The XPS 1530 is a powerful laptop, but has some slight issues.  Overall I think that it is a great value (esp if bought refurbished or on sale).

Specs as tested

• Intel T9300 2.6ghz with 6MB cache
• 4 GB DDR2 RAM
• 250GB 5400RPM HD
• 256MB NIVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
• 15.4in WUXGA screen
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Cost Refurbished: $1179

 

Overall Performance

I have been extremely pleased with the performance of this laptop.  Even when running multiple instances of Visual Studio (with Resharper), Outlook, Firefox, SQL Server, Reflector, and iTunes it is quick and there are few "slow" spots.  I have optimized the installation of vista as much as possible (no Aero, few startup programs) and am using a fast SDHC MMC card as a ReadyBoost drive – I am sure these help.

 

Screen

The brightness and resolution (1920×1200) are wonderful and combine with WinSplit Revolution make for a very productive experience.  The screen is glossy, which I don’t prefer – it seems to be quite susceptible to glare.

 

SIze, Weight, and Feel

The size and weight are great especially considering the size and resolution of the screen.  A lighter than my work provided Gateway 465 and it feels more solid too.  However… this is where my complaints start… the keyboard is just mediocre, it doesn’t feel as good as dell’s that I have had in the past and isn’t as good as my most recent gateway, either.  The touchpad is of poor quality, and I have had intermittent issues with it locking up. 

 

Other

Heat is an issue with this laptop – its main cooling vent is particularly prone to becoming blocked when the laptop is put on anything that isn’t perfectly flat and hard.  Even when the vent is not obstructed the laptop seems to run hotter than it should.  Noise level is great – the laptop is almost silent all the time.  The fingerprint reader is nice and I like the slot loading DVD drive.

 

Conclusion

I would buy it again, the heat isn’t a real problem, just something that I have to be aware of.  I don’t use the touchpad that much (I’m all about the trackball) so that isn’t a deal-breaker either.

Pros: performance, screen resolution and brightness, weight, price

Cons: heat, keyboard, touchpad, glossy screen

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