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Dell Introduces $999 XPS Notebook

stncttr908   on 26 October 2005 - 19:02 · 56 comments & 3340 views

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Dell has added a low cost XPS branded notebook to its product line, the XPS M140, to complement the XPS M170 introduced in September. This "budget" minded laptop has a 14.1" widescreen display and weighs in at 5.5 pounds. Starting at $999, it is a far cry from the high-end, desktop replacement M170, which starts at $2699.

Stock configuration for the new laptop includes a Pentium M 740 operating at 1.73GHz, 512MB DDR2 RAM, 40GB hard disk, Intel integrated graphics, a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive, 5-in-1 card reader, and integrated 802.11g wireless. By comparison, the M170 offers a 17" widescreen display and high end graphics such as NVIDIA's GeForce Go 6800 Ultra and 7800 GTX.

The XPS M140 is available for order now and will begin shipping in November.

News source: PC World


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#1 NEOBassDUDE on 26 Oct 2005 - 19:01
not bad! it might replace my mighty duron 900 laptop I'm running now
(5 replies) #2 sphbecker on 26 Oct 2005 - 19:24
How can an XPS be budget minded? XPS has always been top to extream top of the line.

Last edited by 74534 on 26 Oct 2005 - 21:11
#2.1 RufioPan on 26 Oct 2005 - 19:30
Exactly what I was thinking. What's so "XPS" about this laptop? Perhps they're aiming to rebrand their consumer line of laptops to XPS, from "Inspiron"?
#2.2 vetDazzla on 26 Oct 2005 - 19:31
Except that isn't top of the line. One of the slowest P-Ms, Integrated graphics and only a 14.1" display. Pretty budget if you ask me...
#2.3 cooldude7273 on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:51
But the point of the XPS series was to be top of the line. And this isn't.
#2.4 DigeratiPrime on 27 Oct 2005 - 01:49
what the hell its got integrated intel gfx what a joke, go for the MSI 1029 and get a Radeon X700.
#2.5 ZZOOzzoo on 28 Oct 2005 - 09:06
I agree. When I hear of Dell XPS, the image of top-end powerhouse comes to my mind. And what is this, a "budget-minded" low-end laptop in the same category? Why is Dell trying to ruin its own brand name that already is well established?
#3 ahhell on 26 Oct 2005 - 19:33
Comments Removed.

--matt74441


Last edited by 33280 on 27 Oct 2005 - 06:38
(3 replies) #4 roxics on 26 Oct 2005 - 19:50
Why does everone care about Dell so much? Their machines don't look or run any better then any other machines out there. It's all about that name and even that is pretty plain... DELL. It's some dudes last name. But I guess in a culture where people have to wear someones name on their tee-shirts what else should I expect.

...yes I'm trolling but I don't care it's my first time.
#4.1 netizen on 26 Oct 2005 - 22:22
Don't worry, it's not really trolling if you're 100% right
#4.2 MaxMonster on 26 Oct 2005 - 23:22
"pretty plain" is all in the eye of the beholder son. I'd rather have someone’s last name than a piece of fruit. Dell makes good mainstream computers so take your medication now and spare us.
#4.3 matt74441 on 27 Oct 2005 - 06:31
Ya, but the same can be said about Apple.

Wait, did I just troll
(7 replies) #5 LTD on 26 Oct 2005 - 19:57
Does Dell still make PCs that don't accept 3rd party RAM, videocards, soundcards, etc?

lol.
#5.1 sphbecker on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:32
I have been supporting Dell computers for over 6 years and have seen many different models. To my knowledge they have never done anything like that.
#5.2 mr_skrilla on 27 Oct 2005 - 07:34
you are lying. They did.
#5.3 roadwarrior on 27 Oct 2005 - 20:31
I've never seen a Dell that didn't allow third party upgrades. Care to point out any actual proof of this?
#5.4 Shadrack on 27 Oct 2005 - 21:02
QUOTE
I have been supporting Dell computers for over 6 years and have seen many different models. To my knowledge they have never done anything like that.


I cracked open a friends DELL from 2001 and it had memory with non-standard notches. Really may me mad 'causs I had about a gig of PC133 ram to give her but alas, my ram wouldn't fit. I've seen a lot of memory, but never anything like what was in that DELL.
#5.5 sphbecker on 27 Oct 2005 - 21:38
That seems odd, you are sure it wasn't RAMBUS memory?
#5.6 jivemastert on 28 Oct 2005 - 02:32
yeah, it was definately rambus... my friend's compaq from 2001 also had rambus... we were like "wtf?" when we opened it.
#5.7 sphbecker on 28 Oct 2005 - 14:57
Well RAMBUS is just a different format, one that never took off. You wouldn't complain about not being able to use your PC133 memory in a PC2100 motherboard, so don't computer about not being able to use it in a RAMBUS motherboard.
#6 TrekXP on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:15
if the XPS line is designed primarily for a gamer, why would they equip this with an intel integrated graphics chip.... that will blow for any game other than solitare...
(5 replies) #7 Liandros on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:32
wow i can get a better faster laptop from apple for the same price(not saying pcs suck, just the x140)
#7.1 cooldude7273 on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:52
Thats like comparing apples and oranges.
#7.2 sphbecker on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:52
Apple has no laptop with a processor that even comes close to the Pentium M 740. Remember that is a Pentium M and its power is equal to a Pentium 4 with double that clock speed.
#7.3 MaxMonster on 26 Oct 2005 - 23:24
faster? LOL! I wonder why we don't see any more apple commercials with their claims? hmmmmm...HAHAHAH!

Last edited by 33280 on 27 Oct 2005 - 06:32
#7.4 Shadrack on 27 Oct 2005 - 20:56
QUOTE
Thats like comparing apples and oranges.


No it isn't. Comparing a laptop from DELL to a 4 function calculator is like comparing apples and oranges. Macs and PCs are both computer, in case you don't know that already.
#7.5 sphbecker on 28 Oct 2005 - 15:01
Yes, you can compair them, and it is easy to see that an Apple laptop for the same price is not as powerful. You don't even have to spec them out, you just know it is true, because Motorola or IBM have not made faster PowerPC processors for laptops in almost two years. Meaning that any Apple laptop shipped today has a nearly obsolete processor.

I'm not trying to dis Apple, they are just having problems with their suppliers. This is the big reason why they are switching to Intel.
#8 bucko on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:42
My AMD64 3200+, 512MB DDR, ATI Radeon 9700 128MB, 40GB HD, Wireless G, 15.4" TFT widescreen laptop cost me £800. Screw dell, you spend £999 for a machine preloaded with AOL
#9 mayamaniac on 26 Oct 2005 - 20:54
QUOTE
With the PC market expected to slow in coming years, Dell is hoping that customers will be willing to part with more money for a flashier product with top-of-the-line components and support representatives dedicated to the XPS products.

So basically, they know that the XPS brand name is now popular among consumers, so they are trying to fool you into thinking you are buying a premium product just to boost their sales during the slow months. Nothing new here, just typical business tactics. But still, kinda messed up that they don't at least put the ATI x300 chip in it, Intel Integrated Graphics is pathetic.
(5 replies) #10 JnCoKiLLa on 26 Oct 2005 - 21:05
I'm holding out for a Fully Vista Notebook
#10.1 sphbecker on 26 Oct 2005 - 21:13
Lol, me too, I have been holding out for a Vista computer for the last 2 years, lol. Its a really good thing I do almost all of my computer use at work, or having a 5 year old PC at home would drive me crazzy.
#10.2 Zirus1701 on 26 Oct 2005 - 21:41
ehh... I just bought a new computer, and I imagine I'll have no trouble running Vista on it. Just because the OS isn't out doesn't mean you can't get hardware that will run it. Just go top of the line now, so when the OS comes out you'll have a high/midrange computer that will run it fine.
#10.3 Jeremy1 on 27 Oct 2005 - 00:21
No computer that is out now will fully support everything Vista has to offer. Secure Startup is just one of the many things that comes to mind.
#10.4 sphbecker on 27 Oct 2005 - 21:41
Yeah, there are a number of cool hardware advances that are not ready yet, but at the same time, they may or may not be avablible when Vist comes out. I'm guess that if you want FULL vista hardware support you will need to wait and buy a computer that was really "designed for vista"
#10.5 mgleason007 on 28 Oct 2005 - 02:46
Why? (I'll keep the rest of that comment to myself to avoid being a troll).
(3 replies) #11 tiwaris on 26 Oct 2005 - 21:37
LOL, Dell Inspiron 9300 (17" WSXGA+) is available through deals at around USD 977 (including shipping and a free printer). It is way better than M140.
#11.1 Jeremy1 on 27 Oct 2005 - 00:22
Not everyone wants a gigantic 17" laptop.
#11.2 tiwaris on 27 Oct 2005 - 04:22
You can choose a different inspiron (with whatever screen size you want, and it will still be much cheaper).
#11.3 matt74441 on 27 Oct 2005 - 06:33
True, I don't really want to drag a massive computer around campus with me.
(1 reply) #12 Netrack on 26 Oct 2005 - 22:25
xps is supposed to be a gaming platform if im correct?


not with integrated graphics



but i do like dell, personally have a 600m and its been great, along with the tech support
#12.1 Pliskin on 27 Oct 2005 - 01:11
they're playing around with the XPS name now, it's weird
#13 eilegz on 27 Oct 2005 - 01:08
well i with the same price i would get a acer with amd turion, 1gb ram, 120 gb, dvd writer dual.

if only this would include a decent video card and not intel extreme crappy graphics that would be good
#14 Pliskin on 27 Oct 2005 - 01:11
Thanks for sharing that with us...

--matt74441


Last edited by 33280 on 27 Oct 2005 - 06:42
#15 jb23fan on 27 Oct 2005 - 04:26
Il be getting an HP laptop with Athlon 64 3200, 1 gig of ram, ATI 128 Graphics, 80 GB Hard Drive, wide screen, intergrated wireless, dvd burner, for...$998..

Who the hell does Dell think they are fooling, what a piece of over priced junk.
#16 matt74441 on 27 Oct 2005 - 06:38
Comments Cleaned.

Who would have thought a laptop could stir up so much hate...


It seems like a nice small laptop, about the same size as my Compaq. It would be a nice one to have, but I seriously question its game playing capabilties...

Edit: Link to the product page:

Dell XPS M140
#17 mr_skrilla on 27 Oct 2005 - 07:37
<snipped>

This post contributed absolutely nothing and had absolutely no point whatsoever.

--matt74441


Last edited by 33280 on 27 Oct 2005 - 07:55
(3 replies) #18 mr_skrilla on 27 Oct 2005 - 15:06
wow this has been edited/censored? to all hell....
#18.1 vet[NFC]Wave on 27 Oct 2005 - 16:54
If comments such as the previous continue, or trolling, flame bait, etc then warnings will be issued.

Comments were removed because they were not needed and were only there to cause trouble. If nothing beneficial is to be added, please refrain from posting.
#18.2 minnow_trap on 27 Oct 2005 - 19:23
LOL
#18.3 matt74441 on 28 Oct 2005 - 02:31
Take it up with me in PM, but for the record all you said was Dell sucked...
#19 alyssachanpc on 27 Oct 2005 - 19:30
They should of use low end dedicated graphics card instead of woefully slow intel graphic cards....

I won't be getting one...
#20 masterren on 28 Oct 2005 - 00:21
I'm kinda confused by their branding. I thought XPS was for gamers with a high budget. It doesn't even look like an XPS from the outside. Maybe it should have been put in the Inspiron line instead.
(1 reply) #21 imtoomuch on 28 Oct 2005 - 07:53
It's good to see the mods actually doing their job. Dells do not suck and they're definitely the best pre-built computers. I'm guessing they're making a budget XPS laptop for the case and the name alone. It's just a marketing tool.
#21.1 matt74441 on 28 Oct 2005 - 08:51
Thats all I can think of. From looking at the specs of this laptop and the rest of the XPS machines, they're not even close to being from the same family of computers. But then again the iPod shuffle is still a member of the iPod family, and one could call it pathetic compared to the rest of them.
#22 mr_demilord on 28 Oct 2005 - 09:08
Wowww nice,

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