XPS M1330 BIOS update hints at upcoming Blu-ray / DVD combo drive

The last Dells we saw with a slot-loading Blu-ray drive were the XPS One and monster XPS M2010, but it looks like Round Rock's taking it mainstream soon -- the latest BIOS update for the popular XPS M1330 lists support for an unspecified "Blu-ray / DVD +/- RW Combo Drive." No word on when we'll see these actually for order, but if you were in the market for an M1330, you might consider holding off until these become available.

[Thanks, Rupert]

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:07PM]

You can get the slot loading BD drive on the XPS M1530, it's mainstream enough.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:13PM]

My thoughts exactly.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:45PM]

I noticed this the other day when ordering one. Doesn't burn Blu-Ray discs but it will burn DVDs.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:18PM]

I believe this was an option on the 1330 before as well. I priced out an m1330 before I got the m1530 and I remember seeing the blue ray option on both.

[JiGSaW525 Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:17PM]

I realize the BD can be used for storage but what will be the use if the resolution output is less than what BD has to offer.

1280 X 800 as opposed to 1080P??

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:26PM]

720p is still high definition.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:44PM]

Same reason there are Blu-ray players for in your car, if you have a collection of BR movies you dont want to buy them again as dvd's/downloads just because your car/laptop only supports dvd.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:29PM]

Yes but that HDMI port isn't just there for looks.

[JiGSaW525 Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:31PM]

@ Spike

Good thinking, forgot about that. I guess I was only thinking about using the laptop for playback.

[EngadgetFanBoi Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:19PM]

errr. You sure about that M2010 statement? Last time I checked, the XPS One still offers a slot-loading Blu-ray drive....

[chrisaroz Posted Feb 7th 2008 1:25PM]

I think they meant Laptop with Blu-Ray... most if not all their desktops have the option.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 2:48PM]

Unless it's BLU-RAY rewritable .. I won't care.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 2:05PM]

I'm so peeved, I just bought myself an M1330 and it just arrived last Friday, now I'm hearing all this sweet news about Penryn chips and blu-ray.. *sigh*.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 2:07PM]

P.S. Having said that, I couldn't be happier with my purchase :)

[platta Posted Feb 7th 2008 3:24PM]

please no!!! i support xps.... systems, blue ray never works right out of the box. who knows maybe they could get it right

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 3:49PM]

It seems that Dell is updating the BIOS for many of their laptops with the same list of fixes/enhancements.

Take a look at the updated BIOS for the Vostro 1400. Somehow I doubt that a "Blu-ray / DVD +/- RW Combo Drive" will be available in that laptop anytime soon.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R178149&SystemID=VOS_N_1400&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=15199&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=3&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=1&fileid=242502

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 5:54PM]

@Jevanzz
I have had mine for about a month now, and been pretty happy with it. Not sure how much better Penryn would be (I have the 2.2MHz chip). I wouldn't mind a higher rez screen tho'. I haven't played with Blu-Ray at all; not much of a disc person I guess.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 5:56PM]

Also, I got my M1330 during their big promotion, so these improvements were not totally unexpected.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2008 6:09PM]

The m1330 is so damn sexy, I was about to get one but changed my mind because of the lack of BD. Instead I got a Sony VGN-FZ... but this is making me feel bad for not holding out.