Should I Buy A Dell XPS1530?

After reading the horror stories with heat issues in the NVIDIA 8600 series video cards burning out motherboards...
http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/...ate-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspx
I'm asking the bloggers here to advise me if I should cancel my recent QVC purchase of the Dell XPS1530? I'm in my fifties and really don't play games but cruise the web for a past time. From what I've been able to learn Dell has only issued a BIOS update to cycle the fan more. Will my new Dell have a major problem too? Please Please give me some sound advice. Thanks All

 

If it's anything like my dell m1330 stay well away, absolutely rubbish laptop and service from Dell.

 

Thanks. Well that's one no....anyone else have any more input?

 

the fact is that 8 series card may fail regardless of whether you play games or not. However, none of my friends' 8600es failed on them yet. But my flatmate's 8400GS died 3 times in one year already, and I know for sure that she doesn't game))

 

I never gamed on my m1330, gone twice in 12 months. I don't know if Dell dell (NVidia) have fixed this issue with the Studio series??? would be interested to know myself.

 

If you don't game, get a notebook w/ integrated graphics. You will get better battery life, less weight (more so from the heatsink), and it will be cheaper.

 

Thank you for the advice but I'd still like some further opinions on whether you think the Dell has some serious design flaws that I should consider in whether or not to go ahead with my order. I love the looks of the XPS1550 and the software budle included is outstanding and I can really use/need the five easy pay option BUT I'd quickly give all that up if this Dell has a serious design flaw in it's harware that will give me nothing but grief! Are there any happy Dell 1530 owners on-line or does anyone even know of any? This is the place to ask...afterall. Thanks

 

Seeing as a bunch of people's laptops have stopped working because of it no matter the use I would not go through with the order. Also QVC is NOT the place to buy a computer from. I've seen them selling a computer that's much worse than the ones I have for hundreds of dollars more. The XPS 1530 starts at $900 from Dell. That one would not have the issue that we're all talking about because it has integrated Intel graphics. Dell offers payment plans also, if you don't feel like forking over $900 at one time.

 

I guess I should have investigated the Dell XPS M1530 a little deeper BEFORE I ordered but the sales pitch on QVC can be very convincing. Apparently the NVIDIA 8600 GPU has a die/packaging material flaw which breaks down during heat-up/cool-down cycles over time causing major failures. I was hoping to hear from a bunch of M1530 owners who weren't having any problems but either they are out enjoying their Saturday or worse...there aren't any.

 

I 100% STRONGLY urge you to not buy the M1530. I had one up until about a month ago. I had an astonishing 9 repairs done on it from the Motherboard and GPU all the way to the DVD drive, I basically at this point didn't want to even look at the laptop anymore and it required me to email Micheal Dell as well as the other employees around him to get someone to listen to me. I then requested an exchange or a different unit and it was at that point that I finally got it. About a week later a wonderful Studio XPS 1640 arrived and the rest is history. I strongly urge you NOT to purchase the M1530 as I don't want anyone else to find themselves in the same situation that I was in. It's poorly made, and the support around it is simply disgusting. I hated the service, I hated the laptop, and I hated Dell as a company until I was able to start using the 1640 at which point some of my hope was restored.

 

I have an M1530 with the 86m. Obviously hasn't failed me even after some long gaming sessions.

 

Thank heaven ...... I'll put the rope away....for now.lol

 

I've had no problems whatsoever after owning mine for about a year. The 8600M GT is definitely a defective card, but you may get lucky and it wont fail on you for quite a long time. I'd recommend getting the SXPS 16 instead, but if you got a great deal on the M1530, there's no real reason not to own one. Personally, I prefer the cosmetics of the M1530 compared to the SXPS 16. Brushed aluminium palmrest beats a plastic one anyday~

 

I haven't had ANY problems with ANY of the 3 M1530's I've had. One has been full-time usage, games and everything, the other 2 are just casual usage and OSX and such. No problems overheating on any.

The M1530 is a great laptop, you will just hear of a higher rate of problems here as people usually search out the forums for help, not to say they have a great laptops.

 

have had mine 10 months with no problems. do a fair amount of gaming.

 

I'm very very happy with my XPS, I do gaming A LOT!.. and I never had any problem with my video card.

Also I undervolted my CPU and replace the thermal paste.. and the laptop temps is about 50C when browsing internet or doing small apps...

I recommend just to listen advices from people who have a M1530.

 

dell makes complete junk now unfortunately

 

I've had the M1530 for close to a year now, no problems at all. Games and heavy apps. It's a great laptop.

 

As already said, I'd suggest the SXPS 16 if you are interested in purchasing a Dell (newer and better hardware that doesn't have parts known to be defective though the laptop is known to run rather hot). In the two days I've owned my SXPS 13, I've been very happy . There is little reason to risk losing your entire computer to a part you will use little (i.e. the GPU). In addition, I have never seen QVC give what I would consider a good deal on a laptop so I would definitely cancel.

 

I have had an XPS 1530 for around a year, and would consider the support from Dell fantastic, the laptop has been great apart from i had a sticky DVD drive, which dell fixed the day after i reported it.
Then a few weeks ago i had a bit of graphics issues where i would sometimes get a checked screen when trying to load some games, i emailed dell, they called me the same evening and arranged for someone to fix it next working day, the following monday. They then asked me had i got any dents or scratches on the case or any sticky keys, and offered to replace the keyboard and the case for free They also put in a new mobo for me.
So in around a year of ownership i have had 3 days where it hasnt worked.

I do have the issue at the moment where my screen is cracked, but thats my fault and not a problem with dell.

 

The Studio series (the Studio equivalent to the M1530 would be the Studio 1535/1537) doesn't use nVidia graphics, it uses ATi. The Studio 1535/1537 has the ATi Mobility Radeon HD 3450 256MB. I've never had any overheating issues with my GPU, and that seems to be the general consensus. It's not as powerful as the M1530's 8600M GPU, but it also doesn't doom your notebook to an early death.

DellsBells, if you're looking for similar size and features to the XPS M1530 but you're worried about the longevity of the graphics card, I think you might find the Studio 15 (1535 or 1537), or even the new Studio 15 refresh (1555) should do quite nicely. Same size, similar proportions and features...and the new 1555 model has an even more powerful ATi 4570 graphics option.

And did I mention it costs less than the M1530?

You say you don't really plan on gaming...in that case, if you're set on the M1530, you should get one with the Intel chipset integrated graphics (X3100, I believe). It doesn't have the heat issues, and it will save you considerably battery life (not to mention it's cheaper). And if you don't game, then you won't really miss the performance. The X3100 is still plenty powerful enough for the Vista Aero interface.

 

mmm I don't think the m1530 has a intel graphics option..

 

its gone now from the uk site anyway.

 

Good advice everyone. Glad to hear some who own the 1530 are doing OK. I'm still wavering on cancelling my order.

 

What?? You really need to expand on that statement.

Hey there...I have the 1530, have had it since 1/08...and it's still a fantastic lappy for me...I have the 8600 GPU! No problems with it.

I don't *look* for daily problems with my lappy either, if something going to happen with my lappy, let it happen..and then I will deal with it at that time.

You can get a great deal on a 1530 right now at dell.com, or via Dell's outlet...with any applicable coupon deals, that may be around right now. It just depends on what type of build you are looking at.

If you want the 1530 (and it sounds like you do) ~ go for it! I still say its a awesome, and very reliable lappy!

And, I agree with the OP..try to avoid QVC...I think you can get much better deals elsewhere

Hope that helps!

Cin

 

Yea, go over to DellOutlet.com and take a look at what they have to offer. Here is a set of Coupons that will give you 15% off the outlet price.

I bet you can find a pretty nice system in there for less than what you paid. I've bought many from the outlet and I've been satisfied EVERY time, so I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed if you switched your order over there.

 

Even if you still decide to get the M1530, cancel your order with QVC. They are not a good place to buy computers from.

 

Great replys everyone! The senior Dell rep on QVC was pretty impressive, he said the M1350 had the most industry awards of ANY model from Dell to date so I figured the M1530 would be so much the better. Until I did some research and read about the NVIDIA 8600 GPU's with a defect in their die/packaging material breaking down over time and going south.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_notebook_winvista_179.48_beta.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=222805&page=12
I'd hate to fork out a thousand dollars and have the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head.
(BTW is a pretty interesting tale in itself if you forgot Greek 101 like me..
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/ciceroworkslatin/f/DamoclesSword.htm )
I know alot of you here seem to be happy with this model and I truly hope it stays that way for you. I really liked everything about the 1530 but I'll probably take the chicken's way out and opt for something else.

 

Haha, we learned about that in Latin in high school (second year Latin was probably 75% Greek). Good stuff.

For similar hardware and features, look into the Studio 1535 or 1537. They're both discontinued to make room for the new 1555, but you can find them previously ordered new or certified refurbished on the Dell Outlet.

If you don't mind 16:9 aspect ratio and no touch-sensitive media keys, then the new Studio 1555 might be a good choice too. More powerful graphics as well (1555 has ATi 4570, 1535/1537 has ATi 3450).

 

Well, if you decide not to go with the 1530 in the end there are plenty of other Dell options out there!

And, for those that own the 1530..you will hear (as you have seen above)...that the 1530 is an excellent lappy It's nice that the extra one year warranty covers the GPU on the 8600 in case it is problematic.

If you decide to go with another *brand* you may want to fill out a FAQ, and then create a thread HERE, so that you can get the best possible options pointed out to you by all forum members!

Best of luck to you!

Cin

 

My M1530 with the 8600 is a year old now...no problems. Back when the Nvidia news came out there were several long threads on this forum debating the potential severity and impact of it. (Go back and check those out.) I do think it's an issue to be concerned about, but now months later I've still not seen a significant number of reports of actual failures.

My opinion is that if you chose the M1530 because it best fit your needs then go for it, and just get a longer warranty if it makes you feel better.

 

the 1530 gpu issues are not as wide spread as the 1330's. i had to demand dell replace my motherboard with the non discrete motherboard after 4 replacements due to bad gpu's. if you had to make a choice between the 1530 and the 1330 with the on board gpu i would choose the 1530 though

 

My Alps touchpad kept freezing/stalling on my new XPS M1530.
I returned the first one in the 21 day warranty period and the replacement unit did the same thing.
Yesterday I returned the replacement unit for a full refund.
I have given up on the 1530 and it's Alps touchpad.

I really liked the 1530. It was the perfect machine for me except for the freezing/stalling mouse.

I don't know why there are not more complaints about the 1530 mouse freezing/stalling. I guess it was just my bad luck that I got 2 systems that both had/have the problem.

I have always been a Dell owner, but I am now going to purchase a Lenova T500 Thinkpad.

There are no other dells that have a 15.4" display, except for the Inspiron that does not have a 7200rpm drive.

 

Unfortunately, that seems to be a common thing with Alps touchpads. Synaptics is miles ahead.

Actually, there are several. The Studio 1535/1537 are 15.4" and have 7,200 RPM hard drive options. There are also a few business class notebooks (Latitude, Vostro, etc.) in 15.4" as well.

And just because 7,200 RPM is not an initial option doesn't mean you can't install one yourself.

 

Glad to see you still enjoying yours It's been a long time, it seems...

I have the 8600 also...no probs.., and glad to see others still enjoying their 1530..I'm with you...if the 1530 works, and OP still want to purchase..he should go for it!

Cin

 

had mine for quite a few months now. no probs at all... game a fair bit too

 

I think the 1535/1537 come with the Alps touchpad. Something I am avoiding at all costs. The 1555 comes with a Synaptics touchpad but it is a 15.6" display. I'll need to check out the Latitude and Vostro. I forgot about the business notebooks.

 

Yeah, the 1535/1537 use Alps. I'm fairly certain at least some of the business models use Synaptics, though.

 

People use forums to get advice on problems - hence you will receive a very biased response asking this question on a forum!

I personally had a XPS M1330 - top spec - for about a year. No problems whatsoever. Worked perfectly. Im an IT professional, so used the system quite intensively. It coped with everything perfectly.

Dont believe all the horror stories you read.

 

Dell makes lousy laptops with lousy support. That includes their corporate models. I'm an IT Architecture consultant and usually work at very large global companies many of which are household names. Three of them in the last four years have switched from Dell laptops to HP which is quite a cost to those companies in terms of changing their support to a different brand. These are companies that own and buy many thousands of laptops per year and they buy the high dollar models that are supposed to last. So you can imagine what Dell's consumer laptops are like. You get what you pay for and cheap laptops have poor service, poor quality components, and made from cheap materials that are poorly fit. The only exception to this I have seen are Thinkpads and Apple laptops. A lot of people who have bought or been issued Thinkpads for years think they are not what they used to be either but they still seem pretty solid to me. Personally I use Macs and triple boot OS X, Linux, and Windows plus use virtualization for other OS'.