Dell's XPS or Xtreme Performance Systems have always demanded a premium
thanks to the use of unique design elements and scintillating performance. We reviewed the slightly smaller XPS M 1210 in January 2007 and the larger gaming monster, the XPS M171 0 in April 2007. While both were very capable in their own right, design was never a very strong feature - until nowl Starting from the three lid colors, the thin, tapered design, aluminium palmrest and optional WLED backlit screen, the XPS M1330 screams quality of design and materials. Even the base configuration, starting at Rs 58,650 (including delivery) includes a 20Ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, 160GB hard drive, dual layer DVD-RW and Windows Vista Premium. That's an extremely competitive price for a 13.3¬inch notebook PC.




The configuration we tested had a 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo (T7500), 250 GB hard drive, NVIDIA 8400M GS graphics (128 MB) and the WLED backlit screen. This type of
screen is not only thinner and lighter, but is more power efficient, brighter than the standar CCFL screen and offers much better contrast. After a round of our usual benchmarks, we got 1422 3D Marks and 4783 PC Marks. Couple that with a 5 hour plus battery life (with the 9-cell extended battery) and you've got a solid performer on your hands.

There are a few goodies in the box; an XPS-branded notebook sleeve and CD case is included, as is the Dell media remote (which neatly slots into the express card slot) and a pair of Creative earphones. What's nice is that you also get CDs for all software that you configure it with (including Windows Vista and pre¬installed applications). Plus, it's great news for consumers that Dell is reducing the amount of bloatware, or unwanted trial versions of applications that come pre-loaded.

Skimming through the features, the XPS M 1330 closely matches the Sony Vaio SZ56.But even the base configuration of the XPS (with WLED screen and discrete NVidia graphics added) at Rs 67,204 is far better value than the Rs 99,990 Vaio. Overall, if you're looking for a stylish and small performer that will turn heads wherever you go, the M1330 can't be beat. (If you're more into desktops, the new Dell XPS 420 will offer performance several notches higher and at a similar price to the M 1330).





TECH SPECS:-
Intel (ore 2 Duo T7500 (2.2 GHz,
4 MB cache, 800 MHz FSB),
2GB RAM (667MHz),
250 GB HOD,
Home Premium,
9-cell (extended) battery,
VGA webcam with mic,
Bluetooth,
WiFi .
slot¬lood DVD-RW (duollayer),
NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS (128 MB),
13.3- inch WLED backlit LCD with Alpine White lid (1280x800 pixels), Windows Vista