Ok, Convince me! I want XPS 1330, but is it worth the money?

Ok. I plan to move from 15,4 to 13,3 because I want more mobility. But how is it, is it worth the money?
Is it really that thin and light as advertised on Dell.com?

 

Yes, it is worth the money.

 

G etag oodd ealby ch eckin goutt heh ow-t oth read bel ow...itha swor kedfo rma ny. OR

Get a good deal by checking out the how-to thread below...it has worked for many.

 

I was convinced by flamenko's 'How to get a good deal' post. And it works.

I only wonder now if I had more patience than I do whether or not I could have followed his post further and got an even better deal.

Either way, until the beast arrives, I'm very happy with the money I paid for the spec.

And flamenko's post is worth good money.

Quite a lot of good money as it happens.

Read it; order; rep flamenko.

 

To save yourself some bucks, you might also want to consider a 1400/1420. It is also a smaller form factor than the 15.4s.

-LQ

 

no dell is worth more than 100 bucks. Go with an HP or someone else.

 

Personally, I can't justify the price of the system to get a decently configured. What do you want to do with it, there are other 13" notebooks out there.

 

I agree totally!!! Check out the HP support thread below running at 47 pages long!!

Click here!!!


All in jest LMAO. I couldn't resist. Im one to talk right??? lol

 

lol, HP is getting more trouble than DELL these days...

 

And since us Dell owners can poke fun at ourself...

I have attached my much appreciated and detailed m1330 Buyers Guide for your review so...

Click here!!!!!

 

You can't even compare the inspiron 1420 / vostro 1400 to the XPS M1330.

 

Dell is a low-quality maker. Even with the XPS, thier quality is low and thier support is horrible. Get an HP or Alienware even. Sager, etc.

 

I love how ppl like "nvidia" claim Dell support is awful, when it really is second to none.

I have been sent parts to replace myself that weren't customer replaceable - even though I have a return to depot warranty

Let's see... I made a completecare claim for my old Gen2 and was upgraded BIG TIME with a brand new 1710.

I have used Tosh's and Sony's support and it is light years ****tier than Dells. HP is no better than gateway or tosh or sony. I wish ppl would think before spewing stupid a$$ comments like nvidia's.

Go troll somewhere else and maybe your epeen will get swollen....

 

100 bux? No way bro
XPS is worth buyin. Definately.
Its performance is awesome and you can be proud of having a SLI notebook
However, all the performance probably matters in RAM, CPU, GPU.
It is recommended that you get 2GB RAM, Extreme CPU, and the SLI GPU

 

I disagree with your judgement of Dell's quality. I never experienced any major issues will the Dells I owned (not brought about by my own dumb mistakes), though I will agree that Dell's support folks could definitely stand to improve their methods. Their attitutes sometimes need adjustment, too, but their spelling is very good.

 

One must realize that Dells holding of 30% of the market does mean more visibility on sites like this from those experienceing problems. Even with all that has gone on here, the satisfaction rate of the m1330 is 9/10.

I've raived about their support many times in the past but, in the past few months we have seen it continuously here.

 

Worth the money? yes and no.

First of all, the M1330 is expensive, but compared to the rest of its class, its good value for money.

If you are dead set on a 13.3" notebook, you wont have very much in terms on leeway in choosing since the other options are significantly more expensive.

As "just" a notebook, you can find much better deals, dell or otherwise elsewhere. The M1330's build quality is also off of what Dell delivers with the Latitude line. If you are a rough user, get a Latitude. I'll be surprised if my M1330 lasts the 3 years completecover without things going wrong.

As for support, the XPS is the best, bar none, even better than my corporate Latitude support, which in itself is light years ahead of what HP, IBM, Sony, Acer, Toshiba can muster (although in my area, NEC seems to be aping Dell's 3 year NBD support for free).

And to nvidia that suggests that Dell support is crap, I would love to have what he's smoking. Sure you get the occasional bad apples, but it has been consistantly good if you know to escalate to higher ups if you are not getting what you want.

However that said, being a corporate system admin, probably helps, support and staff probably gives me preferential treatment anyway.

 

If your gonna get the M1330 or actually any laptop, use the How To method below...or at least give it a read.

 

What a troll.

Oh yeah. HP sucks

 

I love my m1330! Best laptop to date that I've ever used! I'm as in love with it today as I was the first moment I opened it.

....and as lordnikon said.....HP SUCKS! LOL

 

Plssssss if this true then HP is not worth a single penny !!

Very true.....Just hv a look at 1330 and u will buy nothing else...

Wake up dude.....Nobody can deny that Dell has THE BEST support of all !!

My 9/10 marks for 1330....It lost 1 point because I had to order a replacement for getting a perfect system.....No complaints till date (touchwood)

 

has the high frequency pitch sound been fixed?
as long as the sound is still there i don't think the thing is worth the money

 

The whining sound is not limited only to the m1330. Some have it some don't.
I'm one of the lucky ones that don't have this problem.

 

Its been and is encountered in most makers including Apple.

It has to do with the factories that are installing the same motherboards in several different manufacturers systems.

For example, Compal in Malaysia manufactures the laptops for Dell, HP, Apple, Acer and...shoot I forget the fifth. Anyway, most of the motherboards are the same, different only by some small software change by each manufacturer. Thats where your squeal comes from in different systems.

Its a chance when you buy your system. Actually, I believe it has been blown out of proportion by the press it receives in places like this.

I had it in my M1210 and they changed just about everything to find and rid me of it. My tech had a room in my house we liked to joke. They finally replaced it with a M1330. My wife swears we were all nuts and says she barely heard anything in that system.

 

Dell is probably the most over-rated OEM. If people were to actually compare the m1330 to say the ibm/lenovo t61 or Asus V2s side by side, they can tell immediately that the build quality isn't the best out of the 3. However, I have to admit that the m1330 does have the "sleek" factor and is cheaper, but it still doesn't compare with the other 2 in terms of customer service and reliability (I humbly and strongly disagree with vikram's comment "Dell has the BEST customer support").
I think it is really pointless to argue which notebook is the "best" since each person's tastes and standards are different and there isn't one notebook that is perfect for everyone's need. Asking whether a specific notebook model and brand is like asking someone if they like spicy tuna roll - some people love it, some hate it, but you MUST try it yourself before judging it!
Anyways, going back on topic and to answer the OP's questions, No i will not recommend the m1330 and i don't think it is worth the money. Owning a Dell has been such a cliche and their products do not stand out in anyway IMO. I'm not even sure why Dell put the m1330 in the XPS series since it isn't even a real gaming/performance notebook. An 8400m GS card and a 13" screen already gives it away that it can't handle new and current games on medium high settings without dropping to 7fps. So since you're not looking into a gaming notebook, why not choose some other ultra portable rig with a better quality and durability?

 

If you are just looking for a highly portable computer, check out the Lenovo X series. I almost got one, but decided to get a 1520 because it was cheaper and I'm not very picky about size/weight.

 

Not true.....

I looked at both extensively, and still ended up with 1420 since it represented a much better value.

Bang for the buck, the 1400/1420 is simply a better deal.

If you are willing to pay a premium, then the m1330 is definitely sexier.

It is the same reason why everyone doesn't buy a Lexus vs. Toyota. If money were no object I would get a Lexus. Unfortunately in this case I decided to put my money elsewhere.

-LQ

 

Note: X series does not have integrated CD/DVD Rom.

 

Oh yeah, it wasn't just the price that made me decide against it, it was the lack of an optical drive. x_X

Why don't I ever remember these things?

 

I think the thread was "I want a M1330" not ASUS or Lenovo or any other.....

You are comparing the M1330 to your C90S? I don't know if your aware but check this vote of confidence here!! I dont think there is a problem thread this large on the site lol.

Im still chuckling about Emporium guys comment. His picture answers it all.

DUDE!!! The XPS line is not meant to be a gaming line. I think you might have figured that out with the M1210 but I guess not. Yes....there are gaming machines but it was not created restricted to that sole function.

I'm gonna take for granted that you never have owned an XPS much less a M1330. That would probably have reduced your credibility, in this instance anyway, significantly. Your speaking of something you know nothing about.

 

Nope, never owned one but i sure have used it a bit and found nothing spectacular with the m1330. I'm not saying its a bad notebook, its just average. I don't see why you are taking offense with my opinion and don't see how by owning a m1330 will increase my credibility in anyway. If you find that the m1330 is best, then good for you. Just don't expect everyone to buy it because you bought dozens of them. All i'm trying to say is that I don't recommend the m1330 and there are other better notebooks out in the market so the OP will have better options before investing a large sum of money.

 

Thats a bit different of an approach lol. I think you need to own an XPS to understand everything that comes with it is, for the most part, what I'm trying to say. I'll concede you probably have as much knowledge of this as I do with an ASUS. They may be great laptops.

You must admit though (and its healthy for the threads), your original approach inspired response...

 

I'd say it is worth the money. And dell support really is good.

To whomever suggested Asus support is not even close.

Took me two months to get a replacement for a motherboard that wouldn't boot with 2 sticks of ram and would overheat every 30 min :s.

 

Hmm... I don't think i'll pick up an XPS anytime soon, but I'll probably borrow my friend's m1330 next month when he goes camping for a week.

Ben, on the contrary, I have had excellent responses from Asus CS and they are very knowledgeable in their products. I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but defects do happen regardless of what brand of notebook you purchased. If you bought your Asus from an Asus reseller, they almost always will replace your notebook for a new one if its a faulty mobo and if its still under standard warranty. The only beef i've got with dell support is their Indian accent. I know its not their fault, but during the days when i still had my inspiron and latitude, I found it so difficult to communicate with them and nothing was solved in the end.

 

Also I guess the ASUS support might also be diffrent depending on cournty. But the Asia/Pacific region seems pretty bad (Im from Australia). Not once did I get to speak to anyone that actually knew anything about a motherboard or how they work. It was all just reset to defults, try 1 stick of ram, try in other slot. Then Oh sorry I think its your ram that stuffed or CPU etc. I must also admit im not talking about laptops my experiance is Desktop hardware.

 

Likewise I will concede their are communications problems with Dell. When I first purchased my system, I wanted to change a configuration and they gave me a case number. No prob, called back and used the case number. A few hours later i check to find a laptop CASE has been ordered and charged to me. It was very frustrating trying to fix this.

 

Sorry to hijack the thread again, but yes, Asus CS varies greatly from country to country. The worst I've heard is in the UK where they send all their notebooks to a local repair company for the so-called "repairs". The best however, is actually in Cananda from what i gather.

 

It would make more sense to compare the Dell XPS M1330 to other 13.3 notebooks.
When i was selecting a notebook i was only looking at a 13.3 notebook. I liked the form factor of them and lighter weight of them. Maybe you cannot appreciate that. One shouldn't expect a 13.3 notebook to be the most powerful notebook out there.
In its class around other 13.3 notebooks it is the most powerful notebook out there.
When i look at a 13 inch notebook i don't really care of the fact that i could get a faster GPU in bigger notebook as that is not what i am after.

With the XPS M1330 you get a balance of power and portability in a small package. It is also pretty stylish as well.

And OP yes i think that it is worth it.

Some people just don't like Dell and will bash them unnecessarily some without not even owning a Dell XPS laptop or dealing with them personally. There is a difference between a customer having issue with them and somebody else who has never ever even used a Dell XPS or who just does not like Dell and will rate them down regardless.

Check out Flamenko's guide to getting the best PC deal with Dell.

Lots of people in the EU are getting very good deals.

 

I never could justify the 1330 price, or maybe i'm just cheap.
Can get the same configuration of Vostro 1400 for half the price.

That's just me though, can't imagine spending half the cost on looks of a laptop.

 

Firstly the OP is looking for 13.3' machine.....so 1400/1420 doesn't fit here....

Secondly he isn't asking about how good/bad other machines are....He is simply asking for cost-value ratio of 1330.....So no point taking this discussion to Dell vs. HP/Lenevo/Asus......!! It won't help the OP

Taking the lexus analogy further...If somebody is asking how good is lexus there is no point in tell him how good corolla is....If lexus is bad tell him so.....!!

And as flamenko says u need to own a XPS to know what comes it it !!

 

Well since i paid 2.332$ for a Zepto 6625 in August, in Denmark, with the following configuration, I dont think XPS is that expensive:O

15,4"
2.2GHz
8600M GT
2 GB Ram
100GB 7200 RPM

I can get the XPS for much less, without high-end parts. But I dont need them, I just need a thin, light, portable notebook. And I can settle with 1,8 or 2.0 GHz and integrated graphics.

But Dell is charging way too much for small upgrades on the XPS.
ex From 2.0 -> 2.2 GHz
From 5400 RPM -> 7200 RPM

 

Just been on the phone with Dell Europe. They have a delay of 2-3 weeks, and extra 2 weeks for LED-screens. That means 4-5 weeks Thats insane...
I asked them if one could pay extra to make it a priority, but no...

 

if you're really concerned about price and portability, get a m1210 from the dell outlet.

I did and am glad i did.

 

Another 13.3' option is Vaio SZ6....But I was not at all impressed when I saw SZ450 model at best buy....

 

I think they are worth it if bought at the right price. I got mine off EBAY sealed in box for less than 1600 bucks, the Dell price was just under 2300. I can't imagine paying 2300 bucks for any computer given my needs but at 1600 I am totally happy. The M1330 is light, well designed and performs very well. It isn't perfect but nothing is.

 

It depends on how much you end up paying for it.

(i know regional price differs, so taking that into consideration, mine is bought in Malaysia -where they make 'em)

Paid under US$1500.

Specs

T7100
8400GS
WLED screen
2gb ram
9 cell battery upgrade
120gb HDD downgrade
3 year Premium XPS service + completecare
Vista Business upgrade

I got quite a good value out of it if you ask me, your experience may vary.

The equivalent 13.3 lightweight from Sony and the rest cost significanty more.

 

Ok, I'll bite. Why can't you compare them?

 

The Vostro and Inspiron markets in a different price class all together.

They are heavier and obviously targeted at different markets. The reason the M1330 exists in the first place is the design...and that alone commands the price premium.

 

Basic difference : 1400/1420 falls in 5-7 Lbs weight category while 1330 is in 3-5 Lbs ultraportable category !!

 

I ordered with 64ss drive, should I cancel and get it without?
Any help would be appreciated.