Tech Toys: Review of Dell 1530 XPS

2007 December 26

by Michael H. Berkens

I have been in the market for a new laptop for a couples of months.

17″ notebooks are just to heavy and big to carry around, and the 11″-13″ although light and compact, are just to small for these old eyes.

So I’ve been on the look out for a cool 15″ model to replace my Sony 15″

I’ve been hooked on Sony’s for quite abut I hate the look of their “FZ” model which is their 15″ version.

I saw a commercial in late November for the Dell XPS 1530 which had just been released.

I got mine the other day which I believe is one of the first one’s shipped.

I’ve had it for 4 days and I am very impressed.

Loaded with a 2.6 Centrino duo chip and 4 gigs of RAM, and a 200 gig hard drive, the machine is lighting quick

The Dell has a striking design.

You can have your wireless phone card built in from either Verizon or Sprint.

I’ve had a Verizon card for a couple of years, but now instead of making sure I have it with me at all times, i can just click and go.

Also not having the card sticking out of the machine is very nice. Saves power as well.

The Dell also comes with a fingerprint reader (actually works) for extra security and a one year subscription to LoJack.

My six volt battery works for almost 3 hours which is an hour longer than my Sony. Got an extra 6 volt batter so I’m basically good to go for 6 hours.

The computer is pretty light in the 5-6 pound range. Easy to carry.

Keyboard and mouse have a nice feel to them.

The base of the computer around the keyword is actually brushed metal. First time I have ever seen this. Looks very cool. Reminds me of the new Porsche cell phone coming out this year.

All and All a very impressive machine.

4 Responses leave one →

2008 August 25

Mike Wilkerson - 2GuysTalking permalink

So – after more than half a year of performance, what are your thoughts at this point? I ordered mind earlier this month, and it arrives TOMORROW With the back-to-school deals they were cutting I simply cannot wait to see what this machine has to offer me.

I look forward to your response and input and thanks for the initial review.

Cheers!
2008 August 25

MHB permalink

Mike

I have only had the computer since end of December.

I have had to do a clean windows intall 4 times since I have owned the computer.

I had to replace the hard drive a few weeks ago.

Other than that the computer when working is very fast.
2009 January 12

MHB permalink

UPDATE

So after one year, as I said before the third hard drive is in for 2 months no and no problems so far, up to August and the installation of the third hard drive and a new fan, the computer has been a nightmare.

If I were you I would check out the new laptops that Sony has if your staying with a PC or head over to the Apple Store and make the switch.