15~ :)
    Will you keep us updated with what your final choice, etc. was?


    Cin...
     
    Cin', Oct 11, 2009
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  22. lyj_8191

    lyj_8191 Notebook Geek

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    Yep will do. Thanks!
     
    lyj_8191, Oct 12, 2009
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  23. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    I've had mines now for a year and a half and it's still going strong. No problems with the nVidia GPU unlike with the HP I have. Will keep my m1530 until it expires... bought the 3 year warranty. I've seen the new Dells but I still prefer the 1530's built and finish. Nothing like a metal bodied laptop.
     
    kanehi, Oct 12, 2009
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