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    Pulled the trigger on an XPS 1530...

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Centurian99, Jun 28, 2008.

  1. Centurian99

    Centurian99 Newbie

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    and is now in production (for whatever that's worth).

    I'm planning on a full re-format and reinstall once I receive my new toy, using the instructions found elsewhere here (worked like a charm for my last laptop, an E1505). Anything else I should keep in mind?

    Anyways, here's what I got:
    • XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.5GHz/800MHzFSB, 6M L2 Cache)
    • Tuxedo Black Casing XPS M1530
    • 4GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for XPS M1530
    • 15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LED LCD with Camera for XPS M1530
    • 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
    • 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive for XPS M1530
    • Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium Edition, English
    • 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPSM1530
    • Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
    • Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card
    • McAfee Security 9.0, 2-Year Subscription
    • 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery, for XPS M1530
    • Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
    • Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)

    About the biggest choice was between the 1900x1200 screen, or the LED 1440x900 screen. Currently used to a 1050x1600 screen, so I was hesitant to lose real estate, but without a nine-cell due to the parts shortage, I was worried about battery life, so I went with the LED. Cross my fingers

    EPP deal made a lot of the choices for me (320 gb 5400 rpm hard drive, RAM), but I upgraded the video to the 8600 and went with the intel network card and upgraded the CPU (i figured the increased cache and speed were worth the money over the 2.0 which was the only cheaper option.

    It's no alienware with an 8800, but it should be good enough for what I do with it (mainly stuff that doesn't need that much power, with the occasional video/graphic stuff that does, and the once-in-a-blue-moon gaming that I squeeze in as schedule allows).

    Hopefully, the build/ship won't take as long as estimated...3 weeks is a long time for someone like me...
     
    Centurian99, Jun 28, 2008
    #1
  2. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Nice! Congrat's on your purchase & becoming the newest 1530 owner!! ;) :)

    Hopefully, your build/shipping won't take as long as estimated ;) :) :cool:
     
    Cin', Jun 28, 2008
    #2
  3. Forte

    Forte NBR's Supreme Angel

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    Yeah, congrats, you wont regret it. Unless you really care a lot about LED backlit keyboards.
     
    Forte, Jun 28, 2008
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  4. sg89

    sg89 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Check out the tweaks guide here > http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=166532
    Pick out ones which seem in your interests. I used quite a few, cutting chunks off times for startup and shutdown. Defragmenting your hard drive after all your apps are installed and configured can give you a nice performance boost.

    Don't worry about the alienware comparison, the 8600 still runs games nicely, just don't expect crysis on high, hehe. Hope that helps and enjoy your new laptop!
     
    sg89, Jun 28, 2008
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  5. mattocs

    mattocs Notebook Deity

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    Nice system. Hope it comes in a decent amount of time.
     
    mattocs, Jun 28, 2008
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  6. Bauer418

    Bauer418 Notebook Evangelist

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    How much did it end up costing you? I believe that exact same configuration would cost me $1,580 to my door. What about you?
     
    Bauer418, Jun 28, 2008
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  7. mattocs

    mattocs Notebook Deity

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    I too am interested in the price. Did you use any coupons / epp / student discounts?
     
    mattocs, Jun 28, 2008
    #7
  8. bikerboy94

    bikerboy94 Notebook Evangelist

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    coming mon or tues

    XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800MHzFSB, 3M L2 Cache)
    Tuxedo Black
    4GB, DDR2, 667MHz
    15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MP Camera
    256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
    8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
    320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
    Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
    Dell 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
    85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Battery
    Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR
    2 In Home Year Limited Warranty
    McAfee Security 9.0, 3-Year Subscription(Which I wont use system HOG)
    2 Day Shipping
    $1248.00 +Tax
     
    bikerboy94, Jun 29, 2008
    #8
  9. Centurian99

    Centurian99 Newbie

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    Price was $1560 to my door. EPP discount, but nothing else.
     
    Centurian99, Jun 30, 2008
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  10. emclo

    emclo Notebook Guru

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    Congrats, you will be very happy! Its really too bad they dont offer the LED in the WSXGA+ screen, that would be perfect...
     
    emclo, Jun 30, 2008
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  11. rypic7

    rypic7 Notebook Geek

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    Both of the laptops described in this thread seem to be pretty good deals. but you'll definitely be happy with it! Congratulations! And there is no way it will take three weeks. Mine said it was going to take well over a month (the 1920X1200 delays your ship date by 15 days) and it came in a week or two. But I remember the anticipation was torture!
     
    rypic7, Jun 30, 2008
    #11
  12. Centurian99

    Centurian99 Newbie

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    When I got the E1505 two years ago, they broke down the "order status" to sub-stages that at least made me feel they were making forward progress...

    Hopefully, it'll get here next week. <crossing fingers>
     
    Centurian99, Jun 30, 2008
    #12
  13. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

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    Nice!!!! Sounds like they are making some progress on the build, then! ;)
    Hoping you get it sooner vs. estimated ;) :)

    The waiting is the hardest part, eh??? ;)

    Cin'
     
    Cin', Jun 30, 2008
    #13