The Dell XPS M1530

First Things First, Setting Up Your Dell XPS M1530

2009-01-14T16:40:00.003+08:00

After unboxing and connecting your new XPS, you'll need to make sure you have it setup so that it's protected from viruses and other forms of spyware/malware.

If you bought the laptop off the Dell website, you would have had the option to upgrade the laptop so that it comes with Norton Antivirus and other forms of virus/malware scans. The one draw back is that this upgrade can be quite costly.

A free option that can be considered is the free version of AVG, which for home use covers mostly all the needs you may require. Paid options include McAfee and Norton Antivirus, the main big players in the antivirus software market. Although they can set you back quite a bit as there are monthly/yearly costs involved with using this software.

For adware/malware threats, the most well know has to be AdAware, which also has a free version on their website, although those using their Dell XPSM1530 for business purposes might consider the paid upgrade. Also, Norton or McAfee might have their own versions bundled together with their antivirus, so you should check those first.

Remember to protect yourself, or all your precious memories/business documents on your Dell XPSM1530 could all disappear in a flash.

My New Dell XPS M1530

2009-01-09T14:47:00.005+08:00

After a long wait, I finally got my hands on a Dell XPS M1530, which I bought from one of their showrooms in a nearby shopping mall. I thought I would be able to get a better price since I was purchasing it at one of their showrooms, but to my irritation, they wouldn't even give me a free laptop bag.

And what's more is that when you 'purchase' the Dell XPS at the showroom, they make you use the Dell website to do it. I could have done that from home!

It actually cost me MORE to buy it from them since I paid for parking and petrol and toll to get there.

Moving on, the laptop was promptly delivered to my house within a week and I've unboxed it and set it up in my home office (aka 'room'). Have a look at it below:

I run a dual monitor setup as I really do find that it increases productivity and is just plain geeky/techy which I just couldn't resist. Once you connect the monitor to the laptop, it will detect it immediately and ask if you want to extend your desktop or duplicate it on the second monitor.

You can also configure different screen resolutions for the laptop and the second monitor.

I've installed a program called MultiMon to put a second task bar on the other monitor. It's free too.

I also use a relatively cheap Microsoft wireless mouse and I usually listen to my music using my senheisser HD201 headphones because the speakers on the laptop are really soft and not very powerful.

The laptop allows you to connect two headphones at the same time for couple movie watching and although it allows for an external microphone, you don't really need (unless you want to record music) it because the laptop has a built in microphone and web camera as well.

I have this laptop stand from an old laptop which used to run really hot, but it does help with keeping the XPS cool as well, because with extended use, you can feel the metal on the top of the keyboard begin to heat up.

I'll post about the features and some of the functionality on a later post.

Take care!

Dell XPS M1530 Video Review

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Dell XPS M1530 Video Preview

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[Part 1]

[Part 2]

The Dell XPS M1530

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Beautifully Balanced
Performance, sleek design, and a rich feature-set, yet in a stylish yet portable 15.4" laptop. The Dell XPS M1530 is a multimedia and computing powerhouse with looks to kill and power to boot.

Core 2 Duo Powered
The core 2 duo processor from Intel has been designed specifically for one thing in mind: processor intensive multimedia, applications and even gaming. It has been built to drive your PC experience to an all new level of digital entertainment.

Windows Vista Productivity

Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows Vista, allows you to take control of your entire PC while enhancing organization, search functions, networking yet still providing a great media experience through it's new built-in Media Center.

Touch Sensitivity Access
The Dell MediaDirect function gives you instant one-touch access to movies, music and photos. Even Microsoft Office functions can be accessed instantly, without needing to boot up your PC. The touch sensitive buttons take you where you want, instantly.

Enhanced Security
The XPSM1530 biometric fingerprint scanner ensures that you will never forget a password again! Just swipe your finger over the built in scanner and you're automatically logged in to your PC. Using different fingers allows you to open up different programs.

Video Chat
The built in 2.0 Megapixel camera lets you chat with friends and family over the Internet, anytime anywhere and without having to carry around an external camera all over the place. Your face and voice will always be crystal-clear, no matter where you are in the world.

Out Of This World Graphics
With the power of the Nvidia Gefore chip, you have the power to do graphic design and play demanding computer games. Never be limited to 'MS Paint' and 'Minesweeper' on your travels ever again!

So what are you waiting for? Get a Dell XPS M1530 today.

[Images: Dell]