Dell XPS 1530 or New Sony 16.4 in?

[mtmw1863]

Just wanted to get some opinions. I want to get a blu-ray laptop but am down to these 2. Thanks for the input.

[JadedRaverLA]

I haven't used the new Sony yet, though they always do a nice job with entertainment notebooks. The Dell XPS 1530 has been a good model for Dell, but its aging now, and should be replaced by a newer model soon.

Are you wanting a notebook that burns BDs or one that can just play BD movies? If you don't need burning, check out the new HP dv5t 15.4" as well -- very well designed, and you can get it with a nice 1680x1050 screen... which is a good balance between high resolution (for BD movies) and icons and text that are still large enough to read.

[mtmw1863]

I did buy that one but the screen resolution was 1200 X800. The other 2 have higher screen resolutions and the HP battery only lasted for a couple of hours. They did not have an extended battery. It also got hotter than normal.

[JadedRaverLA]

Interesting. You have to custom-order the HP with the higher-res screen (and a longer-life battery), but putting that option aside...

I know the XPS 1530 battery doesn't last that long either (especially if you're tryign to watch a Blu-ray movie), though, again, they offer a longer-life battery. I just hate to recommend the Dell knowing that an improved model should be out soon. Again, the Sony might be a good choice if the larger size doesn't bother you, but I haven't used that particular model.

[mtmw1863]

I also went to SONY's website and it was about $400 chaeper (Based on the configuation I wanted with Dell) and it was included MS office for free (Student version).

[cathexist]

The dell has an option for a better screen...I almost ordered a 1530 at the beginning of the month, but decided not to further my debt

[JadedRaverLA]

Originally Posted by mtmw1863

I also went to SONY's website and it was about $400 chaeper (Based on the configuation I wanted with Dell) and it was included MS office for free (Student version).

Taking a closer look at the specs, I agree, the new Sony FW series looks really good (definitely want to spend the extra $50 on the ATI graphics -- the HiColor screen could be great, but I'd want to see it in person before deciding if it was worth $100). Nice looking specs and price -- 1600x900 is a decent resolution for a screen that size -- still get good sized text and icons, while sharp enough with Blu-ray.

Everything about it looks good, but I haven't used it. You might check out www.laptopreview.com and read some posts and ask questions of owners over there. There's a lot of knowledgeable people over there (or at least there were a couple years ago when I used to hang out there).

[AkatsukiNoTobi]

Actually, I was considering getting the Sony VAIO with the 16.4" screen (the one that's actually 16:9 instead of 16:10), but I opted to get a Dell Studio 17. The maximum resolution for the VAIO was 1600x900 but it did say that it supports full 1080HDd. However, the Studio 17's maximum resolution is 1920x1200 (which looks really, really nice, by the way).

They were about the same price, but I got the Dell on a weekend sale online.

[vanderoo]

Id definately go the sony. I have a Viao AR 17" series and it's the best laptop I've ever owned, sony's just have excelent build quality and very good heat distribution, oh and remarkable screens too. Plus if you are wanting to watch alot of movies on it, the 16:9 will really come into its own filling the screen more naturally.

Stay away from the HP DV5t though, the reflection off that sucker is ridiculous, unless u are in pitch black room.

[America's Team]

NOt so sure about the Sony but I'm typing on my 1530 as we speak and Ive had her for about 7 months here and no problems pro forms like a champ. The only thing I didn't do when I ordered it was have a Blu drive installed on it. Other than that call me a homer but go with the Dell.