Dell XPS M1530 Review

Dell XPS M1530 Review

by Scott Bennett
Location - Australia

Introduction:
Hi all, this is my first review and my first laptop for that matter which is the fabulous Dell XPS M1530 the specs are as follows.

-- Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit SP1
-- 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 rpm)
-- Slot Load 8X DVD+/-RW Combination Drive
-- 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT GDDR3
-- 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
-- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.5ghz)
-- 4GB ( 2 X 2048MB ) 667MHz DDR2
-- 15.4" UltraSharp Widescreen WSXGA+ (1680x1050) TFT Display with TrueLife
-- Intel(R) 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card
-- RED LCD Display with integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam

Reasons for Buying:
Well my old desktop (nvidia 7200) could not play games properly unless I had everything on low and the resolution set to lowest, And I was getting sick of not getting over 20 frames you may say I should have got another desktop but I really wanted a portable machine for when I go on holidays ext. So I made a deal with my dad and bingo new computer yay! (don’t ask what the deal was lol)

Where and How Purchased:
I purchased this laptop from www.dell.com.au for $2769 Aus. But this included a 22” Dell E228WFP screen Microsoft sidewinder mouse & a Belkin Messenger Bag. But I got it 25% off for the entire package (accessories include) was reduced to $2,125 so I saved 644 dollars. I ordered on the 7th of June and everything was delivered on the 16th only an 8 day wait. Great work dell, 5 stars for the delivery time.

Build & Design:
I must say Dell really have done an excellent job making it look as good as it is powerful if you have the (product) red version or if you’ve see it you’ll know what I’m talking about. As for Sturdiness well unless you’re really picky I find that the Right side of the laptop (top right edge of screen & to the right of the keyboard) is weaker then the left side but that’s only if you press down rather hard.
I have to mention my surprise at the weight I measured it at 2.85 kg but my measurer was probably a bit off. IMPO I love the weight considering its size.

Know I have to mention two thing that makes this laptop 1st class No.1 a lot of people say that the HD/CD drives are really load but I would have to disagree on the grounds that my desktop is allot louder and in comparison this laptop is heaven. No.2 the screen is nice and rigid which means I would say only about 5% wobble after moving it, and it slides on its hinges very neatly ill give build & design a big 4 ½ stars.

Screen:
My screen is a Samsung 1600x1050 and its just amazing it was perfect I could not be happier with it watching movies or playing games produced a lovely clear and I noticed no light leakage at any edge of the screen. It also gets a 5 star award.

Speakers:
Ok so it doesn’t have a subwoofer (would be nice thou) I would rate the sound as “ok” and that’s about all I would say as the sound is a little tinny and lacks sufficient base. There are two speakers located above the keyboard under what would appear to be a plastic grill. I give sound 3 stars but if it had a subwoofer it would have easily got 4.

Processor and Performance:
My M1530 is equipped with a 2.5Ghz T9300 with a 6MB cache & an 800Mhz FSB, And my boot time was 47 seconds.
I have 4Gb ram but sadly only 32bit vista so only 3.5GB really. (Dell should offer 64bit on XPS systems).
As for Hangs and task run time well with 2.5 what’s to complain about considering the average boot time is 60 seconds & mines 47 I’ am very happy indeed. Games like Americas Army, Oblivion, COD4 all run on med-high setting very nicely. Although for games like oblivion you may have to put down the res to have it on high settings.

Benchmarks:
• Super Pi –


• 3DMark06 – The 8600GT did well scoring a 4313 on stock settings

• HD Tune –


Keyboard and Touchpad:
The keyboard is great the 9 cell battery give it a really nice slant that is nice and easy on the wrist and the keys are very smooth and have a nice little click noise that is not annoying and wont tire your hands out.

Input and Output Ports:
front:

2X Headphone Jacks, Microphone Jack, SD/MMC – MS/Pro Card Reader.

Left Side:

AC adaptor, 2X USB , VGA Port, Network Connector, 1X HDMI, IEEE Port.

Right Side:

ExpressCard, Wireless On Off Switch, Wi-Fi Catcher, Slot Load Optical Drive, USB, S-Video, Security Cable Slot.

Back:

Raised 9-cell Battery, Air Vent.

Wireless:
Intel(R) 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card performers excellently even thou I have a max 26kbs connection, it handles online shooter like Americas army very well no need for a cable to speed thing up Lag free wireless LAN gaming is easily achieved. It also has a Dell(TM) Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module.


Operating System and Software:
Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit SP1 was included with my system as well as (Vista SP1 reinstall Disc, Dell drivers & utilities, Dell Webcam software, McAfee Security Centre, Dell media direct reinstall, Roxio Creator software, Microsoft works 9) I personally uninstalled Microsoft works but I am happy with McAfee.

 

very nice
i would like to order an M1530 now but i m really hesitated about this decision. i reckon these kinds of laptop will be much cheaper in the next months....

 

Hi! Nice review and pics! I also have the 1530 (same color) It's a nice laptop

Congrat's and enjoy!

 

Nice review.

I'm glad that Samsung screen isn't too grainy for you. If I wasn't so concerned about getting a grainy screen from Dell I would have ordered a 1530 myself. If my next Asus order turns out to be another bad one, I may try Dell after all; I'd really rather have a 1530 anyway.

 

Very nice.
Makes me want to purchase mine now

 

Excellent review!!! Great pictures!!!

 

mine comes mon or tues 7/1 or 2

XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800MHzFSB, 3M L2 Cache)
Tuxedo Black
4GB, DDR2, 667MHz
15.4 inch Wide Screen WXGA+ TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MP Camera
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Dell 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Battery
Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR
2 In Home Year Limited Warranty
McAfee Security 9.0, 3-Year Subscription(Which I wont use system HOG)
2 Day Shipping
$1248.00 +Tax

 

Good review. I order mine with T9300 with LED in blue.

 

too bad they don't have the red cover with LED screen

 

Great review, I haven't seen it before. Can't wait to get my m1530!

 

I had not seen your review until now, great review.
I also have the same color as you

 

thanks mate

 

Great notebook the end of this notebooks life i coming.....i wonder whats gonna come out of new ones hopefully much better GPU's