XPS 1530 - 1680 vs 1440 and others

Hello. I am planning to buy an XPS this summer (probably) but I am having a hard time trying to configure it to suit my needs.

For example. Where can I see some kind of 1680 vs 1440 comparison? I think that the 1680 resolution will be way too small for me, but I am not sure. Is there really a noticable difference in quality? Is the 1680 too small? Can anyone take pictures of the 1530 screen running firefox or the background or something in both resolutions??

Also, is there really many differences between the 8300 and the 9300 processors? Is it worth the 100€ it cost?

And what battery do you usually pick. 6 or 9 cells? I guess the 9 cells is better because is lasts longer and people say the laptop feels more comfortable with it, but I need some opinions

Thanks

 

The 9300 will run much faster for multi tasking. Pick the 9cell if you need your laptop on the go. Its not comfortable on the lap at all tho.

 

If you think it will be too small for you, then most likely it will be. 1440x900 Should be more than enough, unless you want a bit more screen space and much smaller font. I would advise to go with the 1440x900 unless you are going to be doing some heavy gaming on the machine. That is where I think it is really worth it.

 

Hi I have the 1530 with the 1440 screen, and I am very happy with it! The size of the screen works well for me and my needs. I find it just right, it is the perfect blend for me.

When I purchased my 1530, I purchased both the 6 and 9 cell batt's. Currently, I am using the 9 cell batt, and I really like it ~ as it raises the back up just a little, and is good for venting. I use the 6 cell when I take take my lappy outside of my home Also, purchasing both at the time of purchase was a cheaper route for me, than the latter.

Hope that helps you

 

also note that.. if u get 1400x900 ull most likely get an LG screen which is better than the **** samsung screens on the other resolutions

 

This is pretty much what 1680 looks like on a M1530. Personally I love it. It's great for design work, having full 2 page spreads open or multiple windows which is everything I do. I also play some games and so far native res has worked out fine for me on anything HL2 and Tomb Raider Legend. Yes as noted teh Samsung screen is bunk. I just swapped mine out for the LG, see the link in my sig.

 

If you decide you want a bit of extra screen real estate and go with the 1680 res you can always adjust the icon and font sizes. Personally I prefer the higher resolution for the roomyness (sp.?) and games look great.

 

Thanks. 1680 looks great on that screenshot. (But I would need to see it in person to be totally sure, which seems highly unlikely as I live in Africa).

Anyway, could you please take a screenshot with the same website at the 1440 resolution? Just to be sure, because from that screenshot it looks great, but... I don't know (It doesn't have to be a picture, just a screenshot )

And about the 9 cell battery, I think I will go for it, because of the many advantages, but will wait until its price drops (it's currently +130€ in Europe, combined with the +30/+130 from the screen (depending on 1440/1680) it would be too much...).

Also, what about the processor? Do you think the 8100/8300 is fine or I should go for a 9300? (but it's +150€ from 8100 ) (I mean, is it really worth +100€ from the 8300??) I think I will pick 4gb of Ram.

I don't need the laptop until September, and I hope the price will drop during these months...

Thanks again for all replies.

EDIT: I forgot. If I bought a 1680, and then I set it to 1440, will it be as good as a native 1440?

 

If you have a computer right now, why don't you set those screen resolutions and see what it looks like?

 

My screen is not widescreen. 4:3 19", 1280x1024 max

 

I would advise getting the 1440 screen for a 15" laptop. I had the 1680 in my old one, and the print is quite small.

I would only recommend the 1680 on a 15" screen if you're a programmer who's constantly scrolling horizontally back and forth - there, the extra real estate may come in handy.

But for most people (and typical uses), 1440 is probably most comfortable.

 

Here ya go. Note that 1440 makes everything look fuzzy because it is not my screen's native resolution.

 

They look the same to me but the 1680*1050, I have this by the way and love, has more real estate.

 

LOL yup! Sorry 'bout that This should be a little closer to what 1440 will look like on the xps.

 

I ordered mine on 3/29 and recieved it on 4/4. I ordered a wxga+ screen and got a Samsung panel. It's really terrible and the hassle of going through customer support is freustrating. The screen is grainy, dimly lit, and the viewing angles are pretty bad. I don't know if there is a shortage of LG panels but the recent batch of m1530's seem to have the Samsung panels installed on them. Right now a technician is scheduled to come and replace the panel. Wish me luck...

 

Thanks. I think I will pick the 1440 one finally, because I think the fonts on the 1680 will be too small for a 15.4" screen (eventhough maybe I am wrong...)

By the way, do you think I should wait until the 9 cell batteries gets cheaper? it's +130€ in Spain, but I think the extra batteries are always a good thing

 

For those guys that say their screen is dimly lit, I am assuming that you know that Dell Quickset Utilities are installed and you need to use the Fn key + arrow down key at the same time to control the screen brightness.

 

I believe the brightness is set to highest by default when plugged in when the notebook is shipped, so unfortunatly if your screen looks dull and dark when it's on mains power, the above method won't help.

 

Well since we're on notebook forums I assume everyone knows how to use a notebook. Thats like asking a person who bought a car if they know how to use power windows.

 

First post here. Been lurking around since I've been interested in the m1530. Anyway I have a question, wouldn't the 1440 screen have better performance in games as its rendering at a lower resolution? Also if I wanted to, couldn't I output to an external monitor if I wanted a full 1680 experience?

 

So you called and asked for an LG specifically? What did they say? I just returned a 1720 due to the screen - dim and horrible shadows. Got a full refund. I like the 1530, but really don't want to deal with this monitor issue.

 

Simply... yes.

 

Can anyone tell me why you like/dislike the 6 cell / 9 cell batteries? I am still thinking about it...

 

9cell Pros

-more battery life
-because it is bigger it acts a little like a riser, like you have on standard keyboards

9cell cons
-heavier
-pricier

If you are not planning on using battery power extensively just get the 6 cell.

 

I've found with the 9-cell attached it is very difficult to fit the laptop in the case Dell provides. I wonder if they ship a slightly larger version of the case to people who buy the 9-cell? I bought both and they shipped it with the 6-cell in, and that fits perfectly in the included case.