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    XPS M1530 / Inspiron 1420 questions

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by eqmassa, Aug 7, 2008.

  1. eqmassa

    eqmassa Notebook Enthusiast

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    3 quick questions:

    1) I'm thinking of buying one of these two laptops (used) for general mobile computing + not-quite-cutting-edge gaming. At first, I was focusing on the XPS M1530 with the 256mb Geforce 8600, but those are tough to find used at decent prices. Besides, I think that the 128mb 8400 would suit my gaming needs fine for a while... however, at some point down the line, I might like to upgrade. Would this be much of a problem? I'm familiar with desktop building, but I've never dealt with laptop GPUS.

    2) If the GPUs are the same (i.e. 128mb 8400), is there any difference in gaming performance between these two laptops?

    3) I've heard about these having overheating issues when paired with these dedicated video cards... has that been dealt with yet?

    Thanks!
     
    eqmassa, Aug 7, 2008
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  2. Ttime20

    Ttime20 Notebook Deity

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    1. Most laptop GPUs (including these) are soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

    2. I would suggest actually skipping the 8400 GS and getting the Studio with the ATI 3450.

    3. It's really not as big of an issue as a lot of people make it out to be. It seems the A09 BIOS has helped.

    Check out this deal on the Studio 15, I'd take it over the Inspiron laptop any day.

    http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/laptops_great_deals?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
     
    Ttime20, Aug 7, 2008
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  3. eqmassa

    eqmassa Notebook Enthusiast

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    The thing is, I'm looking to buy something used for $700-$800 that I can just upgrade the warranty on... something that was top of the line a year or so ago would suit me fine.
     
    eqmassa, Aug 7, 2008
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