Dell XPS M1210-Core 2 Duo (Core 2 Duo T7200 Processor 2.0GHz, 512MB RAM)

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By Dan Ackerman, CNET.com
Feb 27, 2007

High-end components and performance are generally restricted to midsize and larger laptops, so it's always nice to see a smaller system aimed at power users. The S$2,938.95 (US$1,966.77) Dell XPS M1210 (configurations start at S$2,026.50 (US$1,356.15)) makes the move to Windows Vista, combining power and portability in a package that lives on the outskirts of the ultraportable category. While it's not for hardcore gamers, those who need above-average performance in a compact system won't mind paying a premium for this unique road-worthy hybrid.

Editors' note :

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some of other products in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia. Please check directly with your local distributor for details.

Design
The 12.1-inch widescreen display leads us to call the M1210 an ultraportable laptop, but its 2.2kg weight (2.35kg with the AC adapter) is closer to a laptop in the thin-and-light category, such as the Sony VAIO C15. Measuring 297 x 220 x 30mm high, it's slightly bulkier than your average ultraportable, but still well suited for a daily commute.

	The XPS M1210 may have only a 12.1-inch screen, but its not exactly an ultraportable. (Click for larger image)

The XPS M1210 features a bright 12.1-inch display that's fine for surfing the Web and watching media files, although a slightly larger 13.3-inch screen as found on the ASUS W7J is the smallest display we'd want to use on an everyday basis. The crisp 1,280 x 800 native resolution strikes a fine balance between legible text and icons and screen real estate. Sitting above the display is a 1.3-megapixel Webcam; the camera rotates 180 degrees, as if on a rotisserie spit, so you can grab images from both the front and rear of the laptop.

The full-size keyboard on the XPS M1210 makes typing comfortable for even extended periods. The touchpad and mouse buttons are small but functional, with both horizontal and vertical scroll zones. A set of illuminated buttons sit along the front edge, including volume and media transport controls. They're handy when watching DVDs or listening to music, but they're far too easy to accidentally hit when typing, especially if the laptop is actually sitting on your lap.

Features
The M1210 includes a decent set of ports and connections for such a small system. You get four USB 2.0 ports, four-pin FireWire, VGA, and S-Video-out ports, two headphone jacks (a welcome extra) and a mic jack; there's also an ExpressCard slot and a media card reader. Networking options include modem, Ethernet, and 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Typical for Dell systems, the XPS M1210 is highly configurable to suit a wide range of budgets and needs. Our review unit arrived fairly tricked out, including a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 CPU, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a 120GB hard drive running at 5,400rpm, a Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 GPU, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. Compared to the XP version of the M1210 we looked back in June 2006, this model costs about the same, trades up to a Core 2 Duo CPU from a Core Duo, and doubles the RAM.

To cut the S$2,938.95 (US$1,966.77) price by a third, you could go with the default configuration, which trades down to a 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 CPU, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, integrated graphics, and Windows Vista Home Premium. That's still a decent set of specs, if you're more interested in the M1210's size and features than in pure performance.

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