How would you change Dell's XPS m1330?
By Darren Murph 
posted Oct 5th 2007 7:38PM
posted Oct 5th 2007 7:38PM
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.
Sexy
Biggest suggestion.. $$## the NVIDIA 8400 chipset, put in the 8700! If you're going to put in a dedicated vid card, it might as well be a good one. Battery-shmattery.. most of us power users stack a few batts anyhoo.
Peace.
lawl the Dell guy was a weed smoker
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.
Call it the XPS m1337
put OS X on it
Yeah, it would be nice to be able to run OS X on good hardware instead of Apples crap.
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.
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.
and make it not a Dell?
Wouldn't that defy "gaming" computer?
"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.
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.
"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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Did your M1330 have that infamous CPU whine?
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.
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.
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!
I have your spec plus a few things, Love it too. Bought and still have the XPS 12" that my wife uses.
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!
give it a liquid methanol fuel call "battery"
Hasn't Dell had enough problems with their laptops exploding?
Thanks in no part to Sony and their superamazing battery manufacturing processes. On that note, has your Mac exploded yet?
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...
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.
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.
Just make it cheaper. Like 700m after coupons cheaper.
give it 256mb of video memory
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How would I change it? Dont let any Microsoft operating systems NEAR it. Linux, OS X, whatever, but not Windows.
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.
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.
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.
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)!
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?)
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
I don't think it's realistic to expect an 8600M GT to fit into a 13.3" laptop.
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?
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.
We need a backlit keyboard for PC laptops. Isn't it funny how Apple does it before anyone sees that added-value generates sales?
Yep. Apple's always the first.
*looks at Sony*
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.
I love mine and it was worth the wait.
I just find it annoying that they raised the prices for the components tremendously after the first weeks. The LED screen was at one point only 150$ more, I saw it now for 300$ more. A lot of the other components got more expensive too, so the same configuration, cost me 500$ more now than when it came out. Thats not cool.
Great machine but...
Offer XP, still having too many issues with VISTA
Docking connector (on back or bottom), USB docks are crap, and the Belkin express card docking station isn't much better
More USB Ports
HD/Blu-Ray option
Better keyboard... it works fine, but is kind of cheap looking on such a nice machine.
Little less money...
Change the name to m1337.
First: I love this laptop. Best one I've ever had. But! Of course it can be improved.
1. Option for higher screen resolution. 1440x900 or even 1680x1050 would be nice. I know it's small but some of us develop on our laptops.
2. When it shuts off the screen and then the screen comes back on, the backlight isn't the same level as what you left it at... nasty.
3. Gigabit ethernet. I can't believe anyone is making anything without this now.. 100 mbit? So last century.
4. More USB Ports.
5. Make the DVD slot load removable and give us another battery that can go in there...
6. HD/Blu Ray hybred drive :)
All of these things would be nice, but as it stands it's one hell of a machine!
This is my fifth Dell laptop in about 6 years, the weight of the unit is impressive but could do with the following improvements:
1. Better graphics card as a previous poster said, it's ok for last gen games, but try running C&C3 or World at War (none of which are high framerate games) and all you'll hear is the fan running at top speed and the graphics puttering along. For an XPS system, this is shameful, why bother calling it XPS?
2. Better quality cover - mine is flat black, it attracts fingerprints like crazy, and the finish is poor (arrived mid Sept), it almost seems like it was masked with some tape and spray painted with some flat black acrylic paint. A $500 HP craptop has arguably better fit & finish.
3. More brushed aluminum, pretty much everywhere that there's silver plastic, aluminum could be used. It would give it a more sophisticated look.
4. CD-ROM is TOO LOUD!! Blue Ray or HD DVD would be nice too, especially considering the price.
5. SD memory slot should be moved in 2mm, right now you can't keep a SD card in there without it sticking out. Ugly
6. 2-3 more levels of brightness to the LED backlight please.
And lastly, pricing does seem to be off a little. While base price is $1499 CDN or $1299 USD (um, dollar is at par these days, what's the deal Dell??), my laptop cost almost $2800. That's what I'd expect to pay years ago, not when you see HP's selling for $500-700 all over the place.
(my config: 1330@2.2Ghz,2GB RAM, 200GB7200RPM, Nvidia, Biometrics, LED Backlight, N-wireless, Bluetooth, 6-cell batt - couldn't order 6 cell & 9 cell with the Nvidia, WTF? 9 cell on separate order now)
4. CD-ROM is TOO LOUD!!
You're joking right?? Either you have a defective drive, or you live in complete silence.
I have no problems with the amount of noise my drive makes (which is probably less annoying than the loud CLICK from a regular laptop drive opening).
If the noise bothers you upon startup of your laptop, keep a blank disc in it which prevents it from checking for a disc (obviously).
Lets point out first that I got this machine for $1366 but without my work discount it would have been $1950!
When I first opened up the box I was impressed with the look of this laptop. By far one of the most eye catching laptops ever! Upon booting the screen resolution is absolutely fantastic. I like the Dell Media Direct button for fast access to my mdeia. Vista isn't too bad once you have learned it. There are alot of tweaks to make it better.
Here is what I got: 2.2 Ghz Core 2 Duo Processor - Fast!
Nvidia Geforce 8400 128MB wish it was a 256MB. This could have been added.
120 GB HD - I will someday get a 200 or 250.
2GB of RAM
I love the remote control
HDMI is a plus even though the cables cost alot.
Speakers are just ok. Better than previous Dell M1210 or 710M.
Keyboard is plastic wish it were aluminum. All Dell Keyboards are plastic.
Webcam is nice. Better than most Notebooks.
Needs some Engineered cushions or pad for the Top Lid Bezel when you close it. The top bezel shows some marring from the touchpad.
The system looks like it was put together too fast. I think later models will have better quality.
Other than that I think this is a great laptop.
Would I have bought it if it were not discounted? Probably not. Then again, I would never pay more than $1500's fora Laptop of any kind.
I have no complaints at all beyond production/delivery time for my m1330. It's exactly the laptop that I've been waiting for.
Mmm, I'm typing this on my 1330 not one month old. Great laptop, but there are some small things I've noticed:
- Right side of they keyboard is a bit "squishier" than the left side (due to the positioning of the optical, I think)
- 1 more USB port would be nice, but the HDMI is appreciated
- Make Dell Media-Whatever software easier to install (who thinks to install it BEFORE thier OS?)
- Get on nVidia's rear end to get WinXP support for the 8400m GS. Hell, Linux runs this graphics card with fewer problems than XP.
All in all, this is a GREAT laptop though...I'm very pleased with mine.
Keyboard too squishy on right side because of optical.
1 more USB port wouldn't hurt (though the HDMI is nice).
Make Dell Home Media whatever easier to install (who thinks to install that BEFORE their OS?)
Get on nVidia to make some drivers for the 8400m GS for WinXP -- Linux plays much nicer with my graphics card than XP, and that's just odd (though no issues to report with Vista).
i havent actually held it yet, but i imagine alot of these problems (touch pad, lights around buttons, etc.) will be adjusted in the second gen. i think its got pretty good specs, and a spectrum of available hardware that makes it generally affordable for most people (when configured to be affordable)
As a new user of the M1330, I would like to say that my XPS is very well built, I got it in exchange for my M1210 which has heaps of problems. Anyway, what I would like to see in the future M1330:
1. Backlight keyboards with an ambient sensor
2. Better graphics card
3. Bigger touchpad
4. The touchpanel should be dimmed when not in use, unlike now where there is totally no illumination which makes it so hard to use at night.
5. Change the material of the lid, it gets smudges very very easily.
6. The SD card slot should go in a bit.
7. I wished they could slot at least one more USB port, while typing this I observed the sides of my XPS and there is not actually any space for another one, unless..they swap the current USB port with the lock slot, and place two USBs vertically, which I am not too sure if is possible.
8. Put a quieter slot-loading drive.
9. As one of you mentioned, it would be nice if the power button had at least two led's in it, the normal blue when there is sufficient battery and amber when battery is low and it would be nice if it flashes when the battery is low.
10. I wished the whole surface of the laptop could be in brushed aluminum.
11. The cheap plastic "cap" they used in the left side of the machine (near the touchpanels) really really should go, with just a flick the whole thing drops off :(
11. The speakers - notice they openings are small, if they were bigger, i think the sound should be better, even if they want to keep it small, they should not make the whole panel look like its a speaker, mine has dusts stuck in the small holes.
12. The remote that came with it should use bluetooth instead of IR. It would also be nice if it could charge in the slot, instead of using batteries. By using IR, you would need to point the remote to the sensor to use it. If you are doing a presentation, would not be a good option.
13. The speaker..if you slide your finger from left to right on it..you will notice that towards the right, it curves up slightly, i think it should be made even.
14. The keys - like one of you pointed out, yup, its cheap and after sometime I am sure it will fade,
Where I live (Malaysia), they no longer have the option of a white coloured lid and the fingerprint reader is not offered anymore. I wish they could bring both of these back.
Cheers
In my opinion, it should be .5" thick, weigh 2 pounds, have full HD resolution, run off one battery for 12 hours, and cost $250. Also, it should run the iPhone OS.
But seriously, I agree that the fancy paint smudges too much, the keyboard feels a little cheap, and Vista kind of sucks (but I'm not holding Dell responsible for that one--I just hope SP1 gets it running a bit smoother). And although mine wasn't cheap, I think it was a fair price. It gets kind of hot sometimes, though--it would be nice if it came with extendable feet, like some keyboards do, to keep it cooler.
"1. Cheaper! Jeez, it's expensive! Almost Sony expensive! Some options are really expensive compared to other OEMs, like the Biometric reader."
Actually, comparably spec'd, it's more expensive - by ~300 bucks - than the Vaio SZ (or at least it was when I ordered my Sony six days ago). Someone else mentioned this too; they increased the cost on lots of the upgradeable items after the first couple weeks. Also, the shipping time is ridiculous - just under a month for the dell while my customized Vaio has already arrived. To be fair, I live in the same county where they assemble the Vaios, but even so, Sony is clearly on top of their supply chain.
I cross-shopped the xps 1330, Vaio SZ and Asus U3. I ended up with the Sony on cost and features (gained hybrid graphics, hybrid HDD, carbon fiber chassis, lost HDMI).
I bought a Toshiba u305-s5127 in 1 day, got most of the features and saved 30%.
The build quality on the 1330 is jank if you compare it to the lighter vaio sz premium models
I would have had mine delivered without having to wait six weeks... As it is I'm typing from behind the keyboard of a new macbook pro. You blew it, Dell...
I would add/change the following:
Add TPM 1.2 chip
Add Blu-ray drive (if HDMI will output 1080p)
Add higher resolution screen
Add at least one more USB port
Add docking station/port replicator port
Allow SSD drives (not available anymore in Australia)
Fully working 64bit Vista Ultimate - no point in 4GB of RAM if you can only address 3GB!
Minimum 2GB ram
Fully black! I hate when laptops have black lids, but silver everything else...
Option on matte screen/matte paint job
Compact Flash reader
Backlit keyboard
Have an option to turn off graphics card (to conserve battery)
Cheaper...
And have optional Nvidia 8600 mobile whatever equvilant
No bloatware
It would be nice if they dropped the price at upgrading from 2gb to 4gb ram. Way to expensive.!!
And maybe a blu-ray disc reader.
i've had mine for almost a month now, bought it FULLY loaded. very very happy with it. however some small improvments could make it nicer:
* backlit keyboard
* slightly larger touchpad
* less silver so it is suited more as a highend business laptop and less of a gaming laptop
* obvioulsy thinner and lighter is always nice
* maybe slightly higher res screen (althought it might start getting a bit small, but the option would be good)
* magnetic power socket like in the macbook pro's.
* keyboard like in the macbook's.
apart from that couldn't ask for much more... its already a very good piece of kit!
Have the m1330. Gigabit Ethernet would be an important improvement to me. Can't imagine why the hell they still sell machines with Fast Ethernet only (at least the expensive ones should have GBit).
Anther problem is the lousy sound output. Does analogue 5.1, should have also optical SPDIF and generally better signal quality (you actually hear the Core2Duo "morse codes" through the sound output and a high frequency whine).
Need another USB port. Remove the Kensington lock, who needs it besides stores?!
Id' really like to see a WXGA+ resolution screen on the little fucker.
Where's the 64GB SSD?
I'm going to go for the Toshiba R500 if they don't get their act together.
It really should've had gigabit ethernet too.
Install a flash-based memory inside big enough to hold system/OS files for quick boot-up while regular hard drives contain all the other applications/data
If people don't even mention the graphics card, they're smoking something.
Some people just want a fast, light laptop. I don't play games on my PCs so the graphics card isn't an issue for me. In fact, a powerful graphics card is a real problem in a laptop because of the heat and its effect on the longevity of the system.
If you want a brick of a laptop with powerful, hot running graphics cards then there's always the XPS 1730 and a hernia for you.
DVI output - loose the hdmi.
Larger touchpad
Better build quality... Mine got a few to many gaps.
/ Hollaender
(m1330 black 1.8ghz)
I feel they should "clearly" state that it will be a backorder during checkout instead of giving there customers false hopes that it will arrive anytime soon.
I just purchased a Vaio SZ6 instead of a 1330 solely because of the lack of a "real" docking station for the 1330.
I run dual monitors and and I'm not a fan of messing with the connections every day.
I have a Targus docking station with video and it is not the same as a real dock.
1. Docking Station Port (I can't beleive they don't have one yet)
2. Higher Screen Resolution
3. 1.2MP webcam on LED screen (What's the reason behind not giving that option?!?)
4. Better quality webcam that you can move up and down(webcam is just shitty)
5. Better speakers (can't listen to music with those speakers and have a lot of trouble hearing people clearly)
Dell, you would have a perfect laptop without those issues.
P.S. I received mine in 2 weeks!
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Better web cam (2mp) swivel for LED screen.
- Better quality case!
- Option for higher screen resolution 1450x900
- LINE IN RECORDING instead of dual head phone jack
(All you need is a splitter for the headset!).
- Move the USB next to the VGA to the other side!!!
You need two USB ports to power certain external devices.
You can know put a DVI out instead of the VGA OR ad the screw attachments to the VGA out. As is, the VGA connection is VERY flimzy.
- Move the lock slot to accomodate that USB port.
- Gigabit ethernet (come on)
- Option on matte screen/matte paint job
- Backlight Keyboard
And if this happens, I'll get two please.
One for both me & the wife!
I have seen one at work and kept thinking that this model is as close to perfect if it had these improvements!
Tks
1. backlit keyboard
2. sd card slot needs to be deeper
3. touch controls should remain lit or either have a dedicated area that you can touch that will light the actual controls, so you wont inadvertently press the wrong one
4. make it the thinnest, or stop advertising it. i purchased it to replace an older laptop and the rear of the xps is thicker than my old laptop
5. more usb ports
6. port replicator ready
7. DONT SELL A PRODUCT TIL IT'S READY
i'm one of the many that purchased, then had to deal with the lengthy delays....though my list is long, i am quite pleased with the laptop, but there's always room to grow!
Engadget, are you nothing but a rable rowser? It is you who create such premature suspense in the first place. Do you not know that anticipation often exceeds the realization?
I upgrade my laptop between once and twice a year, running two laptops at any given time. In the past I have used Sony, IBM, Apple, Toshiba and a handful of more exotic Japanese makes, almost all in the very light category. I ordered my m1330 early. It's an OK laptop but could use many improvements:
POWER
1. Ditch the weird power connector. Good idea that it doesn't twist, but non-standard.
2. Make the AC side of the adapter cord have a 2 prong adapter instead of 3 prong. It's a pain when traveling. I order a Japanese AC plug side to avoid this.
3. Smaller power brick with a dimmer LED. Lights up the room at night.
4. Secondary battery swappable with slot drive.
FORM FACTOR
5. Thinner bottom half of case. It's fat not skinny!
6. Top half of case opens wider, nearly flat.
7. Change right side controls, e.g. radio control. They are too small and too easy to change by accident.
8. A real dock to allow quick plug and unplug of my many peripherals.
9. Backlit logo. Not the current Dell one, but something cool. Or if it isn't worth backlighting then drop the logo altogether.
10. Carbon fiber case, thin, light and elegant.
STORAGE
11. 128 GB SDD.
12. Swappable slot drive also allows HD-DVD and Blu-ray; see #4.
I/O DEVICES
13. Larger touchpad. Given the edge scrolling areas the center is too small to do much maneuvering.
14. Find a thinner high resolution camera to allow it to be integrated with LED backlit display.
15. Provide face tracking software with high-res camera.
16. Integrate a microphone array.
17. It's 2007, provide Gigabit Ethernet!
18. DisplayPort in addition to HDMI.
19. How about somebody doing a high quality digital volume control WHEEL. Nothing beats a wheel for changing volume quickly. Heck, look what iPod and mice did with a wheel that's not even easy to spin (the newer spinnable Logitech wheels are exceptional.)
KEYBOARD
20. Better feel a la IBM.
21. Backlit keys with sensor, or keyboard light.
DISPLAY
22. Higher resolution, at least 1440 across.
23. Higher maximum brightness.
24. Ability to turn the high end graphics card on and off like Sony has for power management.
SOFTWARE
25. Allow changing Dell Media Direct settings without going to Windows.
26. Offer Vista 64 and XP 64 (with all drivers)
Too late to want it to be different XD I already ordered mine. I can't wait!
I would have liked for Dell to get their orders right - I ordered a LED screen on mine and got a CCFL instead, and a few people on campus have gotten the same treatment, but they don't know any better. I got $500 from Dell as recompense, so I really can't complain too much, but every now and then I see one with a LED screen and think, 'Damn, that's sexy.'
Also, I find the bezel around the screen too thick; it really makes the computer look worse than it could. I definitely would have done without a camera if it meant that the top bezel wasn't so huge.
Tried to get one of these things for work. This is the first laptop Dell has made that it perfect for frequent business travelers that also require a fast system. (Sorry Dell, the Latitude D420/430 are laughable.) Since IT isn't interested in Vista yet, that's the only thing I would change - make XP a build option, don't force people to hack it.
I would have ordered one, and waited whatever it took.
1. Backlit keyboard
2. 2.4Ghz CPU (Or are they offering that again?)
3. High density optical drive
4. Better video card
In the end, be cause of the delays, I purchased a Macbook Pro. It's the first Mac I've ever owned. Today I installed XP and now dual boot. It kix azz. Of course, I should mention that ps aux | grep dell | kill -9 1330 - Yeah, it's the BSD underneath that I enjoy.
Here is my wishlist:
Windows XP Pro.
GPS built in.
Switchable video card (intel to nvidia) to save battery (like the asus U3)
THat's really it.
I have had my m1330 for 1 month. I sent it with my dad to travel. He unpacked it, and ta-da.... half the screen is dead! The left side is black with a white line down the middle.
Not impressed. I may just return it and get a full refund, as I have a few more days to decide.
My mom ordered this laptop. She likes Dells, and I like Apple. So I told her to get an Apple. The next day, she finds out her old Dell laptop broke. After not even one whole year, she needs a mother board. That to me is enough reasons to get a Mac. So, Im not at all excited about this new laptop.
I have one in Crimson. Mine came missing one of the silver letters in XPS & the battery it ships with (4 cell) is way below the level I would expect from a laptop of this level. I am now ordering the 9 cell, because Dell told me I couldn't have one when the laptop was released. A rebate for all of us would be well appreciated given the ridiculous wait times, and the quality of the final build.
The SVGA port to connect standard computer monitors is atrocious. The port comes without the screws that keep the connection from your external monitor to your laptop secure. What ends up happening is the cable does not stay secure resulting in an unbearable picture quality if you even have that much after a few minutes. What an oversight. Besides that, the computer is great. Oh yeah, those free timbuk 2 bags...they are nice, but better suited for a much larger laptop. Defeats the purpose of having an ultramobile laptop if you carry a paris hilton sized 'purse'.
Add a proper Digital Audio SPDIF output independant of the HDMI so that it can be used with 5.1 surround systems utilising Optical TOSLINK or Digital Coax.
Great news for me. On a whim I called Dell UK to ask when I'd be able to get a M1330 with a 64GB SSD and the guy said he could take that order right now;)!!! I'm hoping to take delivery next Friday 9th November so fingers crossed.
Toshiba's loss is Dell's gain. I really wanted a Portege R500-10U but there's no stock in the UK left after being mucked around by several useless web retailers.
Can't wait;-).
I own an XPS M1330 a pearl white one with a 2.2 processor,8400GS,3GB,250 5400,fingerprint reader and all the rest. I also used to own a MacBook Pro but i sold it as i wanted a smaller pro thin and light notebook. It is a shame that Apple does not offer one like this. I am very happy with my notebook. I don't have any CPU whine issues.
Anyway what i would like to see as well is the 256 dedicated VRAM on these 8400GS cards. The 8400GS card does support this it is a shame that Dell capped the VRAM at 128MB. I am fine with the card it still allows me to have good battery life with a 6 cell battery so i would not opt for a more powerful card i would just like Dell to up the dedicated VRAM amount.
The keyboard is very nice to type on but i would like to see an AL keyboard instead of a plastic keyboard. I would also like to see more magnesium on this laptop. Painted plastic does have a tendency to rust and painted plastic around the screen frame does not make the notebook look as classy as it could be.
I would also like to see switchable graphics but with the way that Dell allows buyers to configure their computers i am not sure how that would work out.
I would also like to see higher capacity 6 cell batteries and that is it.
One thing i forgot to add in my other post is that i would also like to see Dell offering 64 Bit Vista/XP with these notebooks.
This is a 13.3 inch notebook it is not really meant to be a powerful gaming notebook. These notebooks are aimed at somebody who games lightly and who are on the go. If they offered a more powerful graphics card that killed battery life i would not buy this notebook. I am fine with a mid range graphics card i don't want to be carrying batteries around on the go. I would not buy this notebook if they offered such a high powered graphics card and an integrated card only. If they were going to do this they would have to offer more than the 2 options of graphics card that they do. I can get 4 hours of battery life with a 6 cell battery and a 8400GS card i would not want that to change.