Sleek & Sexy instrument (with hiccups). Review on Dell XPS M1330

I bought this DELL XPS 1330 in December 2007. Before buying it, I configured it in such a manner to use it in full extent and modified configuration is Core 2 Duo T7500(2.2 GHz, I think), 3GB RAM, 160HDD(7200rpm), nVidia 8400M GS graphics card, 9 Cell 85WHr battery, in-built web cam etc. And most important the weight you wouldn't feel. I am saying it because I used(and am using) DELL Inspiron 1505 which is quite heavy compared to XPS 1330. I liked this XPS. It came with pre-installed Microsoft Vista Home premium 32-bit Operating System.

The problem starts as soon as I upgraded it from Vista Home to Vista Ultimate 32-bit. I faced only one problem with video graphics driver/instrument, after 10 minute the display goes off and get black screen. So when you get black screen, essentially you dont have any other option and I have to shut it down by pressing the power button for 5 seconds.

I spent more than 72 hours with Customer Care over phone, they did all kind of experiment on the machine using their Dell Connect utility and finally, I had to send it back to DELL Garage for repair(in Texas, USA).

I guess that XPS is known for gaming but somehow, hardware/software screwed up in my machine and that gave me very hard time. I didnt use the machine for about 2 months now, because I am yet to receive the corrected and operational machine from DELL.

Bottom line is that though it is sleek and very sexy, but troublesome piece. My next machine wouldn't be XPS for sure instead I like Inspiron or Latitude, but no more DELL. I would rather go for Sony Vaio(though costlier than DELL) but more reliable - hmm. can't say that 100% because I used more DELL laptops compared to Sony, and this is the first time I am facing the EXTREME problem. But it is worth trying Sony models and Sony is the brand and I love its keyboard(it is my personal opinion).

I spent some INR 70K on the XPS, I wish that I could bought Sony Vaio instead.