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

Would have been nice if it was glass, but more weight involved.
Mine is certainly not hazy, if yours is you have a defect.

 

P8800 is now available (at least in Canada), but at the expense of a significantly boosted price...

 

Just got the call from Dell, Its gonna arrive tomorrow between 8am-1pm, I'm so excited am having trouble containing myself!!

 

So...one day my SXPS didn't turn on...it got to the Dell Logo, then black-screened with a cursor. No safe mode, no restore back up. Spent 4 hours reinstalling Windows/patches with Dell. But then I was told I won't get a few Dell programs because they don't offer downloads.

So now I'm getting a new hard drive.....it's been a long two days.

EDIT:

By the way, anyone who has the Blu-ray burner coming in: can you get the model number? I think it is UJ-225,but I'm not sure. It should be a Panasonic, from my sources.

 

Bump that rez down. 1680x1050 or so. The 1920x1080 territory is the reason why the GTX295 or 4870x2 exists...

 

4670 is sufficient to run the game at native resolution and a gtx 280 (there is no mobile 295) would be overkill. My GTX 260m runs it at 1080p, 8xAA, 16xAF very high details and it never drops below 45 fps and is usually pegged at 60+.

 

Good on you.

 

Guys I need some advice

Looking to buy a Dell XPS 16 from the UK Dell Outlet but they have the options below available to buy

1080p screen 15.6" or 720p screen 16"

However if you look on the Dell website the 16" only are 1080p and the 720p are 15.6"

I'm confused do they do the RGBLED in 16" or 15.6"

Hoping you guys that have these can assist?

Many thanks

 

http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/.../09/23/march-of-the-dell-core-i7-laptops.aspx

i7 is official. $1249 start. But that includes the crappy screen, small hard drive, normal dvd drive among other things. To get all that I got in my sig rig and to just switch out the CPU for i7 it would be roughly $2100. So I guess I'm keeping what I got. Best bang for buck, specially since my sig build was only $1400 with ship and tax..

 

How did you figure $2100, as the system isn't up yet? With new standard options, the whole upgrade scheme pricing is changed. AKA the reason why the Blu-ray upgrade is only $35 before, but over $600 if you buy it separately.

And $1400 for that? That's great. Mine is $1700, but I have a faster CPU (T9600), but no burner (wasn't an option yet; Blu-ray upgrade cost $100ish something). I also have the 3-year warranty with LoJack and accidental, though, too.

 

I wonder how much it actually costs dell to make the xps 16?

 

that's what everyone would like to know.

 

Dell said that that was supposed to be at My Dell Downloads, but that site is so botched up.

So, instead of trying to fix it (I think they're working on it) now, they're sending me a new hard drive.

 

I'm actually thankful I'm returning my XPS (got the white one with the stains) now that they're introducing the mobile i7's. BTW i was speaking to the dell rep who's setting up my return credit, and i mentioned to her that i was checking their website today and it showed that they had returned the white option, however she told me that even those would have a problem with the paint and that she wouldn't advise me to order a new white one. Just thought i'd let u guys know.

 

... The 720QM performs more than double of what the P8600 performs? oh my god, I'm kinda regretting buying this a month early...

 

I uploaded it here is the link.

http://www.filemonster.net/en/file/13720/Dell-Facial-Recognition-Software-zip.html

 

Thats very inaccurate. In multitasking (different windows, different programs running) and most tasks you won't see any difference. Its only faster if the task supports quad threading (some high def video encoding applications do this, or intensive 3D design modules, and very very few games). In everything else, its going to be the same. Most programs today don't even utilize dual cores, let alone four cores.

 

QFT.

The reason I went ahead and got the Core 2 Duo. Windows 7 is purportedly more multi-threaded inclined, but can't be anything too special because I haven't heard a word about it since there were rumors a year ago.

~Ibrahim~

 

I actually based that off what the link says which I guess will probably be wrong, but I mean PPro and Photoshop would've thanked me... haha but whatever it runs well enough with a P8600.

 

Right...I wouldn't trust 3DMark Vantage (the program they used) to be a good indicator of regular system usage, lol.....I mean, it's a gaming benchmark to begin with!

I'm sure the i7 would've done great in other multi-threaded applications and would have scored similarly well, but synthetic benchmarks are misleading and sometimes just that: synthetic. Twice a score doesn't equal twice the performance. In one section, maybe. But not in the overall system "feel".

Remember: the computer is as fast as the slowest part. So, if you weren't really stressing your CPU to begin with........

~Ibrahim~

 

dells diagnostic tests failed and they were not sure of sending a technician and i also had a hdd clicking issue and so am getting a replacement notebook.

 

If there are any upgrades you want request them and they will probably give them to you.

 

You need to quit telling people that the Core i7 only out-performs Core 2 in 4+ thread applications. That's simply incorrect. Clock for clock, the Core i7 is faster. Not only that, in situations where all four cores of the i7 are not being utilized, the processor overclocks the cores, which is something you're completely neglecting to mention.

 

Truth be told, the processors in our laptops aren't the bottleneck for regular usage. Heck, most people can't tell the difference between a 2.8Ghz C2D and a 3.2Ghz C2D: that's just a guesstimate, but I have a E6600 @ 3.5GHz on my desktop. I can underclock it to about 3Ghz and still feel perfectly snappy, games run the same more or less relatively speaking (I've tested FPS difference, Crysis runs 1-2FPS slower [5%-8% slower]).

There's a market for i7, no doubt, and I'm all for faster technology. But the usage: whomever runs applications that stress the CPU, you'll notice a difference. Most of us probably don't break 50-75% on most days. An i7 would be faster even in these situations, but not by much.

But, truthfully, this won't matter in a few days because you won't have an option to get a C2D unless you buy used!

~Ibrahim~

 

Wha??!!! no C2D? But wont the i7 be a lot more $$?
If so they shouldn't get rid of the C2Ds altogether...

 

Well, you can't expect Dell to manufacture and support two different platforms: different motherboard, different CPU, different drivers, etc. It'd be too much, IMO.

It would be nice, but I don't think they will. Hope that I'm wrong: the C2D line has great bang-for-buck.

~Ibrahim~

P.S. There will be a price difference, but they can adapt: standard options now include less "stuff". It's up now, go to Dell's site and check the differences yourself. My machine would've been nearly $500 more with just the i7-720QM; $800 more with the i7-820QM.

 

C2D needs to finally die out. It's past it's heyday.

 

Got my system today, and after much worry that it would arrive with a fault or it was not the system I really wanted, I can now relax. Its a quality build and a great performer. After updating drivers ive been thrashing far cry 2 all on high no aa, runs like a dream. I would reccomend this laptop to anyone the only con I can think of is the price! You get what you pay for I geuss.

 

Hm.... am I missing something, or can I get the i7 720 for 50 bucks LESS than the p8600? I can get a system with the i7 720, RGBLED screen, 4670 1GB, black leather cover, 4 gigs, slot load bluray and 500 GB hard drive for just over 1500. The same thing with the 8600 is 50 more.

 

Wow....Dell had a massive price drop in the past few hours.

My system would now only be $30 more.....hmm: I really want that Blu-ray burner.

~Ibrahim~

 

Yeah, seriously. I have been eyeing this laptop for the last couple weeks, and previously, that same system would have been almost 2k. Also, that blu-ray burner only brings it to 1600 0_0

, I really want this laptop. Maybe I'll hope for coupons closer to the holidays to bring the price down a bit more to somewhere where I might be able to convince my parents to let me buy it.

Edit: Just noticed the ship date. 10/22!

 

fuuuddggeeeeee lol to return or not to return for i7 LMAO

my audio and editing apps would benefit Im sure, I just dont know how worth it is is to be without the laptop for a few more weeks..GGRRrrr

 

i checked about that .. but that rep was kinda confused.. and since the config was decent i left it at that..

 

I know we have a certain return window, but isn't there a restocking fee? I got my laptop last week.

 

It depends on who you get. The first rep said he couldnt help me when I wanted a price match. I threatened to return it outright. The 2ne rep gave me my credit within 5 minutes.

Im outside of my return window..I just went on the epp site and configured a laptop with identical specs to mine now except with a new i7, the higher one they offer. Its only $60 for I paid for this laptop....I wonder what I can do to get the new one..The epoxy on my screen is degrading a little and my left speaker sucks..if I have legit problems dell wont let me get the newer one as a replacement will they?

 

Just got my screen replaced. Had three dust particles between the front glass plate and the LCD. Now I have 5 dark black spots in the screen...

The engineer who replaced the screen noticed it as well and called it in. I had to wait form 1.5 weeks for this screen to come in, and now they told me that the next replacement screen could take up to 3 weeks to arrive! Very unhappy here...

I'm thinking about returning the whole damn thing. The pleasure and fun of it is long gone... Too many problems to keep a good feeling about it. but what are my options? I originally purchased a machine with 3670 gpu on 27 august and got it 12 september. It was then replaced by a machine with the 4670 GPU which was delivered 3 weeks ago. So I'm past the returning period.

Is there any way I can return the machine? I'm really done with it actually...

 

Technative, If you had it for 3 weeks then you probably cannot return it. But maybe if you call them and explain the problems you had then maybe they will accept it. If not for a refund then at least for credit/vouchers of the same value with Dell.

Otherwise try and sell it yourself, it might supprise you how many people are willing to buy from auction sites at full price in order to receive it quickly.

I am still waiting for mine to arrive. It was ordered on 9 September 2009 and they have given me an ETD on 15 October 2009. I agree with you that these long delays definatelly scar the experience. Dell really need to improve and prebuild some models for quick deliveries.

 

In the past I've had plenty of good experiences with Dell. It's funny how one or two bad experiences can change that overall good feeling with Dell.

I'm not all that unhappy with the performance of the machine. It works great and is amazingly fast, but it's stuff like this that ruins the experience. Add to that the Technical guy who at first told me that the dus particles behind the screen was "by design"! That got me really fired up and I told him to immediately inform the shipping-department that they could be on the lookout for an incoming laptop (namely mine...). He wanted to discuss the issue with his supervisor, and after that he came back to me saying that "for this time" they'll replace the screen... So it's not just the technical (design-)fault that I'm unhappy about, I also got a bad feeling about them trying to solve it.

And... I agree with you: Dell should have some default configurations prebuilt in stock so shipping times can be reduced.

 

Got my 1640 on monday as a replacement for my E6400. I think it's okay but I miss the non-glossy no frills business look and feel of the E6400. Why is it that laptop manufacturers seem to think that media/home laptop=gloss, glass and fingerprints?

I guess I'll get used to it and that the extra horsepower will make up for the inceased size and glossynes. One thing though, there seems to be two specks of dust caught in the screen. It looks like dust anyway. Greyish spots... could it be a stuck pixel problem?

Oh, and the screen blocking the exhaust vent IS pretty stupid. I didn't really believe it till I saw it myself. I mean... it just sounded so weird and unlikely that DELL would design it that way.

But all in all it's a great machine.

 

This is what pi***s me off. My laptop still hasn't arrived and will not until another 3 weeks but Dell have already released the i7 cpus for this model. Aghhhhh. I should cancel, but what is the point of canceling the existing order if a new order can take up to more 5 weeks to deliver? The waiting game is the worst.

The only thing I am glad though is that I got a superb deal. They did offer me 10% additional discount.

Also on another note has anyone ever ordered a new laptop from Dell and received a refubished model?

 

Hi all, been lurking here for a while in anticipation of my new XPS 16.

Although I ordered on the 18th and now I want the i7 spec. It's to late for me to cancel my order (final stages of production) and most of you seem to recommended waiting until I get my unit to ship it back and order it again.

Would there be any advantage to ordering now though, if I can? Before I receive my first one? Do you think I could still return the first one without the restocking fee simply by proving the information on my second order? Any guidance would be well received. Thanks.

 

Had3K:

that's what I've heard: they'll waive it when they see the second order, according to Dell.

Yeah: order now, get it sooner.

 

Thank you for the help. Ordering now.

 

Yup. I buckled down, too.

For $39 more (total after everything):

DDR3-1333MHz over DDR3-1066MHz
9-cell over 6-cell battery
i7-720QM over T9600
Blu-ray burner over reader (main reason I wanted the new one)
McAfee 15-month (will be uninstalling)

The only thing I "lost" was MyWifi with the 5300, but I don't think I would have ever used that, lol! EDIT: Just looked again. I also lost 3GB of Dell Datasafe Online: went from 5GB to 2GB. If I wanted 5GB now, I'd have to pay 25% of higher upgrade cost ($49 vs $39) and that was too much, lol.

~Ibrahim~

 

Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
Core i7 720QM 1.6GHz-2.8GHz
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4670
4GB DDR3 1333MHz
500GB 7200 RPM
Slot Load Blu-Ray ROM/DVD/CD
16" RBGLED LCD 1920x1080
Intel 5300 WLAN Wireless-N
9-Cell Lithium Ion
Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi MB
Backlit Keyboard
3-Year Warranty

All for $1599? Really? Pros? Cons?

I need a new laptop, so I'm shopping about. Any helpful info on this notebook will be helpful.

 

Read a review of a C2D SXPS system. Loads of sites have them: Notebook Review has some, Anandtech has one, cNet, Hothardware, etc.

I mean, the new processor is all that's really changed.

~Ibrahim~

EDIT: Your particular config looks great. It's identical to mine, except I didn't get the X-Fi software. Apparently, it's only software, no hardware changes. I think.

 

So did they hassle you at all for a restocking fee?

I am really tempted to return mine, but mine appears to be completely issue free so far. Main uses are school work with gaming.

 

Are the i7 a plus for gaming or i wont see much of a difference? Also is SSD really worth it? Thanks

 

Really? Just Software?

I'm not going to buy a new notebook until the end of the year. I'm thinking about waiting for Arrandale in 2010, or even DX11 in Q1 2010, but that might be pushing it. I don't know how long I could live with my current laptop. Every possible thing is wrong with it. Sound, CPU, GPU, not to mention it is worn. I could still browse the internet and use Word and Excel, but when it comes to playing videos, or running multiple programs, my system gets VERY hot and shuts off.

Anyway, I can't believe the configuration is that "cheap". The dual core configurations are more expensive. Gotta love Moore's Law.

 

I knew you would cave.