Dell XPS M1330 First Look Review (Video)

Very nice review, but I'm so disappointed with something

1- only 2 usb ?? 1 for mouse, other for a external or a usb drive..
2 - I don't like how the slope gives by extended battery looks :S just like HP.. but I don't know if you will fell comfortable typing on that
3 - no rotating camera

other things are nice

 

I might have bought one of these, but the audio jacks being at the front kills it for me. I just know they'll be in the way when I plug into my hi-fi, and they'll probably get damaged (loosened) by peoples hands.

So I think I'll have to wait for a Santa Rosa Sony SZ.

 

The touchpad looks a little small from the photos.

 

does anyone know if 2.0 camera better then 0.3 camera in LED panel

 

Disappointed - looks like a great machine, but no docking option? Doesn't look like it from the pic of the bottom...

Also, how much heavier is the normal monitor (with 2 mega pixel camera) then the LCD "light" version?

 

the real killer for me is the heat that this thing puts out, btw. pc mag has put a full review out... with some benchmarks...

 

Probably like 0.1 or 0.2 lbs. The main thing is that it consumes less power and is brighter.

The only thing that disappoints me is Dell's pricing scheme. I guess I will wait for the Costco config to come out and get that; last time it was a way better deal than at Dell.com.

 

Great review! Except I really want to know how the battery life performs for the 9-cell compared to a 6-cell. I am expecting roughly the same performance as the m1210, which is about 4-5 hours for 9-cell and 2-3 hours for 6-cell. But I wanna confirm

Thank you!

dL

 

Andrew, the reviewed laptop have a 9-cell battery?

If true, do you know if a 6-cell battery will not extend the size of the laptop?

This is my only issue with the M1330.

 

In all honesty we were surprised that the webcam in the M1330 wasn't a 2-megapixel camera. We thought it was at first since the image quality is MUCH better than any other low-resolution webcam we've seen in other notebooks.

We'll go into more detail about the camera in the final review, but I certainly wouldn't hesitate to get an LED screen with the lower resolution camera.

 

Here's a link to PC Mag's review:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2150810,00.asp

 

Hold your horses, don't order yet. The price in Dell US is way too high. I've configured a similar specs in Dell Malaysia and the price difference is close to $300

 

That's called arbitrage and doesn't mean the price is going to come down in the US to match.

 

Uh.. The benchmarks are nonsensical. The 8400M GS performed as well as an X3100? What? Was this an accident?

 

they said they had driver problems, thus why they are taking more time to add fuller reviews.

 

A couple of questions:

Is one of the RAM chips soldered is an is most Dell Laptops? I would rather upgrade the ram myself if needed but I know that most of the Dells have one removable chip and one soldered in.

Is the wireless mini-card easily accessible? I would also opt for the ABG now and upgrade myself when necessary. The only reason I would do such a thing is that I run Linux and do not want to have to deal with driver issues right off the bat.

Also, is the SSD drive just the same size as the normal 2.5" drives? Making it eaily replaceable when 64GB drives become readily available?

Thanks for the help

 

Exactly my thoughts! That's what I'm waiting for too! where did you know from?

 

It's not bad, but definitely smaller than the Apple MacBook touchpad yes.

 

Does anyone know if you use a HDMI->DVI-D adapter it will be able to run the 30"LCD @ 2560x1600?

 

Just an update for those interested in battery life, with the following settings:

1) Screen brightness at 3/8
2) Wireless on
3) Bluetooth on
4) Idling (no work done)

The result with the 9-cell battery is 4 hours 45 minutes of battery life before going into hibernate at 5% critical battery level.

 

Is the CPU accessible for future upgrade?

 

I've never heard of that happening except on the X1, D420 (maybe), and D430 (maybe). Basically, only the really small ultraportables with LV or ULV processors have soldered chips. All other Dell laptops have removable RAM sticks.

It should be. Doesn't one of those pictures show an access panel to the CPU?

 

If anyone finds out when the Bluray option will be available please post that information.

Would you consider the m1330 to be something you could use in your lap for web browsing and general productivity? Or does it just run too hot at idle temps?

So the fan can get loud during heavy system use. How often does the fan kick in? Obviously it will be on when running 3d graphics but how much is it on when doing desktop stuff? If the fan only runs when the system is actually stressed then that isn't so bad. If the system runs so hot at idle and light desktop use that the fan is constantly engaging then that really kills it for me.

 

Both memory slots are user accessible, yes, and aren't too hard to get to. And as night says, I've never come across a Dell laptop in the past few years that isn't like that except for the ultraportable LV processor laptops. I'll attach pictures soon.

Yes, the mini-card is very easily accessible.

All you need is a screw driver to take take off covers on the bottom of the laptop.

*edit, pictures attached now *

 

that's a little disappointing...i would have expected it to be able to go over 5 hours at less than half the brightness, considering i got over 5 hours on full brightness on the dell 531, though the max brightness is only 250 nits...regardless, it is a 15.4" screen that is ccfl, so it should still use up more power, not to mention i was doing some mild word processing and surfing.

 

I am particularly interested in the CPU temperature under load -- it's difficult to effectively cool small form factor systems (see: MacBook Pro). When benchmarking, what are the CPU temps under full dual core load? What are the fan speeds? At which temps do the fans ramp up? At what rpm are the fans for idling / web browsing / DVD playing?

Also: any information about linux compatibility (which of course Dell does not support) would be interesting.

Otherwise, nice review, thanks!

 

is it just me or the 1330 is substantially bigger than the 1210?

 

Of course it is, can't you tell by the comparison picture? I wish that Dell would have kept the 12.1" form factor myself.

 

I'm not sure about substantially, but it is a 13.3" vs. a 12.1 difference.

 

I would not classify a 13.3 inch screen as an "ultraportable". I'd reserve the term for < 12.1" screen size.

I've been lugging around a Sony SZ for over a year now and really miss my 12.1" Dell Inspiron 700m, it was much easier to transport and use on an airplane.

 

Thanks for the pics! I had a Dell 700m previously that had only one upgradeable ram slot and I just figured that was how most Dells were (i believe that was true at the time however).

If possible can you check the visibility of the screen in sunlight? That is the one thing that I need, and i have a feeling that this glossy screen is a deal breaker in that category. I use my computer outside alot because I can't stand being inside and it is a huge pain when all I can see in the screen is myself.

Thanks

 

You'd probably need 400 - 500 nits to work comfortably outdoors, you couldn't do that with this M1330.

 

WOW Dell has done a great job here. I wish the New inspirons had the same design and features. If this was available in a 15.4 it would be perfect for my needs, but definitely more usable than the 12.1 inch predecessor.

I think the 9 cell is a real design plus! You of course are getting more battery life, but also a good secure grip when inserting or removing from a case.

I also like the fact that the battery wraps around the bottom instead of just sticking out the back. It provides a nice slight tilt for typing and would allow increased airflow under the unit, which should help with cooling. Positive design all the way. Have to re think my Compel IFL90 plans

 

When running 3DMark06 fan speed goes to high (loud) and temp of CPU is 50C. Which isn't bad at all. I can't get a hard drive temp reading, something is messed up in trying to get that reading from within both HDTune and NHC.

 

Great review, thanks!
But why YouTube? They provide the poorest quality in the world.

 

How is this more useful than a 12"? They're the same resolution - you have the exact same amount of screen real estate. The only difference is that a 12.1" screen will look sharper. 9 cell battery takes this way out of ultraportable range. The 1.3" height is probably with the flush-mount batteries. Can you imagine stuffing anything else in your bag when you have this thick monster in there?

About a year or two? AFAIK, the m1210 dropped in price when they wanted to clear out inventory to make way for this model (read: last month) and there are NEVER coupons for the XPS line (unless they're clearing them out).

With the 6-cell, this thing is looking pretty good. It's not as thin as a MacBook (yes, it tapers to .87 inches, but a wedge of cheese tapers to a few mm and stand 4 inches tall in back - I wouldn't call it thin), but neither was the m1210. However, the featuers more than make up for this.

 

What is the weight with the 9 cell? I heard 4lbs with the 6-cell and 4.7lbs with the 9 cell according to PC mag, but I didn't think weight would jump up that much.... Something doesn't look right.

Battery life seems average. Probably only 4hrs with maximum brightness and light surfing, word processing... But then again, the hardware equipped isn't so bad.

 

I believe PC Mag said it weighs 4.7lbs. with the 9-cell battery.

 

I'd have to say the 1330 looks even better then I thought it would , its appearent that it was designed by a designer with a sense of style and finesse --

Too bad afterwards someone came and slapped those big ugly XPS & DELL logos .

 

50C under load wouldn't just be 'not bad' -- it would be insanely, incredibly good. The lowest T61 report I've seen is 60C under full dual core CPU load, and Santa Rosa MBP's range from 75->90+C under load.

50C seems more like an idle temp. Or maybe that part of 3DMark06 when you checked the temp, wasn't stressing the CPU. Could you run a couple of threads of prime95, or loop several videos, and re-check the CPU temp under load?

 

I realize that you'd have to have that much power to work in bright sunlight, but is it bearable to work outside at all? For example, in the shade or in a car/bus/train?

I'm trying to decide between the XPS M1330 and the Latitude D630. Does the glossy screen on this machine make it harder to read outside than the D630 would? I can deal with the lack of Gigabit and docking station, but the palmrest warmth and glossy screen are the two issues I'm trying to deal with...

Michael

 

Looking at Dell's website right now, the preliminary ship date for an XPS M1330 is July 27! If I were to order one today or any time soon, do you think it would be worth it? I mean, do you predict any price drops, discounts, or coupons potentially coming up soon? I need a notebook for college before the very end of August, so I kind of need to order soon.

Thanks.

 

generally there aren't many discounts on Dell's XPS line

 

Stop Everything!!!
What does this mean?
*Upgraded LED display comes with 0.3MP camera
Does this mean the upgraded LCD only comes with a crappy 0.3 mega pixel camera.

EDIT: Further Proof of Dell's insanity.


Standard:
13.3" UltraSharpTM WXGA display with TrueLifeTM (available with 2.0MP camera)

Optional:
LED - backlit 13.3" UltraSharpTM WXGA display with TrueLifeTM (available with 0.3 MP camera)

 

I just don't understand why the LED screen model doesn't have a 2MP camera. The price wouldn't change drastically, would it?

Waiting for the final review...

 

The LED screen is a thinner panel and therefore can't fit the larger sensor size of a 2.0 megapixel camera. Such is the case in the new MBP which uses a VGA camera. This is at least the reasoning I have read regarding this issue previously.

 

Its not price. The 2MP camera is thicker than the VGA camera. they wanted to keep the LED backlit screen as thin as possible, so it got downgraded to a thinner camera.

 

The laptop looks good... however resolution is smallish. I wish they had higher res. option. Yes, I know nobody does that (well, Sony goes for 1366x768 with the TZ), but would have been a nice option on a premium laptop.

Dammit, now I don't know what to buy.

 

I know this was asked earlier but was never answered...

Does anyone know when a Dell Kiosk might be getting these in stock so I could go see it in person? I definitely trust the review but I want to touch/feel/see it for myself before I make a decision.

Also, can we get a picture of this next to a Macbook if possible just to see how the size compares?

Thanks

 

I think Dell should offer a WXGA+ option.