Latitude E6400 Owner's Lounge

ok well this isn't for the outlet as I mentioned, this is for a brand new unit, they usually don't have coupons for 20% off brand new units. in any case I will retract my original post as it's clear based on everyone's replies that I was out of line. I was hesitant to make the post originally in fear of this, but I figured since my good track record you guys would respect the post and realize I am not trying to be a jerk, but I guess I was wrong. please remember however this is not for dell outlet, but is for a brand new purchase, there are some people who would value this. But I will put my tail between my legs and let go of this one. Sorry for all who took offense and I guess perhaps I could of used better judgement. Please accept my apologies.

 

More hilarity ensues when comparing E6400 vs. T400:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33211711@N06/3469616615/

On a serious note, to E6400 owners using a E-port Plus Replicator/Dock, please help me out. I plan on getting a E-port Plus dock with (eventually) two monitors.
There seems to be a heat issue with E6400s with Nvidia cards connecting to these docks. I haven't had a big problem with heat so far.
When I'm idle or doing low-end stuff, it's room temp. As expected, it gets warmer and the fan goes high when I'm using the whole CPU (duh duh duh). From the pics I can find the E-port plus seems to only cover the back (closest to the battery) of the bottom.
What I'm wondering is if there a way to slide a cooling pad (either bought from the store or made myself with thin computer-tower fans) under the laptop when docked?
I'm not too worried about noise from fans. I figure when you use a laptop like a desktop, it's okay if it sounds as loud as one. I am worried about heat slowing down things down (via built-in underclocking or whatever) and/or damaging components.
Users with an E6400 & E-Port plus dock, especially when using two monitors please advise.
(Btw, I know that it's easy to get two monitors working with the normal E-port dock, but I do need legacy ports for random things like programming micro-controllers with the serial or parallel port etc.)

 

So today, I just realized that I ed up the lid of my E6400 on wednesday. I didn't bring a notebook case(don't try this at home kids), and the "brushed metal" was scratched up. For a few hours there, I really put myself down. I had ruined my brand new laptop!

I ended up sanding the brushed metal with some steel wool and it removed 95% of the scratches. Some of the dents were really deep, but it isn't noticeable unless you look very very close. The finish isn't the same though. The original finish was more glossy. This one looks more like a metal finish. I'll have comparison pics up when my mom's E6400 arrives.

 

no, i havent had any problems with it at all, but odd stuff cropped up with the upgrade installs -- which i knew would happen, but i got too busy to do a new install.

 

to clarify, the CPU is not soldered onto the mobo, though the GPU is.

 

I like to play the occasional game so I don't want to resort to that, I would rather keep the current situation where I keep the GPU at an 80% underclock. Anyway, I had to give Dell a chance to fix the problem, I could hardly say "my Nvidia GPU is overheating, please replace it with an Intel and refund me the difference".

Now that their fix didn't work, I have more of a case, although I doubt they will give in just like that. We'll see, I've had a few positive surprises with their customer support. Perhaps I can convince them to do a copper mod? That would be great

 

herrkaputt, you realize that none of us are having the same issues? I occasionally play games on this, and nothing like this happens. just make them give you a whole new machine.

 

I can try that... but I don't think it will be easy to convince them of that.

And "none of us" isn't exactly correct, although I believe most E6400's work fine.

 

I've got a few fine scratches courtesy of a certain feline's claws! She sits on top of it if I close the lid and leave the room...then she runs (digs off on the lid with rear claws/paws) when I yell at her for it....ugh!

 

Of course they will.
You saw my results, the tech guy was saw them. You try different programs which confirms it. Just be nice, patient and reasonable with them, and you'll get your new machine. I don't think talking abut the copper mod would be wise... it might lead to a miss communication and lose your warranty.