Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge

no luck? You couldn't uninstall it there? If so then just uninstall everything ID-T related in your apps/software screen

 

I uninstalled and let it to reinstall.But sound issue is still here!

 

Hi folks, been a while since I posted.

Couple questions - I'm leaning towards an M2400 but prefer the M4400 as long as it can fit in my existing Zero Halliburton briefcase.

The interior dimensions of the case are 16" wide x 11" deep.

Currently, it fits my M70, with the AC adaptor & bluetooth mouse on the right side.

As far as the batteries on the M4400 - will the 9 cell extended battery fit in my existing 11" deep case?

Also, what's the standard AC adaptor for the M4400? Will the 90w adaptors work with the E-Port?

I have a couple extra 90w adaptors for my M70 (D series) that would hopefully work with the M4400 and/or E-Port.

Lastly - I realize there's no S-Video out port on the M4400/E-series.

How would I output video to my (non hdmi) TV? Is there some sort of cable adapter available from Dell that would convert a video signal from the M4400 to either the S-Video input or the yellow video RCA jack on my TV?

Currently I use the Dell S-video to video (yellow) adaptor cable.

User pros & cons on the LED versus LCD screen?

Does the webcam on the LED have a lower resolution than the LCD webcam?

Lastly - who makes the 320GB 7200rpm FFS drive? Hopefully Western Digital.

Is the 500GB 7200rpm drive a FFS drive as well?

 

Hi, would you mind sharing instructions on how you did this and what kinda lubricant you used?

Thanks!

Sami

 

It's really quiet simple.

1- remove the bottom cover.
2- unplug the fan (follow the cable to the socket)
3- remove the fan (4 screws).
You should now have the fan in your hands and no longer tethered to the computer.
4- remove the fan cover (you will find some tiny screws holding the fan lid in place.)
5- pull on the fan to separate it from the motor and housing. (no need to pull hard. It is only held there by magnetic pull.)
6- once removed you will see the magnetic ring underneath the fan blades. Clean it and lube it. Only use a little lube.
7- do everything in reverse to reinstall the fan.

I used a silicon spray lube for electronics to lube the fan, and only a very little bit of it. If you use too much you will get some everywhere on the blades and it will probably just attract more dust.

In all honesty, I am not even sure it helps all that much. I had a speck of glue on my fan motor that rubbed on the magnetic ring on the fan. This made the fan a little noisy when spinning up and winding down. Most people don't have that problem so they will see little difference since, in principle, these magnetically propelled fans are brushless and therefore, have no touching parts.

I hope this info helps.

 

As I posted in the m4400 downclocks forum...

I'm calling Dell in hopes to make someone aware that they goofed something up when they passed bios a2/3. Hopefully the new bios contains all the fixes + the temp/fan/clocking issues.

Please call aswell so we can get some traction!

 

So... I got my replacement M4400 today, and I'm wondering... wth is wrong with Dell these days?

First of all, the replacement is not specced the same as the original... 250GB instead of 160GB (can I keep the 250GB?), and Vista Business instead of Vista Ultimate (I'm keeping Ultimate no matter what).

Secondly, the touchpad mouse buttons are stuck down after only one press.

The screens are identical, with about 1.5 inches of light spillage at the bottom of the screen (when the screen is black), but otherwise good, and all other parts are the same. I haven't tested the DVD drive yet.

The good part is that they gave me the 6-cell battery I requested instead of the 9-cell... maybe the HD upgrade is in exchange for that downgrade?

 

My refurb M4400 was damaged in shipping. For the replacement they switched from FX770->FX1700, 6-cell->9-cell.. I called to ask about the different specs and was told that a replacement may contain "same or better". So for any part they don't currently have on hand they will provide you with a "better" one to get the replacement out.. I'm kinda torn in my case, because I chose the FX770 & 6-cell because of less heat/power use... But for free maybe I'll keep the "better" parts...

 

I'm not sure I'd be happy about the 1700M, especially since it's not really that much better (if at all)... but maybe an upcoming BIOS patch will fix it up and make it worth it.

For me, I'd love to keep the 250GB, but I'm not happy about the Vista Business license instead of the Vista Ultimate license. I wonder if I can switch the labels...

 

I forgot to mention that my replacement also 'downgraded' me from: back-lit kbd->non back-lit, and 56kmodem->no modem.

When I called I also complained about that, and they said they would send both the back-lit kbd and modem out as well (as replacement parts for my replacement laptop ).. So I'm sure if you call and remind them that you originally ordered Ultimate they will get you an Ultimate license&media without any problem...

I can't beleive how messed up Dell's "business" support is.. I swear it's almost not worth the hassle.