Last Config Comparison - Opinions?

It's either the XPS or the Studio 15.
Shipping dates for either of these are estimated at 8/28 (XPS) or 9/3 (Studio), so it doesn't make much difference. Both run ~1100 w/discounts, etc.
I'm not a big gamer, but wouldn't mind the option later on. Really like the back lit keyboard and the overall look of the Studio, but I like the palmrests on the XPS better. Concerned about the GPU on the XPS.

Any thoughts? I promise no more solicitations from me on this topic.




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XPS M1530 - $1091.16
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1
Tuxedo Black
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LED LCD (1440x900) & 2.0 M
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
No Microsoft Office
McAfee SecurityCenter 15-months
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
3Yr Ltd HW WRTY, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis, 24x7 Phone Support
Add Accidental Damage and LoJack Theft Protection to 3Yr Warr.
Adobe Photoshop + Premiere Elements
Finger Print Reader
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
Windows Vista™ Premium
Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr


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Studio 15 - $1102.92
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T8100 (2.1GHz/800Mhz FSB/3MB cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1
Jet Black
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2
Back-lit Keyboard
Hi Resolution/Bright, glossy widescreen 15.4 WLED display (1440x900)
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450
320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Dell 1397 Wireless-G Card
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
Microsoft Works
McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 30-Days
56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
3Yr Ltd HW WRTY, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis, 24x7 Phone Support
Add Accidental Damage and LoJack Theft Protection to 3Yr Warr.
Integrated Finger Print Reader
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.0)
Windows Vista™ Premium
Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr

 

You really need to make the decision yourself. The Studio is offering ATi, which is out of the whole blown up Nvidia fiasco. (although your warrant is going to cover at home service to repair it)

The Studio is more plastic, more lights, less performance.

The XPS is more metal, more performance, less childish.

In my mind I see the Studio as a 89 Civic with a big wing on the back, and the XPS is a BMW.

 

Even despite the announcement, I would still pick the M1530 over the Studio. M1530 also gets longer battery life, sleeker form factor, made with more quality, less bulky, etc.

I choose the BMW of Dell.

 

Agreed ^^^The 1530 is just *awesome* I do like the S15..but always the 1530....and then comes the MiniI

 

Nothing feels better than palms resting on metal.

 

Just to add some clarity to what Lucanesti said... NO the metal does not get hot or warm whatsoever.

 

Or shock you?

I was actually watching a review where that was mentioned. Funny stuff.

The 1530 is 'in production'! Thanks for all of your help.

 

Sweet~! Congrats on your new purchase!

I've never had the M1530 shock me before... the reason is how the adapter is grounded. The 3 prong adapter all M1530's is already now default so it won't shock you.

In the farther past, Dell used to include the 2 prong for lower specced M1530's instead of the 3 prong which is what caused the shocks.

 

"Spend money or we'll shock you!"

Guess they figured out that was a bad idea.

Congratulations on your purchase, if you ever doubt yourself, go to a Bestbuy and hold a cheap HP laptop for a minute, you'll enjoy your decision more. I went to a friends house and seen their plastic thick heavy laptop and I couldnt help but laugh.

 

That's pretty funny (re: HP's). I went to BB and tried out a bunch. I actually liked the new VAIO FW, but too big and expensive, etc.

The HP's I absolutely despised! Shinny things all over, touch pad felt like a greased up baking sheet, just awful.

 

HP is really one huge fingerprint magnet. Slippery too. Something about them maeks them feel not as cheap. Their new refresh d5t looks nice, but... I still like Dell's better.