-->*OFFICIAL: Dell XPS M1730 Owner's Lounge*<--

I called ups to make sure there was no way dell will put me back in preproduction... And they said it will arrive on thursday....

Anyways just checked UPS tracking system and it says:


Type: Package
Status: In Transit - On Time
Scheduled Delivery: 02/22/2008
Shipped To: AMSTERDAM, NL
Shipped/Billed On: 02/19/2008
Service: STANDARD
Weight: 7.50 Kgs
Multiple Packages: 2

Package Progress
Location Date Local Time Description
LIMERICK,
IE 02/19/2008 10:00 P.M. ORIGIN SCAN
IE 02/19/2008 9:05 A.M. BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED

The web says friday... hmmm... never trust webs XD

 

Sergiop, You'll get it, and who know maybe even before friday. When my last one was delivered it arrived in NL en route to France (where I live) and the next morning it was collected at 03h15 and they said out for delivery. Took them all day to deliver it, but I got mine the next day. Limerick is the customs clearing hub I think, then it is a short hop over to Holland where it will get cleared again...then depending on whether you are first or last on the delivery list...it arrives. It's hell to wait but at least with UPS they have progress on your package.You will probably wear out the refresh button on your comp over the next couple of days lol

 

This is the 4th XPS arriving home through ups, I allready know the driver, when he comes with the computer I will offer him water or something to eat haha!! Last time he came he was like, hmmm gaming, because in the box you could read dell.com/gaming so I was yeah, but I will use it to work haha XDD

 

I must admit to the same, I have bought mine as a desktop replacement for use in the office with all the photos I have to deal with and....etc etc just for appearances, but I bought the bloody thing to play games. Not sure I have fooled anyone but I can use it at work when I am not playing.

 

What should i in my system. The x7900 or take the chance that the $599 discount wont be available anymore when the x9000 comes out? I plan on ordering it early next week so the x9000 may not even be out but should i take the chance and wait?

yea im gettin mine for "school work" good thing i only need to take notes on it in one class a day. Hopefully the batter will last that long.
and i envy everyone who has theirs already. Im stuck on a 3 year old laptop that was obsolete before it was ordered. Needless to say gaming is out of the question on it. I dont even think it can handle mario.

 

my 1730 is in transit and should be delivered in the next hour or 2!!

I wished I had opted for the 8800GTX card cause I got to see a friend at work today with one......he spent $4,200 on the beast! His screen is amazing....must be an LG!!

Does anyone know if Dell has offered any upgrades yet to customers who already have the 1730?

 

Thought I might beat ifti, Tech is on his way to replace my 8700 card with a new 8800 GTX. I will post details and maybe some pics when completed

 

tech guy? are u in the US.....is this an upgrade?

 

mtv we did say go for the 8800m gtx but no you wouldnt listen!

 

Ok Guys IM BACK!!!!


I can 100% confirm that you can directly upgrade the graphics card alone - no mainboard change is required!


Ive been through the upgrade, and have 2 developments....

I went with the LG screen - its bloody amazing!!! I could tell the difference as soon as I booted up!! WOW! The colours are so much more brighter and vibrant!!

I HAVE THE 8800mGTX!!! Its installed with the 167.55 drivers for now, and its working perfect so far. No issues to report.

Before I install any games or 3DMark06 my system, Im gonna quickly edit this video and get it uploaded for you guys tonight.....

 

Good news !!

Will be interested to see the video... especially as this is likely to be as close as I get to a Dell.

Once again they failed to call when they said they would... time to give up I guess....

cheers

 

my hats off to dell! they truelly lived up to the hype. all people have wanted was a gaming laptop that can upgrade to future gpu's and dell has delivered on this, unlike other gaming laptop makers like clevo........

 

I can 2nd this as I now have the 8800M GTX Sli card installed today. Took the tech about 35min.
Straight board swap no drivers were with the card.

Here is my first 3dMark06 run


I will add additional info later today

 

Just editing the video - will upload it within the next hour or so................

 

did you pay for this upgrade? if so how much does it cost? $1k dollars?

 

Quick run of Crysis Benchmark with DX9

 

Looking forward to seeing the video!

I ordered my m1730 on Feb 12 and an hour or so after I had ordered it the dell website showed the status going from pre-production to Production. My eta on the website is March 4th. Just like most of us, i'm anxious to have my system come in and was wondering if there are any other indicators online that will let me know the status of my order besides just saying 'in production'? Some posts have said that their orders have come before their original ETA stated dated on the Dell site but will the ETA on the dell site be updated or changed if this is the case?

 

hey fellas im new to the boards,

orderd my m1730 a few days ago but i have to wait till 5th march for mine

orderd it with the 8800s and x7900 cpu, cant wait to get my hands on it,

Thanks for your vids on youtube ifti, have proved very usefull so far, i await the 8800 vid

 

How did I get an upgrade from 8700M GT to 8800M GTX Sli?

See below
Sent this note to CC, they put it back on TS to fix the problem:

Problem: Having video driver issues from date of purchase 11/07. Dell has yet to release an official update since 09/07. Each time (about 6-8 times) I have called or chatted I am told drivers will be coming. Non offical drivers have been causing problems( black screen at cold boot with Sli enabled). In addition a video card upgrade was announced for this system but no one can provide any details or updates. I feel that I keep getting strung along here with no resolution to my video card performance issues.
I would like to request the following since this issue was initiated before the 21 day return window;
1) Provide a satisfactory update of when official updated video drivers will be released for the 8700M GT SLi or
2) Provide a satisfactory update of when the 8800M GTX Sli upgrade will be available for this system or
3) Let me return this system and order a new system with the available 8800M GTX Sli or
4) Let me return the system for a full refund

Called TS this past weekend and escalated issue, they wanted to let me return the system and order a new one. CC told them no on the return so the supervisor said they would upgrade the card at no charge.
I also think they saw this call was started before the return window was up and I just kept getting told new drivers are coming and they aren't. Plus the call was still open no resolution for pretty cose to 90 days.

I also got this follow-up email from CC:
From your e-mail I understand that you are facing an issue the latest drivers for your 8700 GT SLi graphics card installed on your M1730 portable system.

We value you as a customer and your satisfaction is our highest priority. Please be assured, I am here to assist you and would do my best to provide you with quality service.

XXX, coming to the upgrade from 8700GT Sli to 8800GTX SLi for this M1730 system, I see that as a special case we have dispatched the upgraded 8800gtx graphics card for your system as on 16th Feb. The dispatch number is XXXXXXXXX. We have dispatched the card to the technician who would call you once he receives this card to fix an appointment to come and replace the card for this system.

If the issue is not resolved, please reply back to the mail. I would be more than happy to resolve the issue. Let me assure you that I will provide you the best possible support and help in order to resolve any questions that you may have.

I have to say this has restored my faith in Dell CS a little. Also if you have any issues with your system, you should call and at least get it logged into the system.

 

U lucky so and so!!!

Still uploading my videos (its in 2 parts) to Youtube. Just waiting for it to finish before I install any games etc. Its taking sooooo looong!!!

 

look forward to the video ifti

Thanks for the work

 

I am also looking forward to this video!! Hurry up ifti!! Haha.. Well i scored over 9k on 3dmark06 with the 8700m SLi with the 167.57 Drivers supplied for the 8800gtx.. Yes they work with the 8700!!! My X7900 was NOT overclocked this was with factory speed of 2.8.. But anyways.. My comp arrived with the LG screen an its amazing.. I had the samsung on my old M1710.. NOt sure how it compares to the M1730 samsung but its Night an Day!! The screen is perfect.. Looks like a Mac screen.. Its sooo nice.. However iam actually pleased with the performance of the 8700 SLi.. I will be upgrading to the 8800's but the 8700's are not as bad as everyone made it seem.. For you guys with the 8700's i recommend downloading the 167.57 Drivers that are tagged for the 8800's.. I got from 8600 3dmark06 to 9060 with just these drivers.. Seem to work well.. Also COD4 at 1920x1200 With most settings medium is getting 70-92 FPS.. Crysis @ 1680x1050 with most settings low to medium is at 30-55 FPS... Which seems pretty high to me.. However my OS is tweaked to the max.. Iam a tweak freak.. An to clarify.. My video card is on stock clocks.. This is one of the FASTEST if not the FASTEST comp i have EVER used.. This is my first exp. with RAiD0... Data access is instantaneous.. Its stupid fast.. An i UPGRADED to XP PRO... The performance increases are substantial.. I recommend everyone to UPGRADE to XP... Though installing the RAID controller in XP needed a custom Install disc.. It was WELL worth it... Hope to see these vids soon ifti!!

 

Hi I'm italian boy, have yuo a new information for upgrade with 8800GTX SLI?? Dou yuo known if DELL send a new 8800GTX SLI as part??

Thank yuo and sorry for my english....

 

Dell is only issueing 8800GTX SLI as a repairs/replacement right now.

 

okay I got it! This boy is massive in size.........thats all i can say......and the screen is awesome......i'm not sure i will be able to get use to the size though

anyway, anyone know how to turn off the back lit keyboard?

 

From one of the 1730 youtube videos..
fn right arrow?

One of them has the picture of a kb on it....

 

thanks, i saw the little light and was confused

 

You bought one with 8700SLI?

Do yourself a favor, return it, order one with 8800. It's prolly cheaper in long run.

 

Thanks for all the advice on the Dell.

However, given Dells inability to take my money I think I am going to order an m15x with one of the new Penryns (T9500 or an extra £229 for the x9000 hmmmm descisions) which just went live on their website...

1440x900 screen and 1 x 8800 should work reasonably well.

Cheers

 

i got the 8700 dual sli, i have to really get use to this size laptop first......i am about to test some games

 

So Dell won't take your money - but Alienware (Dell owned) will?
Let us know how you like it... I'd wait for the m17x myself But the phyx in the 1730 keeps me here and the lighted keyboard...

 

i just checked on the site and its not showing the x9000 is it just for the m15x the put it or is the the m1730 also?

 

I know... crazy I guess but given the 4 times cancelled order it kinda tells me to go somewhere else...

The M17x may be quite some time.... and given I actually want to play on my lap not a desk, the 15 maybe more sensible anyway...

Physics ? hmm jury is out on the value of that one... and the M15x has a lighted kb

Oh and yes the x9000 is available on the alienware to order today.

Cheers

 

Remember to clear the intake fans if you plan to play with it on your lap! Oh and wear something heat protective! lol

Dont turn to the M15x out of frustration though. You may regret it later down the line. Be sure etc first.

I would recommend you cancel the order completely. Leave it a week or so, or until you come back from your trip, and then re-order afresh. You may have better luck with a brand new fresh order.


Video update - At last the first of the 2 videos has been uploaded to Youtube. Its being processed at the moment, and the second video is about 18% uploaded. Its been going for hours man!!! As soon as the first has processed I'll link you to it


What I have noticed so far with the new 8800mGTX is that it seems to run cooler then the 8700 when idle. Havent tested any gameplay yet (been waiting for these damn Youtube videos to upload!). the fans dont seem to come on as often as it seems to maintain its temperature for longer.

With my 8700's, the fans would come on at around 63c and pull the temp back down to 53c reasonably quick. then the temp would slowly rise to 63 again, and so on.

With the 8800's Ive noticed that the temp stays around 49-50c for quite a while, then it creeps up to around 60c. the fans kick in and bring the temp down to around 49c, and it slowly creeps up again, and so on. The temp increase seems to be slower then the 8700's, and hence the fans come on a little less.

This is just with the rear propped up about an inch - same as when I had my 8700 card. Still waiting for the damn ZM-NC2000 cooler to be in stock somewhere so I can buy it!!

 

On another note, Im thinking of selling my XPS M1730 BackPack.

Ive never used it, and its just been sitting there going to waste ever since I got my laptop. I cant see myself ever using it, since I dont ever take my system anywhere. If I do take it anywhere it goes straight in the car, and I have cases at work big enough to carry the laptop, if need be.

It still has all the tags etc on it, since as I said, its never been used.

Heres the Youtube video I done of it....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0uIIyCEwIc

I know its around £40 brand new from Dell, and I would want shipping covered as well - just need to find a box big enough for it to fit into! I'd be happy if i got £50 for it in total, shipping to UK included.

Do you think I should put it on eBay? Pretty sure I havent seen any others for sale, so maybe someone who bought their laptop and regrets not buying the case would go for it, and put it to some use!

I want to put the money towards the Zalman notebook cooler.

 

I think there would be demand for it from a limited market. I'd list it close to the price that you want though, as I doubt there would much of a bidding war. Perhaps allow worldwide shipping too.

The base package from Dell did not offer the backpack as an option. I had to call Dell to see if it could be included in the order. In the end I didn't get it, but you're right - some may regret that decision. Not all standard bags will fit The Beast.

 

Ahh.... I though things went down in price when they were second hand not up!


72oo

 

Hey guys - Graphics card upgrade video!

Part 1 has been uploaded and is live on Youtube.
Part 2 is uploading at the moment and should be live within the next 30-45 mins or so.

Check for both parts here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206068

Remember to rate in Youtube! Thanks!!

Enjoy

 

lol
I just thought that since you cant buy it direct from Dell, or anywhere else, it would be in demand from those who didnt get it, who may therefore be willing to pay the little extra
Actually, I'd like £40 for it, plus the shipping on top - I just added £10 as a rough estimate.

 

ifti i was looking at cooling pads to get for my laptop but i can never find any that are made for 17 inch laptops. All the ones i found are really small compared to my laptop do you know any good ones that are a bit larger?

And does anyone know when dell will add the x9000 to their site for the m1730. Alienware has it and as far as i know Dell owns it so why didnt dell add it first?

I just cant wait cuz the sooner they do that the sooner i can get my laptop and the sooner it will come in and i can get back to gaming.

 

The Zalman ZM-NC2000 Ultra Quiet Cooling Pad fits the M1730 perfectly I hear - its just finding one thats in stock!!

 

IFTI !!!! Youve got balls!!!! LOL I am scared to even move my laptop in fear of scratching it or something... I knwo i could do it but not sure if i'd want too... Nice vid!! Bring on number 2!! Ive seen ur vids on youtube before.. Had no idea that was you.. Nice one though.. Now get some tests up!!

 

Yes i have one an it fits PERFECT... Its like it was almost made for the M1730.. The side edges line up perfectly an there is some room to move it back an forth on the cooler.. I move it as close to the front as possible in hopes that the cooler vents hit the laptop vents.. Ill try an upload some pics.. Iam not home right now though...

 

Thanks ill have to check that one out.
And great vid ill watch the second one later but i have an exam in a bit.

I love how everything is easy to teardown and put back together on the 1730 makes changing things much easier.
You had several other vids i watched recently on the 1730 nice work

 

lol.
I was nervous at first. Ive opened it up before to install the PPU which Dell 'forgot' to install. So I knew where to go this time round. I am very careful not to scratch stuff, and do handle stuff gently though - unlike some Dell technicians!

 

Ok that confirms it. Its defo the one I wanna get
Pics would be cool, cheers!

 

When i had my XPS M1710.. I had a tech come out to my house to replace a screen. (Horrible Light leakage) But he came to my house... He installed my new screen an HACKED my whole case up.. I mean literally used a screwdriver to pry it open.. So a quick phone call to Dell... An they sent me a replacement machine.. It was ridiculous.. They did upgrade that comp though when they sent a new one.. Which was nice of them.. They have always taken care of everything they have done wrong.. Great customer service IMO horrible techs... I am gonna be nervous to have this tech put my card in.. I'll be breathing down his neck.. haha

 

Yeh putting the card in is a bit of a bigger since you almost have to strip the entire thing down.

Study the service manual for the M1730, and my videos, so you know exactly what to expect and what he should be doing, and watch him like a hawk!

 

Both parts of GPU upgrade video now uploaded and live:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206068

Time for bed!
Benchmarking to come tomorrow!

 

Wonderful Ifti!
Impressive!

Waiting for tests....