I've been looking at the XPS M1530 too, just remember two things:
1) Always check the productivity software tab to select Microsoft Works. No software is automatically selected, but Microsoft works costs no extra money.
2) Check for coupons. I found
http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/cheapster/dell/ has good ones. Sometimes they are not applicable (i.e. when they are too old or you are in the student discount section), but generally the coupon is worth more savings than the student discount is anyway.
__________________
Branden Ghena - Michigan Tech Student and Team 240 Alumnus
Working Towards: Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Double Major
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandalf