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Dell XPS 1210 Review - Core2Duo

post #1 of 11
Thread Starter 
Specs
2.33GHz Core 2 Duo
2GB RAM
120GB HD
Nvidia256 GeForce 7400 Go
Sound Blaster Audigy
8X DVD/CD Burner

Let me start by saying that this is a major upgrade from my old laptop. Until I got the 1210, I was using a Sony Vaio R505 (PIII 750MHz w/384MB RAM). As expected, the 1210 is absolutely amazing in comparison.


Benchmarks
These results were after a clean install. The only tweaking done was to "Disable On-Access Scan" (McAfee).

Super PI to 2M --> 53 seconds

3DMark05
2083 3DMarks

3DMark06
838 3DMarks
SM2.0 Score:305
HDR/SM3.0 Score:279
CPU Score:2017

Size/Weight
These pictures show 1210 comparison to R505 Vaio and a standard 8.5x11in sheet of paper.

Attachment 12018

Attachment 12019

Attachment 12020

While not a very large laptop, it's rather dense yielding a weight of ~4.5lbs.

LCD
The LCD is beautiful. I recieved the AUO3214. And yes, for those keeping track, I ordered the AV package as well. Anyway, I wasn't sure whether or not I would like the high gloss display since this would be my first such display. The verdict is a definite thumbs up. Glare isn't much of a problem for me since I rarely use my laptop outside. I'm not sure why the concern about viewing angle considering one usually sits directly in front of the computer. For those interested, it's not great. I'd say anything past 45 degrees is crap. Up to 45 degrees is okay at best. Really, do yourself a favor and sit directly in front of the computer.

Keyboard
The keyboard is indeed full-size which is great. I initially disliked the feel of the keys. I'm not sure if it was the paint/finish or the tactile response. I think it was just a matter of adjusting to something new. I still think the keys feel a bit funny in terms of paint/finish. As for the tactile response, it's a non-issue now. Lastly, I have no keyboard flex.

Wireless
I went with the Intel PRO Wireless. It's worked great for me connecting to both 802.11b/g networks w/out issue.

Bluetooth
I haven't given this the test drive yet.

Battery
I have the standard 6 cell battery. I usually get around 3hrs w/general (email, web, etc...) usage. I've come close to 4hrs while working offline (no wireless).

Camera
It's a cheap 1.3 MP web cam. Enough said.
p.s. Don't forget to take the protective plastic strip off before you complain about REALLY noisy/bad pictures ;-)

Gaming
I have been way too busy w/work and life. I haven't had a chance to install and/or play any games. I hope to change this in the next week. Until then, there are plenty of others who have given it a go on the 1210 w/positive results. Search the forums.

Misc
It's extremely quiet. The fans are barely noticeable in a quiet room
The exterior is subject to finger prints

If I've missed anything, let me know...
LL
LL
LL
LL
post #2 of 11
Thanks for the review.

Would it be possible to post a full-sized screen shot, so I can get a feel for how large the screen is and how small the fonts are,compared to the monitor I am currently using?

What is the sound like? I'm more interested in volume, than sound quality.

Thanks in advance.
post #3 of 11
Just wondering, because I'm also looking at that same laptop, how much did that cost?
post #4 of 11
Thread Starter 

ScreenCapture and Sound

WJF...

Here is the screen capture you asked for...

Attachment 12046

As for the sound...

It's not the loudest laptop I've heard. The volume thru the speakers isn't anything special. I'd say it's within expectations for a laptop. However, with quality earphones, I definitely can't turn the volume up all the way. As for the sound quality, it's surprisingly excellent. I have no noticeable distortion whatsoever. Something that I'm very pleased to note is that when no sound is being played, it is absolutely silent. There is no hiss or hum with or w/out earphones.

Disclaimer: I'm not an audiophile nor do I play one on tv. On that note, I'm not tone deaf or otherwise hearing impaired either.
LL
post #5 of 11
Yea I felt weird using the keyboard at first. Now I got used to it. My M1210 has a bit of keyboard flex but it doesn't bother me at all. As long as the keys register, it's fine. Who cares? It's thin plastic overall. Plastic bends. Period.

dL
post #6 of 11
Thread Starter 
Even though I've gotten used to it, I still can't put my finger on exactly what it is that makes the keyboard an issue for me.

I use a Latitude D610 daily for work. Even after a week of not touching the D610 and only using my m1210, I still preferred the D610 keyboard when I came back from vacation.

Everyone...Don't get me wrong. The m1210 keyboard is fine. I have no real complaints. It's just different and I don't know why...
post #7 of 11
The m1210 keys feel lighter than other notebook keyboards...
post #8 of 11
Houston we have a problem!
post #9 of 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpack View Post
Houston we have a problem!

No kidding. Where are the mods? I have one of these.
post #10 of 11
Done and taken care of!
post #11 of 11
cleaned and lol @ spam
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