New M6500 Discussion Thread

There is still some confusion it would seem about the availability of USB 3.0 for the Covet. I spoke with our Dell account manger today, and she said that while USB 3.0 can now be ordered for the non-Covet system, the Covet system with quad processor does not yet come with USB 3.0. I’m not sure what the correct information is here. I presume that until the Dell Website reflects this information, none of these data points represent the official word from Dell.

As an additional data point, she said that they expected the 3MP camera and USB 3.0 on the Covet to come out at the same time. I will keep watching the Dell website.

 

I did NOT go through our Dell Rep or Regional Rep. The card came from Dell in Austin. These were the same people I was working with on the display and a couple of other issues a few weeks ago. They sent the card to me last week for feedback on the installation procedure and any usage issues since we have our own service shop. They were also ok with me posting info and pics of the card.

I am seeing the same thing with read speeds on the SD card in the new board. Writes are 4 to 5 Mb/s and reads are 9 Mb/s with a new Sandisk Ultra II 4gb card. My USB reader is twice as fast on both reads and writes. Hopefully its something that can be tuned in the drivers for the TI PCI8412 controller. I need to check the speeds of the Ricoh in my E6500 that is the same as the one that was in the M6400.

 

I hear your frustration; I called on March 2nd (same day as the new options for USB 3.0 became visible on Dell site for non-Covet) and my rep told me that he hadn't heard of it, and it would be a while.

Thus I opted to keep my order and in due time I'll get the upgrade.

However using the Dell site as a source of concrete information is also error-prone, as for example, there is no mention of what type of drive the BD option includes, and no mention of a web cam at all for the Covet but there is web cam software in the final itemized list on my receipt.

I could [EDIT: not] care less about the webcam, but I don't think one can be 100% sure of what actual specs are of a machine until they have it in their possession.

Gotta love surprises

 

I've come across this problem on some of the consumer Dells - notably the total pile of **** M1330's. Not noticed it with either of the machines I finally received. What I've noticed with the XPS's is if the design incorporates cabling going under the keyboard, incorrect or incomplete routing of the cables results in the keyboard bowing outwards.

 

There are two (maybe 3) "slots" under the keyboard that tabs on the bottom of the keyboard slide into. They are meant to hold the keyboard in place. Could it be that one of those tabs is sitting on top of the slot instead of in it?

 

Hi c2c2c2,

I'm sorry for the confusion in regards to the M6500 Covet. The M6500 Covet has USB 3.0 & also has the 3.2MP camera available now. Seems your rep is working from old data.

 

My thoughts exactly... Beat me to it.

 

I think it is because that when I slide the keyboard in without screwing it down, it tilts upward. Then after putting in the 4 screws at the top, it tightens it down to the chassis creating a very slight bridge in the middle of the keyboard near the letters YUIOP.

 

gradx,

Be careful how you place the keyboard into the system. Look on the bottom of the board. There are shoulder screws that fit in holes in the system. If these screws are not in the correct spot you will have a bow in the keyboard.

 

Man, you are telling me I ordered the gray one because or rep failure !!

In defense of my rep, she asked the production manage and he said not until the next refresh...what a bozo...

m