Dell XPS M140

Hi all
I will be getting a new Dell XPS 140 for Xmas. (wife says I've been good!!)
I checked previous posts and only saw a post re glare probs on the screen. Anyone have any opinions/suggestions for this model. I'm not a 'gamer' so graphics is no problem. Also, i'm kind of 'low-tech' guy, so keep replies so I can understand..maybe even one syllable words!!
Thanks.
duke

 

This is a great model for gaming, video editing and almost anything else you want to do with it. It is a prefernce on the screen, I have heard alot of people rave about it, but again it is personal preference. If you are looking to save some money and won't be gaming all that much you can check out the I9300 which is the step below the M140. But again, if the wife is getting it, get the most more her money

 

I don't think you can make any real comparisons between the I9300 and the M140. They're totally different beasts. The I9300 is made to be a desktop replacement(~8lbs). It's absolutely huge compared to the M140. The M140 is made for mobility(At 5.5lbs though, the M140 isn't extremely mobile either).

They are different classes of machine. If you want something you can take with you get the M140. If you want something that will more often than not sit on your desk get the I9300.

Also, the I9300 is better than the M140 for gaming, even with the lowest GPU option available. The I9300 comes with the X300 GPU in the base model and can be upgraded to the go6800. The M140 is stuck with the Intel integrated graphics solution.

I think you're confusing the M140 for the M170 USAFdude.

 

Thanks Kingjimmi, I knew you would have more input on this one. I think the I9300 is a great machine, I don't mind the weight now that I got a case for it and it comes with me almost everywhere. So yes, if you want to go on the road and are looking for battery life go with the M140. But thanks Kingjimmi, I don't want to give out false info. Plus, I am kinda partial to the I9300.

 

Hey guys
I am asking for opinions on the XPS M 140, NOT the I9300. Anyone else with any opinions/pro or con. I'm just trying to see if the M140 is ok or not!!! Just give me your .02 cents worth..if you have any pertinent info.
Thanks
duke

 

Duke: You should specifically ask your wife what screen she ordered. If she doesn't know ask her to check the order. The M140 has two options. One is glossy ("TrueLife"), and the other is not. If you plan on mainly doing work with it, you're better off getting the one that is not glossy. The glossy coating reflects light, which makes it easier to tell the difference between light and dark on the screen, which makes images look nicer. On the other hand, it's easy to see reflections of surroundings, and looking at it for a long time in bright areas can give headaches.

If that's what your wife ordered, it's not too late to adjust the order, and there's no reason to think she'd be offended, since it's only one little thing, and you really love the gift (you'd better! If not, keep your mouth shut for your own sake).

A lot of people are afraid to actually discuss gifts with people, and it's very cute. When you plunk down $1000 for a machine, though, it's worth it. I say this because I worked my butt off configuring a great computer (well-thought-outI6000) for my girlfriend. She sent the cart to her parents so they could order it. They said it was too small and they wanted to get her a "better" one, by which theymeant "bigger," since they don't know anything abouy computers. She didn't want to offend them, so she didn't say anything, and she ended up with a behemoth that's no good for her.

For what it's worth, neither is a bad choice, and you should like it either way; one just might be a better choice for your needs. Cost isn't much of an issue, since the glossy is only $25 more.

Tell us what happens,
Howie

 

Hi Duke:

The M140 has a decent screen but there is some light leakage on most systems. This is really nothing to worry about unless its not to your liking and you can return it within 21 days of the purchase. Its barely a thin and light, which it ways about 6 pounds. It has a full keyboard (except keypad of course), you have the media controls right under the touch pad so you can control the DVD drive, volume, etc. You can even use those when windows is not booted up also. It has a big sized touch pad. Its a pretty mobile laptop and if you plan to be taking it around its a good idea of its size.

Nk

 

By the way, I was trying to answer your original question, which is about screen glare. You also ask about whether or not the M140 is OK. The answer is that the M140 should be an excellent choice for almost anybody. The screen issue is true of any laptop that has that option. I haven't read many reviews from owners, but it is a really promising machine at a good price.

Best,
Howie

 

Howie & Nick....thanks for the responses. Howie, the wife said she went with the 'glossy'...she said I was worth the extra $25 ... ...so of course, I WILL like it!!!

duke

 

Yep, you will be very pleased with the gift and i really couldnt wait. Remember if you get it, and turns out you really dont like it or there is a problem with it, return it within 21 days. Anyways good luck and post back when you get it.

Nk

 

I've had my XPS M140 for 10 days now and so far I really like it. The one caveat is the light leakage at the bottom of the display, it's not that bad but to tell the truth I'm not used to having any light leakage at all and I really do wish it wasn't there. I also have the "shiny" true bright display,the Windows task bar covers all of the light leakage but I haven't played a DVD yet so the jury is still out on how it will perform it that regard. Otherwise the display is sharp with rich vivid colors. I'm not used to receiving PC's with a ton of bloatware on it and since I haven't had time to reformat I removed all of the unnecessary junk and now it is performing way faster than when I received it. Norton System Works which came with my M140 is such a gross piece of software and slows it down tremendously I would recommend that you not get it with your M140. Having an Apple 15" Powerbook and an IBM T42 and this being my first Dell I'd say I'm happy with it.

 

FYI...got this thing today...WOW...lots of bells & whistles and speed ( I think this is the KA Model (Kick Ass) ...I see a little bit of what some of the people were talking about on the 'light leakage'...but you can adjust the angle of the screen and it goes away...
I'll post more later...gotta go & check out this thing...
Thanks all for the info on your posts...
duke

 

Definitely let us know what you think if you've got the time. I can live vicariously for the next month (bet you can't guess what I ordered :-\).

Best,
Howie

 

Can someone help me?
Which items should be deleted from the xps...Also, if I get rid of Norton, what should I get instead? I do not want the unneccessary "bloatware" on my computer.

thanks, Kris

 

So it's been several more days and I am definitely happy with the M140. It's solid and doesn't feel cheap even compared to my Powerbook and Thinkpad. One of my favorite things is the keyboard, it feels great to type on with absolutely no flex and a nice tactile feel. The display is very nice, changing the angle of the display almost eliminates the little light leakage there is. I can't reiterate enough what removing Norton System Works did for the speed of this thing, to me it's the majority of the bloatware that came with the M140. The battery is amazing and provides hours of battery up time. The speakers are teriffic for a notebook of this size, I would only expect a desktop replacement to have such nice sound. All in all a pleasant surprise!

 

that looks gud to me i wish i were getting one for christmas........

 

As a follow-up, since I am the one who started this thread..I am VERY well pleased with my M140.
Lots of 'stuff' comes standard and I am not disappointed with anything ...yet.
Great keyboard, outstanding battery life, excellent display (I did have to tilt & adjust it),pretty good speakers....very convenient media controls on front of the unit. I think Dell did its homework on this one!!
Thanks to all who had suggestions/opinions.
I highly recommend this model!!

 

Me too! Except for my problem discussed here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=36458