Got my new laptop today

[Ford Freak]

I'm creating a seperate topic for my new laptop so the other topic will stay on topic. Here are the specs again.

Dell XPS M1530
C2D T9300 (800Mhz FSB 2.5Ghz 6MB cache)
3GB dual channel 667Mhz DDR2
1680x1050 15.4" display with built-in webcam...
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
250GB 5400RPM hard drive
Vista Home Premium
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
slot-load CD/DVD RW
Intel next-gen wireless N
Trend Micro Internet Security 15-months
6 and 9 cell Lithium Ion battery
2Yr In-Home Service, Parts Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
Verizon built-in cellular mobile broadband (EVDO Rev A) (I had no choice to get rid of this. I just hope I don't get contacted about signing up for the service)
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)

The price was $1681 after the $699 discount.


It seems like a nice laptop so far. It scores a 5.0 for the windows experience index. That isn't too bad for a laptop. There are only 2 things I don't like so far. There wasn't an option for a 1920x1280 screen and there wasn't a non-glossy screen.

I had no problems connecting too my wireless network. It asked for my password and connected right away.

I can't comment of battery life yet. I am going to discharge both of them. I'll let them fully charge for so many hours then do a test running a movie plus other stuff until they get to 5 minutes remaining. I'll charge them again and see how long they last with the system at idle.

I might leave Vista Home Premium on here. I'll probably do a clean install with the OEM Home Premium install disk that I have though. There is so much crap installed on here.

[CK8-04]

Why 3GB of RAM? You lose dual channel that way.

[Ford Freak]

Are you sure about that? It has 2 dimms.

[Rickwell]

Looks like a nice little machine there.I can say little because I own the XPS 2010 and it's huge.But how did they do the ram at 3 gigs?Did they put in a 1gig and a 2gig stick?Or is it 4 gigs and windows only sees 3 gigs?Anyway I think you'll enjoy it.

[SRTDodge05]

Dell offers 3GB dual channel with a 2gb and a 1gb stick. They also offer a 4GB option.

[CK8-04]

As far as I know, dual channel only works with 2 modules of the same capacity and speed grade. I suggest you download CPU-Z from CPUID and check to see if dual channel is, in fact, enabled.

[CK8-04]

There is no such thing as 1.5GB modules since 1536MB is not a power of 2. Modules of that capacity would be needed for dual channel with 3GB. (where's the edit button?)

[SRTDodge05]

Mite be something new with the intel chipset boards.

[Sir Skully]

Congrats FF................

[CK8-04]

Originally Posted by SRTDodge05

Mite be something new with the intel chipset boards.

According to the notebookreview.com forums, the Santa Rosa platform contains a feature called Flex Memory Technology where if 2 different sized modules are installed, the chipset will run the memory in 'partial' dual channel mode. In Ford Freak's case, his laptop has a 1GB module and a 2GB module. The chipset will take the 1GB module and run it in dual channel with the lower 1GB of the 2GB module. The upper 1GB of the 2GB module would be run in single channel.

I couldn't find any official documentation on the technology existing in the Santa Rosa platform or the PM965 chipset, but if anybody does, please post a link. Thanks.

[Ford Freak]

Here is a CPU-Z screenshot and the validation link.

CPU-Z Validator 2.1

[pcmanabc]

That's quite a nice laptop..

[rachael24]

Awesome laptop...I may have to get one of these soon

[spookyload]

I did the clean install on my HP to get rid of the HP sludge they install. Much nicer now.

[Gorganzola]

Congrats on the new shiny notebook. They are quite nice. I've had my hands on the M1330 and M1530 and wanted to keep them both, lol. Enjoy bud,

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

I'm creating a seperate topic for my new laptop so the other topic will stay on topic. Here are the specs again.