I ordered a Dell XPS M1330 laptop last week, in continuing my tradition of upgrading every 2 years since 1995 (so sue me). Unfortunately, there won’t be an “unboxing” ceremony tomorrow because I’m heading down to Singapore for three days - sigh!

So what’s so great about Dell’s new laptop model?

Firstly, the XPS range of laptops are (supposedly) meant for gaming and secondly, the M1330 is Dell’s first serious attempt at nicer designs - a result of their Alienware aquisition last year? Anyway, the XPS M1330 introduces some very nice features like Intel’s new Santa Rosa chipset, built-in biometric scanner, HDMI-out, and super-thin WLED screens instead of LCDs.

Here’s what I got for S$2,000:
- Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 (1.8 GHz, 2MB cache, 800 MHz FSB)
- 2GB Dual Channel 667MHz RAM
- 13.3″ Widescreen WLED display with VGA webcam
- NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS with 128MB DDR3 RAM
- HDMI output & dual headphone jacks
- Wireless AV remote control
- 160GB SATA HDD
- 8x Slot-Loading DVD+/-RW
- Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g 54Mbps
- Dell 355 Wireless Bluetooth
- XPS Premier Service with CompleteCover

The specs are not “spectacular”, but definitely over-powered for a business machine. I’m also excited about finally moving to Windows Vista, although I’m certain of software/driver compatibility problems initially.

I opted for the 6-cell battery (est. 3 hours) to keep the system weight at 2kg (4.4 lbs) since I travel occasionally. Interestingly, a similarly configured XPS M1330 at Dell’s U.S. store costs almost US$2,400 (S$3,600) - a whopping 80% more!

The Dell XPS M1330 has been wildly successful since its launch, silencing Dell critics who used to think that Dell produces very basic, unreliable machines in ugly black boxes. As a previous user of Dell laptops (Inspiron and Latitude), I dare add that Dell has some other plus points in addition to being cheap(er).

I definitely like their on-site, international warranty which promises same-day or next-business-day service, wherever you are in the world - most places anyway. It’s a fantastic benefit for business users to minimize downtime and no other manufacturers provide a similar warranty. FYI, I blew my LCD on the Latitude once and a technician came over to my house and replaced it the next day without any questions asked.

The other thing I like about Dell is their attention to details, e.g. you can track your order and know when it’s arriving. I also once wrote an email to Dell (CCed Michael Dell) because I didn’t agree with their price for a spare battery and was given a special 50% discount.

Ok, I guess I better stop singing praises for Dell less you start thinking that I was paid for this post. So will there be an “unboxing” ceremony? Let’s wait and see on Thursday ;)