XPS M1330 owners, couple of questions.

[Emlyn_Dewar]

Hi there, we're currently needing a small but relatively powerful notebook.
I've noticed some reviews of the M1330 and think it could fit the bill, just wanted to get some user feedback.

An integrated webcam is a requirement, edit: I see it's a 2Mpixel camera. Does anyone have any experience with the picture quality from the camera?

How long is the average battery life for all-roung useage? Office, web browsing, music etc? Is it worth bumping up to the 9-cell?

Build quality... Any good?

Cheers for any help.

 

[darwin]

Hi, you should be aware there are two different LCD options with the M1330. The cheaper version uses CCFL technology and has an integrated 2.0MP camera. The screen is slightly bulkier than the more expensive version which uses LED technology and has an integrated 0.3MP camera. I have the LED version and find the webcam reasonably good although my needs are not very demanding. Wife has the CCFL version and I think the picture quality is still excellent if not as bright as the LED version. Battery life on a 6-cell is good for about two and a half hours with wifi enabled - keep in mind the 9-cell will protrude out the back if that bothers you. Build quality can be hit or miss, but I've no complaints at all with mine other than the touch pad buttons being slightly loose.

 

[Amp34]

I have the LED screen and a 9-cell battery, I haven't used the camera though so can't tell you anything about that but the 9 cell battery will run for about 5-6+ hours general usage, and probably down to about 4 with Wifi always on.

Build quality wise, it's pretty good, the only issue I have is that the base seems to have flexed slightly so it wobbles a bit on flat surfaces, nothing major though. Also the LED screen on mine is a bit terrible with colour accuracy (it's very blue), although it probably won't matter if you aren't using it for photo editing etc.