XPS1330@$2000 or MBP@$1800?

Hi guys, I need your opinions. I need to buy a laptop because I'm going to start Grad School, and I'll also be doing a lot of traveling, and I need laptop.

I was looking at the new XPS1330, and was really excited about it. At first I was only looking to spend about $1500, but after I configured it to my liking it came up to about $2000. Since apparently that's my new budget, I was shopping around to see what I could get in that price range for a Santa Rosa chipset, LED screen, good video card and 2GB RAM.

I eventually came across the 15" MBP at 2.2Ghz, and with an education discount its $1800, $200 cheaper than the XPS.

MBP
Faster Processor 2.2Ghz w/ 4MB cache
Better Vid Card 8600m GT
Bigger screen
Better Resolution 1440*900
Better battery life
Integrated Bluetooth (I didnt pick this on my XPS)
Wireless N (I didn't pick this on my XPS)
Same LED tech
Same integrated webcam
Same RAM
Same HDD
Weighs just over a pound more than the XPS with the 9cell battery
Extra stuff like backlit keyboard, magsafe power cord

The pros for the XPS are that it weighs a little less, and just has a smaller footprint because its 13.3". There aren't any technical advantages that I can think of off the top of my head right now.

Some of you might say that you cant really compare them because one is 15" and the other is 13", but in terms of budget, value for money and technology... after I looked at the MBP this morning I can't really see myself spending so much on the XPS just because it's... tiny.

In terms of software I've never used a MBP, but I'm a bit excited about using a new OS, plus I can still run Windows and all my applications and games, so that's an advantage, not a disadvantage. I'm not averse to trying something new.

Help me decide?

PS - It seems I can get a free iPod Nano (after rebate) if I buy the MBP. Another plus.

 

Get the MBP. Has the features of the XPS and more.

 

i am having the same problems now, i hate apple but, the MBP just keeps on getting better. THe only problem is, Windows is difficult to use because of the single mouse click. Also, i believe that the XPS is getting Blueray (I have no idea is this is true) so, maybe something you might want to consider...

Also, does anyone know who well windows, rins on MBP. And if so what about Vista??

 

Welll two things. The MBP is obviously a better value but you can also cut down the price of the XPS if you like. When you go on the Dell website, customize your PC then chat with the XPS help-line. Then ask if you can get a student discount. They gave me $100 off my configuration no questions asked! You could probably get more off if you try hard enough. So that brings the two prices a little closer. Hope that helps you in any way at all. Oh and BTW... I would pick the XPS... mostly because I did pick it. I just love the design and the Dell warranties. Good luck!

--Jonathan

 

mention that your looking into the MBP and tell them that ur seriously thinking of buying it. Dell agents have been known to "seal the deal" pretty easyly.

 

Okay, let's suppose that the price of the two systems were the same, because it seems I may be able to cut at least $100 of the XPS.

If they were the same price, $1800, what about now? I'm completely open to either one, but it just seems that the MBP is the better value for money, especially for something that I'm going to be stuck with for at least 2 years.

 

A simple answer. The XPS M1330. You wont regret it.

 

Hmmm. Well again. I think you should go with the XPS. It's really thin, starting under 4lbs and you said you needed to travel a lot... the 8400GS is top of the line for a 13.3inch notebook... but that's not saying much. You can play games on it, don't get me wrong. Just don't get your hopes up for maxing out settings. You have to ask yourself what is more important to you? Do you like a stylish design and lightweight notebook? Or would you rather have a notebook with more power for games and other tasks that is going to be a bit heavier?

 

are you using the educational discount with dell? you can save 12% and 7% on it with the education discount and dell care plus discount

you save about $400 with that

 

I also went through this same decision on a few days ago. I ended up deciding on the M1330 for a couple reasons. I'll briefly list them for you:

1. M1330 is smaller and lighter. I'm going to be on the go with my laptop a lot. Every inch and pound makes a difference. Go to a store and compare the size of a Macbook (bigger than the M1330) to a Macbook Pro. They aren't much bigger on paper but when you compare them you'll see the difference.

2. I've had much better experience with Dell's warranty. When I got my new Macbook last year the keyoard was bad. It took me literally hours on the phone (some reps being quite rude) before I got anywhere. They wouldn't replace the machine and they couldn't repair it because they had no parts available anywhere. I finally ended up getting the thing fixed but part of the case sort of warped in from the repair. I was able to fix that problem myself. All in all I wasn't at all pleased. Dell has always been able to get me the parts I need within 1-2 days. It's also On-Site if necessary.

I know everyone support experiences are different so mine may not have been the norm, but it's what I experienced.

3. I am going to need to run Windows applications quite a bit. In order to do that without rebooting the machine every time, I'd need Parallels. This isn't a problem, but from what I hear it has stability problems, it also increases CPU usage resulting in less battery life and more heat. This was especially concerning with the heat problems MBPs already experience.

Those were the three main reasons I decided to opt for the M1330. They may not apply to you as your needs may be different, but I hope it helps anyways.

 

I was in the same boat as you, and ended up getting the XPS 1330.

1. Dell's onsite service and warrenty is better than apple care
2. Lighter, a bit thiner, better battery life, and smaller footprint

The ability to have only one machine that can do everything i need is great. the 8400GS can play any game out today. Don't expect max details, but it can get the job done well. Also all my software is in windows, thus the choice was clear. The XPS came out a bit cheaper for me. You need to ask yourself, how important is gaming? If its not the XPS can match the MBP in desktop apps acrossed the board, but is lighter, and offers more battery life, but if you want to game and be able to play all the "new games" in 2-3 years, the 8400GS will not cut it and the 8600GT will barely cut it.

 

Is it a good value? Because I spec'd one out and it seems like your only warranty option is Applecare for 3 years? that's an addition $350 on top of the base price of $2000.

My XPS M1330 cost less that $2000 (it does have lower specs than the MBP though) with a 2 year warranty.

And remember, larger laptops are nearly always cheaper. You are paying a premium for the Dell XPS M1330's size. They have to shrink all the cool stuff down to fit the small package. So it's not really a fair comparison to say bigger screen etc.

For example, the 15.4in Lenovo with similar specs to a MBP is 1700 with a 3 year warranty.

The Macbook Pro is an awsome machine, just pointing out that it is hardly a bargin.

It comes down to two things:
1. How important is a the laptop's size to you?
2. Windows or Mac OS X.

There is no write answer just what do you prefer.

 

If you are considering a MBP then size is not an issue for you, so why limit your options to a DELL M1330 ? there several other larger PC notebooks with similar configurations at a lower cost.

Sure MBP is “capable” of running Windows, but how many of you are actually doing that? I don’t like the idea of depending on an unofficial product (bootcamp) by Apple to run Windows, not to mention minor details like single button touch pad etc.. If you are going to run Windows get a PC, that’s my two cents.

I’d get the M1330 over MBP for these reasons :
1. Smaller size
2. DELL is a PC and MBP is a MAC
3. It has more features (fingerprint scanner, multimedia buttons, remote, etc..)
4. Looks way better than the MBP. Mackbooks looked nice a couple of years ago, but now they are simply boring and unattractive compared to new sleek designs by PC notebook manufacturers like Sony, Asus and now even DELL .

 

Also Speaking from experience having recently returned a MBP and ordered a xps 1330 the MBP is sexy and light for a 15.4" but it has those overheating problems. My MBP would overheat simply when using only the internet and Im note talking about a little warmth Im talking about I couldnt even put my hand under it hot and no im not exaggerating and yes it was always properly ventilated anywhere I placed it the same thing would happened overheat. Lets not get into how many times safari would just unexpectedly close on me not sure if it was because of the heat or what but it was annoying.

 

Are you sure the battery life in the m1330 is better? Looking at the Cnet reviews, they both scored about 3.5 hours on their DVD drain test -- and the m1330 had the 9 cell battery (6 cell is standard).

OP, remember you're asking this in the Dell forum so don't expect too many people to endorse the MBP...

 

Without going into the technicalities, it WILL save you battery life. How much? We aren't certain at this point until more people do tests. :-(...

 

yeah i dont get why youre comparing a 15 inch to a 13 inch, 1330 is meant for people who needs to carry their laptop all over the place.

theres tons of 15 inchers out there and up coming that will have better performance than the MBP.

I personally think the whole point of having a laptop is the ability to carry it around. if you are going for power, why not just get a desktop which will get you way more performance for less money...

 

Simple.

I would get both companies on the phone ASAP and carefully explain your situation. You may be suprised at the amount of flexibilty in their prices.

Kindly explain to them that you are an ailing cancer patient who has been given 3 months to live. Go on to say that your fragile body can no longer withstand the ravages and onslought of this disease. Also mention your love for the M1330/MBP, whichever the case may be and that extensive treatment, used to prolong your time here on earth, has proven to be quite expensive and any discount would be greatly appreciated.

Now then, go give that a whirl and be sure to report back to us with the outcome. Godspeed.

 

How can you compare a 13.3" laptop to a 15.4" laptop?

 

What's your reasoning here? I'm really curious as the reviews I've read seem to indicate the MBP has better battery life. For example, here's the cnet article which compares the m1330 battery life vs. MBP (bottom of page), with the m1330 scoring 143 minutes versus the MBP's 216 minutes:
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/dell-xps-m1330/4505-3121_7-32465545.html?tag=prod.txt.1#more

 

Go with the MBP. It has a 2" bigger screen and it a little heavier, but if you haven't had experience with that, it's not hard to travel with a 15" screen...even though some people are quite picky about that.

The MBP will also give you a muuuuuuuch better gaming experience with the 8600M GT as opposed to the 8400M GS (yuck).