Product Listing

Dell XPS M1330 (Intel Santa Rosa)

By Zachary Chan - 5 Sep 2007

Conclusion

Conclusion

Performance

At the beginning of this review, we mentioned that the M1330 possesses an uncharacteristically powerful configuration for an ultraportable and that is true, but only if you actually select these options when ordering your notebook. Our review unit came decked to the brim with the best available hardware for the M1330, but all these features are really optional items in Dell's big scheme of things. Instead of the GeForce 8400M GS, you can actually choose to have a vanilla Intel GMA X3100 instead. You can also opt for an older Intel PRO/Wireless 802.11abg network card instead of the 4965AGN Draft-N module common for Santa Rosa notebooks. You can choose from standard 5400RPM HDDs to the 7200RPM workstation models as seen on our review unit to Solid State Drives (SSD). On the processor front, the lowest configurable processor is a Core 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz core, 667MHz FSB) and the highest at the moment is a Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz core, 800MHz FSB) with the T7700 (2.4GHz core, 800MHz FSB) soon to follow.

The appeal of Dell's latest ultraportable lies not only with its new chassis, but also a combination of cutting edge hardware options that are rarely found to be available in this notebook category. This is the distinction that will differentiate the Dell XPS M1330 between being a exceptional ultraportable and just another ultraportable with a good design. Your only concern of course will be its price. The Dell XPS M1330 can start anywhere from US$1500 for a basic model to upward US$2600 if you want everything and the kitchen sink. Nevertheless, the choice is yours, and this is something that Dell has the firm advantage.

"The ultraportable re-envisioned – performance, style and form factor combined."

Usability

With its full sized keyboard and a clear and crisp LED backlit display, the M1330 is a very comfortable notebook to use and get used to. Its size and weight as an ultraportable notebook makes working on-the-go a breeze and the amount of features that Dell has put into the M1330 also ensures that everything you might need is already integrated. There is no need to lug around external peripherals like optical drives. The handy WiFi locator is also a real time saver when you need to find the strongest wireless point to connect to.

Battery performance is quite decent as well considering that we were running on a 2.4GHz processor, discreet graphics and 7200RPM HDD. With all these factors combined, the M1330 still managed to outlast the lower configured BenQ Joybook S41. We have no doubt that with a more conventional configuration, the M1330 should enjoy an even longer battery lifespan. If you're a power user, consider getting the extended 9-cell battery back instead. The notebook handled heat from the various high-end components very well without becoming too uncomfortable to use.


Minor Gripes

While Dell has certainly stepped up their game in a big way with this entry, the notebook is not perfect. We love the sleek new design elements of the M1330, but the painted plastic parts cheapen the experience somewhat, especially when you're scrutinizing the notebook up close like we do. It's not so much as the use of plastic that's the problem, but the gaudy silver metallic finish. Other things we'd like to see implemented or changed include a larger touchpad surface, better multimedia controls and half decent speakers shouldn't be to hard to ask for as well.


Overall

The Dell XPS M1330 is an excellent notebook that should be one of the top few choices on your list whether you're looking for a no frills ultraportable or one that packs enough punch for some well deserved entertainment away from work. And this time, you don't have to hide your Dell too. Without bringing a particular fruity company (and its horde of fans) into the picture, the M1330 sits neck to neck in terms of style with the best of class out there.

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