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

Excellent videos, ifti. Get some rest man, you deserve it. Good job, and thank you.

 

Yes ifti, Well done

 

WHAT?? You're gonna sleep when you just got an 8800mGTX SLI Card installed!? Just teasing ya man - great vids... I eagerly await your ratings And bluray feedback...

 

Gleep awesome 3dMark score with the dual 8700s....funny how my 600 dollar X800 XT desktop card is like a 1100 now...that should make all you SLI 8700 guys feel good!

 

Ifti, how much would shipping to the US cost you on the backpack?

 

Well I finally got through those 30 pages of forums...lol. They sure build up fast.

Anyways, got my laptop today, roughly 10 hours ago. First 3dmark (straight out of the box with sli enabled) was 12.2k. Not too shabby. I think I'll need to perform a clean install or something.

Once I get more time I'll run some extensive tests with the Zalman cooler mentioned above. I'll run some comparisons of the laptop flat, proppped up (as many have it), and with the zalman fan.

My previous laptop had the sli 8700M.

3dmarks of 8700 to 12200 really isn't too bad. Looking at a 40% improvement. I'm not too sure where dell got the 13.5k 3dmarks. That must be under XP and not vista.

oh btw, got another sharp monitor. No leakage, nice colour. My only complain is it has to be full brightness to be acceptable, anything lower starts to strain the eyes since it isn't bright enough. I don't think it's worth exchanging for an LG.

edit: Has anyone had the LG and Sharp monitors? Care to comment?

 

Wow, just ran 3dmark06 using 1920x1200 resolution and scored 11400.

Funny how little difference there is between the 12200 1200x1024 settings and the 11400 1920x1200.

 

Ok guys, very simple question.

I've read around 200+ pages of this thread starting from first page, and responses I gathered about this laptop had been pretty bad mainly because of drivers issues for the 8700mGT in SLi, and ALOT of people had been returning their laptops...

Now that the 8800mGTX is released for the M1730, has the situation improved?

 

hey guys sorry if anyone has posted this but has anyone done a review on it with 8800gtx sli ? as for me it is toss up between this and sager 5793

 

Has anyone else tried using the advice given on talking Dell into replacing their SLI 8700's?

I'm considering calling them and using the following discussion points:

• My current M1710's 7950GTX card is better than the 8700 SLI in performance.

• I ordered the 1730 to replace the 1710 but it cant do the job. It was incorrectly marketed as the best gaming laptop and it cant out perform my 1710 with its current graphics setup.

• This laptop simply does not live up to its advertisement and an upgrade option is nowhere in sight... plus paying another $1000 plus to beat the performance of my 1710 is insane!

• There are no acceptable drivers for the 8700 SLI.

• Threaten to return the laptop and purchase an HP or Sony.

What do you guys think?
I will do the upgrade my self.

 

Evolutiontheory, give it a go mate. I actually returned mine during the 15 day money back guarrantee because I was unimpressed with the performance. If you have a Dell 1710, and this is performing the same, that could be an argument.

If that fails though, once the initial onslaught of new customers is over, im sure Dell will offer the card as a purchase upgrade. I considered keeping mine back when I had it, but ended up returning it.

Ordered a new one with the 8800gtx in yesterday.

Get on the phone with them and give 'em hell!

 

Is the Sager cheaper?

 

I think a lot of the posts you read were in the first 1-2 months of the laptops "birth".

To be perfectly honest there isn't any issues with the sli 8700's or 8800's. There's the odd bug here and there that people find, but unless you're looking for them you will probably never run into them. Performance on the 8700's is decent for a laptop, but upgrading to the 8800's is well worth the money (40-50% gaming improvement) and puts in on par with gaing desktops.

I've heard such bad things about sager/alienware that I won't even touch them. I seriously considered them for awhile as alternatives to the M1730, but when it comes down to it the M1730 is (1) cheaper, (2) has better warranty and customer service, (3) has accidental coverage), (4) performs better, and (5) has more features.

I can't come up with any good reason to pick up a sager or alienware over the M1730 at this point in time. Maybe in 3-6months it may change, but right now you aren't going to get a better gaming laptop.

 

@ifti,
Great video...well done, not that i am going to take my 1730 apart (when it eventually arrives) as I get very nervous about doing things like that, but very nice to see how it is done and what there is inside the "beast" that has cost so much.

Looking forward to getting your benchmarks.

Enjoy it sport and remember the malaria scam, you should be able to get at least 10 days off work and a bunch of sympathy to boot...works for me

 

As mentioned in an earlier post, this seems to be the reaction to the new machine. I returned mine within the 7 day window for 2 reasons. Firstly becos it had been damaged in transit and was not functioning properly (DVD caused crashes, performance was pathetic, 3DMark06 of 5680 odd with SLI enabled etc) and secondly the new 8800 came out the day after I had ordered and my sales guy spent a lot of time telling me the 8700 configuration would give me the best gaming laptop on the market !

For his sins I sent the laptop back for a full refund and put a flea in his ear. Then once the dust had settled and they collected the "broken Beast" I promptly re-ordered another one with the 8800. Never once was I under any doubt that with the correct configuration the 1730 is well worth the hassles of getting it. Certainly with my research nothing has come close, especially when you count the 4 yearwarantee and accidental damage that dell offers

 

I know what you mean and I am thinking this through carefully.

My other 1/2s son recently moved to California, he managed to get hold of a m15x and loves it, says the quality is beyond reproach.

Given I will want to put this thing on my lap (I have a weird T tray thing with a bean bag attached that keeps all the vents clear and saves burnt thighs ) maybe a 15.4 will be big enough......

If I go for the 1440 x 900 resolution 1 8800 card should be enough, especially if i can order it with an X9000

Given the shabby treatment and lack of promised call backs from Dell (3 missed emails and at least 3 missed calls) and cancelling my order 3 times as their mistake etc.. I just feel like they really don't care and don't treat me like a customer. This gives me no confidence that they could support me afterwards either....

I will give them till noon today then go ahead and place an order.....

Great videos....

Quality work......

Cheers

MIP

 

Dont give up with Dell, the M1730 is worth the effort, and you won't regret it.

I've found the service levels at Dell, over the last few weeks have been really poor, but I also found out that the've had a bit of a shake up, and sacked a few managers / sales rep's. (Direct quote from a supervisor at Dell, for giving too high discounts to customers).

I had my m1730 for 8 weeks and really loved it, but has since been returned with a full refund, so I could order a new one with the 8800's. Bottom line don't give up, stick with it, and you will get there in the end.

 

Got an email from Dell. They have a unit in pre production for me. The are awaiting 1 part to complete.

IF they can deliver on the 25th I will continue.....

If not I will just cancel as I will be travelling for 2 weeks so would not be able to accept delivery.

cheers

 

Its funny, I found the whole experience with Dell to be excellent. They always called back when they said they would, every email was answered within the hour (usually within 15 minutes?!). They didn't even give me much hassle when I wanted to return it, although it was within the 15 day money back guarrantee period.

This is Dell Australia im talking about though, obviously ones experience will vary based on which country, and who you're dealing with. Actually hang on, everyone talks to the same place in India don't they?

Regardless, I absolutely rate the service I received.

Now, the machine itself might appeal more to some, and less to others. People, it is important to note that this laptop is, in my opinion, a desktop replacement! It is quite large and thick. Plus it weighs quite alot! The Sager and Alien equivalents are a bit thinner in the thickness department, and some also prefer the more understated look. The Dell is quite "out there" in its design. Some people I've talked to think it incredibly ugly. I personally have always liked the more understated look and was a little worried about the design when I bought my original one. But upon receiving it, changed my mind. It definetly grows on you! Its very solid in construction, and the screen is great. Plus, it looks awesome at night with the slowly changing colours and the backlit keyboard. I thouroughly rate it!

Performance with the 8700's was actually quite good, just not up to what I'd expected. With the 8800's, this machine will perform very well in all games! Can't wait, this machine should last me for 2 years

Hoping for delivery in 10 days!!!

 

I'm sorry to say I'm unimpressed as well in regards to the dual 8700 gts in gaming.....I don't see any real difference between this and the 1710.........I am going to test it a few more days before deciding what to do with this system

 

The Alienware M15x looks like an awesome little machine. Excellent performance, an awesome design, in something that is still quite portable. If only they released it in black already! Im not a fan of the silver...

But unfortunately out here in Australia, Alienware are an absolute rip-off. You might have see my other thread talking about this, for some reason Alienware out here think they can charge a massive premium. If I were in the US, I would have given serious considerations to getting this machine.

But then again, I've heard some horror stories about Alienware support. Plus there's the 15% re-stocking fee if you want to send the machine back which is pretty steep!

 

MTV2004, do you have the 7950gtx SLI in your 1710? I've heard they perform on par, if not better than the 8700's...

I can understand why'd you'd be feeling unhappy if this is the case!

 

M1710 doesn't have SLI, it would be a single 7950gtx. Dual 7950gtx whips the M1730's SLI 8700s!

 

I didnt want to, but the wife made me!! lol

Im not sure TBH. I can find out though if you're interested, and maybe we can agree a price overall, etc?

them tests with the cooler would be good. Im looking to buy it as well and have my lappy propped at the moment. Cant seem to find the cooler in stock anywhere at the moment!

I have the LG screen now - did have the Samsung before. Light leakage on Samsung was easily apparent, but it didnt bother me too much. I thought the quality of the Samsung was great - until I actually saw the LG for myself! The LG makes a MASSIVE difference. Its much more brighter and vibrant - colours look like they are jumping out at you, seriously! Im really happy with my new LG screen now! I havent seen the Sharp so cant comment on that though....

What would you like to know about it? I havent tried any games yet, but i will do later today. I have a nice tidy stack of games waiting to be installed!

ROFL. I have lots of holiday allowance to use at work yet, so I will probably be off of work for most of March anyway!
Then again I promised the wife we would go somehwre for a few days.........hmmm.......I need to fake an illness...........lol

 

Told you didnt I.

 

I had the Sharp panel kermit, The first thing I noticed once I installed the LG was the brightness, the Sharp panel on full isnt bright enough, but in the same blackened room with the LG on full it was I would say 30-40% brighter, I actually turned it down at one point.

And like I said in my other post - the Sharp panel looks like you are looking at a dim pastel picture, whereas the LG looks like you are looking at the same picture - but repainted painted with spray cans, in vivid, bright, non grainy colour. I really do believe the difference between the two panels is that great.

 

Is there an easy way to tell what screen I get when it arrives? Or will I have to look up my laptop's skirt (take it apart) to figure that out?

 

Service tag should tell you via dell.com

 

Sorry to sound blindingly retarded ACHILLES, but how exactly does that work? Is it just taking my invoice or whatever from when I receive and look it up on the Dell site?

And I sent you a PM about the backpack, Ifti.

 

@Andry Joe
Go to control panel>system> hardware>device manager> monitors>double click your monitor then under the window click on >details. In the first line there will be something like "device instance id. Click the expansion arrow on the right and highlight "hardware ids". Your monitor code will be there. Not to sure about the exact codee but L Ithink is LG and SEC is sharp and s..something else is samsung. Someone else cleverer than me will have to translate the codes.

 

Great, thanks Snake!

 

Glad to be of help Joe

 

Monitor codes reported so far in M1730 and found in Hardware ID in of Generic PNP Monitor Properties are:
· SEC5443 - samsung
· LPL0032 - LG
· SHP13D9 - sharp

It is quite possible that newer sharp or samsung panels come with different codes and are, hopefully, of better quality.

These codes do not correspond to the codes tech would have on the requsition slip, though. For example LG panel comes as Y.... something, if I remember correctly.

 

Thanks for helping out pchm, I got them a bit farce about ace.

 

So is there an easy way to specify a replacment screen in the UK and ask for an LG panel. The Samsung does not offend me in any way but with everyone raving about the LG I think it might be time for a change!

 

You can ring up and comlain about light leakage etc, and they may send out another panel with a techy to replace it - but there is no guarantee you will get a LG - its really just the luck of the draw I think.

 

hmm, that's a shame!

Is there no specific LG part number I can quote?

 

Well, we have the first laptop with GeForce 9500M GS card on the market. It is the Asus M51SN-AS029C, a 15 inch lappy with a T8300 (2,4 GHz) onboard. It is not a gaming computer and the card seems quite week, comparable to 8600 GT. But it will not be very long now and more of 9000 series will show up in the new machines.

 

What build stage is it on?

At a certain build stage, service tag is issued. Call them and ask for the service tag, then add it under your system. It should tell original configuration, and warranty info etc.

I knew I was getting an LG because the service tag said so.

YU828 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 17, Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array..., VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, MULTI-MEDIA..., LGP

I wouldn't personally try to get the LG panel from Dell. It's not going to be easy since it's all luck.

 

You gotta love/hate how fast technology moves!

 

I agree, try all you can to get the LG - I didnt at first and wast bothered until i had it!


Anyways Ive run 3DMark06 for the first time with my new 8800mGTX in SLI. I have to say, Im impressed.

All Ive done is the simple stuff - disabled UAC, the simple tweaks in the 'Manage 3D' section of the Nvidia Control Panel, etc. Also Ive turned off all Nvidia services, and any other services not needed, from startup via msconfig. NO OVERCLOCKING WHATSOEVER.

Thats about it really. I have the stock 167.55 drivers installed at the moment, and was expecting a score of around 10,500 TBH, since its just the stock drivers.

Was happily surprised when I got 12,394 !!

Hopefully this will be good enough to run most games pretty well, and I can keep my BD capability as well! lol

When running 3DMark06, TBH I could see the difference straight away from when I ran it using the 8700mGT's. The frame rates were MUCH higher - 30-40FPS higher in most cases when testing the GPU. Oh and it looked awesome with my LG screen!!

I'll get installing a few games (Gears, ProStreet, Bioshock) and report back when Ive had a play with them



I dont have the full version of 3DMark06 so cant run a test in 1920x1200 fo now....

 

the keyboard on this laptop is the same one found on the m1720, right? so i assume it would have severe keyboard flex?

 

I have complete care cover so maybe I will stand on my screen by accident!

 

^^^
rofl!!!

So using Dell stock drivers......

8700mGT in SLI - 8732 3DMarks (Dell performance drivers)
8800mGTX in SLI - 12394 3DMarks

Quite an improvemnt Id say. Others should get more then that with LV2G drivers as well!

 

None on mine.

 

Nice! What OS?

 

I'm trying to get onto live chat to see if I can sort a replacement... seems to be busy though

Will keep trying!

 

@ifti
Wow with stock drivers that looks like a fine mark, with a little tweaking you should be up over 13000. Congrats on your mighty beast

 

Vista Ultimate 32bit.

Just installed Gears of War.

Resolution set to 1920x1200
All settings set to High/Highest (basically the highest available for each option)
AA etc all on.

Results - bear in mind this is the default stock Dell driver 167.55

Everything looks crisp and sharp.

FPS does not drop below 60FPS - most of the time its set at 62FPS (its never gone higher).

I dont see a real differnce between the 1920x1200 and 1440x900 though - I mean all the detail etc is top notch on either resoultion. So whats the benefit of playing at 1920x1200??

Also - and I had the same with 8700 - when playing, every few mins the screen freezes for a split second. the frame rates do not drop below 60FPS though, at all. Im not sure whether its saving a checkpoint or somet? Nevertheless the game is wonderfuly smooth, and just like Im playing on a XBox 360 since I also have the wireless controller

The card is obviously MUCH better then the 8700mGT.

Next I'll try NFS Prostreet - I couldnt run that on high settings with the 8700's, it was unplayable.....

 

This is probably the game's bug not the nVidia fault.