Continued from: forum-replies.cfm?t=821051

Could we perhaps limit discussion of this thread to people who already own the M1330 and respectfully ask those buying start their own thread to ask their questions and post their order times / delivery date etc?

Does anyone get marks on the screen from the keyboard keys when the lid is closed? Like scuff marks in the pattern of the keys... I have light marks after a couple of weeks, and am wondering whether it's the start of trouble, or I just need to give it a wipe.

Anybody know if removing the CPU is much of a job, i had a breif look and it looks like the heat pipe covers the CPU and GPU, to remove the CPU will that require taking the case apart to get the heat pipe off to allow the CPU to come out?

Need to swap the 2ghz dual core for a 2.2Ghz dual core i have from another m1330.
Also wonder if its worth my while putting top of the range thermal paste in there. Becuase if its better then what dell are using its sure to help battery life by reducing temps that little bit more and allowing the fan to cool things off quicker and not come on as frequent/long.

azfish writes...

Like scuff marks in the pattern of the keys...

Nope, I don't get these at all.

Hey has anyone had this problem when trying to install SP1 on the M1330?
I updated the audio and fingerscan drivers and SP1 shows up in windows update. When I click to install SP1 however it just downloads the initial 2MB file and says that the update was successful. Obviously it wasn't as when I go back into Windows update SP1 is still there as an available update. Any ideas?

audesys writes...

Obviously it wasn't as when I go back into Windows update SP1 is still there as an available update. Any ideas?

Have you seen this post?

forum-replies.cfm?t=940592#r11 Opens in same window.

audesys writes...

when I go back into Windows update SP1 is still there

So, uh, have you tried clicking it? That sounds like the most sensible thing to do...

hey guys i'm planning on installind vista 64 bit on my m1330. does anyone on this forum have vista 64 bit and did you have any troubles installing it?

bazbrian: yep read that thread - that's how I got the required drivers.

azfish: As I said in my post I do click on the update :) I've actually clicked on it 5 times now and when I check my review update history it says that Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (KB936330) has been installed successfully 5 times (and before you ask it definitely hasn't been installed - basically I'm caught in a frustrating loop). I installed SP1 on my desktop last week with no problems, however I put that machine together myself so obviously it didn't come with all the Dell rubbish which I think might be the root of my problem here...

Anyway it looks like it's something unique to my machine - I just thought someone might have experienced the same problem. Thanks anyway!

Weird... I have 'all the Dell crap' on the original Vista installation, and only had to update 2 drivers as mentioned in that linked post. Is there anything else that you've done that could affect things? Major tweaking, hardware replacements, etc?

But anyway, as it shows up in Windows Update Microsoft obviously thinks your computer is ready. So maybe just get the standalone installer?

No I haven't done anything to the hardware - the machine is straight out of the box - the only program I have installed so far is firefox, updated the 2 drivers and performed the other automatic windows updates. The machine did crash within 5 minutes of first turning it without me opening any program. It hasn't done it since - but it's not a great sign straight from the factory. I seem to remember my dell 700m doing pretty much the same thing but once I'd removed Norton everything went smoothly for the next 3 years (that program is a damn virus itself :))

In any case I just tried clicking the sp1 link in windows update twice more and on the second time it found the 69.2MB download and it's currently 76% through - so I guess everything is ok now. Pretty strange behaviour though!

Anyone know how to stop that annoying high-pitched whine?

Seems to come from the right hand side (near the badge), quiets down just a little bit when I move a window around but come back as soon as I stop, it's loud enough to hear from across the room and really grates my ears.

I called Support up and they claimed it was the hard drive? That’s on the adjacent side, I think.

If anyone's got an idea I'd really appreciate it!

gravy1 writes...

hey guys i'm planning on installind vista 64 bit on my m1330. does anyone on this forum have vista 64 bit and did you have any troubles installing it?

Hey mate...

There are only 2 issues I remember with installing Vista 64. Firstly (as is common with all fresh installs), you need the SATA drivers for the hard drive, to be able to complete the installation. You can get them here. On Vista, you just need to extract the drivers to a USB flash drive. (You can open that driver file using WinZip as if it were a ZIP file and just extract it.) At the appropriate time in the install, you will be given the opportunity to install extra drivers... plug the flash drive in, and install away.

The second issue is there is no video driver on the Dell site for the m1330, for 64-bit Vista. I remember downloading something from LaptopVideo2Go, can't remember the process exactly, but you have to download the driver install package, modify some ini file, then you can install it.

You might find these instructions helpful :)

gimbo writes...

Anyone know how to stop that annoying high-pitched whine?

I personally can't hear it on mine, but that may be for 2 reasons:

1) I have the latest BIOS version (A09), which is reported to fix a known CPU whine than can occur; or

2) I've been to too many rock shows... :P

So hit up the Dell update site for new drivers, etc.

Thanks az, I'll give it a shot.

No keyboard marks on the screen here.

gimbo writes...

No keyboard marks on the screen here.

Do you close it? :)

Another random questions, anyone's crome letter fallen off the top of their xps? the P has gone missing on mine ha.

Nope, but how old is yours?

For anyone interested I junked the free belkin bag and bought an STM Alley

www.stmbags.com.au/small...ecifications.php

The 13" model fits the XPS sleeve & PC perfectly.

Ooh, the 'Small Evolution' backpack looks good. I think I'll try it at a shop soon before I recommence uni next semester. My current Kathmandu backpack is only juuuust big enough to fit the laptop + sleeve inside without busting the zippers, but I don't think I'd be able to carry the other usual uni stuff as well. Plus, I'd like to get a rain cover (my old Deuter bag had one, and it was indispensible - and that was before I was carrying $2000+ of electronics around!)

azfish writes...

Does anyone get marks on the screen from the keyboard keys when the lid is closed? Like scuff marks in the pattern of the keys...

I use a keyboard / screen protector.
Just simply a piece of neoprene (wetsuit material) that goes between the keyboard and the screen. :)

You could use the original foam packaging that it shipped with.

dingaling writes...

Anybody know if removing the CPU is much of a job, i had a breif look and it looks like the heat pipe covers the CPU and GPU

Yea, don't replace the thermal sponges over the chipset and GPU but yea, remove the thermal pad off the CPU and order some Artic Cooling MX2 works like a charm.

Is it just a matter of taking the bottom plate off the base of the laptop and from there its possible to remove the CPU? Or does it involve taking the case apart to remove the heat pipe etc? Thanx for the tip of usiung artic cooling MX2

skudx writes...

Do you close it? :)

Close it and carry it around for 8hrs with 2-4 books and a lab coat at uni. Hope the free bag is enough untill I find something better, I have fantasies of welding up a steel box for it... Maybe ensurance is a good idea.

filefiend writes...

I junked the free belkin bag

augh, is it that bad? I just ordered by M1330 the other day, and actually paid for the Belkin bag...

How much is this STM Alley bag? Where abouts did you pick it up from?

dingaling writes...

Is it just a matter of taking the bottom plate off the base of the laptop and from there its possible to remove the CPU?

Yup. its that simple. just the bottom plate. And from there you can remove the heat pipe. Its VERY easy.

after the bottom plate undo the big screw on first (the one furthest from the CPU. Then undo the CPU screws in reverse order (I think they are numbered) if not just undo them in opposite sequences like removing tire nuts.

Use some solvent (i use artic cooling thermal pad remover - i swear this stuff is a god send) to remove the pad on the CPU.

Becareful not to touch the thermal sponge! and don't get them dirty.
Best to have a look at your temperatures before hand GPU and Chipset using I8kfan (google it) to make sure you didn't screw it up.

And could you tell me the temperature of your chipset please? cos mine is like 65deg... :(

Everything else is like 33deg. 45deg max.

Did anyone buy a m1330 with 2gb of RAM, then later upgrade to 3GB or 4GB?

I have had my m1330 running 2GB for about 2 months now, and though performance has been good, even on idle, 50% of my RAM is being used.

Is it worth the upgrade?

And if so, which RAM is it? I will probably just buy it off ebay.

Another thing, has anyone been able to have their media touch controls work 100% of the time with itunes etc? Mine only seem to rarely work with itunes, and that is usually only when itunes is maximised on the screen.

Cheers

lunga writes...

....... look at your temperatures before hand GPU and Chipset using I8kfan (google it) to make sure you didn't screw it up.

And could you tell me the temperature of your chipset please? cos mine is like 65deg... :(

Everything else is like 33deg. 45deg max.

Thanx lunga! your a champion, i'll report back my temps (esp chipset) i have 2x m1330's to compare with.

On Another note, I have installed XP onto one of the m1330's and i'll be able to gauge the difference in battery life doing the same tests, and game benchmarks with the 8400gs.

Its vista vs XP for the m1330 /geforce 8400gs.

DWZ writes...

augh, is it that bad? I just ordered by M1330 the other day, and actually paid for the Belkin bag...

How much is this STM Alley bag? Where abouts did you pick it up from?

Its just a little large for my liking, (the sling bag) I only cary the laptop/sleeve, power pack and bluetooth mouth plus a few cables. If your carting more gear then it may be a little tight for extra space.

The STM is about $60-$70 from memory at DSE or online at the apple store

Rollingstone21 writes...

Did anyone buy a m1330 with 2gb of RAM, then later upgrade to 3GB or 4GB?

I'd hoped to be able to do that... but I couldn't get the processor I wanted in a 2GB model (so had to go for 4GB). When asking the Dell rep to 'roll back' the RAM to 2GB, I expected to save $$$ which could then be used to upgrade on the cheap - but the saving quoted was much less than the equivalent upgrade cost, so I didn't bother and got the default 4GB.

From all reports 3rd-party RAM is cheap and reliable, and can be found at regular computer stores, so avoid eBay.

though performance has been good, even on idle, 50% of my RAM is being used.

The two points in that sentence are related :). Vista is effectively utilising your available RAM to make your commonly-used applications load faster. If a program needs to use that 'superfetch' RAM during operation, Vista will free it up, so won't 'hog' it. Basically, don't worry about it! If you get more RAM, Vista will probably allocate a similar percentage to Superfetch anyway :P. I dunno if my system is doing the same things at idle as yours, but 50% RAM utilisation is common for me with 4GB.

azfish writes...

Does anyone get marks on the screen from the keyboard keys when the lid is closed? Like scuff marks in the pattern of the keys

I just noticed today that my laptop has this too.
Hopefully it is just dust/dirt and not scratches.

gimbo writes...

Anyone know how to stop that annoying high-pitched whine?

Yep its a processor whine, plenty of fixes on Google and probably in threads here, basically go into Device Manager, then select the Bluetooth adapter (not the enumerator) properties, and turn off Power Saving for that device (last tab), it will stop it dead in its tracks.

Amazes me support didnt know about that.

I had a M1330 from September last year just after the were released, replaced under warranty and they included the new Penryn processor (bonus - or so I thought)

It theoretically should run faster than my 2.4GHz processor, but the T9930 2.5GHz seems more sluggish and boot up time is slower, as is general opeartion. I did fresh installs on both systems (otherwise identically configured)

I did however notice my old system had a Turbo cache module installed and the new one doesnt (as it came with a Dell Bigpond card)

According to the manual, the turbo module fits in the WWAN slot, which is why I dont have one on the new laptop. The thing is, my old WWAN slot was free too (and I put a WWAN card in the old one to get Bigpond wireless)

Does anyone know if the cache module was onboard on the original models? Would it make a noticible diffeence in speed?

Cheers
Brad

A suggestion for a laptop bag:

www.dontpayretail.com.au...033-p-16636.html

I got this kinetic bag and while you may look like a turtle, it certainly does the job well. Keeps the rain out also and plenty of room for textbooks without crushing your laptop. Though the bag is NOT the lightest, it does fit very comfortably.

Here is a mini review. Second half of the video:
au.youtube.com/watch?v=50J0-ZzkF-k

Also... anyone installing SP1. Mine went smoothly as I downloaded the full install from:

www.microsoft.com/downlo...=en#Instructions

I had 2 PC's plus a few friends to update so I figured I'd might as well keep a copy on file.

filefiend writes...

For anyone interested I junked the free belkin bag and bought an STM Alley

www.stmbags.com.au/small...ecifications.php

The 13" model fits the XPS sleeve & PC perfectly.

Which battery do you have?

Bwad writes...

select the Bluetooth adapter (not the enumerator) properties, and turn off Power Saving for that device

Do you know, in practical terms, how that affects Bluetooth functionality?

Bwad writes...

my old system had a Turbo cache module

Cool. I have the T9300 processor, and no WWAN card. The socket is empty as far as I can tell. So I'm not sure if that implies Turbo Cache is elsewhere, or absent...

azfish writes...

Do you know, in practical terms, how that affects Bluetooth functionality?

Well I guess it just doesn't power the bluetooth down when not in use, it has a slight effect on battery apparently from what I read, but I never noticed any difference, and bluetooth worked perfectly.

Cool. I have the T9300 processor, and no WWAN card. The socket is empty as far as I can tell. So I'm not sure if that implies Turbo Cache is elsewhere, or absent...

Well I suspect it was hardwired to the older motherboards, but later it was an option for the WWAN socket. Unfortunately not an option for me as mine is in use :(

You can check in the BIOS it tells you if it is present or not.

has anyone gotten the 64GB SSD for the m1330??? what is it like? it's an extra 900 bucks though ....

laz writes...

has anyone gotten the 64GB SSD for the m1330??? what is it like? it's an extra 900 bucks though ....

Bit of a rip off IMO

laz writes...

has anyone gotten the 64GB SSD for the m1330??? what is it like? it's an extra 900 bucks though

It's about market rate for Flash memory, at $14/GB. There's just so damn much of it, with no discount :P

Even if someone here said it was 100x faster than a 7200RPM HDD, and produced 2s boot times, would that be worth $900? Doubt it. I just don't see how it could provide anywhere near that much value. And wouldn't someone who really needed the battery power go for a Lenovo X300 instead, or for shock resistance go after some sort of ToughBook? It just seems like an odd choice for an M1330.

azfish writes...

. I just don't see how it could provide anywhere near that much value.

It's not just speed, it also means there is no moving parts. Less moving parts means (at least in theory), more MTBF... less noise, as you said, less power drain...

Yes, most people do not need it, but that doesn't mean there isn't a market for it. Your stock standard consumer doesn't need 4gb of RAM in an ultra-portable either - but I'm sure you'll agree that a lot of people who browse this kind of forum would like such a thing.

Thanks for your thoughts, DWZ. I didn't mean to imply that the concept of a SSD is useless, but rather that I thought the option was out of place on this model. Of course, any option is only an option, and hooray to Dell for allowing greater flexibility. I was just looking at the practicalities from my point of view.

DWZ writes...

more MTBF

Wouldn't this be negated somewhat by the fact that Flash has a limited number of read/write cycles? Most people find that USB memory keys die after a relatively short time (presumably for this reason). I'd hope that this wouldn't be an issue in such an expensive component.

less power drain

My post was meant to convey the fact that someone who was serious about battery life (serious enough to consider this $900 upgrade) would probably want to go all-out and get the best possible (in a similar way to how more 'sports edition' Lambourghinis are sold than the standard model, for instance - even though they would still be getting a Lambourghini!). The Lenovo X300 and others like it have a second battery that can be fitted in the expansion bay, resulting in a battery life far superior even to the 9-cell M1330.

But maybe I'm just surprised that the M1330 is considered so top-of-the-line that it deserves this option.

Bwad writes...

Does anyone know if the cache module was onboard on the original models?

No, the WWAN slot is for either a Turbo Cache module, or a 3G module. Not hardwired on the motherboard in either version.

And since the SSD has only been out for a short time. I wonder what it is like one yr down the track with its limited lifespan.....

Zodie666 writes...

No, the WWAN slot is for either a Turbo Cache module, or a 3G module. Not hardwired on the motherboard in either version.

My first M1330 certainly had Turbo Cache installed (it says so in the BIOS and I can enable/disable it too with noticible results) - And I had a MC8780 WWAN card installed in the WWAN slot so it definitely was onboard or elsewhere in the original laptop I had.

i having some weird problems with this laptop, having just bought it 2 weeks ago:
1. every now and then it says that the adapter is not a dell one and it wont charge
2. other times it just restart and says its because of the USB driver
3. sometimes it says it cannot read the USB when nothing is plugged in.

Ok i'm really very happy. Almost everything is perfect now, got rid of the noise etc.

Just wanted to kow if anyone else with and led screen has thin bright patches at the top and bttom of the screen, like the lamps are too bright.

Having a problem with sound skipping. Playing MP3 on the HDD with windows media. Skips every 20sec or so.
I bought the extra Creative software (can anyone point me to where the updated drivers for this are?)
Otherwise I do have R167846.EXE installed (Sigmatel drivers from Dell website).
Vista SP1. 4GB RAM, 200GB 7200 HDD. Is this a Vista/1330/Sigmatel/ or creative issue?

lunga writes...

And could you tell me the temperature of your chipset please? cos mine is like 65deg... :(

Everything else is like 33deg. 45deg max.

Heya lunga sorry for late reply, so i just installed that i8k fan program, my temps afer a few hours of use look like this:

CPU peak 56C
GPU peak 49C
RAM peak 48C
Chipset peak 60C
HDD peak 40C

and according to this program my CPU is not clocking down at all not matter what power profile i use. (might be becuase i downgraded to Xp.

Also to note i live in tasmania, and its been cold lately so my temps might seem good compared to yours?

SA-Scooby writes...

Which battery do you have?

I have the 6 cell, I doubt the 9 would fit in the sleeve and bag.

gimbo writes...

Just wanted to kow if anyone else with and led screen has thin bright patches at the top and bttom of the screen, like the lamps are too bright.

Yeah, I get this too. I've gotten used to it since it doesn't interfere with the way I use the computer so I just ignore it now.

gimbo writes...

Just wanted to kow if anyone else with and led screen has thin bright patches at the top and bttom of the screen, like the lamps are too bright.

Don't know about the bright patches, but mine is definitely bright. I used to find it really bright even at half brightness but now I have to crank it up while it's on batteries otherwise I just can't see. The actual brightness hasn't changed, I've just gotten used to it being so bright.

Does anyone know what sore of HDD the XPS uses? I got a 160GB one with mine when I got it end of last yr, but I seem to have used most of that up. I contacted Dell and they said they only go up too 250 GB for around $183, but the new M1330's on the dell website are equiped with an optonal 320GB.

I was just wondering then, if anyone new what sort I would need and if I can put a 320 GB in, and maybe get it a bit cheaper than Dell.

I tried taking my current HHD out the other day but one of the screws just wouldn't come out no matter how many screwdrivers I tried :(

shnicky writes...

Does anyone know what sore of HDD the XPS uses?

SATA 2.5", you can grab a MAXTOR 320gb SATA 2.5" from MSY for $199 www.msy.com.au

I tried taking my current HHD out the other day but one of the screws just wouldn't come out no matter how many screwdrivers I tried :(

Not good, I hope you didn't strip them. You may want to go to a comp store (or friend) that'll do it for you and maybe get some new screws so dell dont think you've mashed up your device.

filefiend writes...

I have the 6 cell, I doubt the 9 would fit in the sleeve and bag.

Pretty sure it does.

Does anyone know, speaking of screws, if Dell send one of their lacky's out to put the new HHD in, or if they just sent it and and DIY?

Colonel Liver writes...

Pretty sure it does.

Assuming that you are talking about the sleeve it comes in and the belkin messenger/sling bag then yes, yes it does

just wanted people to know that from around february, dell started using different panels in these laptops, and the colour got even more shocking than before...

redmarine writes...

just wanted people to know that from around february, dell started using different panels in these laptops, and the colour got even more shocking than before...

Can you give us the details and source?

dingaling writes...

and according to this program my CPU is not clocking down at all not matter what power profile i use. (might be becuase i downgraded to Xp.

I had that issue. Scared the crap out of me.
But change it to take the measurement from windows (in i8kfan). It goes good for ya ;)

No, these temps are quite like mine. Thanks a lot :)
actually with the Artic Cooling MX2 my CPU temp never goes above 45C thats after doing 4hrs of solid video conversion (Using my T9300 CPU).

I'm also on the 9cell battery but not sure if that makes a diff because it has a better airflow and allows the heat pipes to work more efficiently (due to the elevation in the back end).

Cling Wrap writes...

Can you give us the details and source?
redmarine writes... just wanted people to know that from around february, dell started using different panels in these laptops, and the colour got even more shocking than before...

Can you give us the details and source?

details and source is myself, i compare them myself and the colours are totally different. with the "good" one, the colours are already quite bad compared to an 8bit panel, and then add faded/grey shades in what would normally be nice and "contrasty" colours, and you have the "new" and "improved" dell

redmarine writes...

details and source is myself, i compare them myself and the colours are totally different. with the "good" one, the colours are already quite bad compared to an 8bit panel, and then add faded/grey shades in what would normally be nice and "contrasty" colours, and you have the "new" and "improved" dell

And that's definitely on all new panels?

I don't see any of this scare propaganda about bad screens on my new M1330 with WLED screen... The backlighting is even, with no edge bleeding, and the colours to my eyes look fantastic. I don't see how anyone looking at the screen in front of me could be disappointed.

azfish writes...

I don't see any of this scare propaganda about bad screens on my new M1330 with WLED screen... The backlighting is even, with no edge bleeding, and the colours to my eyes look fantastic. I don't see how anyone looking at the screen in front of me could be disappointed.

Yours perhaps is ok, however I have two M1330 (mine + wife's) and both have edge bleeding. I can also confirm that Dell uses two different panels for the LCD. I have had mine replaced twice (first row of dead pixels due to dell tech stuffing it up, 2nd panel was very grainy third) the third panel was a different brand than the first two and much better (Samsung IIRC)

So propaganda - I don't think so - just different experiences.
BTW I love my M1330 and would still recommend it to anyone.

azfish writes...

The backlighting is even, with no edge bleeding, and the colours to my eyes look fantastic. I don't see how anyone looking at the screen in front of me could be disappointed.

There are definitely quality control issues with the panels, by far the best bet is to get a Toshiba panel. There is another type made by Chi Mei Optoelectronics which is the one people complain about being grainy or having thin lines across it. I went through five screens before seeing other people with the same problem online then requesting a Toshiba panel which they did no questions asked.

I have three M1330's here at the moment, all Toshiba screens (including the latest Penryn one only a couple of weeks old) - all three have different colour temperatures and brightness but the picture quality is top notch other than that. And never seen a dead pixels on the ten or so screens I've had.

Sye writes...

Pretty sure it does.

Assuming that you are talking about the sleeve it comes in and the belkin messenger/sling bag then yes, yes it does

No - the STM Alley 13"

With the 6 cell mine fits in the xps sleeve, the xps sleeve then fits (very snug) into the STM bag

Guys, whats the 6-cell battery life like?

My gf wants to get one.

Any other issues with it? I love it, and i want one haha

Hi
I just order my M1330 and was wondering how you tell which brand screen you get?? Also how long do they normally take to be delivered?
Thanks
Phil

I just set up one of these for my boss' wife. Beautiful machine. Mine should arrive on Wednesday. Still contemplating whether or not to run Vista x64. I'd love access to that last bit of my 4GB memory to help my virtual machines I'll be using. Ah, decisions, decisions.

filefiend writes...

No - the STM Alley 13"

With the 6 cell mine fits in the xps sleeve, the xps sleeve then fits (very snug) into the STM bag

Ah. My mistake, sorry

Got my lappy today, awesome.

Got a question for other owners
When I was looking under the laptop there is an unusual bump, right next to the windows sticker.

Is this normal? the plastic compartments are not flush with each other...

Thanks in advanced!

Gorg writes...

When I was looking under the laptop there is an unusual bump, right next to the windows sticker.

Hey there,

There is two notches on either corner of the windows CoA sticker. But there shouldn't be. its a cover. Take the cover off and see what's on the back something may have not been screwed in right.

remember to take out the battery first ;)

the plastic compartments are not flush with each other...

Which ones?

lunga writes...

There is two notches on either corner of the windows CoA sticker. But there shouldn't be. its a cover. Take the cover off and see what's on the back something may have not been screwed in right.

It not little. Approximately 5cm by 5cm.
If I unscrew the screws on the back and have a peek inside will this void my warranty?

Which ones?

The plastic panel with the windows sticker has a bump.
I mean the separate panels (there are two unscrewable panels) they are not flush due to the bump.
Initial I pushed the panel down and the plastics clicked in with each other. Like the kindersurprise toys you get that click to assemble.

Hey i had the same problem, laptop wouldnt sit flat, looekd underneath and there is a big bulge! the plastic panel clearly not put on properly!

unscrewed and removed the panel, and put it back on properly! now its fine and perfect fit.

dingaling writes...

Hey i had the same problem, laptop wouldnt sit flat, looekd underneath and there is a big bulge! the plastic panel clearly not put on properly!

unscrewed and removed the panel, and put it back on properly! now its fine and perfect fit.

I'll give this a go when I get home...
Just wondering how hot should these laptops get?
When it's on my lap just using firefox seems really warm.

I had a similar problem, when i removed the bottom panel, the wires attatched to the cmos battery were not tucked in correctly. I re-arranged and moved them so the cover could shut correctly. The laptop would then sit flush.

Got mine today. Transferring everything over from my old hideous Latitude D510 now.

Bintang writes...

I had a similar problem, when i removed the bottom panel... The laptop would then sit flush.

Doesnt work for me, with the 9 cell there are just the front and back legs touching the ground.

Just got my order confirmed!

T9300
4gb RAM
200gb 7200rpm
8400GS
WLED display

for $1563!

I hope I got mine soon......can't wait

laz writes...

Just got my order confirmed!

T9300
4gb RAM
200gb 7200rpm
8400GS
WLED display

for $1563!

I hope I got mine soon......can't wait

howd you manage that ?

checking dell outlet every 15 mins for the last 3-4 weeks....i have no life...lol

i actually saw one with tat spec 3 weeks ago, but when i rang, that one was sold literally to the customer before me.

Then i saw another one 1 week ago, and the idiot receptionist keep on saying all the lines are busy and asked me to leave a msg and they will call me back...of course they didn't and by the time i got through, it was sold

So third time lucky =)

Hey guys been looking at getting myself one of the xps M1330 for a while now and thought I would ask you guys few quick questions. The laptop will be primary used on the go and for uni (4 years of using the library computers, and I'm finally over it ). So long battery life and portability is a must. This is what I put together....

Dell XPS M1330 Specifications

• Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology - Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7250 (2.0GHz/ 800 FSB/ 2MB Cache)
• 4GB 667MHz dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM 2
• 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
• Tuxedo Black Slim & Light WLED 13.3" UltraSharp Widescreen WXGA (1280x800) Display with TrueLife(0.3MP webcam)
• 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS
• 9-cell 85Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Plus all the usual extras and additions

System Total : AUD 2,088.90

So from what I have been reading is the WLED screen is a mixed bag. Is it worth getting over the normal screen? Also I haven't really used vista yet so I don't know if 4gb Ram is overkill and if the processor will handle it fine Additionally is the 9 cell battery worth it. I know it will lift up the laptop a little and weigh more but is there any other negatives that I don't know.

Other than that I am really eager in purchasing one within the next week. Just hoping I can get onto a rep and get a good deal.

Laz thats pretty good. I got pretty much that config with 3 year premium cover for 2050...

i should have looked harder.

This is not a 'I'm buying what do you think' thread!

Please stay on topic

pzr writes...

Also I haven't really used vista yet so I don't know if 4gb Ram is overkill
I have 4GB in my work 1330 and Vista sees 3070MB of it...
Runs a dream I love this lappy.

Sure vista doesn't use all 4GB of RAM, but if you only get 3 gig, it is 1x2 and 1x1, which won't run dual channel. So you really want either 2 or 4GB.

Shrek4 writes...

This is not a 'I'm buying what do you think' thread!

Please stay on topic

Well sorry, I just didn't want to start up another threat like the other thousand out there. Logically you would think the (Owners of Dell XPS M1330) thread would be where you could make all your enquiries. I guess I was wrong.

Shrek4 writes...

This is not a 'I'm buying what do you think' thread!

Please stay on topic

pzr writes...

Well sorry, I just didn't want to start up another threat like the other thousand out there. Logically you would think the (Owners of Dell XPS M1330) thread would be where you could make all your enquiries. I guess I was wrong.

pzr, No I Don't think you are wrong. I used this thread before I bought one. Starting another thread may work for a while, but I think it would still migrate back to this one.

Shrek4, Perhaps you should start a thread called "Thinking of Buying a Dell XPS M1330". Point people to it when they post here. It may just take off.

bazbrian writes...

Perhaps you should start a thread called "Thinking of Buying a Dell XPS M1330". Point people to it when they post here. It may just take off.

I'm not the one with the questions....

Here /forum-replies.cfm?t=955710#r1
Somewhere to post all those questions before you become an official fully fledged owner of the DELL XPS M1330 laptop. Hopefully this will alow this thread to remain on topic.

Bintang writes...

I had a similar problem, when i removed the bottom panel, the wires attatched to the cmos battery were not tucked in correctly. I re-arranged and moved them so the cover could shut correctly. The laptop would then sit flush.

Finally had a chance to try fix this.
Exactly the same problem with me.

Opened it up and moved the wires around now sits flush.

As for the people who post about 'thinking of getting the XPS1330' then the people who flame people about posting 'thinking of getting the XPS 1330' posts, does it really matter?

The title of this thread should be changed to "Discussion XPS M1330" or something of the equivalent...

Awesome laptop.

Can anyone compare one of these against a macbook from personal experience? How does it beat the macbook?

I have only used a dell 1420 and macbook, and would buy the macbook, so what's in the xps to win over the mac?

AusScare writes...

so what's in the xps to win over the mac?

The main advantage of the M1330 over the Macbook is that it's ~500g lighter.

AusScare writes...

Can anyone compare one of these against a macbook from personal experience? How does it beat the macbook?

and LED screen, discrete graphics, it rips the macbook

pzr writes...

Additionally is the 9 cell battery worth it. I know it will lift up the laptop a little and weigh more but is there any other negatives that I don't know.

It puts extra stress on the 15cm or so that is embedded in the back, my battery moves around ~5mm. It is a nice angle to type on though.

Hey is this grill thing normal? It's not really noticeable, just kinda annoys me.
img261.imageshack.us/my....ledteeth2ob7.jpg

AusScare writes...

Can anyone compare one of these against a macbook from personal experience? How does it beat the macbook?

The m1330 is a very sleek machine, I think probably more sleek than a standard macbook (besides the dell logo on the lid). And it has extra power + it's lighter and thinner.

gimbo writes...

Hey is this grill thing normal? It's not really noticeable, just kinda annoys me.

I am not sure what you're actually trying to point out, maybe circle it?

...It's probably fine then. Thanks.

gimbo writes...

Hey is this grill thing normal? It's not really noticeable, just kinda annoys me.

That Grill thing is your web cam, mic (on both sides of camera) and cam idicator light!

Anyone else noticed the plastic strip on the bottom of the LCD is not attached to anything? maybe its just mine. Large gap in mine seems like it should be adhesed to something but its not.

I was pretty shocked at just how frail and bendable it is. If you press the plastic where the dell logo is (with screen up looking at it normally)

Must just be me then :P

I have this issue too.

dingaling writes...

Anyone else noticed the plastic strip on the bottom of the LCD is not attached to anything? maybe its just mine. Large gap in mine seems like it should be adhesed to something but its not.

The reason for this is that there are only clips on the bottom part of the cover, there is nothing on the top attaching the cover to the LCD. Nothing you can do, if you are really fussed about it then ring up and get them to change it. I will be doing that soon because after I got my screen changed it became really loose and not flush.

just recieved mine yesterday, reformatted with xp (work environment), thought it was interesting to note that the defualt settings in my BIOS were: SATA set to AHCI not ATA (from my research most users had to chagne this prior to 'downgrading to XP) and Flash cache module set to enabled, apparently to change to ATA Flash cache needs to be disabled.

can anyone enlighten me as to what the difference between ATA and AHCI is

and what the Flash cache module actually does?

cheers,
Cal

From my understanding that flash cache module is only useful for when running vista, but my xp installation feels snappier and quicker even tho its not using the flash module compared to when i was running vista.

I just got mine and have this issue too.

I also have a small issue with the small silver piece of plastic on the left hand side of the XPS logo and the Escape Key

its pretty loose.. the other side is fine. But its just annoying i paid this much for a laptop and they have quality control issues such as this.

Is it too small to complain about? maybe.. but its still annoying.

Hey guys,

I have a 320GB HDD in my M1330...
Sometimes it clicks... have any of you guys been getting it?

and by clicking, its not just powering up and down... it really clicks like the servo motor of the read write head is doing something really wrong....

Thanks!

what screen protectors are you guys using?

My M1330 is being delivered tonight and I have a question.

If I just uninstall the bloatware, will this increase performance or would I be better off formatting?

Format and just avoid reinstalling the dell software.

Also get rid of the recovery partition as it's useless and a proper format is easier and better imo.

As for the 320gb hdd clicking i've got that too, i get skips in some videos from time to time, i think it's just the platters moving about or something... chances are it'll prob get annoying soon so i'll call up and get them to replace it. Hopefully I can replace with a 200gb 7200rpm drive.,..