XPS M1330 vs. SXS37 vs. D630

[dylanemcgregor]

So I posted a FAQ here, but by loosening my requirement for a dock I've narrowed my selection down to 3 choices I think. My top choice right now is the SXS37 configured below, but both the M1330 and the D630 are tempting for different reasons.

SXS37
- T7300 2.0GHz 4MB L2 800MHZ FSB (Optional 4MB L2)
- 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 Memory (4GB Max)
- Cinematic 13.3" UVA WXGA TFT(1280 x 800) Widescreen Display
- 240° Rotating Web Camera w/dual array mics
- Nvidia GeForce 8400M G 256MB VRAM
- 120GB SATA 5400RPM Shock Mounted Hard Drive
- Intel® Turbo Memory
- Super Multi Dual Layer DVD±RW Optical Drive
- 3 USB 2.0 Ports, IEEE 1394 FireWire & e-SATA Ports
- Integrated Card Reader & Express Card Slot
- 56K V.92 Global Universal PPT Modem
- 10/100/1000 Gigabit LAN
- Integrated Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (PAN)
- Intel Next Generation N 802.11a+b/g/n Wireless LAN
- Built-in Biometric Fingerprint Scanner w/TPM
- Carbon Fiber Alloy Encasing
- High-Xchange efficiency copper molding heat sink with heat pipes and Arctic Silver 5 for excellent heat dissipation
- Inspice Trace & Recovery Theft & Data protection
- Windows Ultimate
- 12.6"(W) x 9.25"(D) x 1~1.35"(H);only 4.3lbs w/ 6-cell battery
$1848 w/3 year warranty and additional 9 cell battery


D630
Configured pretty much the same, but with a integrated graphics card, 120GB HHD, and 3 year accidental damage. Plus a port replicator and a notebook stand for $1926.

M1330
Adds the LED-backlit screen, integrated graphics, 120GB 5400 HD, and the accidental damage for $2151. But I probably could scrap the Vista Ultimate as I'm pretty sure I have a free copy of that coming my way from MS, so that would bring the total for the M1330 down to $1952.

So they are all in pretty much the same price range and general specs, so I'm trying to come up with Pros and Cons for each one. Here is what I have so far:

D630:
Pros:
* Probably the most practical of the bunch, price includes docking station and I've heard from a couple of members who use this with dual external monitors without problem.
* Battery life is probably better than the other two
* Can get accidental damage protection (which I've never had before, but it seems like a nice insurance policy)
* Probably will ship and be in my hands the quickest
* Comes with a HHD. I know the reviews haven't shown much if any benefit, but it is new tech and I'm a sucker for new gizmos.

Cons:
*Bigger and heavier than the others
* No integrated webcam
* I've seen bad reviews of the screen?

M1330
Pros:
*LED-backlit screen
*Accidental Damage
*Slot loading drive (don't know why I need this, but it sure seems cooler)
* Lightest of the bunch with the LED screen

Cons:
*No dedicated docking station
*Can't get both 6 cell + 9 cell combo battery option, only have option for 4+9
*It looks like it might be Thanksgiving before I get my hands on one if I order now.

SXS37
Pros:
Wireless N included in the price
Rotating webcam
Has Turbo Memory
Dedicated graphics card, might come in handy?
I like buying from an independent dealer who has a real person answer the phone.
All in all it seems like more computer than the others configured at a similar price point, but it might be in features that I don't need.

Cons:
No accidental damage
Dedicated graphics card, might just waste my battery
Glossy screen (I thought the M1330 used to give the option for glossy vs. matte screen although I can't find that now)

So looking forward to any comments you might have. I'm waiting to order until I hear back about a potential new job, which means I've got two weeks or so just to contemplate this over and over again and change my mind 1000 times. So thanks for your participation.

-Dylan

[f4ding]

Hard to tell from now on...unless one has all three laptops, they should be about the same. You have to go with what you think is best. I don't think you can go wrong with anyone of them.

[firstwave]

The d630 will probably be the best for your needs (heavy spreadsheet on WXGA+)

It's the most durable of the 3 as well.

[Vedya]

Have u considered the ASUS U3S?