Dell pitches XPS laptops at the mainstream
Now with 13.3in screen, now no longer just for gamers
Dell's anticipated 13.3in laptop did make an appearance yesterday - it was launched alongside the PC maker's new, coloured Inspiron notebooks under Dell's XPS gamer-oriented brand.
Dell's XPS M1330: wireless wonder?
Dubbed the M1330, the Core 2 Duo powered machine is offered with a choice of Intel's own integrated X3100 graphics core, or Nvidia's GeForce 8400M GS. Whichever GPU you choose, it drives the M1330's LED-backlit 1280 x 800 widescreen display. There's an HDMI port too.
The M1330's optical drive is a slot-loader, and the laptop also comes with remote control for media playback - the remote neatly docks into the machine's ExpressCard slot. The system also incorporates an eight-in-one memory card reader, a dual-microphone - for better noise cancellation, don't you know - and a webcam.
Dell's XPS M1330: under a blood red lid
Buyers can select either 802.11b/g, 802.11b/g or 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity, and Dell is also offering an optional EvDO high-speed cellular module for the machine. Bluetooth is part of the standard package too.
Dell's M1330: I'm dreaming of a white XPS...
Like the new Inspirons, the M1330 comes with a coloured lid: choose from black, white or red. US prices start at $1299. In the UK, prices kick off at £699.
COMMENTS
Not much of a choice?
Buyers can select either 802.11b/g, 802.11b/g or 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi......
RE: HDMI - but no Blu Ray
Ports on a MOBO are hard to change but an optical drive is something usually plug and play for makers. That means dell is probably setting this laptop up to last a year or two and just offer whichever format seems to be winning.
Slot loader
"The M1330's optical drive is a slot-loader"
It's about *&@#ing time! I would really love to know why slot loading optical devices have been installed soley in Apple laptops for so long. For a laptop, they are such a superior design.
HDMI - but no Blu Ray
With no Blu Ray (or even HD DVD), is there any point in HDMI unless downloading HD content becomes viable (i.e. the UK upgrades its infrastructure and ISPs offer better tariffs)...
