Latitude E6400 Owner's Lounge

Thanks. I'm tempted to order some ready for when I next get home. I'm now also seeing some marking on the surface behind the keyboard. However, it would be better if Dell would spend the extra 50 cents on putting these on during assembly.

John

 

The switch is the on/off switch for your wireless devices (you choose inside the BIOS) It could be for 1 or more of these devices: Wireless card, those cellphone internet card, and Bluetooth.

The button found next to it, is for Dell Wireless card only. (it doesn't work with the Intel one). From my understanding, when you press it it searches for a wireless network that it knows (that you setup) and connects to it.
This is essentially totally useless as under Vista, it's done automatically. So it has no purpose.

Yes, inside the BIOS. To access the BIOS, press F2 key while you see the Dell logo. I am on the machine itself as I am typing this, so I can't tell you where inside of the BIOS is it, but it's well organized, easy to use (has a mouse too), and everything is explained. There is nothing inside that could damage your machine.

If it helps, rep me up.

 

Received my new E6400 last Friday and I've been very happy with it.

Order timeline:

12-Jan-2009 Order Received
12-Jan-2009 Order released to manufacturing
14-Jan-2009 Ship from Factory
15-Jan-2009 Loading for Export
16-Jan-2009 Dispatch to Local Courier
16-Jan-2009 Delivered

Specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo P8400
Intel X4500 w/ ExpressCard
4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800MHz
250GB 5400rpm SATA <-- changed to my own WD Scorpio Black 160GB
8x DVD-RW
Intel WiFi Link 5300
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth
1280 x 800 WXGA LED LCD w/ webcam
6-cell battery
Backlit keyboard
Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP3 + Windows Vista Business SP1

Added on a Dell Wireless 5530 HSPA module on my own as well.



There's a bit of keyboard flex at the middle area where the touchstick is, but it's not noticable while typing and the feel is pretty nice overall.

The Alps touchpad works, but it's a little unresponsive for my liking. The difference is noticable between using an Alps and a Synaptics.


Got a small problem here though.

I did a fresh re-install to Vista Business SP1 but I skipped installing the IDT audio driver. However, I do hear occasionally some very slight popping noises while my music is playing through the laptop speakers.

I'm a little confused now after reading through the thread(s) regarding the IDT drivers and bass. Does the audio have some sort of bass at least with the latest IDT drivers?

 

You can't complain about the speed of delivery!

I think bass is lacking on the internal audio. The latest IDT driver fixed the problem of the bass also being cut from the external audio unless the internal speakers were disabled. However, I recall the Vista audio driver disn't suffer from this bug.

Your audio noises may be related to the audio crackles which some people suffer and are discussed in several other threads. Or are they only with the internal speakers? In which case I wonder whether the Vista driver lets you overload them (they are actually a couple of little 1/2" tweeters).

John

 

Heuu WHAT!!! how did you pass the order?! When I order mine, it won't let you have Vista 32-bit with 4GB of RAM Which should be normal. You should return your system and get it with Vista 64-bit, or order and install Vista 64-bit.
ANY 32-bit OS is guilty of this, including Linux. In reality a 32-bit OS (processors as well, in your case the CPU goes under some sort of emulation mode) can't handle 4GB of RAM. The OS performs hacks to support 4GB to allow you to bootup the system. But you actually experience a slowdown on your system, bottleneck effect, and get to used only 3.5GB of RAM.
Also, I remind you that you PAID for a 64-bit CPU... why not unlock it's full potential. Just the fact of having a complete, 100% OS made with all it's applications in 64-bit means faster system, and gain battery life. (let's not forget 64-bit codecs for Windows Media Player 64-bit, or any 64-bit multimedia players). And to top things over, Vista 64-bit is more polished. You have NO REASON to use a 32-bit OS!

The flex in that area is normal, as if you tap on the touch point mouse, it clicks. Also if high pressure on the screen is applied, the keyboard can flex down and prevent the breakage of the LCD screen. So it's for the best.

Disable power management under the IDT control panel under the Control Panel.

 

ok, today a guy came to fix my notebook.

he exchanged the Display (had a LG - got a new LG) - so now the Display-problem is gone. I hope forever)
I also got a new Palmrest (and he nearly had to dissamble the whole notebook because of that).

Result: I think the touchpad is much better now. I also think it "feels" different. But i only had 5 minutes to test it. but i'll report if it changed anything in "real life" situations.

 

Interesting... I installed the IDT driver per Dell's recommended install order which they were very specific about, and I have no audio problems and the IDT power management setting has always been disabled.

GK

 

Too much conjecture, GoodBytes.

GK

 

It seems I was just unlucky, then. I still have no answer though. (As I stated earlier I mailed them on Thursday. I added further Information yesterday regarding the audio problems.) Of course, it was weekend so I'll give them that.
Í hope they'll answer soon!

 

I have tried to disable IDT power management. Every time I close the window, it is enabled again. Any suggestions? I am using vista ultimate. Thanks.