Dell XPS M1530 Review

When i first purchased the XPS m1530 I was a little skepitcal due to the fact that it seemed so powerful and it was only listed at $1000.  However i went ahead and ordered it, plus an additional $800 in upgrades like the blu ray player, upgraded monitor, video and sound card, and ram upgrade.  Out of the box this computer is ready to handle almost anything you can throw at it.  From the first time I turned it on I knew that it was exactly what I was looking for in a laptop and so much else.  Fast startup, didnt crash with multiple things going on, The upgraded speakers and video card really made a difference when watching blu rays compared to what i have heard from others who bought the blu ray drive without the additional upgrades.  Although it is a minor thing, and I had already learned this, but the fingerprint reader has never worked the level i would expect for the money that i paid.  The widescreen addition is also something that is a nice add on and something i found is worth the money.  It was the first time i had used a widescreen monitor and although at 15.6 inches it doesnt sound like a lot it is still quite an adjustment compared to the standard screens.  One thing that i really like as well is the HDMI output, although it does not show when you are playing a blu ray, whenever you plug it into an hi def tv you are guaranteed to have superior sound and video.  The computer is very light and runs very quiet.  Like all computers you can tell when the fan kicks in however the sound is very quiet even when doing multiple things and the fan starts going at full steam.  One of the upgrades i purchased was a longer lasting, larger battery.  It does add about one half an inch to the bottom back of the unit which i have read some do not like.  I however like the additional height and angle that the computer now sits at on my desk.  It makes the keyboard more wrist friendly and also can act as a device cooler because the angle and the added height enables the hot air to flow out from the bottom easier and helps to keep the device cool and the fan off as long as possible.  The screen is very powerful.  I purchased the LED upgrade due to the fact that i purchased the blu ray and i think it has more than paid for itself.  when i watch my blu ray movies on the laptop each color really pops out at you and you feel like you are watching the movie on a big screen tv not just a laptop.  The screen is also very bight but due to it's LED it does not use that much energy which helps your battery to last longer.  I have had mine for almost a year and even though i have seen a down fall in the life of the battery it still goes for about 3-4 hours of continuous use on one charge.  however when you are watching a movie it lasts about 2 hours so if you are watching a long move there is a good chance you will not get to finish watchig it.  the keyboard is very sleek and good looking, however it also brings a high level of production and ease of use.  the buttons lay lower than the older, standard keyboard which enables you to move your fingers faster and not have to raise them as high which puts less strain on your wrists.  although the laptop is powerful, widescreen, and has a larger battery it still is surprisingly thing, i carry it around in my backpack and with no problem it fits in the little laptop holder and takes minimal extra room.  the look of the device is very eye catching, the black backing with the silver stripes on top gives it a look of elegance and power and also a sleek stealthy feature.  I upgraded form an inspiron 2200 which was about 4 years old at the time and in desperate need of an upgrade.  i felt like i had lost so many years of computer technology, however with this new laptop i feel like i am on the brim of computer technology even after having it for a year.  This laptop can do everything you need it to and more.  of course when you first get it it is loaded down with demos and extra software that no one needs, however they made it very easy to remove all that and get the computer to where you want it.  all in all i am very satisfied with my purchase.  with out a doube i would instantly buy the same one again knowing what i know now.  However with all the upgrades and advances I am sure that they offer something better and for less, but i am very happy with my purchase and everywhere i go i get compliments not only on its appearance but, once they see what it can do, people compliment it on it's power and performance and just the whole package.