Dell M1330 Condition Received Thread...and Poll

Ok it had to happen...

This poll may become quite valuable when we are trying to tackle issues down the road so please complete it accurately.

An added bonus would be a short description of location, system specifics and how you cured the deficiencies.

Thanx ahead all.

And of you like the thread..throw a Rep by clicking on the scales bottom left.

 

Exterior Condition Flawed
http://www.obscurehideout.com it is my website, i have pics of all the external flaws of my system...

 

Wow thats the MOST detailed I have seen yet. Yikes !!! and thanks....Repped.

 

I haven't had much time to check mine but the left mouse button is recessed further in, it is not flush like the right side it still works but I think that it will have to be replaced as it will wear down quite quickly, I have somewhat of a gap at the top of my screen. The inside box holding the notebook had the one end crushed in but the outer dell box wasn't damaged so this was done when it was put in the box, the notebook itself seemed to be okay but I will have more time to check it this weekend. I emailed my rep regarding these concerns but haven't heard back from them. I didn't notice any cpu whine and the dvd drive is very quiet when playing dvd's it just makes that funny noise when inserting the disk, overall I really like it, the screen is very bright and clear, the system seems well built (other than the few issues I have seen so far), I have the 6 cell battery with mine and the system is very light.

 

My build quality and hardware config is perfect! (except for slow @$$ Vista, which will be reinstalled soon...)

 

Thanks for the detailed pics. Thats an excellent review of the flaws many of us have. Your gap at the top of the screen is exactly like mine, a little worse on the left side. Are you going for a replacement or returning it? Even with a few flaws, I still love this notebook

 

I've got the cpu whine and the unleveled base--which is actually due to slight movement from the battery (which has one of the rubber feet on it).

 

Only 3 perfect systems of 15...I am concerned...

 

Well, as far as the CPU whine goes...

That is a problem with many Intel CPUs, and maybe even AMDs. The problem has been seen on numerous notebooks within the last 2-3 years and is not specific to the M1330.

 

Yes I had just written about that here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=103747&page=4

And it dates back to 1993 as far back as I could find the exact same noise and occurrence.

The disconserting part is that both HP and Dell have now published information articles that say the whine is within industry standards. What they dont account for is that it is much louder on some systems.

WahOOOOO!!!! Both good news on my systems and double greens in the same day!!!

 

I don't usually complain about these sorts of things. Generally, I think the quest for the perfect notebook build is a bit whiny. But, in this case, I'd be calling asking for a replacement. This thing looks like a real piece of crap, to me.

Nice pictures, by the way.

 

When you've paid four figures for an 'executive' spec. notebook, you expect the best.

Thanks for this thread guys, since Dell seem to be slinging these things out of the warehouse doors to meet demand, I'm going to wait until the production line is a little more sane.

It can only mean good things for my eventual specification too.

 

Same exterior flaws on a Singapore set...

 

DVD drive eject/disc recognition failure, Wifi failure, cpu whine, a few minor gripes (like sleep button remapped to Fn+Esc instead of the supposed Fn+F1).

 

I posted earlier that the built-in mike array barely worked, the volume was way low even after all sliders were set to maximum. An external mike worked fine.

I believe one person reported the same problem, but there weren't many responses in that thread, so I don't know whether most people have working mikes or most people haven't had time to test the mike yet. In other words, I'm curious to know whether this is a sample defect or a design defect before I contact Dell.

 

Exterior: no noticeable quality issue
I haven't powered up as the system isn't for me but everything "looks" okay.

 

Anybody else having mike array issues. I have to stand very close to mine and shout. My external mike work fine.

 

My machine has the EXACT same set of characteristics as billybatson except I have no aluminum dent. I think most of them are "by (questionable) design." Many of them don't bother me enough to worry about - and i don't mind the pccard sticking out a touch. However, I agree the SD card issue is annoying - I think it'd be tough to leave one in.

I have a slightly uneven base, which actually bugs me quite a lot, and then the WLAN light doesn't work at all, which I've mentioned. your poll should have "other functional defect" and "other cosmetic defect" options.

I guess I'll put in a service call about the LED. I don't know what to do about the base...

 

As far as the card, its the same as the M1210 and I dont believe its a defect. I believe its so you can push it to get it to release out.

As for the uneven base, there has been one who just bent the system and it now sits perfect and another who placed pieces of paper under the battery.

I would def consider an exchange if i werent happy such as yourself; its been done by several others now with no problem.

As far as amending the poll, it would be improper now as those who have already voted cannt again vote to fix their answers.

It will serve as a great basis later on, if necessary for a few different issues.

 

Someone bent their computer?

 

They didnt bend it Im sure; just twisted it a bit so it sat flat...

 

That would make a great YouTube video.

 

Well after having more time to check my system out I found that the left side of the notebook is where all the issues are, the left hinge cover pops off, the left side by the xps logo sticks up this is probably why the hinge doesn't stay on, I can't push is on any tighter, also this is where the left side on the top of the screen has a larger gap where you can see the teeth, the door on the bottom for the memory is only flush on one side and also the hardrive door sticks out, most of the same problems that billy stated that he had. There is a cpu whine as well not very loud right now but I will have to keep an eye on it. I will call dell on Monday and ask for a replacement. I guess this is what we get with it being shipped in less than 3 weeks.

 

my system is perfect

just get a CPU whine at times, and the dual array mic works great, but picks up computer noise moreover my voice

those who complain about how bad the headphones are, learn that they have to undergo burn-in before they can play high tones and low basses. To burn-in just leave them attached to a sound source that plays continuously, maybe your ipod or laptop, at normal listening volume. keep it in there for 20-30 hours, and then listen to it. It will sound MUCH better.

 

Jabbok - Do you think another machine will be much different in the near future? If you, billybatson, and I all have very similar minor system fit issues, I think they might just be the way things are - at least until they tweak some parts. Just a thought.

I actually completely forgot that XPS had in-home service - I had been figuring that if I'd have to mail it in for service I might as well just exchange it. However, with in-home service I figure I can have my WLAN LED issue addressed. I think I can live with the other minor issues.

(I tested my mic and it's very insensitive as well - doesn't pick up sound very easily. I'm sure that plugging one in works, but the reason I want things built into a laptop is so that I don't have to haul them around. I'll have to do some further testing, but this may require repair or replacement, too. At maximium sensitivity it's still almost impossible to get the meter into the yellow on the Windows Live Messenger audio test.)

 

I have the cpu whine. I try to ignore it.
I also tested the mic and it is not as sensitive as it should be.

 

i got my 1330 in perfect quality, with no whine and the dvd drive is actually quite quiet. i do have a few of the design flaws that everyone has (the sd card, the hard drive cover, remote sticking out, ect...), but i think this is just typical of every laptop. though i'd be mad about the dent and the bad drive, i think complaining about every little minor thing is kinda pointless. i mean, you need a close up pic blown up just to see some of the things you are complaining about. this is a mass produced laptop, nothing will ever be perfect. like i said, the dent is quite annoying but other than that, i don't see anything on that website really worth complaining about.

but that's just me...

 

i would ask you to go and look at any Macbook pro. flawless design, flawless finish. not even a screw out of the place. even if you use a magnifying glass you wont find a hairline gap anywhere.
now if apple can do that why cant Dell?

 

Agreed! I'd expect these issues from an Inspiron or Vostro, but not an XPS. Not when you are paying the same money as a Macbook PRO. I agree, too, Apple's designs look flawless.

 

Read the full content of this Article: http://www.dev.notebookreview.com/news/mac-pros-drying-up-refresh-coming/

 

Can I ask a favour guys? Can we stay on topic with this thread. It can benefit those who need assistance later when Dell asks for other examples; it loses its value if we run off course though.

Thanx ahead.

 

Sorry about that!

 

Keyboard on MacPros kinda suck, tho.. just imo. And while fit&finish is great, the design is too generic, again IMO

 

wow i thought the build quality on my vostro was bad.. its def not as bad as the xps shown on that web site.. man that sucks for those that spent that much on them.. i guess i should be happier with my system then.. sorry to hear guys

 

Why shouldn't you be? Vostro is a fine machine, and will serve you just fine. I'm pretty sure many people will enjoy vostro just fine I mean, I wouldn't mind getting a vostro if there was one as light as 1330...

 

regarding the uneven base issue I've done some other testing on other places like my sink for example and I'm able to get my m1330 to sit solid on it without wobbling. I have to admit that my table does have slight bumps (due to design). I dont' know it just seems to sit well on some surfaces and not some other.

I do recall hoever, that I've placed them in a way so that all 4 sides are at the same level =/ I don't see how the laptop would wobble still.

 

oops..........

 

i am unhappy with the overall build quality ... not the notebook itself. performance is great just the way its assembled it seems very cheap.. i know a lot of people have bad stuff to say about toshiba's but we own a total of 8 of them for both our business' and ive extensively looked them over and its hard to find a flaw or a piece of plastic that doesnt fit right.. and those are much cheaper units then the vostro i got was

 

Well, if you really unhappy with build quality, just return it or try exchanging it for another unit, see if the other one will be better in that department. As you have noted above, even XPS 1330s may not be perfect in that regard, so it's really up to you to decide. My guess would be that if you can't live with Vostro, you'd be better with something like Macbook Pro or something else. Good luck with your decision!

 

actually i've had 2 macbook pro's and they were absolute garbage. the first one kept locking up and got extremely hot so i sent it back. the second is just put together shoddy. the frickin' o and i keys fell off the keyboard after a week, the disc drive doesn't work and i've gone through 2 power adapters (at $100 a piece). funny thing is, i'm extremely careful with my computers...these 1330's blow the macbook quality out of the water in my opinion.

 

Yeah, I guess the notebook build quality issues are not limited to Dell I've never owned a Mac but I sure like looking at them in an Apple Store I do like my 1330 even tho it's ain't perfect in all respects, I think it'll live long enough for me I guess it all comes down to luck, you can get a bad Dell, Sony or MacBook, or can get a very good one from the same companies.

 

agreed. luckily, i got a perfect 1330.

 

luckily for 1330, you are not bothered by its little imperfections :laugh:

 

Perfect, except for a tiny bulge on top of the keyboard, where it says XPS | m1330. You can't see it, only feel it. Other than that, its awesome.

 

I agree that the remote sticking out is not a defect but I do agree that it is very poor design. I don't believe it was left that way to be able to push release easier since the dummy card they provide to place into the slot if you do not wish to carry the remote sits flush and is no harder to get out than the remote.

I am calling dell later today during business hours so cross your fingers!!!

 

Thinking about buying an m1330 but now that i've read about all those problems i'm not sure anymore...
Is it really this bad? I mean are really less then 50% of the m1330 in a "perfect" condition? Cause if i would spend more then 2000 dollars and 2 months of waiting and get therefore a crappy notebook with cpu whine, uneven base and exterior defects....
I might get a Sony SZ670 now but i still hope that someone tells me it isn't that bad...

 

due i hope mine perfect! cause this wait is a killer

 

Whats a good alternative to the XPS 1330?

 

My m1330 had all of the problems billybatson's did, aswell as what looked like a mark on the lid where it was drawn on with a blue ink pen. I talked to Dell and that lappy is already back to the factory and my order for a new one has been submitted. (By me, online. No over the phone crap.)

If I was in need of a laptop, my first m1330 would have been fine. The thing is I can wait another month or so for Dell to try and get my build quality a little bit better, which is what I've decided to do! It doesn't cost me anything but time, so I figure I'll give it atleast ONE more shot.