XPS1530 vs 1520? Should I get an exchange?

I am liking the sleak look of the XPS1530 which wasn't around when I ordered my bulky 1520. Don't get me wrong, this system is great but I would love to have something I could take around with ease. Anyway, what are the pros and cons of the 1530?

Thanks in advance

 

Cons: 1530's screen is worse than yours right now...may be better in 2008
Pro: Though they both called 8600M GT, the 1530 one is the better GDDR3 while 1520 is GDDR2

 

is there a significant difference with the GDDR3 over GDDR2? I heard people say this is good but what does it really mean?

 

From what I understand DDR3 is much better...but I don't really know since I don't game.

 

There is at least a 20%-25% difference between GDDR2 and GDDR3 cards.

 

He doesn't have the 1530, hes got the 1520...

 

I was going to post that lol

Anyway, how come i see DDR2 on the config options and not DDR3?

 

Difference between DDR2 and DDR3 is around 25%.
3D Mark 2006 Scores:
Asus G2S-A1 ( T7500, 8600M GT 256MB DDR3) :3814
Dell Inspiron .1520 (T7300,8600M GT DDR2) :2905

I’m using that Asus notebook as a reference because you cant run 3D Mark at the default resolution on M1530 (default res for 3D Mark is 1280x1024), therefore scores obtained in M1530 reviews cannot be directly compared with standard scores.

 

I get a score of 4099 on my 1520 with a 256 8600gt/T7500. I think most with my same setup get scores anywhere from 3800-4200. 2905 seems VERY low.

 

NO, A non overclocked 8600GT with DDR2 memory should score somewhere around 3000~3400 in the default benchmark at 1280x1024. If you run it at a lower resolution like 1280x800 then maybe closer to 4000.

Some more reviews/threads: 1, 2, 3 (none of them are anywhere closer to 4000)

 

I am running at it at 1280x1024. NON OC'd i get scores 3700-3800's. OC'd 630/520 4100's

 

sorry, non OC'd 3100-3200. OC'd 4000-4100. AT 1280x1024.

 

okay everyone i have a made a request to exchange my system for the XPS 1530. Does any think I made the right choice? I am going to be taken some college courses soon and I would love to be able to take my computer with me, but I don't know about bringing my current 1520.....on the flip side, the XPS 1530 looks ideal

 

I love my 1520. No problems what so ever. Although the XPS has a slimmer design, the weight difference is nothing. XPS 1530 is 5.78lbs versus Inspiron 1520 6.4lbs...alittle more then 1/2 pound? I dont think most of us would even feel this difference when lugging a laptop around.
The XPS and the Inspiron are both great looking Laptops, but I think you get a MUCH better value with the Inspiron. I think its just a matter of preference....

 

If you want to make the exchange, just do it. I think the performance difference for a non-gamer is so small that you won't notice it. For a gamer, this should be a no brainer.

 

Go for it. I would switch in a heartbeat, especially with this coupon for XPS systems right now, but my dad, who is paying for about half of the laptop said he didn't want to bother.

 

i'm a gamer too, so that's why I want the exchange

specs so far:

XPS M1530
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7700 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Operating System Genuine Windows® Vista Home Premium Edition
System Color Tuxedo Black
1 GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms) (already have a 2GB module)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Size: 160GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)

 

Go for the m1530.

 

Little off topic, how much do you have to pay additionally for the exchange ? (Restocking fee + price difference).

 

Luckily, I don't have to worry about that but if you go over the 21 day return policy they will enforce a 10% restocking fee if you get the refund.....it might not work though

 

the restocking fee is BS. Fight it when you are getting your RMA number and they will back off. It helps if you tell them you are reordering from them. That's what I did so they didn't do the restocking fee.