New M6500 Discussion Thread

Below is the link on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DELL-M6500-CO...tZUK_Computing_Laptops_EH?hash=item2a05a9dfca

 

Here is the link on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DELL-M6500-CO...tZUK_Computing_Laptops_EH?hash=item2a05a9dfca

 

Hi all,

I just received my M6500, and am having a minor but annoying problem that I was hoping someone else here had encountered.

The machine arrived with a slightly loose memory module, which involved a call to tech support (who were great btw) and all manner of disaasemblage to get at the assorted sticks. The problem is - I cant get the damn back panel back on properly! The screw at the edge goes in fine but the one near the middle, in the corner, wont catch, no matter how hard I press down. Looked at the service manual, no help.

Anyone got any tips for getting the panel back on properly, or encountered any difficulty in doing so? Its securely attached now, but wobbles ever so slightly.


Oh, andif anyones interested: 820QM/16Gb/2x256Gb SSDs non-raid/FX3800M/Dual boot Win7 and Ubuntu - mainly for work, and occasionally for play

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=469042

 

Hello all, I just ordered an M6500.

Configuration is i7-920XM, FX3800M, WUXGA RGBLED, BluRay, 128GB SSD, 250GB HD 7200rpm, USB 3.0, Intel 5300, Wireless 420 UWB / 365 Bluetooth, Windows 7 Pro 64bit, 4GB DDR3-1066.

I also ordered an Ultrasharp U2711 27" Monitor, E/Port Plus, and E/Monitor Flat Panel Monitor Stand.

Estimated delivery date is 4-9-10. Has anyone received their machine on time? I ordered an M6400 for my wife on 2-20 with estimated delivery originally 3-17, then 3-25, and now 4-1. At least I got Dell to switch the M6400 from free 7 day to free next day shipping.

After building 3 desktops, this will be my first laptop.

Now for the long wait and expected delayed shipping.

 

Can anyone help me with choosing ram? I have not found any DDR3 1600 ram but have found both 1333 and 1066 is kits of two 4GB modules. I've found 1333 module kits with timings of 9-9-9-24 and 1066 module kits with timings of 7-7-7-20. Which module kits would be faster, or would they be the same speed? Does anyone have any recommendations on what ram I should use?
Also, I've read several places in this thread that 8GB of memory will outperform 4GB of memory. Is there any difference in memory performance going from 8GB to 16GB?

 

*LOL* I wonder if UK's M6500 comes from Malaysia since my rep tells me that it is assembled in Dell's factory here. If you are going to use the M6500 for gaming, the M17x forum people are all crazy about the RGB LED screen and it was the reason they were waiting for the M17x-R2 just in case you didn't already know. ^_^;;;

Another thing to note is whether the SATA HDD bracket will fit your SSD. I ordered the Samsung 64GB SSD SATA Hard Drive and my rep was confused at first but I Googled and found out that the "SATA Hard Drive" behind the name was just referring to the form factor. The rest of the larger capacity SSD's don't have that SATA Hard Drive name appended to them so I am guessing that they are of a different size? I am also wondering if the M6500 includes the extra hard disk bracket for the secondary hard disk because the M17x sure doesn't and my rep said I had to purchase one separately from Dell - I forgot to ask him about the M6500 though.

I'll also most likely upgrade the RAM myself (since it is so much cheaper to buy from a third party) although 4GB with 2x2GB DIMMs is the lowest Dell would allow me to go.

Thanks for the tip on the ATI Firepro M7740. Too bad it does not support DirectX 11 like the the Radeon HD5870 which the M17x was rumored to get (although my rep says it will be upgraded with the Nvidia 285 instead).

 

The 1333Mhz is faster but I don't think you will notice the difference. Check out the discussion at: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=434330

 

I'm one of those crazy about RGB LEDs...And now I'm reverting to Lenovo, because all those glossy screens (the best quality) are ruined by reflections. If you care about your eyes and wanna game - either keep the system in a dark room ALWAYS or look for a matte finish. Cheap films/filters don't really work on those E2E screens destroying the image quality, so don't even try them.

 

I was reading the M6500 AnandTech review and was surprised to see the 9 cell battery spec'd at 90WHr's. My M6500 order confirmation says the battery is only 85 WHr's part # 312-0222. Interestingly, when you go on the Dell website to laptop battery selector and choose M6500 the battery specified for the M6500 is 90WHr's part # 312-0215. Also interesting, when you use the battery selector to choose a battery for the M6400 you get two 85 WHr batteries, part #'s 312-0873 (silver) and 312-0868 (orange). It looks like they're giving us M6400 batteries with our M6500's but using a different part number than the M6400 batteries.
Did anyone get a 90WHr battery standard with their M6500?