Buy Dell XPS M1530 or wait for Studio???

Hey,

I am planning on getting a new notebook over this summer.
I have a 6 yr old Compaq laptop. It's served me well over the years, but it's clearly time for an upgrade.
I would consider myself a computer geek and I use my laptop very often and for many tasks.
My plan was to wait for Montevina (Centrino 2) to come out so I could get a new platform along with a faster processor, FSB, etc. I was also excited because I was planning on getting a Dell 17" Inspiron and I heard that the new 1735 will be coming out soon and that's it's been redesigned, etc.
So, that was my perfect plan, but now I've got some problems.

1. I'm reading reports that the new Dell notebooks will be now called Studio. So, it seems they won't be new inspirons. I'm not sure if it's worth waiting cause I don't know when they'll come out and what they'll have.
2. Centrino 2 has been delayed.


So, as I was looking through the deals, I saw the 25% off coupon for the Dell XPS M1530. This laptop is very popular on this forum and has some awesome features after I configured it.

So, does anyone have any ideas about what the Studio laptops will have and when they'll come out??


should I wait for the new Centrino 2 and the new Dell laptops even if I don't know when they'll come out? Is it worth waiting for?
Or should I buy the XPS M1530 now with the coupon?

Thanks

 

You want a 17" or a 15". If you need it immediately, just get the xps then. But if you prefer bigger screen, wait for the new one.

 

Well, it'll stay on my desk most of the time, so 17 would be nice, but I will be taking it to college often also so maybe 15" would be better. hmmm

My dilemma is should I buy now and get a great laptop with all the specs I want, or wait, and get a new laptop with a cool design and probably the new Centrino 2. The problem is, I'm not sure how long before it comes out, I don't know exactly what's new in the Studio lineup, and it'll probably be a while before I find any coupons for it like the XPS have right now, right??

I can't decide!!!

 

i have the same problems . I will probably wait and buy the new studio 1535 laptop.

How much do you guys think the dell 1535 price will start off? (in canada)
also does dell offer good sales in back to school specials?

 

I don't know if this is true, but in terms of power, I've read that the studio line is supposed to be in between the inspiron line and xps line. For me, a big draw to the m1530 was the inclusion of the 8600gt with ddr3. I am assuming that the graphics card won't be as powerful but I could be wrong because the inspirons came with the 8600gt with ddr2. If I were you I would wait until they anounce what is actually in the studio line. You already have a laptop to use and there could be a slight chance that they include the new 9 series geforce cards. Also, Dell will always have coupons and deals for all of their computers.

 

Is the Centrino 2 more powerful than the Core 2 Duo? I'm kinda of in the same situation, but I know I'm getting the XPS M1530. Just I need to know now, or wait a month and a half? Grr I want it now lol

 

Centrino 2 (Montevina) = Platform
Core 2 Duo = Processor

They're different - Montevina is a combination of Intel Processor, Wireless Card (Gfx card)
You'll still be getting a Core 2 Duo later this year.

 

I really would like to see what'll be in the new Studio laptops, but....
-I'd probably never get as good a deal as I would now. 25% of XPS M1530 - wow!

-Who knows when it'll come out

-it might have bugs as being a first release

etc.


hmmmmm

 

I was gonna wait and see what the Studio 1535 was, but then I could not wait any longer and just pulled the trigger on the XPS M1530. To be honest, I think the M1530 is nicer looking then the leaked 1535 pics. I wonder if the 1535 will have a 9600M GT option since its newer?

 

just wondering, why did you get 4GB RAM instead of 3? Doesn't Vista 32bit only make use of like 3.25 GBs?

 

For me the upgrade came for free. Who knows I may switch to x64 sometime in the future.

 

I just customized a new XPS 1530 and wow does it look good.

But I keep looking at that Studio laptop....

AHHHHH
what should I do

 

Hey if it's killing you that much just get it. The m1530 is a great notebook and nothing will change that fact. Even if the studio comes out soon, I don't think you will regret your decision.

 

32-bit can support about 3.5 GB of RAM, so for some people (myself included) its worth it, plus the upgrade to 64-bit is an easy one.

 

It was the only option in the "Dell 10 Days of Deals" XPS M1530 special deal I ordered. But I probably would have got 4GB anyway since that way the laptop is maxed out and I never have to upgrade the memory. And I could always put Vista x64 on it in the future. I'll probably just stick with Vista x86 though on my laptop, as I run Vista x64 on my desktop and see no reason I need it on my laptop at this point. I can live with 3.25GB of ram lol...it's plenty.

 

well, I'm pretty much leaning towards getting the XPS M1530 now instead of waiting.
Here's my config - any advice? :

 

Networkcard:get the intel draft N card.
Processor:the t9500 IMHO isnt worth it. you are fine with the 2.5 the .6 isnt much of an "upgrade" from the t9300.

 

Is it possible to upgrade the wireless card after you purchase? I'm pretty sure the college I'm going to doesn't have wireless N. So, it'd be pointless for me to spend that $60 right now.

 

not pointless as "Draft N" still supports the other bands as well not just only "N", and places where you can benefit from the N band will just future proof ya more and make your internet/gaming experience that much better.

 

so that N card will work with g too right?

And, why should I get the intel one over the Dell?

thanks

 

the dell wireless cards is purpoted to have a lot of problems, than the intel card.... just save urself the trouble, spend the ?$35 more?

n card works with g router and g networks

u can open the laptop and install, but its troubleosme, probably not covered by the warranty...

 

I just hope someone from Dell leaks new XPS laptop designs rather than Studio, or Inspirons.

 

512MB GDDR3 graphic cards for everybody!
-one can only dream-

 

1530 FTW!!! .....Though, I am really *craving and aching* for the new Mini Inspiron to come out!!! LOL

 

ok, I'm 99% sure I'll be getting the XPS 1530 tonight. But just before I do...
I noticed on xoticpc.com some nice Sager and ASUS notebooks.
Any opinions?

 

damn...I don't even know anymore.

My current laptop works well enough and it just seems so close to the release of Centrino 2 along with new Dell notebooks, I feel like I should wait...

 

Just wait a bit longer and see... then buy and don't think about it because you will always be wondering what is around the corner.

 

I guess that's the best thing to do.

So, any projected time when Centrino 2 will be out? I guess I'll be getting T9600.

And any idea as to whether the new Dells will be Inspiron refreshes or Studio and when will they be out?

Thanks

BTW, are there any other new technologies due out soon?

 

Im gonna order before this coupon expires. If I do see that the 1535 is going to have a better GFX card I will most likely get a refund and buy it.

 

I just hope that this new 1735 will have a LED screen, 7200rpm HDD, and some of the features like a fingerprint reader, etc that the XPS has...

Do you think it will?

 

well acording to the leaked documents it states it has fingerprint reader security. And all laptops have the 7200rpm option. Im also waiting for the new studio line so lets just hope their amazing

http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/dell-inspiron-1435-1535-and-1735-leaked/

 

great!
I'm just kinda confused as to whether they'll be called Studio or new Inspirons?

Also, where did you see the thing about fingerprint?

 

notice it says fingerprint security:

http://www.engadget.com/photos/dell-inspiron-1435-1535-and-1735-leaked/795015/

 

http://www.engadget.com/photos/dell-inspiron-1435-1535-and-1735-leaked/795015/

it says key features
Fingerprint Reader security

 

ahh, yes I see in the pic.

Looks great

thanks

 

yea i cant wait for dell to release them, hopefully by july. Im hoping their starting price for the 15 inch model is 549-649 dollar, if its starts at 999 dollars il probably buy the dell xps m1530.

 

No offense to the m1530 owners gaming wise the SAGER NP5793 wins with the 8800GTX. I can vouche for this machine, I have nothing against the m1530 bought one for my lil bro, and bought one for my Girlfriend. She doesnt game hardcore, but likes the looks of the m1530. Its perfect for what she does light gaming applications, and a whole lotta homework! ha!

 

Well, Centrino 2 comes out July 14 and HP already unveiled their new line of notebooks so let's hope Dell will soon too.

 

I'm hoping at least the 15" one still offers an LED backlight...

If it doesn't, then I'll regret not buying now (and won't buy one). Ideally I'd prefer a 17" model, but I want an LED backlight (and Blu Ray, and at least a decent GPU, and digital video output).

 

Has anyone dealt with returns for Dell? I just purchased a Dell XPS 1530 from the Outlet for what I believe was a great price on Saturday Night 6/14

$1209 - certified refurbished (& came with some other software crap)

tuxedo black
2.6 Core2Duo
4gb ram
320gb 5400rpm
1920x1200 res
256 8600gt
Blu-ray drive
blutooth

But on Monday morning at work, I surfed crave, and saw the damn pictures of the leaked Dell STUDIO, and got instantly pissed because of how sexy it looked. I waited so long for the HD resolution on the XPS Outlet models and finally found one, but now it looks like the whole line is going out.

I'm in the same situation, except that I actually ordered something already. What would you do in my situation. Is the laptop I ordered good enough, or will it be bested by the STUDIO that will come out. I'm thinking the inclusion of the Blu-Ray alone makes the laptop I have a good deal. I'm betting that if the new Inspiron's or studios or whatever are to have the blu-ray drives that pushes them into the $1300 range ($899 + $400).

Also, is it worth it to go through the hassle of sending the DELL outlet laptop back? I read somewhere that when you call to get your RMA#, Dell makes one last ditch effort for you to keep your laptop by asking you if you want to keep the laptop and get some kind of rebate/coupon? What about also the restocking fee of 15% - does DELL still do this (I've read in some places it doesn't), and has anyone been able to talk Dell out of it? or taken the restocking fee up with their bank?

Bottom line: I liked (stress the past tense) what I had gotten initially with the Dell XPS 1530 outlet certified refurb, but should I return it and get the Dell Studio 1535? Will it be cheaper or better feature/$ ?

 

It's sounding like the "Studio" ones are a replacement for some of the Inspiron models. The rumored specs had a slower CPU than you've got, and we don't know what type of GPU. For all we know it could just be Intel (that's all the 1525 has).

At least versus full price that system sounds like a good deal. Impossible to know for sure, because the 1535 could have a better GPU and run less...but I'm kind of guessing at best the GPU will be equivalent. The Blu Ray drive on the 1530 is $500 (I assume because it's slot loading), so it could be the same on the 1535. Presumably they'll still release like an XPS 1540 or whatever at some point (although it'll cost more).

 

The Outlet is painless to return to. You won't have to pay restocking and maybe not shipping either, depending on who you talk to. The will probably offer you $100 off to keep it. If it is the machine you want I would just keep it. The Studio line is not out yet and there is no way to tell when it will be out.

 

The Studio line is not replacing the Inspiron line. The specs for it are very similar to what the XPS line offers right now in discrete video cards, LED screens, etc. If anything it will replace the XPS line as Dell pushes Alienware to fill the high end/gaming spectrum. Only time will tell.

 

That's not what I'm seeing in the rumored specs. Everything I can find (from this site or elsewhere) would seem to pin it as being a replacement for the 1520/1525/1720. Presumably we'll get a 1540/1740 (probably with the XPS name).

 

Dell aren't so stupid as to profit from the unprecedented success of the M1330/1530 to then piss it all away by dropping the entire franchise one generation later...

...

...are they?

 

The latest post on Engadget about the Studio line said these are not going to replace the Inspiron line. These also have discrete video cards and LED screens which Inspirons do not have.

 

I might not be seeing the thing about the LED backlights, but at any rate, every Engadget article I can find about them would put them pretty firmly as replacements for the 1520/1525/1720.

The 1525 only has Intel video, but the rest have real GPUs, and every spec I've heard about these only puts them about on par with the CURRENT XPS hardware that's been on the market for a year now. Presumably the replacement XPS systems, the 1540 and 1740, would be higher end.

 

No way Dell is gonna drop the XPS name, its too well known and has too many great reviews... They will probably have the studio line as an upsell to people who were originally looking at the inspiron line (maybe drop the price a bit on the inspiron line so that inspirons are $300-$500, studio's are $500-$1000 and XPS are $1000+)

 

Yeah, if they keep the Inspiron name they might just bring back their low end line for it.

 

This hints to them dropping XPS

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/15/even-more-on-dells-studio-1536-1536-and-the-studio-brand/