Precision M6400 Owner's Lounge

Replacement time is anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. I can survive without a video out port for a bit, so its not a big deal.

One suggestion regarding keyboard flex. I did have the End key pop off on me and Dell overnighted me a keyboard and I swapped it. The keyboard base is actually flexible; its not rigid, so if you have an area that flexes, you can actually take the keyboard off and slightly twist it to straighten it out.

Its very easy to take the keyboard off. YOu just pop off the top bezel (where the power switch is), from left to right and then you can unscrew 4 screws holding the KB in, and slide it up and out.

Might be worth a shot - mine literally has zero keyboard flex, but when I was putting it in, I ensured that it was completely flat and did slightly twist the lower left corner as it was slightly up.

N

 

Odd. I admit I don't know much about dual link DVI and large monitors but the ability to drive two 30" monitors was a major point in the advertising for the M6400. Something doesn't add up here and I hope Dell can respond appropriately and quickly.

 

Just to make sure, when you use the trackstick the keyboard doesn't move at all?

 

Does anyone knows of a good potential replacement for the m6400?

I need something with 8 gig of ram at a reasonabe price - that is with 4 memory slot. I also need 2 HD in RAID.
I looked at the w700 but it only has 2 memory slot (so 8 gig would be very expensive).
I also need it to be a 17" laptop with a 1920 *1200 resolution.

Any suggestion?

Thnak you,

Frederic

 

FredericBell...I would be frustrated too but I would also push Dell for answers first.

All of the advertising on www.dell.com/nocompromise indicates the ability to drive 30" monitors. And, if you look 36 seconds into the video on the No Compromise site it clearly states that you can drive TWO 30" monitors.

It doesn't sound like the resource you spoke to knows all that the M6400 is advertised to be. I wouldn't give up yet.

David...any thoughts on this?

 

Hmm...If I push hard than a regular keypress, yes, I can make it move. But not under normal operating conditions.

I don't consider keyboard flex to be any movement, I consider it flex if it moves under normal operation. I've had keyboards with bad flex, and this is not one of them.

N

 

I gotta say, I'm surprised to see these quality issues (dead pixels, dead ports, keyboard issues, blue screens, etc.) with what is supposed to be the very top of Dell's line, esp. with them ostensibly taking time to individually test the machines. (Which they should at $5k+ per box.) The idea of sending them $7k for a Covet and then getting a machine with issues out of the box gives me shivers.

 

The issue is that the M6400 uses DisplayPort - unfortunately none of monitor are using display port - therefore I used an DVI adapter. The adpater I am using is only single link DVI - and can not find any display port to dual link dvi adapter.
Dual link DVI has nothing to do with driving 2 monitor - it is about the bandwidth of the DVI port.
I am not even trying 2 monitor - just one - but it can not do it apprantly - I suppose if my monitor had a display port input it would work fine (not tested but I got to believe it would).
But all monitor I own are either VGA or DVI (dual link).
So unless I can find a display port to dual link DVI - then this baby will be gone tomorrow - Dell alreday schedule the pick up for tomorrow.

I like the laptop - but it has issues - the design is not very good - the aluminum frame (which is a great feature) is almost cutting my wrists becuase the design makes a 90 degree angle where the wrists rest.
The keyboard has real flex - no doubt about it.
Overall the technology used is not mature - the Dell software is attrocious. I never understood why company do that - nobody likes extra software on a PC - in it is not even legal for me - I mean all the bits on my HD have to be installed by me and encrypted by me. So evenb having an OS pre install is an issue and I always need to reformat everyhting. The sucrity part of the software is very poor - the all TPM is not stable - makes the boot slow every other boot.

My problem is that dispite these issues - I would have kept the laptop if I could drive a 30" display. I can not find another laptop that has what I am looking for. And I have no doubt that the next design of this model will be better - most issues are obvious - so they will fix them overtime.

PS: I am looking at some ASUS model now - anyone knows of workstation laptop where I would have 4 memory slots?

Frederic

 

ok guys, i ordered a covet last friday

i just looked at the dell site today and a £328 discount has appeared on the covet model........URGH

so what do i do, cancel and reorder, or just phone my rep??

 

Hi folks: I am running DUAL 30 inch monitors on my 6400, it works great at maximum resolution. I have two Dell 3008's connected to the docking station through DisplayPort.

I have had zero problems with the keyboard, screen, or any other component. Everything works flawlessly and this thing is as fast as hell.