New M1530 in the queue today

I piggy-backed to another thread without replies to my question whether a similarly equipped M1530 to Studio 15 is in the end preferrable at comparable cost. Actually, I do like the Studio appearance and had a Studio 17 on order until I decided a 15.4" display would be more practical for my purposes (no gaming and will not actually be desktop replacement). Although I had "saved" an M1530 config in my Dell cart, this morning there seemed to be a better deal. In fact, the banner ad was wrong (4GB RAM plus 2 yr warranty included), but I pressed the issue "live" with a Dell rep and got a concession of sorts.

In the end with current platform XPS deals getting sweeter, what I negotiated today will likely be not-so-hot in subsequent days but I'll eagerly await my new laptop with an ESD of 6-Oct (next business day delivery).

My primary specs include:
T8300 2.4 GHz processor
4GB RAM
320GB 5400RPM SATA HD
LED LCD screen (hoping for an LG?)
9-cell battery
2 year warranty - in home (with damage & theft)
Free shipping
$1200 + tax

Not bad, IMO but others may have done better before and more will do better later on. My objective was to build a superior 15.4" lappy (even if 2x cost of a basic Inspiron 1525) which will serve me well over time.

Thanks for reading...
Jeff

 

OK! So reading thru...you ordered your new 1530...and were having to make a decision over the S15 or the S17 (which you had on order once), and ended up withe a 15.4" cuz it would serve you better! Nice choice (my opinion)

So, congrat's on your order ....and there is a good chance it could be shipped before the estimated 10/6 shipping date...Dell usually will over-extend on that in case there are any prob's during production, etc!!

I always say that you will enjoy the 1530 once you get it in your *own hands* and make it *yours*, because that's the truth...It's a great lappy!

Let us know once you receive it!

Cin

 

While out of town for a few days, my new M1530 (ordered 20-Sep) arrived Friday having been shipped next business day at no additional cost. Just a little time to play with it but so far, none of the build quality problems noted here in other threads. Checking Dell Home and USA-Member sites, actual price paid for my config stands as a killer deal ( plus, Dell only charged me roughly half the taxable value). As time permits, I'll do more reading on what bloatware to purge from the HDD and how to optimize my settings. This forum is a great resource for inquiring minds!

 

I thought XPS 1530 LEDs are only offered by ChiMei?

 

Thats great that you've received it!!! Congrat's ~ and a week ahead of your ESD! .Glad your enjoying it, and awesome on the good deal!

Now, your an official XPS member! oh lulz..


Cin

 

BTW the XPS may cost double the Inspiron but imo the inspiron 1520's are a lot less appealing. Obviously it is more of a budget laptop though, but Dell have restricted the Inspiron options greatly since the studio was released. Used to be able to get it with a DDR2 8600M GT (WHich wasn't that good anyway compared to the GDDR3 version)

 

Actually, I'm delighted by the looks of the XPS and I'm sure I'll be likewise with the function and performance of my unit as configured - especially at the price! I just "built" a comparable Studio 15 (but with a little less "speed") and the price was prox $500 more than I paid before AAA coupon and DPA discount applied. Dell's Member site link to "Deals on Laptop Computers" has been in a continuous loop since yesterday instead of going to a build page. I sense price reviews are in process, since Dell's "Home" site M1530 built to my specs is $600 higher than I paid (with a smaller HDD too).

 

That's what I thought...

 

How is the 9 cell battery? Does it stick out very far from the bottom or make it uncomfortable to use on your lap? Curious as I ordered one with mine.

 

My bad... I know I read somewhere in NBR discussions about LG being preferred monitors but apparently I was confused as relates to this application. By revisiting "Top 10 Questions..." thread, I now see that my LED monitor is indeed as you state. The part number ID shown in Device Manager does differ from: 1440x900 - WXGA+ LED (300 nits) CHI MEI OPTOELECTRONICS CMO15555 - Dell P/N: FX313 in that it is shown as: CMO1555 (one less "5"). I can say what I'm looking at as I type this is bright and beautiful!

I do miss XP and my familiarity with that OS, but I doubt I'll risk screwing things up by attempting installing ("if it ain't broke...". Too much new stuff to learn for this aging Boomer!