A few questions about the XPS M1210 ...

I understand that this laptop has been discussed in great detail, but please bear with a few questions that I have about this laptop before I purchase it. I have browsed around forums (this and others) and have got some sense of this laptop, but would like some additional clarifications from users (and others who are familiar with the laptop).

Firstly, the screen. A major reason I am interesting in this laptop is the fact that it is so portable, at least in comparison to some of the 14 and 15 inch models out there. Having never used a 12 inch screen before, I am wondering how it is. Typically, I never have two windows open on the screen at the same time; I just don't work that way. I guess what I'm asking with respect to the size of the screen is that is it good for daily work (this will be my only PC) such as writing up reports, making presentations, and the odd bit of Photoshop and such. Still on the topic of the screen, the horizontal viewing angles seems to be a problem for some and not others. From what I have read, I haven't been able to accurately guage the extent of this problem. Do things quickly become 'negative' or is it a case of gradual degradation. Or (hopefully), is it not a problem at all?

Next, the keyboard. How is the keybaord for everyday use? During use, is the keyboard quiet, or is it 'clicky'. I am going to be using this during lectures and do not want something that will be disruptive. I know I would not appreciate such a noise. How does it compare to a ThinkPad keyboard. I have used those and they are absolutely spectacular. Is this keyboard (in terms of regular use) somewhat comparable?

Related to input aswell, the touchpad. Personally, I prefer the pointing stick found in ThinkPads but since the cost of a similarly configured ThinkPad is simply prohibitive, its not really much of a viable option. So, back to the topic of the touchpad on the M1210, is it a top-quality touchpad and basically a matter of getting used to?

Well, those are my only concerns with this laptop at the moment. Thanks in advance for those who take the time to answer my queries.

 

I have the Latitude LS, which has the 12" screen and I have no problem using it for the uses you describe. Like you, though, I'm not big into having multiple windows open on the screen at the same time. As I've said in other posts, I've come to appreciate the smaller screen so much that I don't like working on large screen computers (but thats just my preference).

If you have the opportunity, you may want to check out some retail stores just to get a feel for the different screen sizes. Places like Best Buy may not have a 12", but they generally will have at a 13", which should give you a feel for whether you can handle the smaller screen or not.

 

ThinkPad keyboards are the best. How much more is a ThinkPad gonna be since the m1210 starts at $1200 on Dell? They are having the Back to School sale at Lenovo. Decently configured one goes for $1400. If you factor in the larger battery you'll need for the Dell, the ThinkPad is only slightly heavier. If you are set on the Dell, they are offering them at Costco which will get you a six month return policy if you don't like it.

 

1. I don't have the M1210, but I have the D400 (different screen resolution) and I also used MSI1012 laptop which has the same resolution. You will be OK unless your eyesights are extremely bad.

2. Nowadays, almost all notebook keyboards are silent type.

3. I have used IBM notebook (I still have one in my basement) with a red button mouse stick and on my D400 there is a green mouse stick and a touchpad. I never use the sticks, only use wireless mouse or the touch pad.

 

The keyboard is very quiet and the keys themselves are very forgiving to the touch, although some owners have complained of keyboard "flex," where adjacent keys will depress when a singluar key is struck. The touchpad itself is a bit smallish but the 2 L/R buttons are generously sized and soft to push, with no clicking at all.

I really can't comment on the screen -- I personally have owned only the 12.1" screens and would never get anything larger, so I am a little bit biased. It really comes down to personal preference. But the brightness is superb and easy to adjust thanks to a keyboard shortcut.

 

I don't like the feel of the keyboard and it feels tacky IMHO. So does the bottom of the notebook. The screen strains my eyes a bit and is too small IMHO. My sony s560 was nicer to me at least. I'm going to run hl2 and see what the deal is. I would get a sony sz if I were you or an asus w3j but that runs hot so... I also hear a clicking noise sporaticly and the battery life is no good w the 6 cell. It also runs hot so u shouldn't put it on your lap or lounge w it... And wait a week or 2 before u order because u might be able to get core duo2 or core 2 duo?

 

Don't buy W3j or you will regret - palmrest discoloration in 2 months, keys easily fell off keyboard, serial no. easily rub off (you lost your warranty), flexy keyboard, runs very hot compared with my IBM laptop, Compag X1000, Acer laptop, and D400!

 

notebooknotlaptop, Thanks for the suggestion. I will definately take a look around Best Buy at 12" laptops and see if it suits me.

ZaZ, unfortunately (with respect to deals) I live in Canada, and cannot take advantage of the teriffic Back to School sale that Lenovo seems to have on right now. The best we in Canada can hope for are some saving through paying by Visa. These, although significant, do not come close to the sale. When I began my search for a laptop, the ThinkPad was at the top of my list, but to get a configuration that is comparable to the price I am getting for the M1210 (2Ghz, 100Gig 7200rpm, 1gb ram, 3 years complete care onsite), I am having to sacrafice quite a bit.

sureshot, can you comment on the actual viewing angles of the screen? I can tolerate some degradation, but cannot tolerate something akin to a 'negative' image showing (that's the best I can describe it, I have seen some laptops exhibit this and cannot stand it).

All in all, thanks to everyone with their comments. I would certainly appreciate some more!

 

My m1210 just arrived yesterday, and this is my first laptop, so maybe I can give a different perspective from all of the veterans here.

The screen is wonderful. I was worried too that it would be too small, but it feels just right. The glossy screen is very bright and text is very sharp and easy to read. I can imagine that working on a document for a long time (maybe 3-4 hours) would cause some eyestrain, but if you plan on doing that I highly recommend investing in a modest LCD monitor. I'm actually using one right now - you can use it as a dual monitor (both screens are on at the same time), and it feels just like a desktop - but when I'm ready to leave I just unplug it, pick up the laptop, and go. It's the best of both worlds in my opinion.

They keyboard and touchpad are also both much better than i expected. The keyboard is full sized, so it's very comfortable to use, and to me it sounds pretty similar to a normal desktop keyboard, maybe a little quieter (which may or may not be a good thing). I don't notice the flex whatsoever - it is there a little if I look, but it doesn't bother me at all. The touchpad looks small but in practice it never feels limiting.

In the seven or so hours I've used this laptop I haven't found one thing that really irks me. I highly recommend it!

 

cyscholar, would you mind posting some pictues of the laptop? Also, did you get the AV package? How is it? Also, did you get the extended battery? If so, what kind of battery life are you getting out of it?

That's all for now, but I will probably have some more questions later.

 

My digital camera isn't working right now so I can't take any pictures, but these reviews have plenty:

http://www.notebookforums.com/thread158874.html
http://www.notebookforums.com/thread165273.html

I haven't done a full battery test but the built in software says I can get about 4.5 hours and so far that seems pretty accurate. The AV package is very handy, the webcam doesn't take very beautiful video but it gets the job done. The microphone on it is very effective. The headphones they provide are decent quality as well.