How would you change Dell's XPS m1330?

Believe it or not, Dell's sexy XPS m1330 ultraportable was unveiled to us way back in June of this year, which may not be all that notable if the Round Rock powerhouse would've had these things out to eager customers in a timely fashion. As it stands, one of Dell's most highly anticipated laptops (dare we say, ever?) spent the majority of its time in a cycle of perpetual delays. Once thought to be ready as early as July 10th, the wee machine was spotted exclusively from the sidelines by eager customers for months on end, and while most fanboys (and girls) easily swallowed the first setback, the subsequent holdups garnered more and more objections. Even after Dell finally got its act (and paint guns) together, the XPS m1330 had its image tainted further by arriving to one user's home only partially built.

Currently, it seems that the ruckus surrounding the shiny PC has finally calmed, and most customers who've placed their orders in the not-too-distant past are receiving them sans an unbearable wait. But for the folks who were sold from the word go, you've earned the right to be extra critical of the oft-delayed lappie. As respectable as the specifications (and for that matter, the design) on the XPS m1330 are, we just have to believe that it has managed to lose some luster after being so late to its own party. After all these months, now's your chance to explain how you would change things. Would you have simply axed the reportedly troublesome Pearl White hue from the start? How about adding a high-definition optical drive? Or is your only desire to beat down Michael Dell's door and demand a Jobsian refund for the trouble? The floor is yours.

[mushrooshi @ Oct 5th 2007 7:44PM]

Sexy

[Kris S. @ Oct 5th 2007 7:50PM]

lawl the Dell guy was a weed smoker

[rndmnme @ Oct 5th 2007 7:53PM]

Drop price $200
Minimum Ram 2Gb
Drop 1.6 GHZ proc, seriously wtf dell?
Larger battery standard.

What it basically amounts to is have it start at $1000.

[McGinley @ Oct 6th 2007 3:57AM]

Call it the XPS m1337

[Samf @ Oct 5th 2007 7:56PM]

put OS X on it

[Argot @ Oct 5th 2007 8:00PM]

Yeah, it would be nice to be able to run OS X on good hardware instead of Apples crap.

[Z @ Oct 5th 2007 8:07PM]

The reason to have OSX on it is because we dont want to deal with the worst customer services that dell includes in the package.

[Michael La Framboise @ Oct 5th 2007 8:09PM]

Argot, GET YOUR HEAD OUTTA YOUR ASS - do you own anything Apple, or have you ever seen a Mac upclose? - as in not a picture of one on your Dell's screen.

If anything the QUALITY of Macs is hellofalot better then most other manufacturers' -- I'm not saying Apple's shit is perfect, but atleast it doesn't feel like the keys are gonna fallout, and the display is gonna snap off a week after purchase.

[Tim Abbott @ Oct 5th 2007 8:15PM]

and make it not a Dell?

[Neebs @ Oct 5th 2007 8:55PM]

Wouldn't that defy "gaming" computer?

[Allen @ Oct 5th 2007 9:08PM]

"The reason to have OSX on it is because we dont want to deal with the worst customer services that dell includes in the package."

I actually have one of these computers, my screen had a very small amount of dead pixels and they replaced it for free. XPS customer support is actually quite amazing.

On a side note: I would develop more drivers. It took me a long time to find all the proper drivers to run XPx64.

[csjk789 @ Oct 6th 2007 2:20AM]

My MacBook Pro is one helluva gaming computer when running XP on its 2.4 ghz santa rosa. I play bf2 on a 22" monitor (1680 x 1050) at 65 fps with all settings on high and anti-aliasing on 4x.

the best part is, when i'm finished gaming, i can return to 10.4 and run iTunes, Safari, iChat and all of CS3 Web Premium (Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Fireworks, Flash, and Photoshop) at the same time and experience no slow down.

Try doing that with the XPS m1330. After you make an attempt, then we can talk hardware.

[Chip @ Oct 6th 2007 10:01AM]

"the best part is, when i'm finished gaming, i can return to 10.4 and run iTunes, Safari, iChat and all of CS3 Web Premium (Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Fireworks, Flash, and Photoshop) at the same time and experience no slow down."

umm why do you have to run OSx for that stuff?

[Brad @ Oct 5th 2007 7:57PM]

I have two of these now (a red and black one). There are only a very few things I would add to this machine. It could use a slightly larger touchpad, and maybe a keyboard light (like the IBM T-60s), and maybe a standard power supply. It is kind of annoying that the tip is an octagon.

They shipped real fast for anyone who ordered before the end of the quarter, 'cuz they wanted those orders to go out so they could recognize the revenue. Expect delays to reach ~2weeks again.

[EngadgetFanBoi @ Oct 5th 2007 8:04PM]

The power connector that comes with the m1330 IS weirdly shaped as you mentioned, but the standard dell connectors (the round ones that ship with all inspirons and the XPS m1210) are fully compatible with the m1330.

[EngadgetFanBoi @ Oct 5th 2007 7:59PM]

Well, well, well... I ordered mine July 28 and it arrived about 7 weeks later. The wait sucked, but its clearly a quality product. The laptop is really light, garners a lot of attention, and is very powerful.

Onto the complaints
1) Two USB ports is not enough
2) Video card (8400m gs) is only acceptable for last-gen games (ut2k4, half-life 2, fear, battlefield 2142)
3) A bit too expensive. Fully configured, mine cost about $3000
4) Blu-ray would be nice, but I don't miss it at all
5) Screen resolution should be 1440x900

Overall though, it was worth the wait. Great product.

[Yem @ Oct 6th 2007 3:55PM]

Good list - I certainly second the 3D and screen res.
Also, if there's any way they could squeeze in a 2.5" drive in addition to the SSD (if selected) that'd be awesome.

[mt9 @ Oct 24th 2007 7:55AM]

Did your M1330 have that infamous CPU whine?

[bobartig @ Oct 5th 2007 8:02PM]

The first thing I would change would be to either make this the thinnest 13.3" laptop available, or stop advertising it as such when its not.

Beyond that, I don't know much about this laptop besides that the commercials are full of hot chicks.

[vince71 @ Oct 5th 2007 8:06PM]

I agree 100%. Make this sucker 1" from front to back instead of 1.33" in the rear. Then you can *start* talking about being a thin laptop.

[fuzzy @ Oct 5th 2007 8:03PM]

1. Cheaper! Jeez, it's expensive! Almost Sony expensive! Some options are really expensive compared to other OEMs, like the Biometric reader.
2. Slot load drive is nice, but loud. Make it quieter. Also, Matsushita drives are notorious for being RPC unflashable (and, so far, the m1330 has proven this again). So, for those who have many dvds from different regions, we're pretty screwed.
3. Silver matte finish. Also, make the black finish matte, and make it all around the machine. But if I had a choice, I'd go with the silver finish, provided it wasn't glossy. The glossy finish is too much of a fingerprint attractor.

Really, other than that, I can't think of anything off the bat. The big things are 1 and 2, of course. How I'd configure it (2.0ghz proc with 4gb L2 cache, 2gb ram, 120gb hdd, LED backlit screen with camera, dedicated graphics, and a 3 year warranty) comes out to $2400. That's a lot of cash!

[harvey e @ Oct 5th 2007 10:10PM]

I have your spec plus a few things, Love it too. Bought and still have the XPS 12" that my wife uses.

[Vishal Chanani @ Oct 5th 2007 11:41PM]

I actually am running an m1330 with the 2.2ghz processor, the 200gb 7200rpm, 4gb ram, LED, dedicated graphics, 3 year warranty, etc. basically the fully loaded works- and I paid 1900 out the door- tax, shipping, included.

but then again- this was the superb drake/ufl glitch deal back in june!

[m16 @ Oct 5th 2007 8:04PM]

give it a liquid methanol fuel call "battery"

[aldenhg @ Oct 5th 2007 8:11PM]

Hasn't Dell had enough problems with their laptops exploding?

[Chird @ Oct 6th 2007 8:53AM]

Thanks in no part to Sony and their superamazing battery manufacturing processes. On that note, has your Mac exploded yet?

[bob e @ Oct 5th 2007 8:06PM]

I tell you I had one of the crimson models for a month and sold it in anticipation of getting the new HTC mini pc.

It has a beautiful aluminum (or magnesium... whatever) surface around the keyboard... but the keyboard is made of silver spray painted plastic keys. I mean I paid 2G for the thing and it has a cheap $5 keyboard.

That is the one thing I would change. Otherwise it was very sweet...

[Ryan Lopopolo @ Oct 5th 2007 8:09PM]

T7700?
Because of the HDMI port, I should've had the option for blu-Ray from the start cuz there's no way in hell that slot loader is modular...
Option to ship sans OS.

[Boaz @ Oct 7th 2007 6:59AM]

It already does ship sans os:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/23/mans-xps-m1330-arrives-sans-os-quality/

But seriously, it's a very nice laptop, though the LED backlight should be standard.

[Patrick @ Oct 5th 2007 8:15PM]

Just make it cheaper. Like 700m after coupons cheaper.

[Jon @ Oct 5th 2007 8:15PM]

give it 256mb of video memory

[mike @ Oct 5th 2007 8:17PM]

Well I just ordered mine...configured with 2.2GHz, 4Gb, LED screen w/cam, 200Gb 7200RPM, HSDPA internal, and some other items...just under $3400. I hope its worth it.

[alex @ Oct 5th 2007 8:39PM]

I got mine 2 weeks ago and even I ordered it I was give a ship date of 4 weeks so I expected a long wait. But then I got in 8 days!

What to change
More USB ports give me USB rather then DVI
The quality of the switches for wifi on the side could be a little bit better
The LED screen is thin and flexes a little bit too much for my comfort.
But most importantly offer XP Sp2 instead of Vista ....

But overall I'm happy with it.

[echiu @ Oct 5th 2007 8:41PM]

The touch controls are cool, but poorly implemented. Look at HP's touch controls; they are always lit, and the actual icons are lit so they can be identified in the dark (like when watching a movie). Dell's only light a border around the icon and only AFTER you press them. Also, the power light in the power button only lights when you push it, and does not indicated the power state of the computer. Hopefully they can fix this in software. Backlit keyboard, more usb ports, and optical 5.1/7.1 audio would be nice.

On the other hand the LED screen is the best I've ever seen and the build quality is solid. HDMI on a laptop is a smooth move.

[skant @ Oct 7th 2007 2:31PM]

I love my 1330. it's really a fantastic laptop.

Pros:
1. the keyboard is absolutely perfect and wlel thought out.
2. I personally love the media buttons and would use the remote in the dark (i don't want my keyboard lit up when i'm watching a movie!
3. light, and sexy were perogatives in my laptop purchase
4. the aluminum is very nice
5. screen is gorgeous
6. the specs, which are undoubtablty some of the best, if not the best for this small of a 13.3"
7. speakers are actually pretty good. I was surprised and how much better they were than expected.
8. dell's webcam software and in general the webcam execution is fantastic! the mic in particular is very good, but i only wish that it swiveled like in the m1220 (problem there is that it detracts from the sexyness).
9. firewire, thank you god
10. the remote is cool


Cons:
1. Absolutely needed an XP option, or even better, an Ubuntu option!
2. I want HDMI, but I want S-video also. My vcr or tv doesn't have HDMI! not that i'm planning on connecting it to my tv that often, but it would be nice, instead of having to get an hdmi converter.
3. i'd like another usb slot, but i haven't run into this problem yet, two does the job for the most part.
4. battery. the standard battery is 4 OR 6 cell i think and upgarding to the 9 cell, kills all the sexyness. i didn't upgrade (i couldn't at the time because i was rushed on time with the drake deal). Personally I would have preferred that the batter was in the front of the computer like on some of the inspirons. This way if you had a 9-cell you could have it double as a palm rest.

[Adam F @ Oct 5th 2007 8:41PM]

I'd toss the optical drive, give more room to drop in a 8600gt, but I'm one who uses my optical drive once.. to install the OS then never see it again.

One that might actually make it into the product though would be to reduce the size of the top and bottom of the bezel, that would make it easier to use on the plane.

[TeleMundo @ Oct 5th 2007 8:42PM]

How would I change it? Dont let any Microsoft operating systems NEAR it. Linux, OS X, whatever, but not Windows.

[Hypenotist @ Oct 5th 2007 8:44PM]

I'd take the stupid logo off the back, I don't want to be an advertisement or have to put a sticker over that lame dell logo. I'd offer it as a titanium or magnesium shell and due away with the cheap plastic that always seem to eventually break with every dell laptop I've owned. I'd invent a new cord system that doesn't put stress on the male power adapter so you eventually short the wire out. I'd make it lighter than it is because it is heavy and I have held one so I can attest to that, even without an extended battery.
I'd make the shape less ass heavy so I don't look like I'm carrying baby got back, or like I'm compensating for a thick rear screen holder by bulking it out. I'd have made it a swivel screen.
I'd have it made by Americans with parts made in America. The list goes on.

[A_lesson_in_economics @ Oct 5th 2007 9:09PM]

Please get real - it's priced and specced appropriate to the market. I'd offers yours *specifically* with 1) A set of jpegs of other laptop brands all playing the logo game. 2) I'd leave a spreadsheet on the desktop that points out how cost prohibitive an all US made, all US parts sourced laptop would be. 3) I'd mill it out of the finest grade titanium, I'd employ 100000 man years of aerospace and automotive experience to chase out every wasted ounce of weight out of this baby. 4) Then I'd record the sound of my hand smacking the front of my head when you complain about the stratospheric cost and complain the unit is "ass-light". This list stops here.

[Nessnet @ Oct 5th 2007 8:55PM]

First off - a great machine. I really like mine. I was one of those early "fanboys" and I had to work through some 'issues' to finally get one that is acceptable - (actually 2 now, because of the QC problems on my 1st one, like 'wobble')

A couple of the below items were talked about when you (Engadget) 'leaked' the m1330, but didn't make it to the production and shipped units. And should have...

1. GIG E - a high(er) end machine like this really should have a Gig Ethernet NIC.

2. 2.4G (T7700) dual core - the max is 2.2 (T7500)

3. HD DVD drive

Yes, the touch pad is a bit on the small side

But, it is a 'killer' machine and Dell, even though it had some 'bumps' getting it out, has a winner overall.

[Rupert Taylor-Price @ Oct 6th 2007 2:00AM]

2.4 is max in Australia.

I got 2.4Ghz, 4GB, 250GB, N-wireless, 8400M, finger scanner and BT for the equivalent of $2250 USD.

Could no be happier.

Been playing some games on it and it would be nice to have a better graphics chip but it would probably have heat problems then.

I called the XPS help line for a technical question. For the first time in my life spoke with someone that actually knows about computers (and is their job to)!

[Foof @ Oct 5th 2007 8:55PM]

1. Docking Station Port!!
2. Higher Screen Res (1440x960 plz)
3. Better gfx chip (it's an XPS after all)
4. 9-cell battery that sticks straight out
5. Transflective LCD for outdoor viewing
6. 1-2MP cam on LED screen (meh)
7. 5.1 audio output through HDMI port (does it already do this?)

[subura @ Oct 5th 2007 9:01PM]

Since Penryn 45nm CPU and the Santa Rosa refresh is just about the corner i would change the following on the Dell XPS M1330

a) A Penryn 45nm CPU
b) A better GPU, at least a Nvidia 8600GT with 512MB
c) Both HDMI and DVI out

[Zadillo @ Oct 5th 2007 9:23PM]

I don't think it's realistic to expect an 8600M GT to fit into a 13.3" laptop.

[subura @ Oct 5th 2007 9:38PM]

ATI R670 is a new dual core GPU 65nm, development is going fast. Nvidia is launching their new G92 and G98 this fall, chip shrinks, produce less heat, become more effective. So why not?

[Peter @ Oct 7th 2007 1:49AM]

HDMI allows you to get a cable to convert to DVI (Its basically DVI with a different connector that allows DRM and Audio too). A DVI port would be way too fat for a thin laptop.

[Mantis @ Oct 5th 2007 9:03PM]

We need a backlit keyboard for PC laptops. Isn't it funny how Apple does it before anyone sees that added-value generates sales?

[michael @ Oct 5th 2007 10:47PM]

Yep. Apple's always the first.

*looks at Sony*

[LTM @ Oct 5th 2007 9:14PM]

I'm overall very impressed with my M1330, but if I had any issues to point out it would be it needs a larger touchpad and at least a 256MB video card for the XPS model. I mean you can get the 8400GS on the Inspiron 1420's, so other than the impressive design of the M1330 and the light weight with the 4 cell or 6 Cell battery it's not really XPS gaming material is it. It still plays a mean Doom 3 at high setting and Need for Speed Most Wanted at a pretty good rate as well. The tuxedo black shows finger prints that are hard to remove, but that's getting pretty picky. Mine has a 2 GHZ processor, 2 GB memory, LED, with NVidia discrete graphics, and after a bit of tweaking in Vista to bring the memory usage down, it's as fast as my old XP machine if not faster running Vista premium. I've really not got a lot of complaints. Maybe that CPU whine that everyone is talking about on the Dell forums could be an issue if it isn't solved by a firmware upgrade.

[Harvey E @ Oct 5th 2007 9:16PM]

I love mine and it was worth the wait.