===> The Official Studio XPS 1640 + ATi 4670 GPU Owner's Thread<===

Updated the first post with some new benchmarks.

 

Thanks joker. Ill be sure to toss mine into your thread if you want to update the main post with my scores etc. Ill have a diff cpu. T9550.

 

Yes of course, it would be interesting to see how the different CPU's affect 3D benchmarks. I'm sure the source games will benefit from the faster CPU.

 

I have a question, guys. I ordered my laptop last week with the 4670 and 1080p screen and I got a phone call because two orders had been placed under the same purchase ID and one had been canceled. I looked at the canceled order and it had the 1080p RGBLED screen. However, the new order (the one that is in production) has the WLED HD screen listed. I called to change the order to have the 1080p RGBLED screen and the customer service rep told me the order actually has the 1080p screen but online just doesn't have the correct configuration listed. Has anyone ever run into an issue like this?

 

I remember reading about a few people that had this issue before and when they got the laptop, it was the correct screen. However, as paranoid as I am, I'd probably have them cancel the order and reorder with the correct one. That way you aren't stuck with an incorrect display. DellHell isn't a fun place to be when things like this occur so its better to be safe than sorry.

 

Thanks, Joker. I'll ask on the regular 1640 board as well to see if any of them had the problem.

 

yeah i was one of those . when i ordered my xps 1640, it showed the lower resolution screen. when i asked the rep about it he told me not to worry, that they were using the same terminology, but that by the number it was really the 1080p .

i was kind of nervous, but when the laptop arrived, it did have the 1080p screen.

 

So are you gonna wait around for the PR release of the 4670? Seems like Dell hasn't rolled out the update to any other place besides mainland US. I'm surprised PR doesn't have it yet since it is US territory. If the waiting does get to you though, Best Buy has the Asus G71 available and that thing is a monster. It has a full black frame (no ugly gamer colors) with a GTX 260m for $999. The BB version only has the low resolution display, no backlit kb, no BR and no BT. But the last two aren't big deals IMO since they can be added anytime. The display could also be swapped out later for the other one if you felt like it. If the 4670 hadn't come out when it did in the US, I'd almost certainly have an Asus machine right now. In fact I'm almost having second thoughts about the Dell right now. I'm going to take a trip to BB today to check out the Asus in person and run some benchmarks on it (gonna put them on a flash drive). The price is fantastic for what they give you and Asus finally built a laptop that looks nice and isn't limited to 15". The only thing holding me to the Dell at this point is the RGBLED display, if Asus had that the Dell wouldn't even be a factor to me.





Specs:
-----------

 

DDR2 on that Asus. Slow memory explains the low price.

 

The XPS 1640 isn't a gaming laptop, silly comparing it to other laptops that are just that. Sure you could get an inexpensive laptop with a great gaming GPU from the likes of Asus, MSI, or Sager/Clevo. But you are also going to get a low-res screen, ugly bulky case, and possible keyboard flex and/or odd key layout. If gaming is all you really want then I wouldn't suggest the 1640. The 1640 w/ 4670 is an attractive all around media laptop that can do more than serviceable job of playing games. Wanting it to be a bang for your buck gaming solution is very misguided.

 

Nobody said otherwise, it's very well established that the XPS 16 is a media laptop first and foremost. Problem is, not everyone has the luxury of purchasing the 4670 like we do in the US. So far Dell hasn't made any announcements or indications that the 4670 is coming to other regions at all. For some of them, this G71 may be a good alternative. Anyway, I went to BB today and IMO the G51 is clearly the better laptop compared to the G71. It has a chiclet style keyboard that is backlit (looks like the MBP), very nice design and isn't very bulky either. About the only thing that turned me off about it was the low resolution display. I think I've derailed the thread enough so if anyone wants to know more about it, just PM me.

 

Just registered, I have been configuring options of this laptop for the last 3-4 days, on the US site and the UK site.

I finally settled on:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8600 (3MB cache/2.4GHz/1066Mhz FSB)
4GB DDR3 1067 MHz Ram
500 GB 7200 RPM HDD
ATi 4670 1GB GPU
16" FullHD RGBLED 1080p display
Slot loading Blu-Ray Rom
2.0MP Integrated Webcam: Dual Digital Array Microphones
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Facial Recognation
Intel 5300 Wireless N Card
6-Cell Battery
USB/Firewire/HDMI/Display Port/eSata
Vista 64 + Wiindows 7 Upgrade
Merlot Red High Gloss Finish with Leather
3 Years Warranty

In the US it costs $1673,
without the upgraded GPU it costs £1455 - 10% £1300 (with a coupon) about $2135 for an extra $330 dollars you can get the T9900 (3.06ghz)

Still it's much better value in the US, and you can't get the GPU in the UK and I quite like it in red which you also can't get in the UK.

I understand that if you get a 3 year warranty it is an international warranty?
I assume other than buying a UK adapter there won't be much of a problem?

I understand that sales tax in CA is 8%? (where my friends is living), If only he was living in one of the states that don't charge tax.

I suppose the total with sales tax is $1813? is it worth me getting my friend trying to chop a bit of that price?

anyone got any experience bringing laptops to the UK from the US?

 

It's a decent deal, I got the same configuration for $1615.20 shipped but I went through Dell EPP and since then the price has gone up. Compared to UK you will be saving a lot of money so either way it's a win-win for you. I think all you will need is the 220v adapter to make it work.

 

IC, but you know none of us would have waited, or continue to wait, for the 4670 if there was an as sexy alternative out there.

 

You guys I decided to stay with this system because of the savings.

I don't think I can find a better price anywhere, I might miss the 1 GB video card but it's not worth the savings to me.

I just got this from the Dell outlet:

XPS 1640, Intel Core 2 Duo T9550(2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm forXPS 1640
16.0 inch Wide Screen 16:9 1080p FullHD RGBLED LCD W/2.0 MP, XPS 1640
ATI Mobility RADEON 3670- 512MB
Solid State Drive,256 S2,2.5,RBAM,
Bluray Rom Drive
Intel 5100 Wireless-N (1x2) Half Mini-Card
6 Cell Battery
4 Year Limited Warranty CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection

EPP Cost New before savings & tax & shipping = $2448

EPP Cost New after savings + tax & Shipping = $1960.52

Cost From the Dell Outlet: $1444.50 after taxes & shipping

Total Savings $646.64 + $516.02= $1162.64

Final Price $1444.50

Plus I get a free copy of windows 7

 

Aaron1uk - you wont need a new power adapter, just a uk plug instead of the us plug, the adapter is designed in 2 parts (plug/power adapter) so that you can use it easily in different countries

 

I thought that might be the case ninja I have about 4 of them here too you sure I won't have problems with the power differences? going to wait till 4th of july see if dell do some deals. thanks for the advice guys.

 

hey joker. thanks for your constant suggestions, they really have been helpful.

As for waiting, yeah i think i'm going to wait a bit more. I basically can afford to, since my Sony vgn fz180e lappy that crapped out on the nvidia card, i can still at least use for light web surfing (so long as the video drivers are uninstalled, although i dont know how long itll be before it totally shuts down) and right now i'm mostly playing ffxi that i can do through the xbox 360. Two things are mostly keeping me from checking out other laptops and thats:

1. I dont want nvidia graphics. my experience with nvidia has been bad enough with 2 different computers that i am not willing to risk it again. On the other hand, my experience with Ati has been pretty positive, on a previous dell laptop that i had for about 5 years).

2. dell warranty. - im going to check up on what best buy offers too, but dells on site service is hard to beat. they are usually here by the next day, whether youre @ home or @ the workplace and fix your issue. Ive never had any complaints with dell's extended warranty service and it really just gives me peace of mind, because i carry my laptop everywhere with me and so many things can happen.

The screen on the 1640 is indeed beautiful, but most of the time im gaming ill connect it via hdmi to my 52 inch samsung, which is a beauty so i could definitely forego the screen if i could find a replacement. But i really fell in love with the 1640s style and feel. I guess i'll hold out as much as i can. Hoping they will offer the card soon on the puerto rico website. Thing is, although we are a US territory we are under Dell Latinamerica

sorry for the delayed response too.. ive been trying not to lurk every 5 mins , otherwise the wait just gets longer lol. but im definitely checking out all the info you guys give us, and still am as excited as ever.

 

Your position is a good one man, I hope Dell does at least release the 4670 to PR sooner than later. Do you know if Dell allows warranty transfer from the US to PR? If so, I'd be willing to order one for you through EPP. Bit off topic but which Samsung do you have? I've also got a 52" that I bought recently, it's the 52B750 and man is it beautiful! Oh yeah I received some good news via a phone call (wow talk about service) from my Dell EPP rep, she said my system is in the final stages of production and that she will likely be calling me with good news on Monday

 

Mine shipped! And by shipped I mean FedEx tried to deliver it today. Holy cow! From China to my doorstep in less than 7 days. Color me impressed, Dell.

Too bad their order tracking website still says it's "In Production". Lol.

Anyway, I'll snap some pics and post some ATI 4670 scores here later tonight after I oogle the crap out of it. I'm going to pick it up at the shipping depot after work.

Yay!

EDIT!: FALSE ALARM!

I had a MacBook in for repair to Apple and THAT'S what came today from FedEx.
List of strange coincidences that led to me thinking it was my Dell:
Shipped next-day. (Same as Dell order)
Shipped from Memphis, TN (Same city as Dell shipping facility)
I figured that since other people had gotten their computers from Dell earlier than they expected that it was just a happenstance bit of good luck. Nope.

My estimated arrival date is the 13th of July. I'll probably get it before then, but I'm still a little pissy it wasn't my new Dell today I even left work early to pick it up from FedEx.

Bah.

 

Wow that's great news! Mine is expected to ship on Monday. Please do post all the pics you can, unboxing, vent placement (see if it has changed or not) and if you REALLY want to do us all a favor, open up the bottom of the laptop and check if the southbridge has a heatsink or not. Thanks in advance! I look forward to the pics and impressions.

P.S. Seems you and I have the exact same configuration down to the warranty I hope the delivery guys actually knock on my door when they bring it. Half the time they just leave the box at the doorstep..I'd be so pissed if it got stolen that way.

 

i'm waiting for the first impressions too
i gonna order it through epp too in a few days, the config for me is exactly the same as yours joker, except of the wlan card: currently i go for the 5100, however i still think about that, i could still change that, i'm just not sure, i read some opinions that is most cases, the 5300 doesn't perform better at all. i also thought about the hdd if 320 is enough or should i go for 500, but i think there's not a huge difference, so if 320 wouldn't be enough, 500 wouldn't be enough either..

 

my estimated delivery date is the 15th

 

False alarm. See my previous post.

 

Damn..oh well guess maybe some of us will have some good news by next week.

 

I ordered my XPS Studio 16 on the June 28th, and online it says "In Production" On the phone it says "Processing" so i called in apparently there is a delay on the 500GB 7200 hard drive, anyone else have this delay?

 

Yeah when I ordered it said next to it that it may cause a delay, now weither or not mine is meh I wanted the bigger HDD anyway.

 

I'm in the same boat except I ordered on June 30th....my EDD isnt until 7/28!

 

heh damn i hope mine doesnt get delayed to a point like that

 

Mine says "In production" on the website and "currently being processed" on the phone. I didn't order the 500 GB 7200 drive so hopefully there's no delay with my order. My estimated delivery date is 7/16 but I'm hoping it gets here sooner. According to the Dell rep I deal with, she said I should have mine shipped out by Monday since it's in the final stages of production. Man the waiting really sucks..

 

heh, good luck with yours, the dell rep i spoke to even offered me next day delivery after telling me it was delayed due to the hard drive for free. so at least that will make it faster hehe.

 

Yeah mine got upgraded to next day for free and also the base 29.99 whatever removed also becuase i ordered on the 25th not the 26th and had to cancel to qualify for win7.

They really stepped up to help me out tbh.

 

Damn, I'm so jealous right now

Ordered the XPS 16 here in Australia on June 25th, couldn't wait any longer before ordering...which means if/when the 4670 is released I missed out And I missed out on the Windows 7 upgrade by one day

Have it specced pretty well with the 2.66GHz, 500GB, 4GB, RGBLED.

 

same specs as mine scots, well + the 4670. 2.66 is the t9550 isnt it?

 

Guys dell has free shipping. The sales Reps just make it sound like they are saving you money over the phone

Limited time offer.




Offer Details

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Any InspironTM or StudioTM or Mini Laptop orders must be over $799 (before tax and fees) FREE (3-5 day) Shipping & Handling!
Select XPS Branded Products orders must be over $999 (before tax and fees) Includes XPS Premium and Studio XPS Laptops and Desktops (Excludes XPS and Alienware Gaming Products) FREE (3-5 day) Shipping & Handling!
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Electronics and accessories purchased with your system will only receive free standard shipping and handling. Inspiron or Studio or Mini laptop system orders must be $799 or above before taxes & fees to be eligible for free shipping and handling. Inspiron or Studio desktop orders must be over $699 before taxes & fees to be eligible for free shipping and handling. Select XPS system orders must be over $999 before taxes & fees to be eligible for free shipping and handling (Excludes XPS and Alienware Gaming Products.)

 

That free shipping doesn't apply to EPP orders.

 

Well you may be able to buy the new studio xps 16 motherboard w/the 4670 from dell spare parts when they become available. Of course it's going to cost a lot of money and probably not be worth it but it's still an option. Or you could just sell the one you have and buy it if you really want it.

 

thanks for the offer joker! Let's see how long I can wait first . What is EPP by the way?

answering your question i bought my tv around 2 years ago, when the Samsung LNT-5265f was just out.

I've been thinking. Dell has never really offered the 9 cell battery option in their configuration on the Puerto Rico website... always wondered why that was. Hoping this does not ring true for the 4670 as well. If not, I'll just have to see what are my other options within Dell that includes an ATI card.

Sad thing is, I had already bought the invisible shield for the 1640 and its still neatly packed in my closet, waiting for that lappy to come home.

 

Call EPP sales and they'll give you free NBD shipping

 

NBD? Notebook Discount?

 

I noticed this morning that the Dell Canada website now lists the SXPS with 4670 GPU!!!

It's a $120CDN upgrade on the dell.ca website.

I ordered mine today, estimated delivery date is July 20th! I can't wait! :-D

 

Next Business Day

 

zomg! crosses fingers for puerto rico.

congratulations on your purchase!

 

...and for UK & Ireland too!

I'm getting a bit impatient now unfortunately, so I don't know how much longer I'm prepared to wait. I spoke to a Dell sales rep yesterday and he said that they didn't have an exact date on a release here but would update me when it becomes available.

 

Of course..duh. I'll give them a call Monday and see what they say.

 

why would they do that?
btw if there's no free shipping for EPP, how much does it cost? (the standard shipping)

 

For me, second day seemed like the best price/delivery, at a little over 40. There was I think a 10-15 dollar surcharge to change the shipping from 3-5 day to 2nd day.

 

I have 2 different EPP reps that I use when ordering and they have always given me NBD shipping free (I believe any Dell sales rep can do that).

 

I can now officially be part of this topic xD July 20th can't be closer.

 

Just canceled an order I made on 6/30 and ordered a new one, this time with the 4670, I know I don't need it right now, but later on this year or next year I'd like to have the option for better gaming. I ended up paying $1208 + tax for the laptop in my sig which was $50 cheaper than my previous order. I downgraded 500gb 7200rpm -> 320 and 2.53 -> 2.4 simply because those were the two offered in the respective deals and I don't need the hard drive space and I don't think theres much difference between the P8600 and 8700. I lost a $100 gift card in the deal but gaind the 4670, the intel 5300, bluetooth and next day shipping for $50 less. Overall I think I did pretty good