Criteria
Comments
Rating
- Speed and features No comments
- Design and form factor No comments
- Battery life No comments
- Display No comments
- Durability No comments
- Expandability No comments
- Noise No comments
- Portability (size / weight) No comments
Detailed review
When I first ordered my XPS M1530, it was marketed as an "upscale" alternative to Dell's standard laptop lines, including a dedicated phone support system outside of the usual queue. Metal finish, high quality screen, slot-load media (blu-ray upgrade possible), slim form factor and great looks.
It all started going downhill as soon as I plugged it in. The two-pronged power system they thought was a good idea combined with the metallic finish caused an unpleasant tingling grounding effect through my hands in a number of circumstances. Unfortunate, and minor. Fixable with a three prong plug.
Then I had immediate issues with the sound popping and cracking, which seemed to be an issue with Windows Vista and various components, which was only fixed by disabling some unused bands on my wireless card. Again, wasn't going to bother me that much.
Then, within a year, I started having major issues with the hardware. First, the slick looking metal finish wore from the keyboard/mouse area, revealing the plastic beneath.
Then the speakers finally blew, after months of slowly degrading.
Next was the hard drive failure, so I had to send it in to get repaired. It returned with a second failed hard drive, and issues with the RAM, preventing a reinstall of the OS. Back it went again.
Now, after a full year of use, the replaced speakers have once again failed, the battery is down to about 1 hour of life, and the power supply is completely toasted.
I expected much more out of a system which was marketed to a higher and more knowledgeable consumer.
After hearing of similar issues with my friends M1330, and other systems around, I have decided to end any further customer relationship with Dell. There was a point where they provided a decent value for the money you spend, but that time seems to have passed.
As for your own decision, it comes down to your goals. If you're looking for a sleek, decent performance laptop, don't expect the M1530 to last outside of its basic warranty period. There are better systems to be had for the money.
It all started going downhill as soon as I plugged it in. The two-pronged power system they thought was a good idea combined with the metallic finish caused an unpleasant tingling grounding effect through my hands in a number of circumstances. Unfortunate, and minor. Fixable with a three prong plug.
Then I had immediate issues with the sound popping and cracking, which seemed to be an issue with Windows Vista and various components, which was only fixed by disabling some unused bands on my wireless card. Again, wasn't going to bother me that much.
Then, within a year, I started having major issues with the hardware. First, the slick looking metal finish wore from the keyboard/mouse area, revealing the plastic beneath.
Then the speakers finally blew, after months of slowly degrading.
Next was the hard drive failure, so I had to send it in to get repaired. It returned with a second failed hard drive, and issues with the RAM, preventing a reinstall of the OS. Back it went again.
Now, after a full year of use, the replaced speakers have once again failed, the battery is down to about 1 hour of life, and the power supply is completely toasted.
I expected much more out of a system which was marketed to a higher and more knowledgeable consumer.
After hearing of similar issues with my friends M1330, and other systems around, I have decided to end any further customer relationship with Dell. There was a point where they provided a decent value for the money you spend, but that time seems to have passed.
As for your own decision, it comes down to your goals. If you're looking for a sleek, decent performance laptop, don't expect the M1530 to last outside of its basic warranty period. There are better systems to be had for the money.
good review!
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