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

Placed my order yesterday:

XPS 1340, Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 (2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3M L2 Cache)
Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1340
4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm forXPS 1340
13.3 Inch Wide Screen WXGA WLED Backlit LCD with 1.3 MP Camera, XPS 1340
NVIDIA GeForce MCP79MX
320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

$1179 Shipped

What else should I do besides reinstall Vista, BTW how do I go about doing this, I am not too computer savvy. Thanks everyone!

 

Nice spec's..Congrat's

You can follow this guide created by Les, here on the forum..if you wish:
Dell Vista Laptop Reformat and Bloatware Removal Guide
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=157838

There are other tweaks you can do also.

Also check these 2 threads out:
The Ever-Growing Free Windows Software List
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=337890

The best free antivirus/firewall/anti spyware programs
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=190538

NBR Vista Tips and Tweaks Guide
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=166532

I always recommend using guides and such from here on the forum!
Such awesome resources abound!

Cin

 

GOD IT i broke my base cover.. where can i order a new one? when i was re-tighting the screws i broke one of the tiny thin metal washers that is on the base cover so now my screw has nothing to stop it from going all the way in.. grr

 

I went through the same crap, with dell, you basically have to try to do something over and over until you get a cool rep who will work with you

I found that calling xps technical support - so you get an American tech, really helps, I just called em up, leveled with the guy on the phone, and said I want to return it, not swap it out, not have them send a tech out, return it.

Eventually, they give in - I got them to email me a ups return label, I printed it out, taped it to the box the 1340 came in, took it to a ups store and dropped it off, and everything went smooth from there - dell paid for the shipping, and the return! I just got an email today saying expect a credit within 30 days, so, all in all a smooth return experience, but yeah - you kinda got to fight for it.

 

So I expect to receive my first 1340 tomorrow, and plan on returning it as I ordered a new one with better specs after the deal on the dell Canada website for free processor, memory, and harddrive upgrades. Does anyone know if I will be charged a restocking fee, or shipping when I return the first one. When I talked to a rep on the phone when I ordered the new one, about returning my first ordered 1340, nothing was mentioned about return shipping or a restocking fee and he said they will return it no questions asked, however, I never thought about how I might get screwed by them for that. Does anyone know??

 

The return of a computer with no problems is subject to a 15% restocking fee. The return of a computer with problems isn't subject to a restocking fee. I suggest you find some problems with that computer.

 

Freezing issue!?!?!?

I have had my studio xps for the past 2 weeks and am loving it, BUT it has started to freeze on me randomly. I will be using it for about 20 mins then the machine will just freeze. I have win7 installed but i don't think it is that as I have had it installed since the first day with no problems. Do you think it could be a a hardware problem?

 

Any idea which aftermarket TV Tuner(Express Card) would work best?

 

Thanks Cin, that was very helpfull!

 

Been following the thread for a while now, and finally decided to go with the SXPS 13. Specs are:

Core2Duo P9600 (2.66GHz 6MB L2 Cache)
320GB 7200RPM HDD
WLED LCD
nVidia GeForce 9500m
Bluetooth.

Ordered 2/18/09, expecting it between 3/12 and 3/16

 

Now I hooked up my XPS to my external pc monitor. I am in need of 3 usb ports, but only 2 is on the pc. So my logitech dinovo edge keyboard is communicating via bluetooth to a bluetooth dongle. Should it not be possible to use the build in BT card to communicate with the keyboard instead? and thereby freeing up one USB slot?

I tried this, but when i turn on the BT card, nothing happens. Do you know how to configure this?

Regards

Edit: i cant see my phone either, note that I have installed the driver..

 

I have actually come to love my SXPS13, It doesn't hang on a sleep mode all that often anymore, doesn't freezes, its very fast and its extremely sexy.

Although for some reason the wifi is really slow, and thats not my router or modem at fault. + even when I'm connected to the interwebz, it shows an X through the icon. Its weirddd.

 

Yes, i think that will go.
Im using my Logitech MX5500 Bluetooth keyboard\mice connected to internal bluetooth.

Try to remove our bluetooth dongle, reboot, install Dell driver for bluetooth, tnen connect our keyboard and mice by bluetooth connectmanager.
If u install latest Logitech Setpoint, (4.7) u can also config keyboard\mice buttons, this is not working in Setpoint 4,6 and earlier.

 

Does not work - and as I said, the driver for the BT card is installed.. should I install the Dell BT software application?

 

I have installed Dell BT softwareapp too, so try install it.

I think that Dells Widcomm BT Stack is waaay better that Microsofts BT.

 

Yes, remove the USB dongle, because you have a built-in Bluetooth capability. Just like a wireless card, the Bluetooth card can be switched on and off. Most likely, Dell's utility switches it ON, try it.

If you need more USB ports, you can always get a card with 4 USB ports and insert it into the Express card slot, which is now empty anyways (on the right side of the computer, just left of the slot-loading drive).

HTH

 

Now I installed the software App, and that helped me too see my phone.. I also installed setpoint 4.7 but i still cant see me Dinovo Edge keyboard.

more ideas?

UPDATE:

Nevermind, i forgot to press connect on the bottom of the keyboard.. hehe.. sorry

 

can someone explain how to do a clean install of vista bit 64 on the SXPS 13?? THANKS

 

find Microsoft.Windows.Vista.ULTIMATE.x86.SP1.Integrated.February.2009.OEM. DVD-BIE

download

burn it

boot to it

format drive

install it :x

 

Hey, check this link for both 32 bit and 64 bit:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

Hope it helps!


Cin

 

Do you think saying something as simple as it gets way to hot is enough to get it returned without a restocking fee?

 

I wouldn't worry so about the restocking fee. Very rarely has someone posted on the forum they were charged for one.

Just tell them to send you a RMA kit, it's not working out for you..and you want the refund, or a replacement.


Cin

 

Great, i'm glad it worked.

About USB ports: in addition to using an extension card, you can also use your monitor as a USB hub (many monitors have 2 or 4 USB ports).

Off-topic: Is DiNovo set good? I love the fact that it's thin and compact, I trust the Logitech brand more than others, but I don't like the price at all. I heard good and bad stuff about it. Would you recommend it?

 

Would you happen to know if it is really necessary to clean install windows on the sxps 13 to avoid freezing?

 

I have the Logitech Dinovo Edge. And I have been using it every day for 2 years now. I simply love it. It is very stylish and great to type on, and has nice media buttons and touch sensitive volume control. In addition to that it has a little circular mouse trackpad area. It also works nice, but i prefer to use a real mouse (MX revolution).

Connection is stable and batteri life is very good.. I think i recharge it for approx 2-3 hours once a month.

So, if I suddently had to buy new keyboard and mouse, i would certainly chose the same again.

 

I was curious, if the DPC latency spikes have disappeared after updating the BIOS to A04? Anyone?

 

what is DPC latency spikes ??

 

They are nasty bad things that sometimes cause the poping and cracking sounds, dropped video frames, etc. when working with audio or video recording and encoding, streaming, etc. If you don't do those, you should not worry.

 

Haha, nah they're still there. Dell needs at least 8 BIOS revisions before they actually fix something.

 

That can be true. My 4.5 year old Inspiron 8600 is at A14 and i have absolutely no red bars.

 

There was a weekend sale on Dell Canada web site, where the base configuration, which is normally $1349 was going for $1149. So, I called, and the guy asked if I have an EPP code, i said Yes, he wanted to transfer me to those who deal with EPP, but they were closed for the day, so he told me to call the next day. I said that the sale discount is over, and if they will honor it if i call tomorrow (the next day). He said Yes. I said, will they honor it in addition to the EPP discount, he said Yes. (I asked that 2 times actually, just to be sure.)
Ok, so the next day I call, he transfers me to EPP department, we configure a system. The guy says that I am getting a 7% discount (that's the standard EPP discount). I said, what about that sales discount? He says: No, sorry, the sale's over, and i can't do anything about it. Hmm, ok, i say what about if i want a better processor, would you make some discount? He says: No, sir, we don't do that. I was puzzled, and said that other people get upgrades, discounts on individual components, etc. He said: we were doing that some time ago, but not anymore. Hm, that's weird. I said: Ok, what about that additional 4% discount, if I open a DPA (Dell Preferred Account)? He says: there's no discount for opening that account. Well, now that's totally weird, and i ask, so is that 7% discount is all that i can get? He says: well, Yes, but if you get a 3 year warranty (for additional $200+), you'll get a total of 9% discount. After he saw that i hesitate, he gradually bumped 9% to 12% (but only if i get the 3 year complete coverage).
Anyways, i decided not to proceed with that, especially since the total came to slightly over $2000. So, what is it: a bad try, inexperienced rep, something changed in discount practices? Cin? Anyone?

 

My advice? Call in again. I usually call in, and spend about 3 minutes feeling out the rep to see if their cool or not. Make small talk, tell them I used to work in S&P in nashville (that usually really helps out, because they know that I know what working for dell is really like, hell.) They also know that I know about closing tools. Generally, the representative can click a button to give 5, 10, 15, or 20% off. However, that reduces dell's profit margin, and hurts the rep's "metrics" (the way dell rates the performance of their employees)

So generally, I try and make the rep's life a little better by small talk, telling a joke, etc - something to take the edge off of the conversation - before you know it, we're buddies, and I'm getting a 20% discount

Its not always doable, but, usually a rep will give you at least 5% less than you can get it online with epp

they key, and I cannot stress this enough, is getting a cool rep.

 

hey, I just saw that they offer the 9 cell in usa?
Did someone order one with the 9 cell - is it sticking out, how does it look, is it real, is it a mistake?
Can you please post pictures or let me know
thanx

 

It's been there for some time now. Yes, it is real, not a mistake. Yes, it is sticking out (down, actually, thus raising the back of the notebook). Something like this:
http://www.notebookreview.com/shared/picture.asp?f=39833

 

Ooh Ohhh

First of all....he lied to you.. You do get the 4% discount for opening a Dell DPA....Even, if your not doing it online, and the order is thru the Rep..they are supposed to give that to you when you apply. But is this different with Dell Canada?

I see they have the DPA..but no 4% allotted at checkout. (I tried it on the regular CA Customer site).

Can you try and config' on your Canada EPP site? At the end at checkout, if it were availi' it would give you that option, if applying for or paying with Dell DPA.

What else I can suggest that you do, is call back ~ have your order configured, and say something to the matter of *I'm ready to order this with you right now*, *What type of Deal can you give me* as the other rep I spoke to yesterday said this coupon would be honored, yet today.

They want the sale. And, your being nice, and polite ~ yet firm, should help you get that deal.

If not, call one more time..if you don't get anywhere ~ then it's time to ask for a Supervisor. Ask the Supervisor what they are going to do to resolve the issue of what the Sales Rep told you.

That stinks that this happened. I wish I could give you my EPP Rep's name, but I'm in the US, and I don't think he would be able to take your order.

Placing an order, and getting a discount you were told you would get by the Rep you spoke with the other day, should not be exhaustive for you, the consumer. I detest liars...and I especially detest Sales Reps, that blatantly do that.

Keep us posted, and good luck.

Cin

 

I called and ordered in the US through EPP and got
P8600
WLED
Bluetooth
320GB HD
9500 Video
Price online was $1369 before 7% EPP discount (~$1273 + $19.99 S&H after)

I simply asked if there was any promotion or other discounts he could apply since it was a little more than I wanted to spend. He asked how much I wanted to spend, and I told him I didnt really want to spend over a $1000 but didnt know if that was possible.

He gave it to me for $1000 + tax with free shipping if I signed up for the DPA card ($1150 without DPA), which I did and got 12 months no interest.

I ordered on 2/11/09, so they will discount if you talk to right person.

 

Are all eSATA cables standard? I have an external hard drive with eSATA port, but i use it through USB (as it didn't come with a cable). Wanted to buy a cable on eBay, but noticed slightly different connectors on some of them.

Can anyone please post a picture of an eSATA cable with both ends clearly in focus? I mean, the cable that you use with 1340, of course Thanks!

 

I am still teetering with ordering yet a 3rd XPS, like I said I really loved the look feel and speed of the 1340. Just couldn't believe that the replacement they sent had dead pixels, and the same DVD issue.

I had to return it for a refud to end my 21 day return policy. I will have to order again and start over. Hopefully they send me a good one sooner or later.

 

Yeah, hope this one works..what's the ESD on it?


Cin

 

Hi everyone,
I got my replacement laptop and currently re-installing vista 64 bit. I've been following the instructions in guide ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=157838) but after running the Media Direct dvd, it gets stuck after i click Y to continue with Disk Partitioning.
It has the message, "Creating hard drive partitions..."
It's been like that for over 10 mins ...I'm a bit worried. I restarted the machine and tried again.....it's still not going any further from that message.....anyone knows what i should do?

 

Personally, I'd just skip the whole media direct installation and just install plain Vista x64.

 

Don't install Media Direct, skip it. That guide was written with 3rd gen XPS in mind. These 4th gen models (1340) do not support Media Direct. HTH

 

Placed my order last night for the following system:

Intel Core 2 Duo P9600 (2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm forXPS 1340
13.3 Inch Wide Screen WXGA WLED Backlit LCD with 1.3 MP Camera
NVIDIA GeForce NB9M-GE - 256MB
256GB Dell High Performance Solid State Hard Drive, 2.5MM
Dell Wireless 1515 Wireless-N Mini-card
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal

I read all 130 pages of this thread along with the "xps studio 13 horror thread". It was a tough call, but I couldnt stop obsessing over it. In an attempt to get some actually work done, I pulled the trigger.

Along with the laptop I purchased the zalmon n1000 cooler and a new 802.11n router. From what I have read it seems to be a good idea to wipe the vistal and reinstall a fresh copy of windows. I read there is a "dell partition" on the disk. Is this something I should kill when I reinstall or is it something I need to keep?

I ended up using an eBayed 6% EPP coupon and to my surprise it included the $125 moniter upgrade. The day after I ordered I got my DPA statement that included a flyer. The flyer offered 5% off on the XPS stuido 13 if you used your DPA account, along with a $150 gift card. It stated that the DPA discount would be applied after checkout, but it seems it was not.

When my purchase went through, I noticed it excluded both the 5% DPA as well as the $150 gift card. I assumed this was due to the fact I used the EPP discount. Do you guys think it is worth a call into Dell to see if I can have either of the other discounts applied to the purchase?

Thanks,
-ST

 

Grat's on your order....I think it never hurts to call Dell and try and get the best deal you can get. Even after a order..if you ordered thru EPP, they are supposed to match any upgrades or promo's offered, etc.

And, you surely need to call Dell out on not getting the $150 GC at checkout. I received that insert in my statement, also..and placed the information on it here on the forum. That's $150 in GC's due to you!


Cin

 

so.........is it possible to order a replacement case cover? the thing that covers the ram and hd and whole bottom of laptop? also.. does no one else have the uneven feet issue? and last question.. any way to remove some light scratches from my lid.. u kno when u close the notebook i got a few scratches here and there!!

also, im ordering the 9-cell next week, waiting on a new dell coupon so ill report back with results

 

Thanks Lexuse Forever and atbnet, I installing Vista on my own now. I got the tech support person (coincidentally, the same person who ordered the replacement!) but after a while, she got disconnected (didn't call back). I logged in again and got another tech rep. This time he pushed a page on how to install Vista. Guess what happens? The page gets loaded on the chat page itself (in HP chat, it the new pages comes up in a new tab if you directly click it) and i lost the chat connection. the other funnier thing is, the link the tech support guy sent me is this one: http://www.blackviper.com/Windows_7/servicecfg.htm

ever heard of blackviper.com??
it has info on windows though

So now I am back on my own. i think i'll just get tips from you guys and work this out, lol
I'm not as tense as I am supposed to be. that's because this is the replacement laptop and i have the original lappie with me if something goes wrong.
Right now, it's Expanding file (98%)

 

Hi
Im new here, does someone knows whats the driver for the wifi and wifi signal indicators next to the bluetooth one?, cause mine doesnt work, i think its because of windows 7, but i just want to make sure what´s the driver.
thanks

 

blackviper is very well known..

 

isracg, the one next to wifi is for VZW/sprint EVDO speed/signal

 

ohh... but whats the driver for the wifi one? mine doesn't turn on, just the bluetooth one.(i installed windows 7)