M1330 first impressions

Finally I got my M1330. Even though I didn’t have much time to play around with it, here are some some of my first impressions :

Compared to my previous M1210

Pros:

• Design certainly looks better, larger screen and keyboard are also nice upgrades.
• Screen is brighter and almost no light leakage [CCFL Display with hardware ID : LPL0000]. However viewing angles are not any better compared to M1210.
• Both of them have 120GB 5400RPM disks, but the one in M1330 is quicker (primary hard disk scores 4.9 in Vista experience index opposed to 4.3 of M1210)
• Integrated camera+mic (Even though M1210 had that option, I couldn’t configure it with the camera because DELL Japan didn’t offer it till several month after I purchased)
• No CPU whine !
• Better GPU (scored 1645 in 3D Mark2006 @ 1280x800 default benchmark)

Cons:

• Build quality ! I am disappointed in the overall build quality, everything look cheap especially the media panel (DELL calls it Center Control Cover). It has a lot of flex, and doesn’t fit properly. I took it out and reinserted, things were little better after that but still not very firm. See the attached picture (panel is not straight , it popus up from two places). There is also a big gap between the cover and hinges (see the photo).
• Indicator lights are very dim; HDD , power and battery indicators are barely visible in a lit room.
• Lack of S-Video port (I only have a standard CRT TV, therefore right now no way to connect it). I ordered a VGA to S-Video adaptor, lets see how it turns out (however, I have my doubts about getting it to work).
• Only 2 USB ports

Uneven Center Control Cover:


Gap between the hinge and cover


Comparing M1210 and M1330 side-by-side

 

I wouldnt settle with that hinge like that

 

Do you have the LED display?

Reason I ask is because the 1210's display looks thinner than the 1330's. Also, the build quality issues you have are very common ones. I just hope my 1530 has much better build quality (maybe Dell ironed out the wrinkles!).

Good first impression, BTW.....

EDIT: Regarding the left hinge, all three of my 1330's were like that. It is barely noticeable. I was more upset with the LCD bezel's flimsy feeling every time I would open the laptop (too many creaks and things moving out of place). The hinge I could live with. The other annoyance was the left side of the center control cover - it was so much more prone to wiggle and popping off than the right side. This is a design issue because there are two screws holding it down and they are both closer to the right side (which is why the right side feels solid).

 

100% NOT LED display I can say...also, for the hinge thing, just tolerate Dell once, okay? I got three but they all are the same...

 

I have the standard CCFL display [ Edited the original post], it feels slightly thicker than M1210. They should have done a better job at making it more compact.

About the hinge gap: its not a big deal, can live with it. I don’t want to send it back just because of that, when rest of the things (screen, CPU whine) are almost perfect. Besides, as alexzeon said, if it is a known issue, then I don’t think sending it back would do any good.

 

Is there any way to increase the intensity of LED indicators? In M1210 there is a BIOS setting to control front Media Direct LED lights. But I couldn’t find anything in M1330 BIOS.

 

Nope - no such option. I didn't think the LED's were all that dim, IMO.

 

I don't think the LED's are dim on my m1330 either. I have no problems with seeing them in a bright room.