M1330 Configuration - Make it a good deal!

Hi, I am planning to purchase the Dell XPS M1330 notebook via EPP.

Dell XPS M1330
Tuxedo Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition
Slim and Light LED Display with VGA Webcam
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
160GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor,24x7 Phone Support

I don't need these but can't exclude them:
McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 15-months
Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
1Yr LoJack for Laptops Theft Protection (CD Shipped Separately)
DataSafe Online Backup 10GB for 1 year

Base Price: $2049 ($1926.06 with EPP Discount)
Final Price: $2077.91

1. Is this configuration good enough? (for a power user)
2. What part should I change in it?
3. What should I be ideally paying for it?
4. Dell is not offering any concessions, should I wait for Cyber Monday?

PS: $200 Off Coupon at Dell Home is not useful as I am not buying today!

Thanks for your replies!

 

1) It's pretty much maxed out, isn't it? What's 'power user' in your view?
2) I would downgrade the T7500 to T7300, not worth it
3) Around 2000, that's how much I payed for mine through epp
4) no idea what that is.. i'm a bit behind sorry

 

1. I use computer 14 hours a day/5 days a week.
Also a gamer and 3D graphics user.
2. Why? I belive 4MB cache boosts performance significantly.
4. Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday) is for Online Retailers to offer low prices and promotions. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_Monday

 

You might be able to do better if you call up and order.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=2644880&postcount=40

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=153497

 

I had already read those posts.

4. Dell is not offering any concessions...when I call/chat!

5. What is the typical discount Dell offers via call/chat?
(10%, 15% or 20% over configured final price???)

 

One Dell CSR, downgrades my configuration and says "Look, I have reduced the price by half and I can stick to this deal, if you order with me now!" (I quickly check and find I get the same deal online.) Anyways, I don't want to downgrade the configuration but the downgrade the price!

 

Dell chat results in only $50 reduction on base price and that too with immediate order with them. Hmm!

 

you're lookin' at the wrong computer

 

I forgot to add...

I am on the move and in cramped spaces/public transport.

 

Hmm... no idea about waiting for cyber monday, your choice

The T7300 has the 4mb cache, the only difference is the extra .2ghz

Also, extreme gamer? Or just casual/high expectations?
I'm fine with the 8400m gs
This laptop seems to be a good fit for you

 

T7300 is no longer available with Dell. You can only choose between T7250 and T7500. That is why I had to choose T7500 for 4MB Cache. Dell reps told me that T7300 is the major culprit behind CPU whines and that is why they have discontinued them.

Casual gamer. Leaning away from integrated graphics as my family needs to use intensive 3D Graphics/CAD applications.

Thanks!

 

if you are to have only one computer, im not sure if the m1330 is the right one for you, esp if you are after graphics intensive applications.

i think you should consider something with better graphics.

 

Portability is of utmost importance. I have tried M1330 and it works for my family's needs. Now it is time to look for a good deal and make a purchase.

 

One thing you can do is downgrade the ram to 1GB and purchase 2x1 GB sticks and upgrade yourself. http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=204884016 has 1gb sticks for $25 or $15 after google checkout. Not sure if they use up 1 dimm or 2 dimm when you select 1GB. If they use up 2 you'd have to purchase 2x1GB instead of 1 GB stick but it'd still be way cheaper than upgrading from dell.

I don't know if you saw the link sinostic posted of the deal i got but I managed to get this deal. http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...0&postcount=40
On top of this order I managed to get them to throw on overnight shipping, built in bluetooth and a fingerprint reader all for free just by calling back again. Try a different rep and see if they are any help. Just be polite you'll be amazed at the discounts they can give you.

 

Thank for all the help.

 

M1710

You know you want it.

 

Look here what I am going through: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=185999

 

ew. did you take a look at dell outlet? alot of times they have really good deals

 

No outlets for me. If a new notebook has so many issues, I wonder if I should take chances with returned or refurbished systems. Especially when one of my friends son got a used system when what he ordered was a refurbished one. So much for refurbishment. The notebook came with a post-it stuck next to the touchpad stating username and password and a hard drive full of adult movies. He was only 13! He had finished watching half of them before his father came to know what was happening!

 

Was it from Dell Outlet? I doubt it. Refurb means used btw.

 

Yes. It was from an outlet. It was a Certified Refurbished.

Refurbished means either used or systems with problems are rectified, repacked to new like condition including the hard drive image.

The other options on the outlet are: Previously Ordered New, Scratch & Dent and Off-Lease!