Best M1330 replacement(Studio 13, 14, 15, 16, or Alienware 11x or 15x)

Hello,

After Dell repaired my XPS M1330 for the 10th, yes, 10th, time, they are offering a replacement laptop without admitting to the NVIDIA GPU chip problem that has destroyed about 5 motherboards since I received the laptop in 2nd quarter of 2008.

I am a business customer with complete care package and spent about 20 hours on the various calls to Dell support. The only reason they escalated the issue is because I sent a message on a link I saw on their website.

Executive escalations have offered the Studio 13, 14, 15, 16, and Alienware 11x or 15x as replacements. I am leaning towards the Studio 13 and 11x both for portability but I've heard the Studio 13 has the same heat issue dissipation problems as the XPS M1330. I heard of discoloration of the screen because the heat vent is partially blocked when the screen is flipped out for use.(Same as on M1330).

I like the Alienware 11x for size but the chip is slower than the 2.2GHZ I had on the M1330.

I travel extensively and had to carry a backup netbook for processing photographic(RAW) images because of the M1330 problems. I like the M1330 but don't like it breaking down. The motherboard was replaced in July 2010 and died again on October 10. A replacement motherboard was sent but didn't work.

Is the Studio 13 reliable? Is the Studio 14 OK(repair guy said it was inspiron and not good). I heard a new Studio 14 is coming out.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks.

 

Personally, if I was given that array of choices, I would go with the M15x. However, unlike you, I don't place as high a priority on portability. The M15x will be noticeably bulkier and heavier than your problem-prone M1330 (though it would provide very speedy performance for whatever task you throw at it). It's interesting they didn't offer you one of the newer XPSs for your XPS M1330 (maybe it wasn't an option at that time, but is now?). An XPS 14 doesn't seem like it would be too bad for your needs. You think you could push for that? They have essentially wasted your time with 10 repair failures, which is crazy. I only had 3 to get my M1530 replaced for an SXPS 1645.

Now between the Studio 14 and M11x, that would really be up to you. Do you value a slight bump in porcessing power over better build quality and service (and looks)? The M11x is by far a better built machine than any of the Studios, is better cooled, more stylish, and receives better service. You'll definitely notice a difference if you go from an XPS to a Studio, despite the M1330's problems. I'm also guessing they'd max the M11x specs for you to try to compensate. So portability wise, I'd suggest the M11x. If portability is not an issue, M15x. Overall, I'd advise you push for the new XPS 14. Even a base config. of the XPS 14 would be faster than your M1330.

 

Thanks. I ended up getting a XPS 14. Hope it doesn't die like the M1330.

 

Good choice. I hope it does great as well, I have a feeling it will.

 

@photognj

did you have to spend any extra £ for the replacement? I am in a similar position however they are asking me for an extra £500 for a XPS 1645, basically they are offering me £600 for a laptop that I spent £1200 on almost 3 years ago. Is that the norm that they would ask for money or did you get a straight swap?