The first thought that comes to mind on unboxing the XPS M1330 is a big WOW. Unlike the boxy models that characterized Dell's designs so far, the M1330 adopts a more streamlined and slim approach. This is really visible in the lid area of the laptop, which is a good 30 percent slimmer than in previous models. Also, unlike in earlier models, the LCD panel is on a gentle slope that flows into the keyboard area.
The finish of the laptop is another area that Dell has drastically improved upon. The M1330 has a feather-like soft plain silver finish for the area around the LCD panel and a soft silver metallic finish for the keyboard area. The lid area can be configured with a variety of colors on a soft matte finish; our test machine was a beautiful crimson red.
The hinges also have received a makeover. They are rounded, slim, and have no extra flex thanks to the sturdy material used. When you combine the weight loss, the improved lid design, and the new 'slope design', what you get is a one elegant-looking machine.
The appeal of the laptop does not end there. The XPS M1330 has been redesigned to be even more functional than previous iterations. First off, the keyboard is a full-featured one and offers excellent tactile feedback. The touchpad is a bit smaller than usual but is well-designed and, when combined with the adequately large mouse buttons, offers very good levels of working comfort.
The LCD panel needs a special mention. It has a backlit LED panel with a native resolution of 1280 x 800 and offers some of the best contrast/brightness and black levels that I've seen on any laptop. The screen really jumps out at you with a vibrancy that is difficult to describe. Though the extra brightness may irritate some, once you get used to it it’s difficult to go back to a conventional screen.
In terms of its connectivity the M1330 is a bit of an odd duck. It offers a variety of external display connectivity options including HDMI, a Firewire port, and a multi-card reader. However, it skimps on the crucial USB ports and offers just two of them. This is a real letdown.
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