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

I have this same issue, has anyone figure this out?

 

Could someone without any screen scratching issues tell me if their screen is higher than the plastic silver pieces on either side of the screen? Does your touch strip (with media controls) protrude higher than the speakers AT ALL? My screen (on the black bezel part) was scratched by the touch strip and was also scratched right around the middle by the little strip of plastic above the touch pad. There are also a couple of scratches from things that might have come between the screen and the palmrest.

 

NEW COUPONS UP! 15% off Dell Outlet!
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/...4556&acd=10665648-552179-942429-2-0-ARTICLE-0
I just found one with the same specs as mine but a 500GB drive and 2.53GHz processor instead of 320GB and 2.4GHz. With the coupon it would only be $10 more and maybe I won't have the scratching issue. I might go for it since they will not give me 15% off what I paid.

 

You really don't want to use the 178.98 drivers anyway. I had them installed but I get these wierd freezes every so often, I'm currently experimenting with several other drivers atm to see which is best.

 

Here are pictures of my problems. You can see in the last one the scratches on the screen. The first 3 are the top of my screen. I can make a piece of it pop up by pushing down on the screen from the back while holding the top. This happens by itself in my backpack. Images 1 and 3 are with the piece popped out while image 2 is without it popped up.
Does anyone have this problem? Does everyones screen protrude past the plastic pieces on the side as in picture 4?





I really think I will buy another one from the outlet with that 15% off coupon (goes until may!) and return this one. I can either get the same computer for $120 less or a better computer for the same price! I just want to know if all models do this.

 

So after thinking about getting an m1330 and then waiting for the studio come out and being disappointed by all the initial problems within the first few weeks, looked into apple and waited some more. Now I'm looking at studio xps 13 again, can anyone convince me that if I order one I'll get a problem free machine? :\

 

The only two problems I got with mine was heat (which affects all SXPS, and probably most 13" laptops anyway) and wobbly feet, which I fixed by adjusting the screws.

 

My touch strip which has the Studio XPS writing is the exact same level as the speakers. Also the top of the screen and the side of the screen where the silver bits connect are very solid with no gaps and no flex.

 

It doesn't even protrude a tiny bit? Yeah I think my one was poorly refurbished. It will be really hard finding the exact same config again!

 

I should have ordered the one earlier with better specs for the same price (with coupon) as it seems the outlet has increased the prices! For a 1340 with lower specs than mine it costs $50 more now.

 

Hmmm mine has no problems with the 178.98 - I find them much better than the .86 versions but gaming is still poor.

 

I just added a 1340 to my cart with the same exact specs as mine and it costs $50 more than mine did. I guess they jacked the prices up because of those new 15% off coupon. BS. It will still end up $70 cheaper than what I paid though. I'm just wondering if I should wait a bit and see if the prices go down and if I want a 500GB hard drive instead of the 320GB.

 

Hello.

I think Dell manufactured my 1340 with a lesser memory. CPUz identified 2 Samsung PC3-8500F @533Mhz, not 1067MHz.

The order says it clearly: 4GB, DDR3, 1067MHz, 2 DIMM.

Also, the bus speed is @266MHz, FSP is rated at 1066MHz.

In http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Studio-XPS-13-Notebook.14081.0.html the memory was Hyundai, in detail DDR3 PC3-8500Fes with 1066 MHz.

What information is CPUz giving for your memory and Bus?
Thanks.

 

Hey, just purchased a XPS 13. It was a GREAT deal at the outlet, $656 shipped.

-- Studio XPS 13 (1340) Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (3MB cache/2.4GHz/1066Mhz FSB) Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Unit Price: $729.00
-- 65W AC Adapter
-- Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
-- nVidia GeForce MCP79MX
-- 6 Cell Primary Battery
-- 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (2 DIMMs)
-- Notebook Keyboard
-- 64BIT Operating System DVD
-- Dell Wireless 1515 802.11a/g/n WLAN half Mini Card
-- 13.3 inch HD WXGA Edge-to-Edge Laptop screen with 2.0 Megapixel Camera
-- 320 GB Free Fall Sensor Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
-- Obsidian Black with Leather Accent
-- 8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability

Total: $656.81

I seem to have WAAAYY too many laptops at the moment, but I was searching the outlet (my first mistake) and couldn't pass up on this deal. I wanted a LED screen, and maybe the 9500M, but truth of the matter is I'll probably just take this computer to class, and won't game on it ever (even though I'll say it would be nice to have "just in case" lol).

Either way, looking forward to getting it.

 

Dell has given you the right RAM. 1067Mhz DDR3 is clocked at 533Mhz. That 1067Mhz data rate is because data is transferred on both the rising and falling edges of the clock (Hence DOUBLE Data Rate - DDR, 533*2 = 1067). The fastest DDR3 on the market is only 800Mhz.

 

is it worth buying from Dell Outlet? Im assuming they are selling the units you guys are returning??

so i can expect it to be fixed from these problems but the problems will reappear in the future..........?

 

I got an outlet one and I'm mostly happy

 

I buy from the Outlet all the time, and I've never had any problems that would be any different from a new system.

 

new drivers for the cd/dvd have been posted on dell's website. suppose to Improve write quality of Sony DVD+/-RW media and Improve the compatibility to various versions of DellDiag Confidence Test.

edit: also seems there's an update for the webcam that says it "Improve power management and system compatibility"

 

Hi ppl,

It's been a while since I returned to the forum. I just want to let newbies know that it's a good idea to retain the PC Restore option (and not delete it for the additional space). I got the blue error screen and took 3 days to get it rectified. It would have taken just 20 mins or less had I retained my PC Restore.

 

Wow, I didn't realise this because of a Windows update till I read your message. I had to do the same thing. Unfortunately, I had no idea it was due to the update and I ahve been trying to figure out why this happened and spent 3 days figuring it out. Finally, I did a system restore too. It's fine so far.

 

has anyone orders the bluetooth remote? how is it? I heard it wasn't flush with the laptop, is this the case? also is there an IR remote available?

 

I chat with Dell rep last sunday to replace my LCD. However Dell didn't have LCD so they were on the back order. Now today is Saturday and a Dell tech came to replace my LCD. It made me very happy because i didn't know that Dell tech will work on Saturday...but after all the parts were taken off and he discovered that the new LCD is broken!!! How frustrating... Their service is good but quality control is very very very BAD!!!!! Maybe he will have the parts and come to my house at Wen/ Thru. Hope the new one is good!!

 

got one from outlet..710 incl. tax... Good deal?

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (2 DIMMs)Hard Disk Drive
320 GB Free Fall Sensor Hard Drive (7200 RPM)Video
nVidia GeForce MCP79MXWeb Camera
Integrated 1.3M Pixel WebcamMedia Bay
8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write

Studio XPS 13 (1340) Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 (2.2GHz, 3MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)Laptop Screen
13.3 inch HD WXGA Edge-to-Edge Slim Laptop screen W/LED with 1.3
6 Cell Primary Battery

 

Is there a guide on how to install windows xp? i want to load xp 64 when i get mine...

 

Have you tried Vista on a decent computer? Is there a specific reason you want to run XP? Vista is much nicer than XP on strong computers like the SXPS 13. Try it out first before switching to XP because of Vista's bad reputation.

 

Graphics card question. I went with the stock card thinking I could upgrade later for cheaper. Some posts have said you can't with this laptop, but my understanding was that it was separate so you could. Now, if you can upgrade, should I be worried about overheating with certain models or brands (NVIDIA and their year long fiasco) I got burned (litereally) with my NVIDIA video card burning out my HP comp's wireless so I don't want to go down the same road.

Ultimately, what's the best card I can upgrade too and not run into problems?

 

I'll let someone else answer the GPU swap question.

As far as heat, the hybrid option does get hot. If you plan on turning the graphics power up full throttle, make sure the laptop is on a surface. On the other hand if you run the system on the weaker GPU option, the system is very cool for your lap.

 

The GPU is soldered onto the motherboard. You can not upgrade without replacing the whole motherboard.

 

I want an XP because vista's UI is not of my taste...also after reading some horror reviews..i'm about to cancel my order and get e4300..my main concern is laptop's LCD screen covering the vent, causing the screen to heat up and sustain damage after a long period of use..,..I went to the best buy to check out how much of this vent is covered, and to my disappointment, the vent is covered 100% my the LCD screen and leaves no room for the hot air to dissipate into the air without heating the lcd screen.

However, when I touched the lower left corner of the LCD screen where it was blocking the vent, it wasn't any hotter than any other lower portion of the LCD screen...Nonetheless, I'm afraid of having my screen damaged after a period of use as I do not plan on getting extended warranty.

Can anyone comment on this issue regarding LCD panel blocking heat vent?

 

I'm using my 1340 right now, the left side is a little bit hotter on the screen, but only by a few degrees, not much at all, and so little its not a concern at all for me.

GL with drivers for XP. I don't know why people insist on using it. I'm using Windows 7 x64 and I LOVE it. So much faster than any other OS, and everything is working 100% for me. No crashes either.

 

Has anyone tried the recently released DVD firmware update? It keeps telling me my DVD drive isn't supported?

 

Make sure its for the right drive. There's only one DVD firmware update, and I checked my 1340 and I have a different DVD drive in mine than what the update is for. Look in Device Manager to see what you have because its probably not the same if its giving you that error message.

 

hi, is it true studio 1340 and studio 1640 both shipped with backlit keyboard by default? thx! there is no mentioning of keyboard type on email.

 

cancelled my sxps 13 and ordered e4300.. didn't know outlet latitudes came with 3yr warranty at no cost .Overall I'm happy that i canceled sxps as I know i would have been paranoid about the LCD blocking vent. Good luck to others who's buying sxps! Oh yeah. E4300 comes with xp pro so i don't have to waste countless hours trying to find the drivers had I decided to keep sxps!

 

I thought all SXPS's had the same DVD drive..

Also, all the people taking about the heat problems, it's not an issue. I even use mine on my bed, which covers the bottom and back vents and the temperatures surprisingly don't go up. This is of course with the integrated video.

 

Just wanted to add a comment as I jut received mine two days ago.

I know there was some interest as to how it runs WoW. At native resolution with everything max except shadows which I left at 25%, I was getting about 25-30 fps in Dalaran. In Northrend while flying about, I got anywhere between 25ish to 45ish.

Old zones I got 40-60 frames.

Quite superb for such a sleek, gorgeous machine.

On a tangent, my 1340 runs HOT. I've owned quite a few laptops (close to 10 in the last 5 years) all of which have had various types of graphics cards so there is a frame of reference. This machine is ridiculously hot when playing games. It's almost scary in fact although I know the heat tolerances are pretty extreme for today's computers. Still...I'm not entirely comfortable with it.

 

Lol ... still it continues. The 1340 when cranked up to full power does run hot. What do you expect from a tiny machine packing a lot of power? Switch it to power save mode and the laptop instantly becomes cool. There's no reason to run this system on high performance mode when on your lap.

 

Just had my replacment SXPS 13 from Dell, as first one had faulty WLED.

First impressions, screen is lovely.

The replacement laptop also seems to run significantly cooler. I have had the laptop running in performance mode and it is still cooler than the original laptop running in power save mode.

Also the CD/DVD driver is a lot quieter when inserting/ejecting disks.

 

Sounds good I hope mine doesn't have any problems....

 

Instantly cool? Can i get some hard numbers? I'm in power save mode for the last two hours, doing normal work stuff (email/web some Excel). Here are my temps via CPUID, Celsius:

ACPI: 57-63
core 1: 49-55
core2: 51-59
Geforce9500M: 61-66

Cooler than i've heard some people reported, but i have it on a desk right now, and starting to worry about heat damage to the wood! How do these temps look?
Thanks...

 

Jesus christ is it really that bad where you have to worry about heat damage to the wood? I have one on order but I'm having second thoughts!

 

I switch to 'boost performance' on the nvidia card.

Wasn't playing a game or anything, same apps open.

ACPI: 63-66
core 1: 55-57
core2: 57-61
Geforce9500M: 72-74
Geforce9500M(listed twice?): 69-71

I've also noticed CPU usage is constantly around mid 40s%. Doesn't seem right to me.

So significantly hotter, and hear the fan churning more (i think the fan isn't needed as much in power save). Issue is I'm not cranking any heavy graphic game. I think we all can agree this laptop runs hot, but how hot is too hot? It is hot enough to cause damage to you skin...yes. Your table? Possibly?

I just need to figure out if there is some process that is churning the CPU unecessarily, or what. I understand this thing gets hot, but it shouldn't be scary.

EDIT: for those curious CPUID is a free download that shows the temps. I suggest using it so we can all compare where we stand.

 

Lol ... that would be hilarious if the wood was damaged, post some pics! Here are my temps, they are fairly cool and stable after about 20 minutes. I'm plugged in on AC on power save mode.

 

here is mine, left lappy for 20mins, just web open sat flat on a hard table, screen open to workable angle, power save mode

can anyone suggest a lappy cooler that suitable?

 

JB:
Looks like you have the same system as me (Nvidia card), or very close. Anyway, I'm also plugged in on power save mode, and you're running about 20C degrees cooler!! That's kind of amazing.

Did you take away any drivers, or any special thermal tricks on your machine? 20C is a HUGE difference!!! Manc...you're about 5 degrees cooler on average.

Stats..and also included CPU usage...maybe something is going with that??
thx

-AP

 

I wouldn't be laughing if my desk was ruined through a laptop that burnt it. Your temps are ok but others here are quite concerning, thats pretty hot.

 

I cannot believe the 10deg diff. Did you do anything like replace heat paste etc?
mine is just sat flat on a table doing nothing, I'm not even using it at the moment as I'm on the desktop just watching the lappy temps and they are pretty constant. I notice it drop if I tilt the lappy to let air under it, also make a diff if I close the screen to anunreadable low angle to clear the fan.

 

That's because you don't have a sense of humor

I said earlier I was on power save mode. That was a mistake. I'm on High Performance with the Hybrid mode switched to Save Power. For some reason I get slightly lower temps on High Performance than on Power Save mode (SLI on save power).

My system fan never goes on. I let HWMon run for half hour this time. This is me doing basic web surfing and writing documents, nothing fancy. If I play a flash game, it will spike significantly in the mid 50's to low 60's. When I use my laptop cooler, I notice the GPU temps drop about 3-4 degrees but everything else is pretty much the same.

 

Quick question:

How are you switching power save modes and SLI? I've been using the icon in the tray with battery and selecting "power saver", this also brings up the invidia graphic to "save power" and the nvidia icon has one green arc (instead of two). How to you get it to High Perf. but save power?

I don't know if there is a different way to do this...anyway, so your stats above are without the cooler, and even with it, it only takes away 3-4 degrees. Mine has been idle for 2 hours..lowest GPU is 59 and lowest core has been 49.

My fan rarely comes on as well..i think that is a result of save power mode (GPU not clock, fan not needed). Sometimes i hear it spin up for a second, but it's rare.