Dell XPS M1330 |
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Last Updated: May 23, 2008
The Dell XPS M1330 offers a powerful computer in a thin, 4.5 pound (2kg) package. Go to the extremes by either getting the least expensive model or upgrade almost everything to add $550 to the price. I predict there is a $100 premium for this notebook because of its clim form factor.
Dell XPS M1330 for $1,100
| Part | Model | Comment |
| Processor | 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo800MHz FSB | This is the least expensive processor with the fastest front side bus (FSB). |
| Windows | Home Premium | Home Premium includes Aero Glass, which is what makes Vista look like Vista (or Mac OS X). |
| Screen | 13.3 inch widescreen1280×800 | This screen is thicker than the ones shown on the Dell website. The thin, LED screen is a $150 option. |
| Memory | 2GB | 2GB is standard. |
| Hard drive | 160GB, 5400rpm | Plenty of room, good speed. At 160GB, there isn't much of a speed difference between 5400rpm and 7200rpm. The reason has to do with data density and perpendicular recording for drives 160GB and larger. |
| DVD | 8X DVD burner | |
| Video card | Intel X3100 | Integrated video cards like the Intel X3100 are slow and lack features. Buy a discrete (separate) video card like the GeForce 8400GS instead. Windows Vista and simple games will respond faster. Photo-realistic games require a high end video card that is typically found in a $2,500 notebook computer. 1080i or 1080p HD video software requires a 256MB video card, so this notebook is a bad choice for HD video editing. |
| Wireless | 802.11a/g | 802.11g is for most home networks. 802.11a/g is for MIMO home networks for added speed. 802.11 draft-n has replaced MIMO, but has incompatibilities issues. |
| Bluetooth | None | If you have a bluetooth headset or mouse, then consider adding it for $20. I'm not sure if a Bluetooth enabled cell phone can link to a notebook computer. |
| Webcam | None | |
| Battery | Standard4 cell | A 4 cell battery keeps it thin and light. |
| Sound | Standard | Skip any upgrades. The tiny, $0.01 speakers can only sound so good and an upgraded sound card isn't going to improve that. |
| Mouse | None | |
| Office 2007 | Buy separately | Buy Microsoft Office 2007 and install it yourself rather than buying it through Dell. You'll save money and you'll have the original CDs in case you ever need to reformat the hard drive. |
| Warranty | 1 year, mail in | Warranties are almost 100% profit from for companies that offer them. If anything is going to break, it will do so in the first 90 days. Mailing in the notebook for repairs is a bad choice for students or someone who depends are their computer every day. Upgrade to an on-site repair warranty, but read the fine print to see what is not covered. Reformatting the hard drive might be part of the fix, so backup your data religiously. |
Dell XPS M1330 for Under $1,650
I'd recommend the same as above, but with these changes.
| Part | Model | Comment |
| Processor | 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo800MHz FSB | Faster processors skyrocket in price of an inperceivable speed difference. |
| Screen | 13.3 inch LED widescreen1280×800 | The LED screen makes for a thin screen and bright whites. It's the best LED screen compared to any other Windows based notebooks. |
| Video card | 128MB GeForce 8400GS | Integrated video cards like the Intel X3100 are slow and lack features. Buy a discrete (separate) video card instead. Windows Vista and simple games will respond faster. Photo-realistic games require a high end video card that is typically found in a $2,500 notebook computer. 1080i or 1080p HD video software requires a 256MB video card, so this notebook is a bad choice for HD video editing. |
| Bluetooth | Add | It may or may not be something you use, but for $20, throw it in. |
| Webcam | Included | Windows Messenger is free with Windows and works well as a video phone. We talk to family in a different country for free using a broadband internet connection, Windows Messenger, and a headset with noise canceling microphone boom. Integrated means it's one less thing to forget to pack. |
| Battery | 6 cell and 9 cell | The video card upgrade takes more power than the 4 cell battery offers. Keep one battery at home and take the one you need. Go light weight if you're going from electrical outlet to electrical outlet. Take the long lasting battery for long meetings, long sessions on the back deck, or long airplane rides. |
| Mouse | Upgrade | Find one that matches your hand as well as personality. The best one might be one that Dell doesn't sell. |