-=[Dell Studio XPS 1340 Replacement Thread]=-

The 1640/45/47 owners and the m1330 owners have their respective replacements threads. There has also been a concern about getting Alienware instead of XPS thread. So I created this thread because the Studio XPS 1340 has reached EOL and is no longer offered as a replacement. Thus, I would like 1340 owners' help in tracking and monitoring replacements.


Please specify experiences regarding:

• What are the specs of your current XPS 1340?
• What system was received in lieu of the SXPS 1340? Specs? New or Refurb?
• At what point were you aware of the system you were going to receive?
• How long did the systems' exchange process take?
• Did you attempt escalation or any form of negotiation?
• Are you happy with your replacement?

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Studio XPS 1340 Replacement Tracker
(click username for specs/more details)​

To replace my SXPS 1340, I was offered a(n)...

Alienware m11x

• Kramssel (had m1330, to be replaced by 1340, and now m11x)

Studio 1458

• worx - NEW
• mesallem - NEW
• mathnerd88 -NEW (later replaced with a 1340)
• proshan - NEW
• koberulz909 - NEW + a glowing review
• chevychic55 - NEW

Studio XPS 1640/45/47

• critidoc - 1645 - NEW
• mathnerd88 - 1645 - NEW
• AoshichanX - 1647 - NEW
• chevychic55 - 1640 - REFURB
• proshan - 1640 - REFURB
• proshan - 1645 - NEW
• koberulz909 - 1647 - NEW
• koberulz909 - 1640 - REFURB
• TheFirst&Last - 1645 - NEW
• SkyWraith - 1645 - NEW

Refund!

• chevychic55

Notable M1330 Results (the XPS M1330 predates its successor, the SXPS 1340, by one generation.)

• Jusl3laze - 1645 - NEW
• t1mi3 - 1640 - REFURB
• XPSPL - 1645 - NEW
• justinmw - 1640 - REFURB
• cyber16 - REFUND

Frequently Asked Questions​

System Exchange will likely be granted if:
(how are you guys getting system replacements?)

one's notebook suffers multiple technical problems--at least 3 instances coupled with 3 registered complaints. After the third or fourth instance one would have a basis for a complaint that one is no longer a satisfied DELL customer. Perhaps one can also note that as a long time loyal DELL customer for many years this level of technical failure is unacceptable. Should the CS offer a system replacement then all is well. However, should the CS suggest another fix/ via a technician, then it may be in one's best interest to suggest a replacement would be a more permanent solution as the constant technical problems are unacceptable for this caliber of system. Maybe even claim this Studios XPS is more unreliable than the many Inspirons and so-called "lesser" Dells one may have owned.




System Exchange is guaranteed if:
(how are you guys getting system replacements?)

one is covered by complete care and if one's system suffers accidental damage beyond economical repair.

 

I just recieved a replacement for my 1340 today, it is indeed a studio 1458... here are the specs,

core i5 430, 6gb of ram 500 gb hd, 1gb ati video card, 720p screen, backlit keyboard, windows 7 ultimate, backlit keyboard, office 2007 pro (not sure why they gave me this, didnt have it before but its a 400 dollar upgrade on their website), blue lid, integrated sound. I think thats everything,

my 1430 was a core 2 duo 2.4ghz, 4gb ram 500gb hd, 256 video card, 9 cell battery windows vista, LED screen.

My 1340 was refurbished and the supervisor who I talked to managed to get me a new studio 1458 or a refund, the refund amount being 750 dollars only, I took the studio as i priced it out on dells website and it came out to 1800.00 approximately, do you think this is a good exchange? I can still return the studio 1458 if i choose.

 

why would you return the studio 1458 and get back 1000 less then the configured price-

Sell it on E-pray if anything else

 

Hey,

Thanks so much for your response. Would you mind answering a few more questions? It seems like your specs are awesome...just the chassis leaves something to be desired. If you don't mind the looks, I definitely keep it. It's a bit bulky IMO. What do you think?

1. When did Dell authorize the Systems' Exchange process?
2. When were you first aware of the specifications of your replacement? Did you just keep checking the service call status from the website?
3. It seems you were able negotiate on some level; how did you escalate?
4. Is the 1458 a Studio 14 or Studio 14z?

Thanks again!

 

I'm about to get a Studio 1458 as a replacement for my 1340, here are the specs:

Intel Core i5-520M 2.40GHz (2.93Ghz Turbo Mode, 3M cache)
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
14.0 inch High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife and Camera
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4530 512MB
Back-lit Keyboard
320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Disk Drive
8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
Genuine Windows 7 Professional, 64bit, English
Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Module (2.1)
Intel WiFi Link 6200

Old 1340 Specs:
P9600 2.66 GHz 6MB Cache
4GB,1066MHZ,DDR3
Liquid Crystal Display 13.3WXGA
512MB nVidia GeForce 210M
320GB Hard Drive
Dvd+/-rw,8X,
MODULE,CARD,NETWORK,Dell Wireless 1520


Are there any reviews out there of the Studio 1458? My main concerns are the build quality of studio laptops vs the xps, graphics card, keyboard, and touch pad.

 

I think a good idea would be to tell us your previous specs as well as the current specs you will be getting on the replacement.

To me an XPS should practically be replaced by an Alienware and not a Studio.

However, in the case of mesallem I think he got a good deal nonetheless.

 

Just updated my old specs.

 

I dont know if its just me but it seems they tried as best as possible to give you specs for tat with the replacement and then to top it off its a Studio not an XPS. If I were you I would try an get an Alienware but that's just my opinion.

 

I was thinking the same thing... I will try Dell chat tomorrow and see what they can do.

 

Yeah its worth a shot because mesallem seems to have gotten a better deal out of the replacement than you.

Also I think you should try calling Dell and not use the chat to get an upgrade for your replacement.

I use chat all the time and really I have never been successful really with it and to top it off there is a thread here and the people who called have had greater success than the people who "chatted."

 

I will give a call tomorrow to Dell as well. The sys exchange was authorized 3/31 and I've been contacting Dell every other day haha.

If they do send me a Studio 14, I hope it's packed.

My warranty expires in 6 days and extending it is too expensive...$198 for 1 year; $319 for 2 years; $416 for 3 years; 493 for 3 years.

I spent ~$680 ish of my Outlet 1340 after tax and shipping so with the warranty half the price of the unity...doesn't make too much sense.

 

Did anyone get anything other than a S14

 

i used chat, rep was not helping, talked to supervisor and then we were in contact through phone ever since, and just basically ed at them until they he convinced me that i will get good specs on the studio 14, it is a studio 1458 by the way and they did send me a BRAND NEW system for my refurb 1340. Its super fast and they took about 2-2.5 weeks in total to get it to me, it took a week to get the specs and 1 week to 1.5 weeks for it to be built. Also i purchased the 9 cell battery after the fact on my 1340 and they gave me the 9 cell battery as well.

 

The Dell rep called me today and tried to get me to agree to a Studio 14 with the same specs as my 1340. I told him I didn't like the Studio 14, so he "talked to a manager" and agreed to give me a new XPS 16 w/ a i5 or i7. I still don't know exactly what I am getting. I think I will sell whatever it is and get a Sony or something that is 13". I really do not like a laptop to be bigger than that.

 

Same as chevychic55. I was never offered a Studio 14, probably because I warned them I would never accept a Studio 14. With my warranty going out in 3 days I dunno why they were still kind enough to listen to me. They never called me back today, but it seems I am getting a brand new 1647, I checked my account today and saw the order placed.

Maybe they'll screw me over somehow, but for now, seems like the squeaky, firm yet polite wheel gets the grease.


BTW, can anyone tell me if I'm getting RGB? I know it says WLED but I read somewhere on the forum even the RGBs show up as WLED.


Support History Details




Service Call Status




Order Information

 

mine is RGB

1 320-8338 16.0 inch Wide Screen 16:9 1080p Full HD RGBLED LCD, W/2.0 MP, XPS 1645 - Mine is Merlot - Could be the right part number for Black

Yours is part- 320-8335

 

Thanks Raether916. I'll still hold out some hope.

On Page 90 of the **The Official Studio XPS 1645 Intel Core i7 Owners Lounge many owners had my part # and still got RGBLED and apparently "'Premium WLED' is the same as RGBLED"

EDIT
Thanks Raether916 for your other two posts, DELL needs to improve its invoice system for sure and the wait is already killing me haha.

 

I would guess YES.. Considering the premium LED cost 228 more - has to be RGB, My part number description is probably just an old description. My order also lists the 1520n card- I bet it builds with the 6300 card.

 

The waiting is tough... i have the 1080p 15.6 right now- I had the 720p 16 for a few days when dell sent out the wrong screen replacement- i loved the 16 inches- hated the 1377x768

 

hey guys,

I was wondering if my replacement is suitable...I had a xps m1330 and it is going to be replaced with a Studio 14. I had the order configured on March 26, still in production since then...not sure when it will arrive.


Current System: XPS M1330

Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.20GHz
3 gb Ram 667MHz
Nvidia 8400m GS 128MB
8 Cell Battery
LED Screen
160 gb 7200RPM Free Fall Sensor
Bluetooth
Dell Wireless 1505

Replacement System: Studio 14

Intel Core i7-720QM Quad Core Mobile CPU
4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz, 2 DIMM
14.0 inch High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife and Camera
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4530 512MB
Dell Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini Card
Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Module (2.1)
500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Disk Drive
9 Cell Battery


So what do you guys think? Good replacement? Or is it not good enough?

 

This thread is for 1340. There is a 1330 Replacement thread HERE

Your replacement has extremely nice specs. The only concern would be whether you'd be happy with a chassis that is quite a bit bulkier and is without the XPS branding.

 

So I checked the online status of my replacement order and they are trying to send me a 1640 with a Duo core 2 processor instead of the iCore I was promised. Now I have wasted the last 45 minutes trying to get to someone who can help me. I am trying to get a XPS laptop because the regular laptops have even worse customer service.

EDIT: Now this idiot rep is trying to tell me that the 2.53 Ghz Core 2 Duo processor in the XPS 16 is way better than the one in the XPS 13. Uh, its the same processor. He is also trying to tell me that the 1066Mhz 4gb of ram will improve my laptop experience from the system I have. Uh, its the same moron.

EDIT 2: He wouldn't budge so I decided to take a refund and shop elsewhere. I refuse to do business with a company that doesn't seem bothered by fact the a consumer wasted time (5 diff service calls within 6 months) and money ($125 backpack that fits up to 13", $35 incase 13" case, and a $30 skin).

 

What kind of refund did you get if you don't mind me asking?

 

I am assuming a refund of the purchase price as that is standard.

 

Updated; come on previous 1340 owners! come out of the closet and share!

EDIT:

System Exchange will likely be granted if:

one's notebook suffers multiple technical problems--at least 3 instances coupled with 3 registered complaints. After the third or fourth instance one would have a basis for a complaint that one is no longer a satisfied DELL customer. Perhaps one can also note that as a long time loyal DELL customer for many years this level of technical failure is unacceptable. Should the CS offer a system replacement then all is well. However, should the CS suggest another fix/ via a technician, then it may be in one's best interest to suggest a replacement would be a more permanent solution as the constant technical problems are unacceptable for this caliber of system. Maybe even claim this Studios XPS is more unreliable than the many Inspirons and so-called "lesser" Dells one may have owned.




System Exchange is guaranteed if:

one is covered by complete care and if one's system suffers accidental damage beyond economical repair.

 

I don't quite understand this thread and how you guys are getting replacements. I purchased a 1340 in October and will have it under warranty until this October, but I've had multiple hardware failures and problems and everytime they have sent someone out to swap out parts on my laptop. At this point if something else goes wrong I'd rather swap it out for another laptop but how does Dell go from replacing parts on my laptop to sending me another one instead?

Thanks for the clarification

 

I'm getting the run-around regarding the 90 day warranty for system replacements.

I'll try again on Monday...

 

Eh ... I hate dealing with those reps ... Ima stop putting this off
and try again tomorrow

I will not accept a Studio 14 ....

 

Keep at it man. Don't be shy. The best part of DELL is that they love to transfer you. Why is that the best part? Because they usually transfer to you to the WRONG department. And if you are lucky, this wrong department might happen to be a business division escalations specialist who has the authority to make decisions and help you out.

It's always like this with DELL. Crap support/clueless rep....crap support/clueless rep....crap support/clueless rep....crap support/clueless rep....then out of the blue I get a SUPER helpful rep who bends over backwards for me and is super apologetic.

Anyway here was my process. I just kept nagging even though my process barely started (compared to many others on this forum). Things started to turn around 4/10--that's when my SXPS 1647 was authorized.

Don't worry your odds of getting a SXPS 16 are good...take a look at my Replacement Tracker in the OP. It's just getting the newer 1647 will require a bit more nagging it seems.

 

What number should I call to nag some more? Thanks

 

I got my SXPS 1647 today. It took exactly one month for the entire system exchange process. System is great, but the Hard Drive seems DOA. My warranty has expired so it'll be interesting to see if DELL will do anything about it. Either way it's fine...see below. Good luck to the rest of you, here was my timeline:

3/20/2010 - Warranty to expire in 30 days.
3/21/2010 - System suffered free-fall damage from multi-story building...several times. Hard drive, battery, charger could not be recovered from site at the time.
3/22/2010 - Accidental Damage covered under Complete Care; repair approved. Shipping material order placed. Instructed to send as much of salvaged system as possible in shipping material.
3/24/2010 - Shipping material arrived.
3/30/2010 - System received by DELL repair depot.
3/31/2010 - System declared beyond economic repair; system exchange authorized.
4/10/2010 - Escalated.
4/12/2010 - Studio XPS 1647 authorized and into production.
4/16/2010 - Escalated.
4/17/2010 - System shipped.
4/18/2010 - System warranty expiration.
4/20/2010 - Delivery.




Complete Care well worth the $99 add-on if these unfortunate things happen...guaranteed system exchange and I found the hard drive, battery, and charger later after looking around a bit harder so it all worked out. They were all somehow unscathed despite the multi story fall. Very mysterious.

 

Very Mysterious indeed.... The Several times.... is what caught my eye...

 

Yeah, I think he showed that laptop who was boss.

 

I have same problem with my laptop xps 1340 , what other laptop i can exchange with , i need to have 13" but as good as mine , same specs or better, need help , thanks in advance guys.

 

I hate to say it, but yes. Nagging is definitely necessary. I just rang the normal support line until I got upgraded to the XPS system, at which point I started using the XPS number.

If you can't get a result from 1st level support. Always ask for a. Their supervisor or b. second level support.

Also, ALWAYS record who you speak to (record their name). This helped greatly in getting things pushed through.

in my Dell experience in 10 MONTHS, I went from:
Inspiron 1720
Studio 17
Studio 17
StudioXPS 16
StudioXPS 16
Then got upgraded to an Alienware M17x.

Finally after which I decided Dell sucked, and I moved to Apple.

but basically, you need to stand your ground and stand it well. Otherwise, those 'lovely' CSR "specialists" will run rings around you.


Aaron

 

I got my new Studio 14 today. It was the replacement for the laptop in my sig. First impressions.... I really don't like it.

Upgraded specs:
i7 720 processor
ATI 5459 graphics

This thing feels cheap. Here is a list of my gripes:

The keys are smaller. I thought I was going crazy, but I measured them.
There is a lot of plastic and it is much thicker than the XPS.
It came with a 500GB HDD (Dell said I can keep the SSD from my XPS).
The screen resolution is 720p and the XPS is 800p. (Noticed too late).
The network card seems to be worse. It is slow and only has 2 bars.
I will lose the XPS support, which is WAY better than normal Dell support.
Also, the fan is driving me crazy. It is always on, and is super loud.

I actually feel very sad about this. This is the opposite feeling that I had when I first recieved my XPS 13. Way to go Dell. I knew I should have stayed with Apple.

 

I feel the same way you do about the replacement studio 14. I still havent sent back my 13 and haven't used the studio 14 because I hate it.

Called today to request an XPS 16 which I really don't want because I don't want a big laptop but at least it will be an XPS. They approved the request right away but still waiting on them to send the specs to see if I want the 16 or if I'm going to keep the 14 or get the 16.

 

I already turned mine on. Would that make a difference?

 

Nope. I have had it for about 3 weeks and used it occasionally but they didn't ask anything about the system. They will probably just put put it back on their outlet as a "customer return".
Just hoping the XPS 16 isn't HUGE

 

I started a system replace on 4/21/10. I started a dell chat to see the status yesterday and an agent told me the life of the SXPS 13 has ended and asked if I wanted a SXPS 16 (I don't want a studio 14). I asked which model but they couldn't tell me until an order number was generated. I have to see the SXPS 16 in person. I hope its not too big, but when the new SXPS 13 model comes out ill try to switch back, I like the size and the weight of the 13 inch model.

 

*Update*

I'm being offered a new 1640 . I'm worried about the heating problems(especially hot palm rest and touch pad) and asked to be updated to a 1645 or 1647. Multiple dell chat agents told me the 1640 had been redesigned to make it cooler and that the 1640, 1645, 1647 all use the same technology to keep them cool . (Is that true?) I didn't believe them so I kept starting new chats and finally found one rep who agreed to ask dispatch for the upgrade. He said he will call me back on Thursday with the results.

 

It is true... and the 1645 would be the WORST option if you are concearned about heat imho...

 

Other than the processors, what are the advantages of the 1645 or 1647 over the 1640?

 

1640 is the core 2 duo technology which is basically the same technology from what you had before. Never allow yourself to have the same thing from before. Always get and demand the newest one.

 

Original System:
XPS 1340, Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 (2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm forXPS 1340
Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1340
NVIDIA GeForce MCP79MX
Frameless HD WLED Display, Obsidian Black, Leather, 1.3 MP Webcam
320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1)
Dell Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini-card

Initial Offer(Now Canceled):
XPS 1640, Intel Core 2 Duo P8800 (2.66GHz/1066MHz FSB/3M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm forXPS 1640
Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish XPS 1640
15.6 FHD WLED Display Obsidian Black, 2.0 MP Webcam
ATI Mobility RADEON M96XT - 1GB
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1)
Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGNHalf Mini Card w/ My WiFi

Current Offer(In Production):
Studio XPS 16 Notebook
Intel Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz (2.8 GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
6GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 Dimm
15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 1080p Full HD WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP, XPS 1645
ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670 1GB
Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish with Leather XPS 1645
320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)
MOD,CRD,NTWK,6200,CNB

I think the current offer is pretty good, I'm satisfied (I'm going to miss the form factor of my SXPS 13). What do you guys think? All the agents I talked to has finally paid off. What type of wireless card is in the 1645?

 

I finally got Dell to match my specs. The 900p screen will be installed in a couple of days. I sold the SSD they let me keep. I'm going to install a X25-M 160GB SSD, or maybe a Vertex 2/LE 100gb ssd. I haven't decided which one yet. I'm trying to stick to $400. So, after all is said and done, my XPS 13 (2.53ghz C2D, 9500m, LED, 4gb, 128gb SSD) will be replaced with the following:

Studio 14:
i7 720 CPU
ATI Mob 5450 1gb GPU
4gb ram
900p True Life screen (has never even been an option on the Dell site)
and another SSD

I'm finally satisfied, as this thing is pretty future proof for the time being.

 

I'd be plenty satisfied with that offer. Now comes the even tougher part...the waiting. OP has been updated.

A victory at last was it the same butthole who finally caved or did you miraculously get another rep?

 

Same guy. I tried to tell Dell I wanted a different rep, but he is the one who responded to that.

 

The waiting is hell, it still hasn't come and dell is stating its still in production. I called and they claim theirs a back order on a few parts. I really want to play with my new system

 

I have an XPS 1340 and have been approved for a replacement for either the XPS 16 or Studio 14. I carry my laptop everywhere so would prefer the Studio 14 for it's size, but the last rep I spoke to recommended the XPS 16 since it's a better system and closer to the XPS 1340. I really don't want a 16-inch laptop to lug around everywhere since I already found the 1340 somewhat heavy. I'm a grad student and use my laptop mostly for Microsoft Office and the internet, so I don't need a super decked out laptop.

I'm looking for advice on how I should get my laptop configured if I go for a Studio 14. I'm not that familiar with these tech specs and terms (for example, the description above for the Studio 14 means very little to me) so I'd love some advice on what I should ask for when I speak to the Dell rep, especially if I'm going for the Studio 14.

These are my current specs:
Studio XPS 13 - Intel® Core 2 Duo P7350 (3MB cache/2.0GHz/1066Mhz FSB), 64-bit

MEMORY
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1067MHz (2 Dimms)

LCD Panel
13.3" HD WXGA LCD with 2.0 Megapixel Camera

Video Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® 9500M - 256MB

Hard Drive
500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

Internal Optical Drive
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)

Thanks!!!