M140 users..couple ???

Hi guys,
I'm looking into getting a smaller laptop mainly for work. I currently have a gen 1 XPS and am looking at the M140.

How big is the power supply? (Is it a brick like the larger XPS's have?)

How is the heat issue I've read about? Is it melting/warping the case or anything else?

It seems like a great little laptop, are there any other little caveats on it? Looking for portability as I'm a consultant with a new bad back, so lighter is gonna be better hehehe.

Thanks!

 

You should think about getting a latitude instead, its much better for someone in your profession. The XPS's are just hardcore gaming laptops that drain batteries like a "mofo".

The latitudes are coming out with a new models very soon, next few months? They have some impressive stuff on them. Like widescreen and the sorts.

However I don't know about the heating issue.

Just my two cents

 

The M140 is hardle a gaming system since there is no dedicated graphics card. The battery life has been great, right now it says I have 91% battery with 4:39 left. Not sure how accurate that is but I just surfing with WiFi on and BT off.

Another nice feature the M140 does, which in my profession is nice is that the built in NIC is auto switching between a crossover and straight through.

Heat withit on my lap for about half an hour if just surfing is at 39CPU and 27HDD, not sure what others are getting but I would like to find out.

Power supply is a nice size, I have seen much smaller but it fits nicly in my bag. A nice feature of the power supply is that it has a built in "rubber band" that once the cables a wrapped around it it holds everything secure.

Ohh, the battery also has a built in system that will tell you the hoe much charge is left on the battery. Nice if you have 2 batteries and your not sure if the other one is charged or not.

 

my idle temperatures are higher at about 45-50c for CPU and 40c HDD

 

Glad to hear you like your M140...cases are going to be one of the only problems that I am going to run it to because most of the ones that I have found are not very professional looking...bright colors etc. My laptop runs cool too. I9300 BTW

 

I purchased a 15" Shinza sleeve, since I loved the 12" Shinza I used for my old 700m. The interior measurements seem to be great for the M140/i630m - 13" x 1.8" x 10.8" sleeve vs. 13" x 1.5" x 9.6" for the M140/i630m with the standard battery, so it should even fit with the extended battery as well.

 

I think the 630m version of the laptop has the basic inspiron look which is a decent business look. Plus you can find better coupons for the non XPS line usually.

 

I tried using coupons on things that it wasnt allowed on in hopes of someone making a mistake at dell and it ends up working. Dang they must double check. lol

 

It definitely gets warm on the left palmrest and underside. The screen isn't the best, but it's good enough. I think Dell's 15" screens have better viewing angles. But I like the size, the battery power, and general zippiness.

I bought a Brain Cell from tombihn.com. It's slightly too small for the extended battery, but I adjusted the "sling" inside (it sits in a foam sling so if dropped there is a space at the bottom that would prevent the laptop from hitting the floor) and it just fits now. The case fits this laptop like an absolute glove with no battery or the standard 6-cell (I would imagine). The Brain Cell is pricy ($50), but it can be clipped in other Tom Bihn bags, and has a front mesh pocket and D-ring attachments for a strap if you want to carry it by itself. It's pretty sweet in all black, but it's not as svelte as a sleeve like the Shinza or the Booq Vyper. I would compare it to the Sumdex sleeve that's reviewed on this site. Good luck!