New M6500 Discussion Thread

Hi Peon1,

Being a programmer myself,

1) The RGB LED for me seems to be wonderful for text and the native high resolution allows for more space to code and have multiple files opened. I'm also fine with the default RGB LED color without adjusting the gamma. The reds do appear neon but I do like them that way as it makes them look like they have depth. *LOL*
2) Sound was easily fixed for me when I did a clean install (without installing Dell's sound drivers) right after buying my own 80GB Intel X-25 SSD for the primary system HDD and moving my Samsung 64GB SSD to the secondary HDD bracket, which was surprisingly included with my M6500 - I even found it with a little sponge holding the additional screws and connector I needed inside the M6500 secondary HDD bay!!! I was really worried that I might need to order it separately at first. USB 3.0 was a surprise for me too because my order was just a with USB 2.0 and my sales rep confirmed with his product engineer that they didn't have USB 3.0 but yet it came with USB 3.0 anyway. I activated this in the BIOS and it only worked (both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0) after I installed the stupid USB 3.0 drivers which I couldn't find on the Dell resource CD but was luckily in my Samsung 64GB SSD under the Dell/Drivers folder.
3) Dell shipped a free Alienware keyboard for me so I get to use it with the M6500 and enjoy the flashing lights. *LOL* However, I really had no problem with the sharp angles at all even when using the internal keyboard. Then again, I like to place my laptops on my bed so the angle is pretty different.
4) I don't have any problem with automatic color calibration so far and I don't think I would bother much even if I did since. The RGB LED screen is just very different from the normal sort of screens when it comes to color anyway so if you are not the type who is fussy about accurate colors, it is really something really nice to look at. ^_^

No overheating so far even when placed on my bed, but then again, I also did that to all my laptops so far and none overheated while programming. Some were noisy though but my M6500 and M15x runs quietly unless I am playing some heavy-duty game like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. Frankly the Samsung 64GB SSD SATA HDD is too small in capacity (they even installed Windows XP only by default) for me so I decided to buy the Intel X-25 SSD separately. It was amazingly easy to install and taking apart the M6500 makes me appreciate it even more as it is built amazingly well with even a metal chasis cover underneath (unlike my plastic Alienware M15x). The screws came off easily and the secondary HDD bracket package which was neatly packed with screws and connector in a sponge hidden inside my M6500 was a very pleasant surprise! My M15x didn't come with a secondary HDD bracket at all and I had to order it separately. Then after installing Windows 7 on my new SSD, my M6500 works like a charm! It is amazingly light compared to my M15x. It might look and feel weaker than the tank armor on the M15x but at least, it is all metal on the outside.

The ATI card is surprisingly faster than my M15x's Nvidia 260M graphic card - I didn't notice any slowdowns playing Modern Warfare 2. So if you are a coder, definitely go with the ATI card unless you want to code for the graphics card (as Nvidia seems to have more support for developers and the reason why I preferred Nvidia in the first place as I am a game developer). The i7-720QM seems fine to me and it is pretty darn fast (although it seems slower on my M15x for some reason). The Dell wireless card is also great so long as you get the higher end one - the 1520 (which shipped by default with mine).

Only Windows 7 Professional and above comes with XP mode which allows software that simply do not want to run on Windows 7 but works on Windows XP to run. I haven't had to use it though which goes to show that Windows 7 is pretty robust with old software. Nevertheless, it's good to have as a backup option. Of course, the M6500 also comes with the XP installation CD so you can downgrade if you want. In my case, I had to upgrade from XP to Windows 7 Pro. Wasn't a problem for me though since I was installing a new hard disk anyway.

As for a discount, try phoning a Dell Rep directly. I didn't get much of a discount but at least I got a free Alienware keyboard which has that amazing lighting system and Alien Command Center software of the Alienware line! Hope this helps! ^_^

 

I have the solo urban bag. Its quite awesome. Though I havent put my m6500 in it yet. I hope it fits lol

 

As far as bags I purchased a Skooba Designs Checkhrough Messenger based upon past experience with a Roadwired bag. The bag is perfect for the 6500 IMO. The bag fits like a glove and probaby max size for it. Not a ton of padding on the top edges but I did want a less bulky bag this time around. I also fit a Wacom Intuos 4 6x9 plus slim power adapter and room for a few more items.....But this bag is still slim, less so than my older bag that held my M60. The bag also is a design that folds out for airline checks which for this machine can be a PIA at times to have to remove and put in a tray. Initial orders get a nice dis and free shipping.

http://www.skoobadesign.com/product/checkthrough-messenger-42/

John

 

I have that occur on each of my computers. I would say it is normal and to ignore it.

John

 

oh wow, impressive bag The m6500 fits in the zippered laptop compartment? It doesn't fit in the laptop compartment of my incase messenger bag lol

On a somber note, I reinstalled the OS and Adobe MC CS4 installed flawlessly, unfortunately I have reinstall all my software now. Better now than 6 months down the road when I have everything setup how I want and find I NEED to use premiere or something

 

Yes it does fit in the zippered compartment. The dimesions of our laptop and that of the bag matched so I wondered if it would fit. The sales person had to check and said it would. I do have to be careful zipping it up and ease the zippers around the corners since they are sharp and the bag "just" fits... Like a glove ;-)

The inside compartment I keep the Intuos against the back (it also offers some protection for the screen side since it's about same size as the laptop. Then I place the slim brick as well and cables. I cut an old wetsuit sleeve and works great as a sleeve for the power brick to protect the Wacom. The very front compartment then is free for Stylus, mouse and a few other items. The top of the main compartment could hold a book, magazines, etc... and the top zippered pocket, cell phone, tickets, glasses, etc... Great all around travel and carry around bag. I didn't want so many compartments and space to add bulk and invite me to stuff it too much. As it is the bag is less bulky than my old Roadwired with the M60.

John

 

John,

You are the man. I've been looking for a bag FOREVER, but I couldn't find anything worth my time. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Glad to share what I found and am using

John

 

FYI, I tried to add to your reputation for the great post, but got the nonsensical "spread reputations before...." message. I have a b-day coming soon and this will make an excellent present. Thanks again.

 

Thanks for the pictures john, I'm kind of jealous now hehe

Its definitely a bag I'll consider if I start traveling more. I like the zippers they seem substantial. I hate having a bag with weak plastic zippers that warp and pop off their cloth support thingy.