Rohan Rao
Dell XPS M1330
Written by Anish Gangar for ComputerActive magazine India
A power packed performer
Specs:
Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7300
Motherboard chipset: Intel 965
Memory (RAM): 2GB, 667MHz DDR2
Storage: 160GB Hard disk drive
Display: 13.3in LCD (WXGA)
Graphics: 128MB Nvidia GeForce Go 8400
Optical storage: DVD Writer
Weight: 2 kg (weight will vary by configuration)
Comes with Windows Vista Premium Edition
The latest addition to Dell’s XPS range of performance systems is the M1330. This 13in widescreen TFT based notebook is portable enough to be carried single handedly and hence provides that much needed mobility.
The build quality of the laptop is solid and feels sturdy on the desk. The laptop comes in three colours, Tuxedo Black, Crimson Red, and Alpine White. The one reviewed here is Tuxedo Black.
As with all Dell systems, you can configure almost everything before you buy. Our review sample came with an Intel Core 2 Duo clocked at 1.66GHz and backed by 2GB of memory, which gives the M1330 an excellent performance tag. On the security front, the XPS M1330 features a fingerprint reader that allows you to protect unauthorised access to the system.
The 13.3in WXGA screen has a native resolution of 1280 x 800 and our review sample had the 2.0-megapixel camera built into the top of the screen. You can also select the M1330 without the camera in case you need to save some money. The camera quality is pretty decent and with good Internet speeds, the video quality transferred is amazing.
The M1330 has an Nvidia Geforce Go 8400 Turbocache card or if you want to lose all game playing capabilities, you can opt for the integrated Intel solution. The speakers for the M1330 are located at the top of the keyboard area. There’s not much to write home about these speakers, they get loud enough that’s for sure, but the sound is slightly questionable as is the case with nearly all laptop speakers. The touch sensitive volume control buttons along the top right side of the keyboard are little under sensitive. This one also comes with a built-in microphone.
For storage, there is a 120GB hard drive and a built in DVD-RW drive so you can back up data or off load files easily enough to keep the hard drive spick and span.
The M1330 may be the smallest system in the XPS range but it keeps up the family tradition of performance and features. The reviewed model can be purchased online from the Dell store at Rs 52900 and come with a one year warranty. The machine comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. Dell also bundles a protective cover with the laptop.
Price: Rs 52900
Rating: 4 stars
Overall: An impressive addition to Dell’s premium XPS product line with a good mix of performance and mobility but the price begins to spiral once you start adding all the goodies.
Good points: Form factor, build quality, performance, looks
Bad points: Hefty price tag if all the options are taken up
Filed under: Laptops, Published Articles | Tagged: Dell, Dell XPS M1330, Laptops, M1330, Notebooks, Notepads, Published, XPS
For those of you interested in the details of getting the SSD option with the M1330, I wrote a review on it at: http://www.followsteph.com/2008/02/14/solid-state-drive-ssd-review/
It’s for the 32Gb option, so the 64Gb SSD might be slightly different.