--->The Official Studio XPS 1340 Owner's Thread<---

You think I could try too if it's already delivered? =)

 

All their interested in is money, making that commission for themselves, they don't care what they sell how they sell it and what bull they tell customers. I have ordered a 16 then had to cancel it because the sales rep put the wrong OS (32bit instead of 64bit) and wrong WiFi card instead of them amending my order they processed another therefore charging my card twice (my bank put a security marker to stop payment luckly) next they couldn't guarantee delivery before I go away on holiday abroad as that was the only reason I placed the initial order now instead of later when I get back from holiday abroad, so then was looking at a 13. I was told could guarantee that before I go away. Once the order was taken they couldn't guarantee delivery before I go away on holiday abroad so I cancelled that order too and yes I made sure I got it in writting that they have cancelled those orders.

Now thats what I call crap customer service and I hope everyone can appreciate why I hate dealing with Dell UK sales (INDIAN CALL CENTER). I think a lot of people would look elsewhere for a laptop after that.

Now I'm trying to convince them the 9 cell for the XPS Sudio 13 exists and yes I will send them that photo

 

Yes, I think you should try. Did you order thru EPP, and pay at all with DPA? Even though you already have, your delivery was recent!

Sorry you had to deal with all that.

Well, maybe you can send them the link that show's it available w/the pricing.

Cin

 

Is it safe to say the XPS 1340 is the most powerful 13.3" laptop you can get graphics-wise?

Excluding laptops like the LG (not sold here in the U.S.) with the 8600M, I don't see any other 13.3" laptop that comes close, as they all rely on the 9300M/9400M/3470 at best. All of which produce just over 2000 points in 3dmark06. From what I've seen the HybridSLI setup in the XPS 1340 pulls off 3400 points in 3dmark06, matching 8600M GT laptops.

I also saw Notebookcheck's game benchmarks and they mention 176.89 is used, so I'm skeptical. It could have performed better, as there's a chance some of the games they tested would need a later driver to properly utilize such a new multi-gpu setup, or perhaps the games weren't running the latest patches that improve multi-gpu support, etc. So maybe I'll do my own tests with the modded 185.20 desktop driver. Overall though this laptop seems utterly mind blowing on the GPU side for the size.

While I won't be gaming, I know many software companies are offloading operations on the GPU, and the 1340 seems like the best choice for the future in that regard, my 8400M GS was just slightly slower then the CPU at H.264 encoding, so I imagine if that same encoder can utilize both GPUs in the 1340 I'd have a winner on my hands.

EDIT: Also random question for anyone who actually has received one, does the keyboard backlight shine through the cracks between the keys?

 

Yep, I paid with DPA and used EPP. Makes it more likely to work if I ask you think??

 

You can see some of the backlight bleed between the keys but it isn't that bad except for the top row on mine.

 

I emailed them it.

I'm not sure what to do. Basically I'm looking for a portable laptop, yeah the 13 is portable but the 6 cell battery won't last long then from reviews I have seen the speakers are apparently poor. With the 16 it's bigger, higher spec, can get a 9 cell but maybe the 16 is more of a desktop replacement than a portable laptop which I'm looking for?

 

Yup, I do..I think you have a greater chance now...Did you order by phone? If you did, contact the Rep that sold it to you.

I understand...If, I were given a choice bet. both Models..it would be the 1340. I already have a 15.4", so going lower isn't a problem!

I think maybe, listing out the pros and cons on each and what you really want, might just help in your decision!

Cin

 

Never heard such a thing. Normally the higher the rotation speed the faster it will access data.

The CPU is downclocked to 1.6 GHz in power saver mode.
You might not use the Hybrid SLI and have only 9400M, but it does not mean that it will automatically downclock the CPU -- the CPU will work at its peak frequency, unless:
- it gets too hot and downclocks to prevent from completely frying
- you turn on the power saver mode

 

I think the 9-cell battery might not be available worldwide, but only in those regions where you can actually see it on the web site.

BTW, that picture is of 1640, not 1340.

 

Ha..I didn't notice when I viewed, it either!
I just thought it really didn't look much like the 9 cell for the 1530~
Very different from that angle, and it also being the case that each lappy is different!


Cin.

 

I would buy two 6-cell batteries and have one in the computer and one in the bag, rather than:
- arguing with reps / getting stressed out
- waiting when the 9-cell becomes available in your region
- paying almost $200 for that battery

 

It's also cheaper, if you can and it's available as part of the config...to order the 6 and 9 cell together. That, in itself can you save you money vs. buying separately after you receive your lappy.


Cin.

 

Great! I will try tomorrow and see if I can get a deal. An extra $150 plus 4% would be great and really convince me to keep it--will help me mask the keyboard and trackpad annoyances hehe =).

 

I can't wait to hear the feedback.

You will prob's have to wait until Monday, though for a EPP Rep

LOL..I have to call my EPP Rep, that I always deal with on Monday, for a deal on a Portable HD

So, good luck to the both of us!


Cin

 

Oh no!! I thought they'd be there on Sunday . I tried using the value code that you had posted but it takes me to the 1640 config page. Do you by any chance have the one for the 1340? =). Thanks!

 

Yes..OH man..I'm not doing so good on getting this deal right tonight

I'm sorry guys!

Here is the correct code for the 1340's:
6M278-DYPDGP1



Cin

 

Thanks!! Hopefully we'll have good news come Monday =).

 

No problem, sorry for that error, again.

I always try and remember: To err is human, to forgive divine!

Yes good news for Monday!


Cin

 

I kind of wish I had waited until the 256 gig SSD was available =(.

 

That's the one think you don't want to do *wish*
It's human to have buyers remorse and/or the *shoulda-coulda-wouldas* after a purchase or life in general. I did that after I purchased my 1530, and one month later the LED was introduced to the line!

Remember, you can still the 1340 ~ your w/in the 21 days of invoice.


Cin

 

Another question haha...where are we supposed to see the 5% off and $125 savings? I don't see it anywhere from configuration to ordering...hmmmm

 

$1,139.05 after 5% off when you use your Dell DPA. The starting price of $1,199.00 ~ according to this insert I'm looking at.


Cin

 

So... What's the verdict? Should I consider upgrading to this notebook if I already have an (older) XPS M1330? I understand that the Studio XPS 13 is a little heavier (about .90 of a pound), but it also seems to have a much better design and technology. I've been considering selling my XPS M1330, as I wasn't as impressed with it as I'd thought I'd have been.

Anyone here moved from the M1330 to the Studio XPS? Do the benefits outweigh the downsides?

 

I think 9-cell will be available everywhere when Dell got production of 9-cell speeded up.

As they told me, its hard to get 9-cell now, because this is an brand new model, and they are waiting for 9-cell to delivery from manufactor.

 

No 1340 isnt the most powerful 13.3 laptop in terms of graphics. LG P310 comes with gf 9600m GT DDR3 and blows away anything else overclocked to get 7k in 3dmark06. Weights 1.6kg (1340 - 2.2kg) and gets better battery life than 1340. Keep in mind LG P310 doesn't have built in DVD burner (you get a really nice glossy external USB burner) which is not a problem as I probably use a DVD/CD one every 3 months. But if you are into watching movies on DVD than it might be a problem 4 you.

 

The guy said excluding laptops like the LG.

 

So can the 9200m be turned off in balanced or performance mode?

 

If my 1340 comes with a GeForce9400m, can that video card be upgraded to another card at a later date if I am unhappy with it or does it need to be done at the time of build only? I am still trying to decide if I need to pay the extra $100 for the 9500m.

 

the 9400m is an integrated graphics card so if you want to upgrade i recommend you pay the $100

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

Dudes and Dudettes, I gotta a Dell.

It was a pleasant surprise that I returned from my weekend away and FedEx had delivered it on a Saturday. I guess Dell did ship it on Thursday afternon.

I haven't gotten to boot it up yet, but I'm very surprised by how much I think the styling is an improvement. And the leather looks pretty sharp and adds a nice grip. And if you look at it from a few feet away, it doesn't really look like leather, other than it's not shiny.

I'll post some thoughts and a comparisson to my old 700m later after I've booted, updated all the software, removed bloat, etc...

 

Congrat's! A nice surprise for you when you arrived home!

Yes, let us know how things are with it, once you get settled in


Cin

 

Congratulations!
We'll be waiting for your review. A couple of questions, if you don't mind:
- what are the specs that you ordered?
- is the keyboard silent? does it make clicking sounds?
- how's the typing comfort? is keyboard comfortable, ergonomic?
- how hot does it get when on the lap?
Thanks!

 

But your m1330 had only 2GB of RAM and the integrated Intel GPU. So, of course, you will see a big difference, even if you get the minimal configuration for 1340 (you'll get integrated 9400M, and 4GB of RAM). Depending on what you do you'd either notice a minimal difference in performance (web browsing, office applications) or some nice improvements (HD video, multimedia, etc.). If I had m1330, I would upgrade to 1340, BUT NOT right now, I would wait a couple of months, but the next laptop would definitely be 1340. HTH

 

can someone explain to me what an ESATA port is, i know it has a dual function has a USB as well, but is this usb faster or something? and wats the ESATA used for?

thanks

 

eSATA stands for external serial-ata.. It's used for external hard disk drives. It offer's better transfer rates than USB 2.0

The port on the 1340 operates as both basically. You can use normal USB devices, normally, or if you have an eSATA drives, you can use an eSATA cable with it to enjoy the benefits.

 

Got my delivery yesterday. The laptop itself is pretty sweet so far. I'll start with the negatives. It is indeed a fingerprint magnet. The facial recognition software is spotty. I've had it plugged up the entire time so I can't really comment on battery life (but I only have the 9400 card so it shouldn't be too bad).

Positives - I love the keyboard. The keys and the additional backlighting make a it a pleasure to type on. It's quite a bit faster than my previous dv2500t. The screen is all kinds of awesome. Plays 1080p flawlessly.

On a side note. I also have an HTC Touch Pro that I've been trying to sync with my new laptop since yesterday. It's been a real headache since Vista x64 and windows media device center don't play nice at all. The laptop just won't recognize my pda at all. If anyone, knows how to correct this, please let me know.

 

Congratulations! Nice to hear that. I would advice not to use facial recognition, but rather the old good password, it's more secure that way.

How do you synchronize (Bluetooth, USB cable, Infrared )? Such things are normally a software problem, rather than the computer's (hardware) fault.

 

Hmm... Within a few months, do you predict a large price drop, or at least some coupons? I can't currently find any coupons on the major Dell sites.

 

Quick question about the keyboard. Is it one of those cheap keyboards that look disgusting from finger oils and shine immediately upon use (see the MacBook keyboard), or are they a bit more resilient, like the (supposed) aluminum keyboards of the Vaio?

 

w00t, my 1340 finally shipped.

2.53Ghz
128GB SSD
9500m

Ordered on 1/22/09, ESD was 2/16/09, Shipped 2/8/09, estimated delivery is 2/10/09 with Next business day shipping!

sweeeeet!!

 

Whats the battery life like ?

 

I do like the keyboard but unfortunately they do pick up oil rather quickly.

 

Hm my keyboard might be broken then because it's not a pleasure to type on at all. It is loud and sometimes I have to press hard for a key to register. Plus, it stains with oil very fast which is what you said. Does yours have any problems??

 

Congrat's on the arrival! I hope that those negatives turn into some sort of positive for you soon!

I would love to have backlit lighting on my 1530! My next lappy will surely have that! How bad are the *fingerprints*? Is it something you can easily wipe away with a microfiber cloth?

Right now there is this deal for both the 1340 and 1640 , you just have to either have a Dell DPA or apply for one. And, you can also check this link for Best Buy, it looks like they have the 1640 for a bit cheaper, except it's on back order right now.

Expect price dropping/coupons to be availi' as time go's on.

Hope that helps!


Cin

 

I figured. It wouldn't be so bad if the keys weren't black. Dark-colored keyboards show the oils so much more. I know it's a minor issue, but I just hate knowing that this is a "style" notebook and yet the keys will look horrible after a day of use.

I know on my Sony Vaio P, I've been using it for a week and I'm still not seeing any shine whatsoever on the keys.

 

I know it sounds stupid, but after a while, if you consciously try to type pressing all parts of the keys, the shine from the oils in your fingers will be spread uniformly across the keyboard. If it matters that much.

 

About the trackpad.

What types of gesture controls are on there?

I LOVE the mac scrolling and 'forward/backward' commands

 

So, are the keys pretty sucky then? I need a quiet keyboard for taking notes in class... as to draw as little attention as possible. any info on the leather?
Im also quite curious on the trackpad gestures too.