6-cell or 9-cell battery for Dell XPS M1530?

I am planning on ordering my first ever laptop soon, a Dell XPS M1530.

I'm unsure though whether to go with a 6-cell battery or a 9-cell one? I'm thinking it would be nice to have the battery last a little longer, but just what kind of difference should I expect? How long does a XPS M1530 last with the 6-cell, and how long with the 9-cell? Roughly?

Also, I understand the 9-cell would make the laptop heavier as well as bulkier, but how pronounced is this difference? If the total weight is still under 3 kg, I'm content.

 

First it's a very good deal to get both. If you can you should...
the 9 cell will left the back of the computer up about 1/2 insh . some people think that it's nice that the keyboard become comfortable to work with.
even with 9 Cell the weight is less than 7 LBs..
the 6 cell will blind in the laptop without making any change of the look or dimintions. there are a thread that show the photos of both batteries.
now the 9 cell will last longer.. and it depends on what are you doing with your laptop.. 3 hours for 9 cell and about 2 for the 6 cell if you work normal office, internet..


This is the CNET review

The XPS M1530 is available with two battery options, and we tested both the 6-cell and 9-cell versions. While the 6-cell fits flush with the system and ran for 2 hours and 9 minutes on our DVD battery drain test, the 9-cell battery ran for 3 hours and 22 minutes on the same test. The catch is that the 9-cell battery is positively gigantic, raising the rear of the laptop from 1.5 inches to 2.2 inches, although it fortunately doesn't extend past the back of the system. The weight goes from 5.9 to 6.4 pounds when you switch to the larger battery. Notably, the default slim battery in Apple's 13-inch MacBook runs even longer than the extended Dell battery.

 

It depends on how many hours and what kind of things you run on your computer. If it's for heavy duty performance stuff, I suggest the 9 cell. If you just run and do the everyday things, you'll be just fine with a 6 cell battery.

I'd personally suggest just getting a 9 cell though.

 

Id go 9cell, that what i did and I am preparing to order another, but also thinking of ordering a 6cell since i dont always need 18 cells so nothing sticks out..

I recommend getting a 9 with your laptop and buying another 6 or maybe a nine or both like me

 

best get the bigger 9 cell now.

if you can, both the 9 and 6.

The reason I say this is if you decide you want a bigger one later, you'll pay out the wazoo for it from dell. Ouch.

 

Yep, he's right. So best go with the 9 cell now. Nothing much to lose. It will cost alot later on if you decide to upgrade.

 

Oh oh, I just can't decide which to go with!

Thing is, I'm ordering from the Swedish Dell store, and I don't get to choose to get both a 6-cell and a 9-cell with my XPS M1530. It's either one or the other.

I just don't know...it's looks like it gets so bulky with the 9-cell...loses some of that 'slim design' feel, no? But at the same time, since I have zero experience of owning a laptop, I just don't know if I'll feel that the 6-cell lasts too short. And also, I read that the 9-cell tilts the keyboard so it's more comfortable to type on.

Ahh...it's so difficult. And I have to order tomorrow at the latest because that's when a coupon code I have expires.

Help!

 

I say go with the 6 cell. It will last about 3 hours of normal use. dvmxps1530 said it will only last 2 but that was on cnets dvd drain which is very intensive, so you should expect to get much longer out of your batter for normal use. 9 cell is just too bulky, thats what i like about this laptop is that it's slim and pretty light, and the 9 cell ruins that

 

Yes, I'm now thinking I'll go with 6-cell, because I want my laptop to remain slim and light.

 

Definetly the 9-cell you'll want the extra battery time.

 

I got mine today and I agree with the sentiment that the 9 cell puts a nice tilt to the keyboard. I use it primarily as a desktop, and it feels like my desktop at work.

 

How does charging work with two batteries? (one 6cell + one 9cell)

Does the battery have to be connected to the laptop in order to be charged?

 

I got the 6 and 9 cell.
6 cell when it's on my lap
9 cell when gaming for better fan ventilation
6+9 celll for travelling!

 

9 cell all the way. You'll be happy you have it when trying to watch a movie on a long flight.

 

Yes, it has to be plugged into the laptop to charge.

I love the 9 cell.. I get a solid 4 hours with the brightness almost maxed. Excellent for road trips and those days where you just can't get to an AC outlet.

 

This is inconsistent with a few posts that I have read:

Here are pictures of the 9 cell battery sticking out beneath the M1530:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/kanadianiceman/2007/DELLm1530/hardware/DELLM1530-notebookreviewcom034.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/kanadianiceman/2007/DELLm1530/hardware/DELLM1530-notebookreviewcom031.jpg

from this review by kanadianiceman:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=196815

and another image
http://www.notebookreview.com/picture.asp?f=29191

from the review by Jerry Jackson:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=196750

 

9 cell. I wouldn't even cosider a 6 cell. It is not that much bigger and you will get 4-5 hours on it and it helps in cooler air flow too. I have both and don't even use the 6 cell anymore.

 

6 Cell ALL THE WAY
Do you want a brick cramping the style of your lovely new laptop?

 

how often do you need more then 3 straight hours of usage when you dont have access to a power outlet? I am going with the 6 cell!

 

I would recommend the 9 cell. It fits nicely on the included case too. Since I might by chance going to watch a movie then a 9 cell is your best choice. I actually hit 4 hours and some odd minutes on power saver mode and this is just using the internet.

 

Oof.

Are you able to put the M1530 in a typical laptop "briefcase" bag with the 9-cell inserted?

 

Mmm the 9 cell is a mixed thing to me. It allows for more portable usage, but if you want to go portable, won't you feel awkward with that bump at the back? I wouldn't want that on my lap. And when I travel, the 6 cell is enough for my needs, and on most trains/planes you should have access to a power outlet.

 

just got mine out of the box, the 9 cell is huge by all stds, but for flights, being lazy in the hammock, sitting on the back porch downloading porn its fantastic

i might be keen to order the 6 cell just for the sake of it i got a quote for $80AUD

 

On planes there are only selected seats that have power outlets in the economy section but it's usually in the center aisle in the middle. You have to ask the airline where it's located and ask for that seat which is usually already occupied. Some airline web sites will show you where they are so you can re-arrange your seating assignment on-line.

 

I personally like the extra battery time, and think the higher profile of the battery actually gives the unit a better typing angle when used on a flat surface. Go with the 9-cell.

-sd

 

Bump. Anyone who uses a laptop briefcase with this thing?

 

sorry to bump an old thread but i'm wondering the same thing myself! i am considering an M1530 for school and i'm used to having 4 hours on my iBook G4 .. then again i dont know if i'll need tons of battery life. lets say.. 3 hours with wifi on and office / writing with medium brightness. will a 6cell battery be sufficient for that? weight is somewhat important too of course.. thanks in advance1

 

it sucks you cannot get both. as a college student, i highly prefer having a 6 cell when i am at class and such or going to the library because it is less heavy and i usually could access an outlet when the battery is on critical. a 9 cell is nice if your on extended flights to go back home or such where you have no access to an outlet.

 

You CAN get both.

 

He just said he couldn't. That is the dilemma.

 

If youre going to carry your M1530 around then get the 6 cell, and if you gonna let it sit on a desk at home or at work all the time then get the 9 cell..

I dont like the 9 cell, so i got the 6..

 

Does anyone have more pictures of the 9-cell?

 

Youtube it. It really doesn't look as bad as you may think. (Based on numerous pics and videos i've watched before buying ordering with the 9-cell)

What I did is order a 6-cell from ebay for 40 bucks brand new just so that when I am at home, I use the 9-cell, but on the go I use the 6-cell, and should juice run out, I'll just swap in a 9-cell for the heck of it.

 

I use both:

9 cell at home, 6 cell out-and-about.

Prefer 9 cell. for elevation and cooling it provides underneath

Wow, just noticed how old this thread is...But cool!!! It got a good *bump*