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In this head-to-head feature, we bring to you a match between two multimedia/entertainment netbooks that slot at the same starting price range (at least in some markets), have the same screen size and offer nearly the same set of features – Dell’s XPS M1530 versus Lenovo’s IdeaPad Y530 (40512AU).

 

DELL XPS M1530

 

Dell’s XPS series stands for Xtreme Performance Series and was originally targeted at the gaming section of the laptop market. However, the launching of the XPS M1530 (especially in its Multimedia Entertainer Edition) has shown Dell’s intention of using the popularity of the series to tap into the multimedia segment of the laptop market.

 

 The Dell XPS M1530 was released in November 2007 and was built around Intel’s Santa Rosa platform. Processing options include Intel Core 2 Duo mobile processors up to T7800 and the T9500.

 

Display options for the XPS M1530 consist of a 1440 x 900 pixel LED backlight LCD or a full high-definition 1920 × 1200 resolution.

 

The XPS M1530 is available in Tuxedo Black, Red, Midnight Blue and Flamingo Pink and comes in basic, Multimedia Entertainer and Mobile Powerhouse editions.

 

The basic model is geared with an Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 (2.0 GHz, 2MB cache) while the special editions come with an Intel Core Duo T7500 (2.2-GHz) or an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz, 3MB Cache).

 

The XPS M1530 is also loaded with special features like a biometric fingerprint scanner for security and Dell’s proprietary MediaDirect – which provides instant access to the unit’s multimedia features. In addition, the M1530 also features an integrated 2.0 megapixel webcam and enhanced-capture microphone array.

 

PROS

The XPS M1530’s beautiful display made fans out of us. It has to be one of the best we have ever seen. We also like the fact that it has not abandoned its gaming roots; that it is still a gaming device at its core but with the special abilities to take on multimedia tasks. Battery life is great, too.

 

CONS

Its webcam visuals are so-so. For a multimedia device, we had great expectations towards its sound system but sadly we’re left disappointed. Some of the preloaded Dell programs are plain junk.

 

LENOVO IDEAPAD Y530 (40512AU)

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Y530, in its 40512AU iteration, makes a great audio-visual impression with its bright colors and a great sound system. It is touted as the successor of the Y510 that comes with better processing prowess with its Intel Centrino 2 processing chip.

 

The colors may be eye-catching but, like other users, we are disappointed by the overall design. The feel of the chassis does give it a sense of being sturdy and the touch of its surface makes it a bit elegant.

 

The IdeaPad Y530’s 15.4-inch display is almost as gorgeous as that of the XPS M1530’s until you get to check its viewing angles and that’s where disappointment sets in. The screen is also too reflective for our taste.

 

This Lenovo is powered by a 1.66-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 processor that comes with 2GB of memory that can be upgraded to 4GB. Multitasking is a breeze in this configuration.

 

As typical multimedia users, we were satisfied with its graphics performance but serious gamers might not be as impressed with the Nvidia GeForce 9300M graphics card with 256MB of memory.  

 

PROS

The LENOVO IDEAPAD Y530 (40512AU) has a great sound system that is even better than the DELL XPS M1530. The LCD display design is sleek and tastefully made. We also liked the proprietary facial recognition feature. These are awesome features for the relatively low price.

 

CONS

The design is a turn-off; its appearance just simply lacks appeal. The display produces glare and there is no Blu-Ray option.

SPECS	AVAILABLE OPTIONS
	DELL XPS M1530	LENOVO IDEAPAD Y530
CPU	2.2-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500	1.66-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7350
RAM	2GB Up to 4GB	2GB Up to 4GB
SCREEN SIZE	15.4 inches	15.4 inches
OPERATING SYSTEM	MS Windows Vista Home Premium	MS Windows Vista Home Premium
BATTERY LIFE	2.5 hours (estimate)	3 hours (estimate)
GRAPHICS	Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT	Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS

 

CONCLUSION

The Dell XPS M1530’s combination of features, design and performance makes it a winner in this head-to-head comparison. It does have its faults (poor speaker system, so-so webcam) but these are minor and are not bad enough to pull it down much against its Lenovo competitor. The IdeaPad Y530 is still a safe investment if you can put up with its design. Still, the Dell XPS M1350 is the better multimedia laptop for us.

Related posts:

1. Acer Aspire Timeline 3810TZ-4880 vs Lenovo Ideapad U330
2. HP 2133 MINI-NOTE vs ASUS EEE PC 1000HE – Netbook Comparison

Tags: DELL XPS M1530, LENOVO’S IDEAPAD Y530, Netbook Comparison

This entry was posted on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 5:32 am and is filed under Netbook Comparisons, and is tagged with DELL XPS M1530, LENOVO’S IDEAPAD Y530, Netbook Comparison. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.