Dell XPS M1210 with Core 2 Duo Review

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by Laura Rushing

Introduction

The Dell XPS M1210 is the smallest notebook in Dell’s high-performance XPS line. With the discontinuation of the 710M, the M1210 is also the only 12.1” consumer notebook that Dell offers. The M1210 is a compact multimedia machine with remarkable power for its small size. Of course, the price reflects this above-average performance.

Specs and Cost of Reviewed System

• Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 (2.00GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
• 2GB Dual Shared Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
• 80 GB 7200 RPM SATA HD
• 256 MB Nvidia GeForce Go 7400
• Intel Pro/Wireless 3945a/g
• 12.1” WXGA Display with TrueLife (1280x800)
• 8x CD/DVD Burner
• 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
• A/V Communication Package
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
• Audigy Software Upgrade (I did not request this or pay for it, but my computer arrived with it installed)
• 1 Year Next Business Day/Phone Support/XPS Technical Support Warranty

Dell XPS M1210 (view large image)

The final cost for this system as configured was $1,956.76 (including tax and free overnight shipping). This is an expensive notebook, but I believe the cost is justified by the performance capabilities. I placed the order originally on Dell’s website, but due to a last name change my order was sent to fraud investigations. After a relatively painless phone call, the order was finalized and I was given a free shipping upgrade for my trouble. I placed the order on December 23^rd and received my system on December 29^th. I was impressed with the speed of the delivery, especially during the holiday season.

Reasons for Buying

I had been using a Dell 700M for a couple of years and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was starting to show signs of wear. I had also recently lost access to the desktop I had been using for gaming, so I was looking for a notebook that would incorporate the convenience of my 700M and the gaming capabilities of the older desktop. I looked at Dell’s E1505 and glanced at a few models HP offers, but in the end the M1210 was the only computer that offered the graphics capabilities I wanted in the size I wanted. However, it was also the most expensive option I considered.

Dell XPS M1210 next to Dell Inspiron 15.4&quot; e1505 (view large image)

Build and Design

The M1210 is attractive without being overdone like the M1710 or the M2010.  The overall appearance is clean and elegant. Some people have expressed concern over the thickness of the M1210 in comparison to other notebooks in its class, but in my opinion the extra thickness (necessary to house the more powerful components of the M1210) is hardly noticeable. The M1210 is arguably more of a thin and light than an ultraportable due to the weight (it can reach nearly five pounds with the 9-cell battery), but at 11.70”x8.70”x1.20” it is still very compact. Unfortunately the 9-cell battery extends a bit from the computer, breaking up the neat silhouette of the notebook.

Top view of Dell XPS M1210 resting on top of 15.4&quot; screen Inspiron e1505 (view large image)

The M1210 feels very solidly constructed. The magnesium-alloy case has no obvious weak points; even the digital camera feels secure in its surround at the top of the LCD. I am a fairly light typist, and the full-sized keyboard feels great to me. I can type easily with a gentle touch. The lid of the M1210 does not latch shut, but the hinges feel very secure and it stays shut when it is closed.

Included with the A/V package is a 1.3 megapixel Logitech QuickCam with an integrated microphone. The sound and picture quality are very good for integrated components, although the camera does not perform as well in low light conditions. The camera rotates so you can capture video of yourself or what is in front of you.

Left view of Dell XPS M1210 (view large image)

Right view of Dell XPS M1210 (view large image)

Back side view of Dell XPS M1210 (view large image)

Screen

The screen, a 1280x800 resolution widescreen, was another area of concern for me as I have read various reports of the quality of the LCD not being as good as with older models of a similar size, such as the 700M. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. The image is crisp and clear, and the contrast is good. Vertical viewing angles are nice, and light leakage is minimal. I find that this resolution is still very comfortable for long-term viewing, which is another area of concern for users new to the sub-15” laptop. The glossy screen can make viewing difficult in direct sunlight, and even in lower light conditions you may notice reflections.

Speakers

The sound is fairly typical for a laptop -- slightly tinny through the standard speakers, but decent through headphones or external speakers. I like the earbuds that were included with the A/V package. The location of the speakers, below the screen instead of in front of the palm rests like on an E1505, is convenient and provides for better sound because you are not blocking them with your wrists. One of the unique features of the M1210 is the inclusion of not one, but two headphone jacks so two people can plug in simultaneously. Dell offers an Audigy sound upgrade, but note that this is software, not hardware. You still get the same Sigmatel card.

Processor and Performance

Coming from a Pentium M, I can really appreciate the speed of the Core 2 Duo. I am a habitual multi-tasker, and this processor allows me to have several applications open at once. I can perform a virus scan, check my e-mail, play music, and load a web page all at the same time without noticing any sluggishness. XP loads smoothly and quickly.

While not technically a gaming machine, the M1210 still boasts the best GPU currently available for a laptop of this size. I have not done any serious gaming yet, but I did load Neverwinter Nights 2 and was able to get decent performance by lowering some settings. Slightly older games run flawlessly on max settings.

SuperPi

SuperPi measures CPU performance by calculating Pi to a specific number of digits.

Notebook	Time to Calculate Pi to 2 Million Digits
Dell XPS M1210 (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.00GHz)	1m 02s
Dell XPS M1210 (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.00GHz) while running McAfee Virus	1m 06s
Dell Latitude D620 (Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83 GHz)	1m 21s
Dell Latitude D610 (Intel Pentium M 750 1.83GHz)	1m 41s
Dell Inspiron e1505 (2.0GHz Core Duo)	1m 16s
Fujitsu LifeBook N3510 (1.73 GHz Alviso Pentium M)	1m 48s
Asus A8JP (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz)	1m 02s
Dell Inspiron 6000D (1.6 GHz Alviso Pentium M)	1m 52s
Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (2.0GHz Core Duo)	1m 18s

 

3DMark05 Results and comparison:

3DMark05 tests a PC for graphics capabilities:

Notebook	3DMark05 Score
Dell XPS M1210 (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.00GHz, Nvidia Go 7400)	2,082 3DMarks
Dell XPS M1210 (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.00GHz, Nvidia Go 7400) while running McAfee Virus	2,069 3DMarks
Dell XPS M1710 (2.16 GHz Core Duo, nVidia 7900 GTX 512MB)	8,524 3DMarks
Asus V6J (2.16GHz Core 2 Duo, nVidia GeForce Go 7400)	2,918 3DMarks
Alienware M7700 (AMD Athlon FX-60 Nvidia GeForce Go7800 GTX)	7,078 3DMarks
HP dv6000t (2.16 GHz Intel T7400, nVidia GeForce Go 7400)	2,013 3DMarks

 

Heat and Noise

The M1210 has a lot of powerful components in a small space, but it is extremely quiet and stays relatively cool. The vents on the left side can get quite warm when the graphics card is working hard (as when running the 3DMark05 test above), but the bottom of the computer still stays comfortable for laptop use, even over extended periods of time. However, as with most laptops, you do need to be sure you are holding it in such a way as to allow adequate airflow. The webcam runs very warm, but that does not seem to affect performance in any way.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Keyboard view of Dell XPS M1210 (view large image)

The keyboard on the M1210 is full-sized and the keys have a good feel to them. The material seems to have a little more friction than that used on the Inspiron series, so I am able to type more accurately. I do find that the reduced size Delete key and arrow keys can be difficult to hit without looking. Some people have reported a little bit of play in the lower right-hand corner of the keyboard; I find that with decent pressure I can see this, but not with regular typing. In my opinion there is just not enough movement to affect the use of the keyboard at all. The touchpad is smaller, but it is large enough for easy use. The built-in scrollbars are convenient and functional. The buttons feel sturdier than those on Inspiron series notebooks.

Wireless

I chose the Intel Pro/Wireless 3945a/g card and have been satisfied with its performance. The Wi-Fi catcher is a neat feature of the M1210; it is extremely convenient to just switch it on and off while traveling, and you can scan for wireless networks while your notebook is on standby, hibernating, or even turned off.

Battery

I opted for the larger battery in this computer. Even though it is less aesthetically pleasing, it is much more practical. I find I can easily get 4 hours with normal settings and I can increase that time significantly by turning off my Wi-Fi and turning down my screen brightness. I have yet to run the battery down completely by normal use, even while traveling. Even when your laptop is turned off, you can check your battery life with the convenient gauge on the battery itself.

Operating System and Software

This notebook came with Windows Media Center 2005 with an option for express upgrade to Windows Vista. As with most Dells, it also boasted a plethora of preinstalled software. However, the XPS line does give you the options of “No Pre-installed Software” and “No ISP Requested” which can help cut down on Add/Remove Programs use after your purchase. All system discs were included, and just in case you misplace them, XPS owners can now request duplicate OS, drivers, and utilities CDs via a simple online form on Dell.com (limited to one duplicate set of CDs per XPS system purchased).

(view large image)

The M1210 has a MediaDirect button that allows you to boot directly into MediaDirect without actually turning on your computer. This can help save you battery life if you are mobile and just want to listen to some music or watch a movie.

Customer Support

The XPS line comes with the standard minimum one year warranty and phone support as well as XPS technical support. You can contact the XPS team by e-mail, phone, or live chat. As I have had no problems with the computer so far I have not really had an opportunity to test the quality of the support. Dell support is traditionally out-sourced so sometimes there can be issues with communicating with the technicians, but they do generally seem to try and please the customer.

Conclusion

This laptop is far and away the current best value for its size and power. It boasts the most powerful GPU and CPU available for the ultraportable family combined with great features like the integrated webcam and microphone, MediaDirect, dual headphone jacks, Wi-Fi Catcher, and more. I am extremely happy with my purchase. However, in the future I would like to see Dell improve the speaker quality and possibly change the material used on the lid so it does not attract quite so many fingerprints.

Pros

• Fast Core 2 Duo processor
• Good GPU options
• Compact size
• Excellent battery life
• Solid build

Cons

• Expensive
• Slightly heavier than other notebooks in this class
• Tinny speakers
• Lid collects fingerprints

 

Nice review, I love my 1210

 

nice review. I'm thinking of getting one but i also heard those stories about the screen being not that great. Hopefully if i get one it will be as good as yours.

 

Great Review! I was wondering if the Wi-Fi catcher is purely hardware, or if there is some sort of software required for it to work...

 

One thing I'm curious about; did you look at the Sony SZ series at all? When I've looked at and considered the XPS M1210, the Sony SZ seemed like the most comparable laptop out there, with a similar price range and similar specs, but a few things about the SZ stood out to me compared to the M1210; namely, the thinner form factor of the SZ, the slightly larger 13.3" screen, and the ability to switch between the GeForce 7400 and Intel GMA950 integrated graphics.

I guess my question would be, what would be the Pros of the XPSM1210 that would make it recommendable over an SZ for a similar price?

 

Nice review!

 

It works when the laptop is off for detecting wireless, so just hardware (with some firmware of course) from that aspect, but having said that when in Windows you can use it to disable all radios so you'd need some type of driver for it to work there.

 

Nice review indeed, I just wanted to highlight this fact:

I love this notebook, but a lot of people do seem to be dissapointed with the performance of the camera in low light conditions -- it is really grainy, but works when lighting is good.

 

Are there integrated laptop webcams that actually perform well in low light conditions?

 

Sure, the Lenovo V100 and Apple MacBook iSight worked well in my testing of low light. there must be others, I just haven't used a whole bunch.

 

I feel like with Sony you are paying more for a name brand that in my opinion just isn't what it used to be. Let me make it perfectly clear that I have no experience with Sony computers, but I've had other Sony products that were defective out of the box or just didn't last like I believed they should for the reputation of the brand. I'm not trying to influence anyone else's decision and don't want to start a debate, but that was one of my personal reasons for not seriously considering a Sony. I also wanted the faster hard drive and the option to upgrade to 4 MB 667 RAM, which from looking at Sony's site just now I believe they still don't offer for the SZ series (Sony afficionados please correct me here if I'm wrong). It did help that I already had my financing approved through Dell and they were offering 18 months interest free on XPS systems, plus I got $150 off with their employee purchase program .

For your needs, it probably depends on what you want. If you want a little lighter and a slightly larger screen, go for the Sony--if you want a few more options when it comes to hard drive and RAM, plus a slightly better (again, in my opinion) base warranty, go for the Dell.

 

"running McAfee virus"
haha
i'm sure you meant McAfee Anti-virus. but your first statement might have been more accurate.
I use either NOD32 for AV, or Kaspersky IS if I want AV and firewall etc..
Norton and McAfee both hog resources, and worse still, when you really need them, they don't stop the virus

 

Cool, thanks for the explanation.

Re: 4GB of memory; is it able to actually address all of that? I thought I had read somewhere that the current Intel architecture is still limited to not being able to address more than 3.2GB or so of memory, even if you put 2x 2GB sticks of memory in it (this is one of the things that is supposed to be addressed in the upcoming Santa Rosa platform).

 

LOL, yes, and of course the heavy resource use is precisely why I wanted to see what kind of difference it would make in performance . My original submitted draft read "McAfee Virus Scan," but it looks like that would've taken up too much space in the chart.

 

one of the advantages of this 12" notebook is the built in optical drive (that ads a bit of extra weight but sure comes handy), since many notebooks in this size come only with an optional external optical drive. 4 GB of memory already supported by BIOS (2GB chips too expensive for now but it should be fully supported in Vista). I experienced its LCD quality as excellent too. A great lil notebook.

 

Good review. I love this little machine.

 

I love my M1210. Have had it since September'06. No problems yet, and if I did, I'm sure my 4-year onsite business extended warranty would take care of the problem.

 

Stella, how did you manage to get the employee purchase program discount? Dell told me that it doesn't apply to the XPS range

 

Interesting! I actually got it post-purchase, and it wasn't the exact discount. I found out that my dad qualified through his work, so I called them a week after I placed my order to see if I could finagle it for myself. They told me they couldn't give me the warranty options, but they knocked a flat $150 + tax refund off of my order. They never even asked for an employee code .

 

I am thinking to buy one of these and only thing that concerns me is the weight and battery time.

What are the battery times for the different cell batteries?

XPS1210 with 9 cell = 2.2kg and battery lasts ?
XPS1210 with 6 cell = 1.8kg and battery lasts ?

i want to to know when i use it for surfing the net, watching videos and music.

thx

 

Hi Stella,
Great review!!! Do you run any numbers for PCMark04 / 05? I have been dreaming for this laptop for a long long time. You have got ALL the options I want (9-cell, GForce, 7200rpm HD, Webcam). At one time (Dec. 2006), I had a chance to get the same options (except 6-cell battery instead of 9-cell) for US$1200, but I hesitated and it's gone. I should have.....!!!

My Question is, there are not a lot people opt for 7200rpm HD. So I wonder how much improvement you can get with 7200rpm instead of 5400rpm?

I did consider buying the Sony SZ, but I ended up looking for M1210. The reason for me is simple: The SZ's webcam is fixed, I cannot record anything other than myself (for skype, MSN stuff) and I want to use my laptop to record some lectures if possible. But seem SZ won't meet my need there. Also, I have heard on other reviews that Sony includes lots of unnecessary softwares (which slow your laptop down a lot) and they did not give you XP CD for clean installation. But for the weight and look, Sony is way nicer than any laptop out there, especially the SZ's LCD screen. I wish all of laptops are using it.

 

Dont buy it!!! Why see below, one of dells best kept secret is that it boots into a dark screen and refuses to go any further. Furthermore you cant use a variety of popular software like Alcohol 120 etc. and also crashes after any updates. This is a software bug with the installed Logitech webcam and mike. and dell refuses to acknowledge. Its totally criminal negligence on DELL ans its sure to loose market share for this fraud on its hapless customers. Look up other places onm this forum and see other horrer stories. Its very unstable, I was working quite happily with a Compaq Presario V2000, for two years with all kinds of programs without any problems until I made the horrible mistake to buy this machine reading reviews like this.

Don't keep quite, I am even contemplating a class action suite against them and asking them to withdraw all XPS machines worldwide unless they find a FIX.

A frustrated Dell customer.

Vivek Sharma

Dear Daniel

Firstly I thank you for your support and prompt responses which have been the best in all my experiences with support staff. You guys are doing a great job, so keep it up!!

Some concerns to be brought to your Technical team worldwide about manufacturing defects in the XPS series computers:

1. All XPS computers suffer from a serious problem with the Webcam and integrated Mike, this problem has been existing from June 2006, and Dell in all its wisdom chooses to ignore it. There are atleast 500 pages on Dell technical forums, some of which I have reproduced below with appropriate links.

2. This is a manufacturing defect and DELL should withdraw all computers with an intergrated webcam from logitech or give an immediate solution.

3. Regarding the wireless catcher light not working, your support site and manual P/N PF362 Rev. A03, August 2006 page 21 gives five states for the light from flashing green to amber and off. In the current machine this light is dead from the start, now I have been told by Dell Tech support
(a) that the light only works initially and then goes off forever
(b) that this is related to the software and after initial problems in the revised bios/software the light does not work
My question is that why should Dell Inc. not put an explanation in its manual about this??? Answers 3(a) and 3(b) are illogical answers without any basis, coming from the Official DELL tech Support.

4. Even after changing the motherboard both the defects remain, which means that all computers of the XPS range suffer from this defect, and should thus be immediately withdrawn from the International Market.

I have been told that a Dell support technicial is coming to help and reload the O/s after formatting the computer. Dell technical support has already tried for 4 hours on 25th January, including changing the motherboard but both problems remain.

I NOW REPEAT THE RELIEF WANTED:
1. Immediately replace my machine with a machine of similar or greater value which does not suffer from these defects, and that DELL should ensure that these machines are properly tested before delivery.

2. That in case the above is not possible to refund me the amount of Rs. 81,000 (US$ 1,832.05) immediately.

Sincerely

Vivek Sharma
Managing Trustee
Gandhi Ashram Reconstruction Trust
New Delhi

On Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:50:06 +0530, <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Vivek,

Appologies for the delay of my reply.
I have received all your emails and in the past 48 hrs, I have brought
your concerns to the attention of Customer Care.
As per our conversation over the phone a few days back, please bare with
me, as I have sought assistance from Customer Care to expedite your
concerns.
Our customer service representatives will assist you in your replacement
or refund request.


Thank you & best regards,

Daniel Wong
Dell Services - Technical Support
ANZ & SA - Online Team
Email: [email protected]

XPS Toll-Free Numbers
1300-790-877 (Australia)
0800-935-515 (New Zealand)
1800-88-5784 (Malaysia)
1800-394-7464 (Singapore)
1800-425-2066 (India)

How am I doing? Email my manager [email protected]

Visit the Dell Service and Support center at:
http://support.ap.dell.com. Great Tools, Tips and Information on
supporting Dell Equipment... 24 hrs x 7 days.


-----Original Message-----
From: Vivek Sharma [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 12:02 PM
To: Anandan, Rajan
Cc: Dell, Michael; Fruitwala, Zeena; CustCare, India; Wong, Keat Min;
AP, Indiaxps
Subject: Re: Hardware and Software Issues DELL customer No. 157118,

Dear Rajan and Michael

When purchases a DELL and gets only a dark screen after several
installations and 7 days, its very frustrating, and makes one wonder if
its been a great mistake trusting DELL.

Unfortunately this problem is very common on all XPS laptops with an
integrated camera, and there seems to be no solution. I have been
interacting with Mr. Daniel AND Mr. Roy at the designated Dell Support.

While both these gentleman have been very helpful and even uselessly
shipped a new board, the problem remains. Mr. Roy insists that the Dell
Support technician will have to install the new board and then format
and re-load windows. I have to point out and that I have already
formatted and re-loaded 7 times without any luck. Why cant the tech
support read dell FORUMS, its really costing DELL a lot of customer
goodwill.

Please NOTE that the computer works only with the webcam and mic
logitech drivers not loaded. I HAVE ALSO ALSO DOWNLOADED THE NEW DRIVERS
FROM THE DELL SITE AS SUGGESTED BY DANIEL. THIS ALSO DOES NOT WORK.

Without wasting any more time I now suggest the following to save us all
needless frustration and heartaches:-

1.Replace this laptop with another XPS without the Webcam and refund me
the difference.
2.Refund me Rs. 81,000 which I paid to Dell, immediately, as I have been
through 7 days of Hell.

Sincerely

Vivek Sharma


Please note the posts from DELL forum and see the links below, this is
for DELL technical support, so that they may correctly identify the
problem and extreme customer frustration.

Reply 2 of 14
KnightFall
Bronze
Posts: 8
Registered: 08-08-2005

Viewed 352 times
Yep,
This is one of the common problem, there is a conflict with the Logitech
webcam drivers, if you uninstall logitech, it works fine...
Unfortunately all xps m1210s have this problemn As usual Dell is not
response to this problem... Who cares
10-26-2006 01:10 AM


http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=xps_po
rt_vid&message.id=1969&c=us&l=en&cs=19&s=dhs
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=xps_po
rt_genhdw&message.id=6746&c=us&l=en&cs=19&s=dhs
________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

From: "vivek sharma" <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Cc:
Subject: Re: Hardware and Software Issues DELL customer No. 157118,
B6V6N1S
Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:48:41 +0530

Dear Daniel

Tech Support specialist Mr. Pradeep was here to install the new
motherboard.
Even after installation and re-loading of all drivers the problem of the
blank screen remains, as well as the wireless catcher light does not
work. The original motherboard was re-fitted back on the machine.


Kindly suggest a solution of either testing and sending a new machine
which works without these problems, or refunding the cost of Rs. 81,000
which I paid for this machine.

Regards

Vivek Sharma

On 1/25/07, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:


Hi Vivek,

Here is the link to the Logitech Camera driver download.
Do remove the current drivers from your computer before installing the
new one.
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=in&l=en&s=g
en&releaseid=R142311&SystemID=XPS_M1210&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=11933&dev
lib=0&typecnt=1&vercnt=2&formatcnt=1&libid=17&fileid=189924

Should you need further assistance, let us know.

Thank you & best regards,

Daniel Wong
Dell Services - Technical Support
ANZ & SA - Online Team
Email: [email protected]

XPS Toll-Free Numbers
1300-790-877 (Australia)
0800-935-515 (New Zealand)
1800-88-5784 (Malaysia)
1800-394-7464 (Singapore)
1800-425-2066 (India)

How am I doing? Email my manager [email protected]

Visit the Dell Service and Support center at:
http://support.ap.dell.com. Great Tools, Tips and Information on
supporting Dell Equipment... 24 hrs x 7 days.

 

heey just bought this laptop and i love it.. i also just bought neverwinter nights 2 and im having difficulties with it.. i was wondering what settings u had to lower in order to play? are there low frame rates and blank skies when u play it on your settings?

 

no1 knows what is the battery life with 6 cell battery?

Thanks

 

it's about 2:50 with medium brightness and wifi on.

 

I go 4+ hours with a 6-cell on the most aggressive battery-saving options, which means my screen is all the way dim. I use it for report-writing at work and browsing pictures. The lowest dim setting is adequate in an indoor setting with no reflection.

 

Dear Vivekvir,

Are you sure that all the XPS M1210 are included in this problem. in which moth did you buy this laptop. this may be the manufaturing defect of that session of dell manufacturing. may be the new session of xps system may have overcomed this problem. i herad many probs with m1210, but something like this is forst time. please let me know more about this prob. i am goin to Dell Outlet and try the softwares like alcohol in the machine......

EDIT: please let me know more about this prob

 

Ngudaniel, the only benchmark scores I ran were posted in the article. I hate downloading a bunch of random programs, so I tried to stick with the bare minimum. I can't really say about a difference with the hard drive speed because I don't have a 5400 with comparable processor to compare it with. I do, however, expect it to make a difference with some newer applications, although not with anything graphics-intensive as the graphics card is going to be the bottleneck.

Vivekvir, I've had this notebook for just over a month now and I have had no instances of BSOD, and only two isolated memory errors that I think were in relation to IE7 (which has randomly closed for me on this computer and on others I have used). The Wi-Fi catcher light still functions correctly (note that it only lights up when the laptop is off, in standby, or in hibernate). I've used the integrated webcam and mic without incident. My M1210 is 100% factory with no hardware modifications.

Joebajo84, you have to basically crank everything down, especially the resolution, to get playable framerate. I just did a little running around to test it, so I may have missed some specific texture errors. I can't tell you the exact settings as I've already uninstalled the game.

 

Hi Stella,
Thanks for your reply. After hearing from what Vivekvir said, I am starting to hesitate now.

Hi Vivekvir,
My co-worker has the M1210. And he complained that when his M1210 goes wireless at home, his wireless router goes crazy and shuts down other laptops' wireless system. But so far I have not found any similar laptop like M1210.

 

if you like the m1210 go buy it. Every computer is different.

besides, if it happens to you, you can easily get a full refund.

there's not much else to say.

if there was a problem that was incredibly common, then they'd shut down the whole m1210 line, which they haven't. I wonder why.

 

great review! definitely, this would be my next notebook.

 

great review! definitely, this would be my next notebook.

 

I have just bought one, however find that the brightness of the screen drops considerably when the electric is disconnected. I have had to put the brightness up to maximum setting. Dell however, consider this to be normal. Can anyone out there verify this so that I can convince dell that there is a problem with my laptop.
apprceiate any responses to pursue my greviences with dell support.
thanks

 

Dell has good warranties...a few years back my desktop's hard drive broke and the tech came literally the next day after calling with a brand new one! On-site warranties are great.

 

It does this just to save the battery.. there should be something in ur control panel for power settings

 

if you hold Fn and up the brightness while the power cord is out - it will always stay bright everytime you pull out the plug - it saves your last setting

 

I have had no problems whatsoever with my screen, and I use my m1210 for digital art, imaging, ect.

As far as I'm concerned this laptop is the most portable I've seen. I take it everywhere I go everyday, and it is highly durable. Even after 9 months of constant daily use and abuse I have had no problems. I have had some slight issues with my computer, and have called Dell's support. My problems were caused by user error, and even then the tech was ale to solve my problem over the phone in less than 5 minutes. The online chat tech is also very helpful if you cannot make a phone call at the moment or have a simple question.

I also have no problems multitasking, and have not once BSOD'd.