RFD Exclusive Dell XPS 1210 Notebook Offer!

[Derek]

From the Deals page, vote for it if you want to see more:

http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/alldeals/comments/exclusive_dell_xps_1210_notebook_offer

Link:

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CAqD7bLWUPI&offerid=125295.555298814&type=10&subid=

Dell Canada has forwarded us an exclusive offer on the Dell XPS M1210 notebook just for RedFlagDeals.com readers! For $1,534 you’ll get a fully-loaded 12.1” WXGA notebook that’s just over 4lbs., perfect for travelling and even some light gaming with the dedicated video card. Here’s the specs:

Dell XPS M1210 Notebook - $1,534: (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CAqD7bLWUPI&offerid=125295.555298814&type=10&subid=)
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Integrated 1.3MP Webcam and Mobile Broadband Antenna
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Internal Wireless
2GB Dual Shared Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability
256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 TurboCache
53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

The $1,534 price is 20% off their regular price and about $100 cheaper than the same configuration on any sale price I can configure on the Dell Canada site. Better yet, the 20% off also applies to any upgrades, accessories, and warranties when you configure the laptop.

Worthwhile upgrades include the 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery for $32, Dell Draft N Internal Wireless for $32, and the Microsoft Works Suite 2006 (Word, Encarta, Streets & Trips, Money) for $24.

Deal ends on March 15th. If this goes well hopefully we can get more exclusive offers...

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CAqD7bLWUPI&offerid=125295.555298814&type=10&subid=

[riskit]

it is going to cost me a fortune this week

[Prodigy45]

What a smokin' deal. Too bad I'm broke and unemployed. C'mon people, buy this bundle... get bored of it and sell it for cheap on the B/S/T so I can buy it off YOU in a few months...

[d_jedi]

I'm waiting to see what Santa Rosa brings to the table..

[jcoltage]

who is Santa Rosa?

[StoneColdWhat]

good theory Prodigy45.:lol:

[coriolis]

Don't forget about DX10 :p

[Vinman]

who is Santa Rosa?

New Intel platform that takes the Core 2 Duo to higher FSB and memory speeds.

Virtually meaningless as an upgrade if you already own a C2D, but for those waiting to buy a new laptop, it could be worth it.

[GVRtrader]

After configing it, this deal is almost as good as the deal i got at the end of last year (went to Oakridge mall where they had a location and spent a about 1 hour dealing with a CSR).

For those who don't like trying to bargin with CSR, this is by far the hottest deal for XPS (even if you do bargin, it wont be easy to get a better deal than this). The only real downside with the config is you can't change to the 4mb cache CPUs.

For those who want a better idea of bargining with CSR, search for the long XPS thread that was made last year (i think it was over 70 pages).

GVR area, can also do it in person @ Oakridge (beside EB/Zellers) or Metro (dont remember exact location, look at the map).

[McMaggot]

Shared RAM video cards suck:mad:

[R2P2]

Shared RAM video cards suck:mad:
You don't buy a laptop with a 12.1" screen to play games.

[ckang008]

You don't buy a laptop with a 12.1" screen to play games.

I personally like to game on a 12.1" since notebooks of that size is much easier to carry than 15.4" ones.

[McMaggot]

You don't buy a laptop with a 12.1" screen to play games.

You don't need a 256MB video card to do your taxes either.

[Spray]

Pretty nice deal..I got mine during the last set of deals for much much cheaper, but not as loaded. It's a VERY nice laptop all around though..I get 4-5 hours of battery life, and can pump full fps on most games out there

[GVRtrader]

You don't buy a laptop with a 12.1" screen to play games.

From my experience, you can play games on this just as well as a 24" LCD or a 17" laptop (insp 9400). The video card, of course, cannot play FEAR (just an example) at high end resolution (or most games since max resolution is only 1280x800) but if you want to play classic games (say C&C, Rainbow 6, Counter-strike, etc) the XPS will be more than enough to play those.

I do agree you that you dont get a 12.1" for HARDCORE games (FEAR, Quake 4, etc) but at the sametime you really dont buy a laptop to play those games. The only laptop that really can play those games = XPS 1710 (+ laptop with similar specs) and even with that, the experience will not be the same as a high end SLI desktop with either 79xx or 8800 video cards.

When you look at the screen, a 12.1" and a 17" does not have too big of a difference and as such, i just leave my 17" at home as more of a desktop (XPS is around 1/2 the weight).

[BestOffer]

rather to spend $1300 on a 2.0GHz MacBook offered by either FS/BB this week then;

[Lone_Prodigy]

Nice deal. Too bad I already have a laptop.

[bwrocks]

I have this laptop, I simply love it. I think what many people forget is that as an XPS, you get the best service from Dell. Instead of getting someone who obviously is reading from a set script and doesn't really understand much deeper than "screen, battery recall, go to Dell diagnostics", you get serviceable and (more importantly) HUMAN CSR's when you call them. This is because Dell has a special XPS line which handles only XPS computers, which, in my opinion, they value and place their best staff on.

For example, my XPS 1210 battery was recently crapping out (FYI, the 9-cell battery should on average be ~5 hours on the Quickset "Max Battery" setting). So I phoned Dell's XPS department and not only did they quickly tell me exactly what was wrong, they explained the options for me and even chatted to figure out if there was anything else wrong with the system. With that said, my brand new battery was at my home the NEXT DAY (free of any cost as it was under warrantee) and I did not lose any productivity or anything.

So when considering buying an XPS, remember you will get the best customer service representatives from Dell, quality products ... and specifically for this deal, an amazing laptop.

By the by, I can run FEAR on Medium Settings which are more than enough for me. The ultra-crisp graphics are impossible to see on a 12.1" laptop even if you had an ultra high end video card. This is a mobile workstation with good gaming capabilities built for portability.

[ssgef]

For example, my XPS 1210 battery was recently crapping out (FYI, the 9-cell battery should on average be ~5 hours on the Quickset "Max Bettery" setting). So I phoned Dell's XPS department and not only did they quickly tell me exactly what was wrong, they explained the options for me and even chatted to figure out if there was anything else wrong with the system. With that said, my brand new battery was at my home the NEXT DAY and I did not lose any productivity or anything.

Do you by any chance have 'complete care warranty'?

[bwrocks]

I did not. It was simply under the standard One Year warranty that Dell carries with all their XPS laptops.


Do you by any chance have 'complete care warranty'?

[mahpoaht]

Nice, if only I could change the CPU to T7200.

[duckdown]

Out of my price range :(

[ssgef]

I did not. It was simply under the standard One Year warranty that Dell carries with all their XPS laptops.

Well I guess xps service is really commendable. Hmm this deal is really tempting, although it would be great if this could be combined with the dell employee discount. That would make this deal awesome!

[wannaCRV]

Sounds good to me, is there a direct link for this? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
PS RFD, I've been a lurker for a long time and decided to join in; and I've got others at work hooked too! :)

[ssgef]

Sounds good to me, is there a direct link for this? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
PS RFD, I've been a lurker for a long time and decided to join in; and I've got others at work hooked too! :)

Direct link was in the first post:


http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?config_data=&c=ca&CS=CADHS1&fb=1&l=en&OC=1210P_RDF_E

[nyererei]

i have a feeling there will be more of these deals in the next coming months, as already mentioned in this thread, santa rosa is coming out in may, which should reduce prices for older platforms.

[Gunz16]

I have this laptop, I simply love it. I think what many people forget is that as an XPS, you get the best service from Dell. Instead of getting someone who obviously is reading from a set script and doesn't really understand much deeper than "screen, battery recall, go to Dell diagnostics", you get serviceable and (more importantly) HUMAN CSR's when you call them. This is because Dell has a special XPS line which handles only XPS computers, which, in my opinion, they value and place their best staff on.

For example, my XPS 1210 battery was recently crapping out (FYI, the 9-cell battery should on average be ~5 hours on the Quickset "Max Battery" setting). So I phoned Dell's XPS department and not only did they quickly tell me exactly what was wrong, they explained the options for me and even chatted to figure out if there was anything else wrong with the system. With that said, my brand new battery was at my home the NEXT DAY (free of any cost as it was under warrantee) and I did not lose any productivity or anything.

So when considering buying an XPS, remember you will get the best customer service representatives from Dell, quality products ... and specifically for this deal, an amazing laptop.

By the by, I can run FEAR on Medium Settings which are more than enough for me. The ultra-crisp graphics are impossible to see on a 12.1" laptop even if you had an ultra high end video card. This is a mobile workstation with good gaming capabilities built for portability.

Hi! Do you work for Dell?

[engo]

Follow the link from OP to configure the system and got the following for Memory cost:

- 2GB Dual Shared Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms) [Included in Price]
- 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms) [add $1,680 or $43/month1]


Cost $1680 additional to upgrade RAM from 2G to 4G? Is this a "price error"? :confused:

[ssgef]

Follow the link from OP to configure the system and got the following for Memory cost:

- 2GB Dual Shared Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms) [Included in Price]
- 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms) [add $1,680 or $43/month1]


Cost $1680 additional to upgrade RAM from 2G to 4G? Is this a "price error"? :confused:

nope, that is 20% off the usual insane price that they charge for 4gigs.

[bwrocks]

Haha, no no I do not. I have heard horror stories of people dealing with Dell CSR's but I just was quite satisfied with my service experience with the XPS crew and wanted to inform people here about it.


Hi! Do you work for Dell?

[TeriyakiJack]

I have a inspiron 6400 and my short time with dell CSR's have been decent. When I needed to reformat, I called into tech support and was talking with an "english" (actually english, not the same indian guy stuff I was used to from the sales process), and was dealt with quickly, really quickly. I'd go for the xps m1210 if I had the money, its lighter on the back.

[edgedamage]

Will they sell this notebook with XP?

[kcjchan]

Hi! Do you work for Dell?

Dell CS isn't that bad in Canada.

I have had no problems getting stuff exchanged and when they make another mistake, they live up to it by offering free stuff or a brand new replacement instead of a refurb.

[jchan1985]

how is the complete care warranty anyways?...
does it really cover accidental damage?...
like if I were to drop it in a pool lets say?...
or out of a running car?...
or dropped it off a tall balcony?...

do they actually cover that?

[chicadam]

I just had recent dealings with Dell.

If its SW related, they will support you with their limited knowledge and ship up stuff when needed.
Each CSR has different levels of knowledge so if you call back your problem could get fixed by someone else or not.
- either way you will suffer down time.

I never had any hardware issues. But I've heard if you drop it they will replace it. But after my recent experience, I don't think it is that straight forward. There is no depot here in Canada so you will suffer serious down time and the replacement will not come easy. Dell seems very reluctant to provide me a temp system while my computer was obviously out of commission.... Replacing it will be even harder.

I would say the complete care support is average. Nothing spectacular... is it worth the price tag? Well, for me I'd take it for the peace of mind. Where else would you go if it craps out within the 3 years?

[martinpenkava]

I have been looking at this laptop for awhile now and with this price seems quite tempting. What is the difference between the Dell Draft N Internal Wireless and the intel pro wireless 3945? Worth the $32 upgrade. Just wish i could upgrade the actually processor. Hmmm better think about this one...

[nyererei]

I have been looking at this laptop for awhile now and with this price seems quite tempting. What is the difference between the Dell Draft N Internal Wireless and the intel pro wireless 3945? Worth the $32 upgrade. Just wish i could upgrade the actually processor. Hmmm better think about this one...

get the draft n wireless for sure. its faster, and has better range. It also future proofs you for the upcoming n-network which has up to 270mbps compared to the standard g network with only 54mbps. also u most likey wont see any difference in speed or performance if you upgrade the core2duo to a 7200 for example, when surfing, word, excel, etc. probably not worth the upgrade.

[s2k]

Looking for a small portable laptop for mostly Office/development/demo use and was considering the 640m but was wondering if the 1210 is would the $600+ cost for such usage? Seems with this deal we cannot reconfigure the graphics and other items too much :-\
Is the quality, performance, etc that much better on this like over the 640m to justify the cost? How redable is the 12.1" screen for daily usage?

[mmmkay]

I can say that their customer service for hardware issues is pretty good for the XPS. I got the M1210 back in December with the T7400, and one of the 1GB memory modules failed on me - kept crashing intermittently.

Got on the phone with the dedicated XPS support staff - took like 35 minutes on hold though. They sent me a new memory module which arrived via UPS the second business day after.

Their customer service reps are from Texas. :p At least the two that I spoke to were.

[Lone_Prodigy]

Looking for a small portable laptop for mostly Office/development/demo use and was considering the 640m but was wondering if the 1210 is would the $600+ cost for such usage? Seems with this deal we cannot reconfigure the graphics and other items too much :-\
Is the quality, performance, etc that much better on this like over the 640m to justify the cost? How redable is the 12.1" screen for daily usage?

The XPS is not really your "basic" laptop. Even for a 12.1", the 1210 is heftier because of the extra RAM, video card, etc. If you're looking for a Dell 12.1", look at the Latitudes (under Small Business section).

[hurr]

I have been looking at this laptop for awhile now and with this price seems quite tempting. What is the difference between the Dell Draft N Internal Wireless and the intel pro wireless 3945? Worth the $32 upgrade. Just wish i could upgrade the actually processor. Hmmm better think about this one...

Buying the draft N is a waste of money, since it is not likely to be compatible with the final standard.

[martinpenkava]

Do you think it would be better to get the 80GB 7200 RPM hard drive instead of the 120Gb which runs at 5400 RPM?

[Feb30th]

I would seriously consider it if it allow me to choose a higher processor.

[joepinchpenny]

I don't see much difference if you just go to dell.ca and pick the xps.

256MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 7400 TurboCache™ [Included in Price] vs Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 [Included in Price] ?

and the 20% accessories?

Also, if you start from dell.ca, many more options in config.

[FuNPoLiCe001]

I just had recent dealings with Dell.

If its SW related, they will support you with their limited knowledge and ship up stuff when needed.
Each CSR has different levels of knowledge so if you call back your problem could get fixed by someone else or not.
- either way you will suffer down time.

I never had any hardware issues. But I've heard if you drop it they will replace it. But after my recent experience, I don't think it is that straight forward. There is no depot here in Canada so you will suffer serious down time and the replacement will not come easy. Dell seems very reluctant to provide me a temp system while my computer was obviously out of commission.... Replacing it will be even harder.

I would say the complete care support is average. Nothing spectacular... is it worth the price tag? Well, for me I'd take it for the peace of mind. Where else would you go if it craps out within the 3 years?

I can only speak for myself, but Dell turn around has always been very fast for me. It's not next business day, but they do provide an upgrade for that. Typically I can have my machine shipped out and returned to me within 3-5 business days. It's inconvenient, but much better than buying Futureshop warranty and having your machine sit there for months.

I've pretty much owned a machine from all major laptop brands, and Dell support doesn't seem to be any slower. Now whether or not they're competent is another issue...but they will eventually replace a faulty part if you make your case.

[ditto]

how do you guys compare this and Lenovo X60? I am debating...built-in optical drive is the major difference for me, i am ok with all other hardware configurations.

[ssgef]

how do you guys compare this and Lenovo X60? I am debating...built-in optical drive is the major difference for me, i am ok with all other hardware configurations.


There are many differences, some of the main things are: the lenovo x60 is ligher (lenovo is 3.8lbs with 8cell vs. ~4.8lbs for the m1210 with 9cell bat).

The x60 is geared more toward business professionals versus the m1210 which is more of a multimedia laptop.

As well, the thinkpad x60 would be a lot better build quality than the dell.

[yvrwindsor]

Buying the draft N is a waste of money, since it is not likely to be compatible with the final standard.

Hasn't the final standard been published yet?

I would think the manufacturers can upgrade the draft Ns to standard Ns. Otherwise, there will be lots of unhappy campers.

[flamenko]

I received this system in November....

For those who dont know, it comes with a full manual (wasnt that a surprise), full recovery disks, headphones, an XPS document carrying bag and an XPS CD case.

You can even go to Dell and download the full service manual if you evern need to take on tasks yourself as Dell allows that (ie upgrades/replacement).

Conversely, their NBD onsite is just that so have coffee ready the next morning.

Its build is very sturdy...its made to take the minor bumps and grinds that accompany a 12" laptop.

I use my system for at least 6 hrs daily for in a rather intense setting...works great and thats with Vista Ultimate.

I have had one issue which I will detail which will bring me to the XPS Support team and their value.

My system has a very faint high pitch which they believe is the processor itself. Its an issue thats they havent quite put their finger on yet although they believe its processor related; this is a problem which has made itself known to several companies not just Dell. It doesnt affect performance.

I believed it was the motherboard after much background invest and brought it to their attention...next day they came over and replaced it.

XPS Service is GREAT! Once you have their number, it will only take you 3-4 min to get through. They are very well trained and very honest in how they deal with you. I installed and have successfully utilized Vista RC2 since I got this machine. I have been on the phone with them on several occasions asking for their help as 'we' try and work out the bugs. Even though they dont officially support Vista yet, they have helped me immensely, even sending me the Media Direct 3 installation disk after I explained I believed i could get it running with this system.

I did, I passed on my results to them and, well, now many know that MD3 can be used with Vista, retaining button functionality.

Im not saying this is because of myself solely, but rather many trying to fix their issue on their own followed by XPS Support willingness to pass the results on.

Enough said....monster machine at 4 lbs....great service and....well...it seems a great price from Dell for those looking.

Oh ...gotta throw a con in... I did have one gripe. They originally threw in a Soundblaster Audigy MB INT soundcard which I, like so many others later found out, was nothing more than a Creative advance sound driver...not a card. It was not hardware. It was a huge misconception because INT stands for integrated and MB stands for motherboard as it was advertised. I still havent received the upgrade SB files but apparently they were on their way.

Again to Dells Credit though, I politely expressed my point and am now the happy owner of a Telus broadband card...


Flamenko

[s2k]

I received this system in November....

For those who dont know, it comes with a full manual (wasnt that a surprise), full recovery disks, headphones, an XPS document carrying bag and an XPS CD case.

You can even go to Dell and download the full service manual if you evern need to take on tasks yourself as Dell allows that (ie upgrades/replacement).

Conversely, their NBD onsite is just that so have coffee ready the next morning.

Its build is very sturdy...its made to take the minor bumps and grinds that accompany a 12" laptop.

I use my system for at least 6 hrs daily for in a rather intense setting...works great and thats with Vista Ultimate.

I have had one issue which I will detail which will bring me to the XPS Support team and their value.

My system has a very faint high pitch which they believe is the processor itself. Its an issue thats they havent quite put their finger on yet although they believe its processor related; this is a problem which has made itself known to several companies not just Dell. It doesnt affect performance.

I believed it was the motherboard after much background invest and brought it to their attention...next day they came over and replaced it.

XPS Service is GREAT! Once you have their number, it will only take you 3-4 min to get through. They are very well trained and very honest in how they deal with you. I installed and have successfully utilized Vista RC2 since I got this machine. I have been on the phone with them on several occasions asking for their help as 'we' try and work out the bugs. Even though they dont officially support Vista yet, they have helped me immensely, even sending me the Media Direct 3 installation disk after I explained I believed i could get it running with this system.

I did, I passed on my results to them and, well, now many know that MD3 can be used with Vista, retaining button functionality.

Im not saying this is because of myself solely, but rather many trying to fix their issue on their own followed by XPS Support willingness to pass the results on.

Enough said....monster machine at 4 lbs....great service and....well...it seems a great price from Dell for those looking.

Oh ...gotta throw a con in... I did have one gripe. They originally threw in a Soundblaster Audigy MB INT soundcard which I, like so many others later found out, was nothing more than a Creative advance sound driver...not a card. It was not hardware. It was a huge misconception because INT stands for integrated and MB stands for motherboard as it was advertised. I still havent received the upgrade SB files but apparently they were on their way.

Again to Dells Credit though, I politely expressed my point and am now the happy owner of a Telus broadband card...


Flamenko

Did you buy added support or just the default 1 year?

[oc613]

how do you guys compare this and Lenovo X60? I am debating...built-in optical drive is the major difference for me, i am ok with all other hardware configurations.

I've owned 2 xps m1210 and now have an x60s. I also have a lenovo v100 3000 right now.

The dell is good for the price, but build quality can't compare to ibm of course.

i'm lazy so excuse the poor typing.

My xps both had issues with the palm rest clicking (the plastic inside where it snaps together rubs together every time you put your hand down to type). Also, a high pitched buzzing as another member mentioned in both my systems. the keyboard is super mushy on the right side near the directions keys. it literally flexes over half a centimeter. really bad for typing. aside from that it's good for the money, but don't expect the world despite it being an XPS. also the screen is pretty bad quality, better with the av upgrade, but still not a nice screen to look at; terrible contrast and black levels. it's also pretty thick. not really an ultra portable by any means. and not a professional system at all.

v100 has an awesome keyboard, build quality all around is better IMO. Just as fast, but no dedicated graphics. I don't need that though, and it just tends to burn up the battery faster. i have a desktop if i want to game (which i don't anyways, no time for that) v100 can have a fingerprint reader too, but other then that, the xps has more bells and whistles (mostly superficial design though, like blue lights, ect.., but is of course more expensive. dell has better speakers IMO. ibm comes with better bundled software.

x60s is the best of the bunch, but $$$ usually. you pay for the slimness and light weight, rugged construction, better battery life, standard 3 year warranty. the keyboard is the best out of the 3, and as good as any other think pad really. of course it has good bundled ibm software, which professionals can appreciate. it's black looks are understated, but very nice. the resolution is lower, but is more suited for the 12" display and applications. rather than multimedia. the no optical drive doesn't bother me as i don't carry cds out with me anyways. buy a USB key, or better yet, it has a SD reader like all these laptops, so buy a 2 - 4 gb card and voila, store ISOs if you want, or files, and use an SD to usb adapter to transfer between machines. while at home you can use a usb dvd drive as well of course, or consider the docking station...

all i good choices, but for me the keyboard is really that important. I use my laptop for work, not to dick around on, and that's where it has the dell beat hands down. of course your priorities may vary... all companies offer good after sales support as well.

my ranking is;

1) x60s
2) v100 (everything the m1210, minus the dedicated GFX, but with better quality)
3) m1210, best bang for the buck fully loaded and reasonable small system. personally though, i'd only consider it if i absolutely need the nvidea in a 12" laptop. however, due tot he poor build quality i'd probably spend the $$ on a sony (the 13" with dedicated GFX are same size as dell 12") if i needed graphics and a dvd drive.

just my two cents :)

[flamenko]

I telephoned my order in and talked them into throwing in 3 years next business day on site...

[el_diablo007]

Hi! Do you work for Dell?

Not everybody who has something good to say about a company works for them :p. I have a Dell Lattitude D810, granted with the complete care warranty, but so far, their service has been next to none, it's incredible how much better it is than the **** that Best Buy / FS offers.

[s2k]

I telephoned my order in and talked them into throwing in 3 years next business day on site...

For the same price as this linked offer?

[billybee]

Is the DVD built-in or external through USB? The link is not working for me (trying to open real slow).

[oc613]

Is the DVD built-in or external through USB? The link is not working for me (trying to open real slow).

built in man, 'cmon, google.com

[ttiger]

I placed an order for one at the end of December 2007. The sales rep screwed up the order, so I ended up cancelling it after he lied to me about shipping dates.

I then placed another order for one in January 2007. When I received the system, I too had the issue with the high-pitched noise as many other users had ... extremely annoying. It turns out the noise only happens when you plug in the power adapter (I had 2, so it was not the adapter).

After 30 days of going through Dell support, speaking to CSRs, and their managers ... I decided to return the system. Apparently, their system never finalized the "exchange" and nobody told me about it. So in the end, I cancelled it. I even had 3years NBD warranty service.

Other than that, the sytem seems very nice. The only problems I found with the system were :

- no lock/latch to keep the LCD lid closed
- the touchpad buttons were a few millimetres too low (personal preference, as other Dell laptops I've had were flush with the wrist-rest)
- the dvd drive sounded and felt cheap when opened and used

One thing I really never figured out, is why Dell never continued with their swapable laptops CD/DVD/floppy drives (to add an extra battery, or in some cases a 2nd hard drive). I'd much rather have a DVD burner in my laptop bag if I find the need.

[Vinman]

I placed an order for one at the end of December 2007. The sales rep screwed up the order, so I ended up cancelling it after he lied to me about shipping dates.

Now that made me laugh. :lol:

[ditto]

I've owned 2 xps m1210 and now have an x60s. I also have a lenovo v100 3000 right now.

The dell is good for the price, but build quality can't compare to ibm of course.

i'm lazy so excuse the poor typing.

My xps both had issues with the palm rest clicking (the plastic inside where it snaps together rubs together every time you put your hand down to type). Also, a high pitched buzzing as another member mentioned in both my systems. the keyboard is super mushy on the right side near the directions keys. it literally flexes over half a centimeter. really bad for typing. aside from that it's good for the money, but don't expect the world despite it being an XPS. also the screen is pretty bad quality, better with the av upgrade, but still not a nice screen to look at; terrible contrast and black levels. it's also pretty thick. not really an ultra portable by any means. and not a professional system at all.

v100 has an awesome keyboard, build quality all around is better IMO. Just as fast, but no dedicated graphics. I don't need that though, and it just tends to burn up the battery faster. i have a desktop if i want to game (which i don't anyways, no time for that) v100 can have a fingerprint reader too, but other then that, the xps has more bells and whistles (mostly superficial design though, like blue lights, ect.., but is of course more expensive. dell has better speakers IMO. ibm comes with better bundled software.

x60s is the best of the bunch, but $$$ usually. you pay for the slimness and light weight, rugged construction, better battery life, standard 3 year warranty. the keyboard is the best out of the 3, and as good as any other think pad really. of course it has good bundled ibm software, which professionals can appreciate. it's black looks are understated, but very nice. the resolution is lower, but is more suited for the 12" display and applications. rather than multimedia. the no optical drive doesn't bother me as i don't carry cds out with me anyways. buy a USB key, or better yet, it has a SD reader like all these laptops, so buy a 2 - 4 gb card and voila, store ISOs if you want, or files, and use an SD to usb adapter to transfer between machines. while at home you can use a usb dvd drive as well of course, or consider the docking station...

all i good choices, but for me the keyboard is really that important. I use my laptop for work, not to dick around on, and that's where it has the dell beat hands down. of course your priorities may vary... all companies offer good after sales support as well.

my ranking is;

1) x60s
2) v100 (everything the m1210, minus the dedicated GFX, but with better quality)
3) m1210, best bang for the buck fully loaded and reasonable small system. personally though, i'd only consider it if i absolutely need the nvidea in a 12" laptop. however, due tot he poor build quality i'd probably spend the $$ on a sony (the 13" with dedicated GFX are same size as dell 12") if i needed graphics and a dvd drive.

just my two cents :)

I appreciate your input very much. thank you.

[hsedin]

Just want to threw in my 2 cents regarding the xps 1210.. I have had one since December 2006 and one thing that has really been bothering me is the screen of the xps.. I have previously owned a dell 12.1 inch laptop which had a great screen (although very glary/mirror like at times- but the contrast colour and vertical viewing angle was always excellent)

Since giving the old 12.1 dell (about 1.5 yr old) to my sister and getting the XPS 12.1 inch.. often I wished I had never gotten the XPS.. with the reason being that the new screen, while less reflective, has a terrible viewing angle- you pretty much have to be perfectly viewing it at 90 degrees to your eyes for the colours to look right w/o seeing washed out blacks ( I don't use a wallpaper and only black as the background). Initially I had thought I had a lemon but after visitng several dell booths in malls and bestbuys/fs etc, it was my conclusion that this new batch of screen is what they are- less reflective with more restrictive vertical viewing angles.

Watching DVD on this laptop can be a huge chore- if you're not at the perfect angle, then there is just no way to view it properly- it's kinda like turning up the contrast on part of the screen while the rest of the screen seems okay.

Perhpas dell might have "fixed" this feature of the screen by now but mine was bought/shipped in December 2006.. perhaps my eyes are too picky- I really want to hear what other RFD'ers feedback is with regards to the XPS 12.1 screen.

[s2k]

Anyone know what the return policy is from dell on this? I've had 2 people in dell chat help give me two different answers, one said no restocking fee and one said 15%.

Also do they offer any price protection?

[poppa]

Dell needs to rethink their offer and offer a notebook under the $1000 range.

[oc613]

Dell needs to rethink their offer and offer a notebook under the $1000 range.

They do. Why do you expect an XPS for under that though?

[nopn]

if it is under 1000, i would put a trigger too.

but over 1000, i just put a filter.

[oc613]

if it is under 1000, i would put a trigger too.

but over 1000, i just put a filter.

Keep dreaming then :lol: ;)

[el_diablo007]

They do. Why do you expect an XPS for under that though?

lol seriously, some of you have rediculously high expectations for deals.

[Jon Lai]

lol seriously, some of you have rediculously high expectations for deals.

No, it's just a rediciculously high expectation for "impulse buys". And I dont' blame them. That's what an "impulse buy" is. RFD is all about that.

[ssgef]

Has anyone actually phoned in and attempted to change the processor speed? Or phoned in to try to get a lower price?

I tried but the csr told me that the processor speed is unchangeable on this offer and that this was the lowest price that he could give me.

Anyone have better luck?

[shari2002]

Dell needs to rethink their offer and offer a notebook under the $1000 range.

i am expecting a 640m under 700:)

[MrWizard]

Damnit. I need a new laptop. This is so tempting. I can't afford it, and with only a $500 credit card limit, I doubt I would get approved for their installment plans. Or at least not approved at a decent rate.

[Fate]

This really isn't much of a deal at all.

If you go into home or small business and just configure a similar system with their current 2gb ram upgrade, it's basically the same price. This deal works out to about $30 cheaper, but you're stuck with the T5600.

It wreaks of their infamous 25% off select systems coupons.

[Coolme]

This really isn't much of a deal at all.

If you go into home or small business and just configure a similar system with their current 2gb ram upgrade, it's basically the same price. This deal works out to about $30 cheaper, but you're stuck with the T5600.

It wreaks of their infamous 25% off select systems coupons.

Agreed, though the desktop systems are not bad though.

[s2k]

This really isn't much of a deal at all.

If you go into home or small business and just configure a similar system with their current 2gb ram upgrade, it's basically the same price. This deal works out to about $30 cheaper, but you're stuck with the T5600.

It wreaks of their infamous 25% off select systems coupons.

When I tried it works out to over $100 cheaper. Are you configuring it the same specs?

[ssgef]

i've phoned 3 different reps and all of them say that i can't change the processor speed, nor can they offer me this deal.

Anyone have some luck ordering over the phone?

[mv-clear]

I ordered this over the phone, what you need to do is save it in your cart and when u call them tell them your email address. You can't change the processor or the price shoots up, but you can apply EPP to this price to save some additional $$

[Mgz]

in my household we bought 3 Dell so far (1 700m, 1 710m and 1 9300) and the 9300 (<-- typing on this one) and the 700m works great. The 710m has some issue with USB port so we have to send it back and they fix it and ship back within week (send to them on monday and receive on Friday)



Dell needs to rethink their offer and offer a notebook under the $1000 range.

too bad they dumped the 700/710m, otherwise it would be easily fit under the sub 1000$ market, or remove the fancy webcam, etc

[ssgef]

I ordered this over the phone, what you need to do is save it in your cart and when u call them tell them your email address. You can't change the processor or the price shoots up, but you can apply EPP to this price to save some additional $$

Just curious, how much was your EPP?

My company only offers 5%.

[ericssonboi]

Just curious, how much was your EPP?

My company only offers 5%.

15%

[GateGuardian]

What is EPP?

[Narci]

What is EPP?

Employee purchase plan.

Mines is 6% at that price range.

[oc613]

I appreciate your input very much. thank you.

I feel i need to change my review slightly. The v100 3000 series lenovo keyboard is much better than the x60s keyboard.

I didn't notice it at first but the v100 is much stiffer and flexes a lot less. The v100 is very solid for it's price, nothing better ~1000

Dell m1210 is still the worst by a long shot.

New order;

1) v100
2) x60
3)
4)
5) m1210: it's just that poor of a keyboard.

[jchan1985]

I've gotta defend my XPS M1210 here....
yes, there's a keyboard flex at the lower right...but it doesn't affect my typing!
I really have to try and push it down before I notice it flexes...

all in all this is an awesome laptop! (I've had it since...August)
Small & Light...but still powerful! (Plays CS source well enough at least)
functional (4 USB 2.0, firewire, etc...)
Battery life is great with a 9-cell too!

oh! that and I dropped it once from about table hight smack on a corner...chipped the corner but complete care took care of that!

one note: I've noticed near the power button & the Dell emblem near there...gets dirty...with what? I don't know...any other m1210 owners notice this?

questions about the laptop? Ask 'em here! (I'll try to help)

[ChromeSushi]

I'm really thinking about this one, but I've never actually seen the computer in person. Anyone know the return policy if I don't like it?

[s2k]

I'm really thinking about this one, but I've never actually seen the computer in person. Anyone know the return policy if I don't like it?

30 days but you have to pay the shipping.

Mine is currently In Production...

[Montague]

I'm really thinking about this one, but I've never actually seen the computer in person.
Some shopping malls have Dell kiosks where you can see the products in person.

(for those in Vancouver - there is one at the Oakridge).

[tomtong]

Employee purchase plan.

Mines is 6% at that price range.

Add 3 yr warranty to bump it up to 12%.

[Carl D]

Correct if I'm wrong, but looking at the picture of this laptop, I just think what's the point of buying a 12.1" laptop when the chassis looks like it could support a 13.3" screen? The border on the screen looks like it's almost 1" around.

[Stupy76]

For those of you who have this laptop, does the media direct work well? i.e. Can you actually watch movies, load pics and all that without booting up windows? Went over to Sherway Gardens kiosk and they couldn't get it working... On top of that the unit there was very very slow - bootup of vista took at least 2 minutes...

FWIW, was considering this laptop against Asus's W5F or W7J laptops (need a small lightweight unit to accompany my 17" 9300...)

[pcboy]

15%

You are an employee of Dell, so it doesn't count! or some how you were able to get a Dell employee discount coupon.

The most you can get for EPP is 12% if you buy 3+ years onsite extended warranty.

[Killer~Socks]

EPP does not work with this deal, i called in 3 times and tried, and they said that EPP only applies to their current promotions and not the online % off coupons....so nope this will not work.

[ChromeSushi]

30 days but you have to pay the shipping.


The website seems to suggest 15% restocking. That isn't cool. Man, I wish the sale didn't end today, it's a tough decision.

[s2k]

The website seems to suggest 15% restocking. That isn't cool. Man, I wish the sale didn't end today, it's a tough decision.

2 CSRs told me their was a restocking fee and 2 told me their wasn't, take it for what it is worth. The guy I called that helped with the order said their was none.

[kingandjen]

deal is dead

[Lone_Prodigy]

Deal ends on March 15th.


deal is dead

Thanks Mr. Obvious.

[pkphilip]

I wonder if I can talk to the tele-order department about getting the same deal.

[ChromeSushi]

Hmm,
I didn't end up ordering it, and I sort of regret it.

[Siefer999]

Hmm,
I didn't end up ordering it, and I sort of regret it.
i was going to order it but i bought a laptop last month and couldnt justify buying this even though this is the one i wanted