Dell Precision M4400 Review - After 3 Months of Usage

Thanks for reply jonty.
Can anyone please tell me what is the cpu temperature at which the m4400's fans (at bios a13) will shut off? is it like I suggested before, 40-42c?

Or is the question I should be asking, at which GPU temperature will the fan shut off?

 

It's mostly the GPU temp that governs fan usage on mine with the 25w P series...60degC fan on,48degC fan off with A02 and around 5degC higher on both with A13

I just did a test for you using wprime and on A13 the fan came on when the cpu hit 61degC,went off at 51degC maybe ten second's later.
On A02 fan came on at 50degC and went off at 41degC.

It's actually quite good imho that dell has very different fan profile's on the earlier/later bios's as it make's thing's suit different people and their preference's,I think you would probably be happy with A13 and a P series if you like the quiet life

 

Thanks so much for that Weegie!

 

Can anyone tell me if the E-port is compatible with 9-cell batery on M4400? I am about to buy one (E-port). Thanks

 

I use the E-Port Plus Replicator with a 9 cell.

 

I have used the M4400 for about five months now, and I mostly agree with your points. I use it as a heavy duty workstation replacement (software development and graphics) and couldn't be happier. I use the Vista 64-bit business edition, and (to my surprise) it really flies.

A few positive points:

* I do think the audio is very decent when using a headset with upgraded drivers. I never ever use the external speakers anyway (but I tried them for fun, and they really do suck, as all laptop speakers...)

* The fan noise is rarely a problem with the BIOS update.

* The build quality is top notch; thinkpad level!

* The screen is gorgeous

* Keyboard layout is very good for programmers

* Up to 8 gb ram is really nice for power users (tons of VMWare instances)

Negative points:

* Battery life could be better (fortunately, I'm connected 99% of the time)

9/10

 

Definitely agree with this - I use mine for very similar purposes. VM's run so smooth!

 

Enjoyed the review and the comments. Although I've always been partial to Dell, my brand new M4400 sample includes: fans are noisy, there is plenty of keyboard flex in the center of the keyboard, backlit keyboard is unevenly lit especially center, touchpad is awful especially zoom, there is rhythmic noise surge even at idle, right wrist pad creaks, and the entire unit vibrates due to the spinning hard drive - the latter never experienced by me before.
Is this a lemon?? I'll likely return it and try HP 8530w.

 

I think that you may have indeed received a lemon... I would contact Dell and demand a replacement. My M4400 is the best workstation I have had to date, bar none (and I have had quite a few desktops and laptops).

 

ditto, i have a slight amount of flex in the middle of the keyboard around the trackpoint too, but its not noticable during typing, only if i press down on purpose i get flex.

very quiet with the latest bios, and no creaking.