XPS M1530 vs. Inspiron 1520

Hi everyone! I was wondering if I could get some help from the experienced people over here I'm stuck between these two models and I have a few questions that will assist me in my decision-making process:
(1) What is the sound quality like from the integrated speakers? How do they compare?
(2) Is the XPS M1530 really that noisy?
(3) In terms of gaming, do these models differ much?
Last but not least...
(4) What do you recommend?

I've listed the specs for my configured notebooks and have stated the price. Most of the specifications are the same, but I have italicized the one's that do differ. Your feedback is appreciated


Inspiron 1520
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500
2.2 GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB

Windows Vista Home Premium
15.4" Widescreen WXGA+ (1440x900) Display with TrueLife(TM)
Jet Black Color with Matte Finish and camera
3GB (1x2GB+1x1GB)667MHz SDRAM
250GB SATA hard drive
Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR2 dedicated graphic memory
Integrated sound blaster audigy ADVANCED HD Audio software
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Dual Band 802.11a/g 54Mbps Wireless Mini Card
9 cell 85Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

3yr warranty

ALL FOR $AUD 2,163.70


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XPS M1530
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500
2.2 GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB

15.4" Widescreen WXGA+ (1440x900) TFT Display with TrueLife(TM)
Tuxedo Black LCD display w/ integrated 2.0mega pixel web cam
3GB (1x2GB+1x1GB)667MHz SDRAM
320GB SATA HD
Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR3 dedicated graphic memory
Integrated sound blaster audigy ADVANCED HD Audio software
Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card
9 cell 85Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

3 yr warranty

ALL FOR $AUD 2,458.50

 

They pretty much have the same specs but the hard drive. I'm pretty sure you'll be good with a 250GB. That would save you some money. I have Integrated speakers on my other laptop. It's not all that bad and it's not at the quality where it sucks. I'd recommend the Inspiron. That's all you need and don't need to spend anymore for a bigger harddrive. Depends on what you store on the laptop though.

 

Thanks LGS! I'm seriously considering the Inspiron now, because of the price and also upon hearing that it runs a lot quieter than the XPS.
A question:
Is having GDDR3 dedicated graphic memory a big difference to having GDDR2 graphic memory?
If I have GDDR2 will gaming performance decrease dramatically?

 

Hi, i currently have a Dell 1530, the rumours of noisyness have been rather unfounded. The only noise problem, could possibly be the slot loading DVD drive, but it is only noisy when inserting and ejecting disks. I would highly recommend the 1530, better battery life, much thinner, and the GDDR3 VRAM makes a noticeable difference.

 

I have had two 1520 laptops and now I have the m1530 and I haveto say the noise is the same. There is really no difference. The gaming performance is much better on the 1530. There's also a less chance you will get the "famous" grainy screen with XPS. The 1520 is famous for sending out "1440x900" grainy screens. The XPS is a lot lighter than the bulky 1520 too

 

Phew, I'm really relieved to hear that the noise isn't so bad! It seems like the perfect notebook