Dell M1330 v. Asus U3

Comments and views ....

 

The U3 isn't as powerful GPU-wise, no LED screen(or ASUS hasn't even attempted to advertise that), no internal HD, low battery life, and weighs a bit less.

I personally would wait for reviews on the U3 cause it has tons of strengths and tons of weaknesses.

 

U3 has has the same 8400 and an LED screen..but yeah only has 3 and 6 cell..6 cell protrudes so 1330 all the way haha
review here ---> http://www.trustedreviews.com/notebooks/review/2007/08/23/Exclusive-Asus-U3-Hands-On/p3

one thing i would of LOVED in my 1330 would be an eSATA port..oh man

 

Thats what that says, but all the U3s ads and spec lists I've seen has yet to mentioned LED, so I would assume it won't be included. The 8400G is weaker then the 8400GS, so that's a potential major point.

The price point is $1600-$1700 from what I've seen.

 

no internal optical drive.

 

yep..killa fosho considering the 1330 is a competer and it spots one very slickly

 

Well seriously I like the XPS M1330 but honestly it is too expensive. C'mon on, it's a cute Dell, but it's still a Dell.
Technically the Dell wins over the U3 for battery life and maybe by little in some benchmarks (with identical GPU and CPU). But from what we know of the Asus it will be less technically advanced than the Dell, and less configurable than the Dell too. The Asus doesn't have an internal ODD and for some it matters. I'm almost never using it, and I don't mind carrying one when I am on long trips.
Aestetics. This is a question of taste, but I personally don't like the big XPS logo on the Dell's lid. The Asus is more classy, perhaps too much of a fashion statement actually.
Price That's my point. I just configured the two with the following: T7500, 2Go for the Dell and 2.5Go for the Asus, 160Go 5400rpm and 8400M 128 Mo. The rest is similar. It turns out the official price of the Dell is $2300 while the Asus is $1850 with an optional exernal ODD. And Asus even throws in a 2yr warranty in North America, a 1yr accidental damage protection, and a 3yr theft protection. All of this is at least $250 at Dell, and even if you talk up the sales rep you won't get all this (unless you has been sent a very bad machine in the first place).

So my point is that there is a tech advantage for Dell, but to me I'd buy the Asus because it is right below in terms of performance, is cuter and is much, much of a bigger bang for the buck. (and also, it's not a Dell).

 

ASUS U3 is solid built, you get free bluetooth mouse, laptop sleev and laptop bag!!

 

Dell is better on paper, but I'd rather have the Asus since it will ship quicker, and doesn't have the potential to be DoA.

 

how about the new prices. does everyone think same now or changed the minds?

 

Definitely the m1330.

The "dual graphics" feature is a bit sketchy to me.

 

It works the same as on the SZ.

 

I hesitated between the two brands and models, at same CPU. Here was what I weighed:

Dell M1330: Has built-in DVD drive, can upgrade to 4Gb RAM and can upgrade to LED screen (which can increase battery duration).

U3s: No internal DVD drive, Maximum 2.5Gb Ram, cannot upgrade to LED screen.

I really liked the DELL design, and wanted the extra RAM, internal DVD and specially the LED screen. I would have chosen DELL but just bought the U3S anyway because of CRITICAL FLAWS from DELL, for my taste.

- Read the reviews. There are too many customer service horror stories.
- Shipping time is too long. I needed something quick.
- Dell wants you to pay everything up front before you receive the package
- The computer could arrive damaged or malfunctioning. This model is now notoriously poorly build. Again, read the review. So many were shipped with problems.
- IF it's badly built or damaged, it's your problem. They won't replace, they will "repair". Send a technician. Have you ever heard of such thing??? Repairing something NEW?

To be fair, those who DID receive a good m1330 seem to be very very happy. But it's not certain you will, and I chose Asus because I didn't want to take a gamble. The downsides or receiving a badly built computer FAR outweigh any pros the m1330 may have.

The attitude DELL has in customer service and customer experience is unacceptable. As a customer experience consultant, I really can't support a company doing that. I'd rather lose a bit on the wish-list of features, and support a company that cares about the customer.

There is no way I'll buy from DELL with their current service policies and quality.

Maybe I'll re-post with my review of the U3S, I'm installing the OS as I write this on my desktop.

cheers,

DJ