m1530, Need that extra "push" to press the Proceed to checkout button? Ask away!

True. I will never run a 5400rpm again, though. 7200 is significantly faster. 7200 rpm upgrade is better than a processor upgrade and better than a memory upgrade if you have already at lest 1gb. But yeah, any harddrive access slows down considerably if it is full to nearly full.

 

I need the push! Or advice that I should wait?!

The recent configuration change in the available hard drives on the 'best' models concerns me, because I can't get a 7200 rpm drive without paying 100 bucks now. I don't need 250 gb, I have a desktop for that much storage! And I do plan on playing games and such, however I'm not toally sure how much I would need the upgraded HD. Can I get a bigger 7200 rpm drive on newegg for less than 100 bucks though?

The biggest thing holding me back is all this talk about the penryn processors coming out and being way better! Should I wait until they start offering them in a month? I am not in dire straits for a new laptop right now, I could potentially wait until about April (even though I'm getting antsy). Do you think that this current sale will just disappear at the end of the month with no price drops and the computers will go up in price? This seems unreasonable from a computer selling standpoint, but I don't know how Dell usually handles their promotions. It seems to me the price will stay the same as the computers get older but they will offer the better processors.

About the penryns, if I were to buy now without one, could I upgrade to the better processor later? I don't know much about upgrading laptops. Also, would a 3 MB cache penryn be better than the 4 MB current processors???

Thanks for your help!

Edit: PS- warranty is important to me and a 3 or 4 year would be preferred (and I get my MPP on systems with this) so the current deal seems to appeal to me for that reason as well.

 

If you have a backpack, not a problem what so ever. If you use a shoulder strap, this will replace a book of yours.

Seriously guys, we have all become lazy, an extra 7 lbs isn't a problem.

(/enable soap box)

A 17in might be an issue now, because of real estate and power pluggs needed to transport a desktop replacement

But 15 and below shouldn't be an issue, it is an issue of lazyness. If you have a problem with carrying a laptop to class, you probably odn't need a laptop after all.
(/end soap box)

-Good size for most desks. Not too bad on lap, I leave a gap between my legs and using the corners of the laptop to rest on my thighs so free air can move though the bottom.
-Good on battery on the lowness, can last through a 2.5 hour lecture on a 6 cell battery

 

Please talk me out of this one for $1542 out-the-door:

(sticking points are the $50 screen upgrade and the $100 to 7,200rpms, which is killing me):


XPS M1530 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
System Color Crimson Red
Memory 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
LCD, Color and camera High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD(1440x900) & 2MP Camera
Video Card 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Hard Drives Size: 250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Combo or DVD+RW Drive Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write) 8XDVDRW
Sound Card High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Networking Cards Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Primary Battery 9-cell Primary Battery and 9 -cell additional Lithium Ion Battery
Warranty & Service Get $70 Gift Card with 4 Yr Ltd Warranty and At-Home Service
Additional Power Supplies 90 Watt Spare AC Adaptor with 3FT Power Cord

Added the upgraded and extra battery, as after pricing a $160 battery for my 9300, given my current battery lasts about 40-50 minutes, I said never again...

 

Can you save 80 bucks by not getting the additional power supply? Do you need it? And I can't decide weather or not to upgrade the hard drive too. As for the screen, I'd stick with the 1440. It will be easier to read, it will play games at native resolution better (less gpu needed for 1440 than for 1680) and it will get better battery.

 

I have a new question regarding resolutions:

I keep reading that the 1440 is easier on the eyes due to the 1680 taking up more screen real estate. As I'm not familiar with laptop screens, this leaves me with the impression that laptops have a fixed resolution. Is it not possible to lower the resolution just like you would on a PC? I am okay with paying extra for the option to use a larger screen resolution when needed, and a smaller resolution when necessary.

Also, @OP or anyone else:

Do you happen to have any answers to my previous questions?

 

answer this Q cuz i have it too. SHould i wait for penryn? Will the price go up?
Will i be able to upgrade to penryn later? Will the 3mb and 4mb difference be great because of upgradign to penryn.

 

I believe there will be a price difference, there always is when somethings "new" or "teh h0tness!"

If you wantto wait for penryn, do so.

 

Im going to wait, although im uk based so will prolly get new CPUs a while after you lucky lot im still going to wait.
I cant see the point oif spunking mega money on a new laptop for the sake of a few days/weeks to get a newer CPU, they may also put new screens in fairly imminently so if your not busting , wait
I know im going to sit it out for a week or 2 before they get my hard earned cash.

 

Ok, this goes out for all of you I-Will-Waits,
The second you buy the "z0mg i waited for teh longz0r time for this pee see", another newer model/cpu/gpu/ppu/screen/hdd/mouse/usbports, whatever, will just be around the corner, so you'll have the infamously known "buyer's regret", another "I should have waited for that".

So, just take the plunge with whatever's on right now, eventually, in a year, you might sell and buy the newest piece of hardware there is...

Too much thinking can make you regret things even more...

Like when I traveled to Spain, and saw the Elderscrolls III pack, that came with Tribunal, Morrowind and Blood Moon...
guess the price? around $10.
I thought about it too much, and I did not buy it, stupid? yes.
A total different example set from what we're being set up against in the current wave of the topic post tendency? maybe.

You get the vibe.
Take the plunge now or later, after all its YOUR choice
We're just stating the good things that are on right now, and defending the things we bought and that we're happy with (hopefully).

n__n peace!

 

Yes it is possible to lower the resolution like you would on a PC, that answers the "easier on the eye" question, since you get to lower it if you do not like it.

Yes sir.

Yes.

Someone might want to take this, because I bought it without anything, just when the $669 discount was on + $200 additional coupon off that I found on this page... got it for a final price of $1350.

Basic "hooking up" skills are required, just plug cable end A into Laptop port A, cable end B into port B (device), as for speakers, there are two jacks, I have'nt hooked it into anything yet, just the integrated speakers it comes with, which deliver a nice sound...
Mice and Keyboards must be USB, there are no PS/2 ports .

Replacements and accessories when you need them... Dell tend to overprice some things... (hence why I bought the computer with the discounts)

they're Microsatin, tuxedo black, alpine w hite, midnight blue and crimson red all have the same finish, I have a crimson red one, and the finish is honestly, resumed in one word: "Sexy".

 

1) Yes you should be able to connect your LCD via HDMI cable. The XPS system should reconize it as an external monitor, and you setting the LCD under the HDMI/DVI setting. I see no problem with this because I use my plasma from time to time.

2) Umm. If your not a student, or your school doesn't have an EPP program with DELL or your trying to use the EPP but you don't belong an EPP program. Your touching on ethics. You can try to mess with the system, just don't cry and moan when they bite you back. If don't have it or shoudln't have it, don't mess with it.

3) Its easy. Simple. I use a Saitek Eclipse II and a Logitech G5 mouse with a Zalman NC-1000. Those 3 units cover my system: Keyboard, Mouse, Notebook Cooler. Its easy as the USB mentality is, plug and play. The HDMI situation will take a simple tweaking in youir TV settings and the video settings in the m1530, but it is a no sweat job.

4) 9 Cell battery if your going to do some traveling and or work. Umm, all other accessories such as notebook coolers, mouse, keyboards, backpacks, sleeves, cleaners, skins, software, RAM, hardware, etc. Newegg....Newegg and the Internat.

5) It looks like a microstain, I don't know how to define microstain, but it isn't like HP's glossy where it is an extreme fingerprint magnet. Of course if your hands are slightly greasy fingerprints do show, very slightly on the cover.

 

I understand that stuff will always be coming out and you have to bite the bullet. But the worst thing to do is to wait and buy something for full price at the end of it's new ness lifespan. IE buying something only days or weeks before the upgrade comes out (for what would be the same cost as buying the upgraded model). This is where the questions come.

Honestly, I don't think it is feasible for a PC company to RAISE the price at anytime as the model gets older, no matter what upgrades they put on. The average consumer doesn't know the difference between a penryn and a santa rosa, or a 3 MB or a 2 MB or a 4 MB cache (it doesn't even say cache on the customize pages, just 2M, 4M, etc). It seems strange that Dell would be selling a product and then 2 weeks later it would go up in price. I know there is a killer 'special' on them right now, but every company always has killer specials on all their stuff. It's basically a given.

Having said that, I do not have experience watching Dell's price moves, and thus do not know if they would, in fact, 'raise' the price of their model in some way after the promotion ran out. This is part of the question I was asking.

 

Thanks for all the responses. This information definitely helps my decision. It turns out my school does have an EPP program; I just had to jump through a couple hoops to find out our school code and exactly what to do with it. Hopefully, I don't run into any EPP complications at checkout.

Now I guess I'll just wait another week to see if they add a Penryn option, as they did with the (PRODUCT)RED M1530. I doubt it, but I'm not in a hurry until January 30th rolls around. Also, since the Penryn version of the M1530 supports the T7 series as well as the T8 & T9 series, can I assume that the current M1530 would be upgradeable to a Penryn? And, if so, is there any online retailer that sells laptop CPUs?

 

Penryn uses the same LGA775 pin-out as existing Core 2 Duo, Quad and Extreme processors, and has the same thermal package too. The new features of Penryn are the move from a 65nm process to 45nm, which gives Intel more die area to play with, in turn allowing it to raise the chip's L2 cache from 4MB to 6MB for each pair of cores.

Expect to pay BIG bucks for the first generation of machines with Penryn. Depending on the clock speed, the upgrade will likely be in the $300-600 range.

 

Whats the best resolution to buy?

I was thinking for the occasional game, having the lowest res option as native would result in better picture clarity and higher FPS.

People on here are mentioning getting the 1440 res as the best.

I will also be using for the odd bit of sequencing (Ableton Live).

 

My M1530 will be used for work and play (COD4, TF2, etc) and I opted to go with a 1440 screen as the best compromise. Machine should be arriving tomorrow so I'll have first impressions up soon.

 

After passing on the upgrade and additional PS with my 9300 puchase, I said never again...battery is on its way to its final resting place and the $160 replacement is a hard pill to swallow. I've replace the AC adapter for each Dell laptop I have ever owned, so I thought the $30 extra was worth it, too...was nearly $70 for the 9300 replacement.

I guess I need to price these out first, though...basing the price on the 9300 replacements, but could be much cheaper for the 1530...

 

I swear, Ben, if you do not talk me down, I'll do it, man...I'll do it and will you will have no one to blame but yourself! You'll have blood-money on your hands!

XPS M1530 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
System Color Crimson Red
Memory 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
LCD, Color and camera High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD(1440x900) & 2MP Camera
Video Card 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Hard Drives Size: 250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive
Combo or DVD+RW Drive Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write) 8XDVDRW
Sound Card High Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Networking Cards Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Primary Battery 9-cell Primary Battery and 9 -cell additional Lithium Ion Battery
Warranty & Service Get $70 Gift Card with 4 Yr Ltd Warranty and At-Home Service
Additional Power Supplies 90 Watt Spare AC Adaptor with 3FT Power Cord

 

Is the 9 Cell one of those batteries that hangs out the back?

 

That would depend on the Penryn model you buy, the T8x00 has only 3MB and the T9X00 has the 6mb.

 

Is anyone able to confirm the DVD write is Dual Layer?

I'm still umm'ing and arr'ing about a purchase. Just found our EPP code, and tried ringing up to get a better deal, but despite some soft words, it was like I'd got a cleaner, rather than a sales person. Absolutely no interest from her in trying to close the sale.

N01X5303
XPS M1530 CORE 2 DUO T7500 2.20GHz,800MHz,4M 1
Display 15.4" UltraSharp¿ Widescreen WSXGA+ (1680x1050) TFT with TrueLife
CCFL backcover blue & 2.0mp camera 1
Memory Dual-Channel 2048MB (2x1024) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive 160GB Serial ATA (7200rpm) 1
8xDVD+/-RW Slim Slot-Load Drive, including SW 1
Battery XPS Primary 9-cell 85WHr Li-Ion 1
Graphics Card 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 8600M GT 1
European - Dell TrueMobile 355 internal Bluetooth Module
Intel® Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-PCI Card, EUR
English - Vista Home Premium

Base Warranty - 1 Year XPS Premium Hardware Support (incl. Gaming and On-Site Support) 1

Total £805.56,
This was the absolute best I could get her down to. I was trying to see if they could just do me a deal on 1GB of Ram, as I had said to her that I was going to go to Crucial to get 4GB. She had to price up a different base model and it came up £20 more expensive. No mention from her about doing a deal on it or anything.
Priced with Vista Ultimate it comes in £69 more expensive, and with Vista ultimate and the 3yrs support, it tops out at a eye-watering £987!

Is it worth trying a different sales person later do you reckon? I've never experienced a sales person like a wet fish!

 

Raises the back up .75", I think I read. At first, I considered getting the 6 cell and the 9 cell, but in second though, the extra hight does increase air flow and gives a nice tilt to the keyboard for typing ease...in theory.

 

I chatted to a guy for a while from Dell last week in UK and he said they dont do deals and to go on the website to order it
Seems weird how diff people seem to get diff responces although your sales person does sound a bit of a deadbeat

 

so it doesn't stick out really then? And if anything, it sticks out the bottom?

I've seen some lappies and there is this lump stuck out of the back, and call me picky, but I like my lappies to be square looking, as opposed to Tetris!

 

it doesnt stick out to the back, just the bottom.
and yes, it does give you more airflow and writing comfort

 

Ok Lol, *Talks you down*
Dont buy it! :O

I mean, do you need two batteries?

 

Definitely, according to Flamenko's guide.

 

I would use one as a spare for 2 years down the road?

I swear I am kicking myself since trying to replace the 9300 battery @ $160 a pop 2 years later...got a long commute by train and I actually have to close the top and take a 20 minute nap now, as the battery is on its last leg and lasts abouot 40 minutes.

I really don't need it at first, but seems cheaper to buy it upfront. I don't need the extra $30 AC adapter, either, but same logic applies...$60 clams to replace my most recent (and only once got Dell to send me one for free in all these years of owning dells)....

Perhaps I could forgoe the extra battery (cries) and ac adapter and do the 7,200rpm upgrade....

You are not doing a good job at talking me down, sir!

 

Hmmm, though consuming less power, quite the premium on the battery after the sale for the 1530:

$185+

Now I am considering saving $50 and going the stock 6 cell and the 9 cell add-on, rather than 2 9-cells...because you are talking me into that 7,200rpm, rather than talking me down!

 

i fail T_T.

 

Here are pictures of the 9 cell battery sticking out beneath the M1530:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/kanadianiceman/2007/DELLm1530/hardware/DELLM1530-notebookreviewcom034.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/kanadianiceman/2007/DELLm1530/hardware/DELLM1530-notebookreviewcom031.jpg

from this review by kanadianiceman:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=196815

and another image
http://www.notebookreview.com/picture.asp?f=29191

from the review by Jerry Jackson:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=196750

 

Miserably...

Thank you
Terp
For choosing Dell
Your order has been submitted.

 

:O!!!

Congrats n_n''
be sure to post pics/review when you get it...
Maybe I should make a small review of mine? :O

 

100% excellent pictures. Nothing at all like the 9 cells I've seen before. I may get the 9 instead.

 

Alright Widge

Yeah good pics, think ill get that one too
Still bedating ordering today or waiting
Damn cant make my mind up Grrrr

 

Maderia? what seems to be holding you back?
penryn?
screen sizes?
money?

 

hehe yeah more the CPU thing to be honest
Its a tussle
do i order now and benefit from the savings or wait a week or so for Penryn but risk the chance if a price hike and no savings

 

I think dell always manages discounts and stuff,you can wait if you want n_n.