===> The Official Studio XPS 1640 Owner's Thread<===

Something bad happened to my 1640 today. When I powered it on after I woke up, the letter "K" would not work. I put the laptop on stand by afterwards, and after turning it on, the letter "K" is being pressed (hence, if I put the cursor on any textbox it would automatically type "kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk") as if the key is stuck.

So I turned the laptop off and on again. But this time, the keyboard stopped working completely. It still managed to run the OS, but the keyboard didn't work. I turned the laptop on/off several times. Keyboard was still dead.

Finally I turned it off. I tried to press all keys one at a time, and then most of them at the same time using my palm, then shook the laptop, placed it sidewards, upside down, etc. And when I turned it on . . . there, the keyboard's fine agian.

Any idea what went wrong with my laptop?

 

did you spill something on it? it sounds a lot like what happens when moisture triggers a circuit malfunction

 

No spills, no external damage whatsoever.

I haven't even done any heavy typing on my laptop yet.

It just acted like that.




--------------

EDIT:

Just asking users' opinion here if I have a right to demand installers from Dell . . .

After I did a clean OS install on my machine, I realized that my package did not come with installers for these three software. They are also unavailable on Dell's drivers/downloads page.

- facial recognition software (advertised on the laptop's features page)
- PowerDVD for Blu-Ray (also listed in the order details)
- Creative Labs Webcam Manager/software


I called Dell asking for installers for these SW, and I was told that they do not provide installer CDs for these. (Unlike Dell US/UK where they would provide and send CDs once asked, as reported by some 1640 users here)

Should I call again and demand a copy of installers? I feel that these are parts of what I paid them for, and without installer CDs I wouldn't be able to do a clean install without losing them.

 

A couple of questions:-

1. Is it possible to purchase a Blueray writeable slot load device and install it in the Studio 16 seeing as Dell don't offer a writeable Bluray, only Bluray ROM and DVD +/- RW?

2. Is it possible to use wireless broadband on the go with this device? i.e 3 broadband or Telstra Next G via a USB wireless modem?

 

I can answer your 1st question - no SATA slot loading blu-ray writer exists at present.

 

Heyah everyone..!

Ordered S-XPS 16 @ 4/02/09 directly from European Dell site.. the estimated time of arrival of the package to London I was told would be some time in March, however I only checked yesterday and it was already in the delivery phase.. so I phoned Dells delivery partner (Walsh Western) and arranged it to 13/02/09.. Kinda glad I'm getting it earlier than expected, so i r happi

I hope all you guys resolve your problems with the machine and enjoy it as much possible! I know I will

(zomfg first post i ROCK!^^)

Notice: I'll take loads of pictures when the notebook comes and upload them here! =]

 

I ordered a XPS 1640 upon discovering a 25% discount covering this last weekend on selected notebook models. I called an EPP representative and he insured me that I could receive the discount for the XPS 1640. This is the fourth dell xps laptop I have purchased in the past 4 years (two kids in college and one in High School).

I have a three hour commute via train each day and get alot of use out of my current XPS 1330. I do a bit of network application integration in VMWare and wanted to upgrade to a "high-end" notebook:

Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 (2.8GHz/1066Mhz FSB/6M L2 Cache)
8GB, DDR3, 1067 MHz 2 Dimm
Wide Screen 16:9 1080p FullHD RGBLED LCD W/2.0 MP
ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670 - 512MB
256GB Dell High Performance Solid State Hard Drive, 2.5MM
BluRay Combo Drive
Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGN Half Mini Card
Wireless 5530 HSPA 7.2 mobile broadband built-in mini-card
Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)

My experience with Dell has been positive overall. I go with the 4 yr extended warranty and accident protection. The warranties have paid off on several incidents. I have had abysmal service via internet IM but when I telephone EPP for help, they deliver in short order.

Look forward to receiving my new notebook. Should be here by next week.

 

25% off on new XPS 16?? If so let us know how you did it!!

 

Dell had a banner on their website advertising 25% off selected notebooks. I called an employee purchase program (EPP) telephone representative and asked for the discount. He provided the discount and processed my order.

 

Just for keeps: Mine arrived today. Works quite nice so far. The screen is a blast!

However: I only have Vista 32. That's also what the CD says that is included. On DELL's website, it says Vista x64 everywhere...

 

Congrats on the lappy, I'm still in a holding pattern on ordering it.

Wow that's a weird screw up. I wonder where that image came from and how it made it onto your laptop?

I would call them, maybe they can send you a new image CD with x64, since that is what you were apparently sold.
Unfortunately there's a licensing issue now but Dell should eat the blunder.

I'll be going with everything 64 bit from here on out.

 

I'm positive though that the 6-cell battery won't last for 3 hours.

 

I have decided not to get an sxps.
My mini 12 and 9 work for me

 

The 6 cell doesn't even last two hours depending on what you are doing. The 9 cell should get close. I will check it out tonight when I get it.

 

I imagine the OP meant they have a 3 hour total commute. 1.5 hours to and 1.5 hours from. That being said, they should be fine. Just make sure it has a full charge before you leave the office each evening.

 

If you really do have 32-bit,you're lucky (I'd guess it's more likely they just gave you the wrong disc).

I've been using 64-bit sine last week, and am running across all kinds of weirdness. IMO unless you need more than 4GB, you're better off with 32-bit for the time being.

 

Does anyone know what we (all the people waiting to get their laptops) should look for when we get it, in terms of physical imperfections? I know someone here said to watch out for the finish on the hinges and wires under the keyboard.

 

Has anyone been able to install XP on it yet? I'd really like to be able to do that once I get mine...

 

Hi.. Posted this earlier but no replies...try once more.

I see that certainly in the UK on the dell site I can get 3g built in wireless modem via a deal that vodaphone have with the dell sxps 16. There is a free 30 day pass and then you have to tie in with them for a contract. This avoids the requirement for a usb style dongle sticking out the side to provide wireless connection when away from home etc.

Does anyone know if the vodaphone module built into the laptop which can be ordered with (£100 - sim card inserted) OR (£97 sim card free) means that I could use any other purchased sim card from the likes of T-Mobile or '3' within the laptop?

If so is it a ..remove the rear panel job, or is the sim card inserted somewhere perhaps in an opening along the side of the laptop?

Perhaps someone could be kind enough to pass on their views of this. Thanks.

 

I'm not discounting your experiences, or know what they are but there are other benefits to x64.
Vista x64 specifically is more responsive than the x86 counterpart. It's not quantifiable, so some may say they don't notice, but it is quite palpable.
Secondly, the laptop was really designed for it so all hardware and drivers should be fine, or they will be if other issues arise but that shouldn't have relevance to 64 bit.

It's not so much in needing beyond 4GB of RAM, while it is true that the 32 bit OS cannot use any more than 3 to 3.5 GB of his 4GB RAM now.
Several applications and content creation apps do have issues with less than the 2Gb virtual address space limit imposed by x86. Just two common ones are Google Earth after using it for a while can crash and Photoshop can eat up 2Gb quite quickly and many others too would benefit.

The rule of thumb today really should be unless you require 32 bit for legacy device support, whose drivers have not been updated to 64-bit safe, then people should use x64. Folks trying to hold on to 32 bit are slowing the progress down in allowing driver developers not fully adopting the best practices of 64 bit safe code.
x64 is not for guinea pigs anymore, it's got a pretty large install and support base to the end Microsoft could have probably removed 32 bit from Windows 7 but they didn't want to put themselves under any unneeded fire, slowing progression was more appealing than potential complaints from people with 5 year old printers that are no longer supported by the mfr. Just my 2 cents.

 

I am thinking of buying a cooler, too but there are few things that bug me. First, isn't it hard to type when the notebook stands at an angle and you ca no longer rest your palms on the palm rest since they will probably slip or won't be as comfartable as they were. Second, since there is already an angle between your view and the notebook, you need to open the lid at a wider angle than 90 or before and from what I read here, it will close more of the fan output and heat the laptop more.
A temperature comparison would be great, expecially during a game.

 

I have a hard time believing that. Assuming they're clean installs and set up right, there shouldn't be any difference.

It's not driver issues though-not that I know of. It's issues with some common programs. I mean 16-bit WoW is flaky on 32-bit Windows, so 32-bit WoW being flaky on 64-bit shouldn't surprise me I suppose

Oh, and I know this is nitpicky, but ALL these CPUs are x86. That drives me nuts when things label one thing x86, and the 64-bit thing 'x64'. I mean that's what AMD wants to call it or whatever, but it's still x86.

I think the exact opposite and did even before I started using 64-bit. There's no compelling reason for most people to need it right now. Few programs are 64-bit, few programs need it, and there are compatibility issues. Granted it's not unusable (I guess...) but I shouldn't be seeing issues in major software packages like Word 2007 and new DVD burning apps. Right now I'm staring at my task list, and there's not one non-OS program that's actually 64-bit running.

 

I think people were seeing a 20c difference w/ GPU temps with the laptop hanging off a table or the vents partially opened more with the lid partially down. But yeah, with and without an addon cooler would be good, I'm pretty sure I will be getting a cooler too.

 

I just got the Zalman ZM-NC2000 Notebook Cooler, and it makes a big difference. Even when I didn't have the fans on, the CPU temp was only up to 50C after playing WoW for a while. When I had the laptop on the table, it got up into the low 70s. When I used the fan, it went down into the high 30s. I think it is easier to type when the laptop is angled toward me.

 

Do your 1640 screens reset to the max brightness setting everytime you power on the laptop? Mine does.

 

Yep, that's what I was seeing with a 2.53GHz/6MB CPU.

Yikes! Now THAT'S working! Obviously that thing is a must for this system if you're going to push it. Thanks for that info!

 

Yeah, my new Asus does that too.

What I discovered is I think that's a Windows thing. You can actually change it in the power preferences-the advanced section, you can set what you want the brightness on for battery and plugged in, and then that level is what it defaults to instead of max.

Personally I think it's weird that it does that, rather than remembering the previous level. I guess a choice would be good-but at least it's nothing wrong with your laptop! I've got my system set for I think 50%, which is good enough for work (where it's bright) and actually still too bright for home. Got to love those LED backlights, where even on a notebook screen you can actually make it TOO bright!

 

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I'll only say the reason you see that is it's the chicken and the egg problem. Certain developers currently have a roof they hit there head on constantly in certain applications, the 2GB address space limit. They have to keep applications memory footprints small so it can stay within the 32 bit address space and avoid running out of the available address space in 32 bit which causes crashes. While some other programmers take shortcuts in not making their applications or drivers 64 bit safe, which they could and would if 64 bit was more predominant. I hit the limitations often with what I do and use, so I use 3Gb switch with 32 bit OS's so I can atleast get an extra GB for an application. Granted Word, Excel, Outlook aren't going to be using 2GB RAM so that's not what the world needs 64 bit adoption for. The landscape could be much different if 64 bit install base percentage was more significant. I don't believe there is much reason to avoid 64 bit operating systems anymore but fear of the unknown.

Edit: P.S. As for the responsiveness, I know this from my experience in dual booting both, but others have noticed it too. I know it shouldn't technically speaking, but it does so some libraries and kernel enhancements must have made a difference.

 

guys, will the Zalman NC-1000 work on the 1640? or the laptop is too big for it?

 

Thanks for the quick reply, Wolfpup.

I'm just reposting this . . .


Just asking users' opinion here if I have a right to or if I should demand installers from Dell (Singapore). . .

After I did a clean OS install on my machine, I realized that my package did not come with installers for these three software. They are also unavailable on Dell's drivers/downloads page.

- facial recognition software (advertised on the laptop's features page)
- PowerDVD for Blu-Ray (also listed in the order details)
- Creative Labs Webcam Manager/software


I called Dell asking for installers for these SW, and I was told that they do not provide installer CDs for these. (Unlike Dell US/UK where they would provide and send CDs once asked, as reported by some 1640 users here) They say these programs only come with the original OS image installed on my laptop when it was delivered. So it was too late for me because I already had done a clean install before I realized I had no installation discs for these programs.

Should I call again and demand a copy of installers? I feel that these are part of what I paid them for . . .[/QUOTE]

 

Yeah, no that's a good point. I just for what I use (even though I'm a power user) 32-bit works better, and I think that would be the case for most people...though yeah, hopefully this will drive people to support 64-bit better. What's weird is OFFICE of all things apparently being buggy. At least for Word (Outlook's been fine so far.) Or maybe 2007 is just buggy anyway.

 

[/QUOTE]

Yeah, personally i'd call and complain. I mean especially if you can send it back if need be, they really need to get those to you!

 

I know it will be something I make sure I get when I get the laptop. If I ever have to replace a failed hard drive I want those applications.
Sounds like they need to update their image or start including discs properly.

 

I do not like the display and will return my system. The blacks are too impossibly milky and greenish. Software calibrating won't improve the blacks and the green oversaturation cannot be removed.

Calibrating the greyscale to a difference color temperature (65K standard) reduces the contrast significantly. Adding some red will fix color temperature but also increase black luminance and hence reduce the contrast. The color saturation and color hue controls do not alter the green color in any significant way.

The following is my attempt to explain the severe issues that plague the display.


Greyscale
There is a blue and green excedent across the full luminance spectrum which increases at low stimulous. This is typically due to lower quality RGB LED backlighting. The backlighting produces a green/blue light instead of a white light, which becomes prominant at low LCD luminance. This means balancing the grey scale will require adding some red and black levels will suffer.





Contrast
Black Level: 0,48cd/m²
White Point (maximal luminance): 270cd/m²
Contrast: 560:1

Unfortunately, this is merely average, as most competing non LED panels have contrasts of 600:1 or higher. Also any good screen should have black levels below 0,3cd/m².

Standard Color Space
This is the color space with the standard saturation and hue setting

Color Saturation = 100 and Color Hue = 0 (Standard)





As demonstrated below, adjusting the color saturation and color hue controls in the AT Catalyst panel does not allow to correct the color inaccuracies!

Increasing Color Saturation
This merely removes blue from both the green and red primaries.

Color Saturation = 120




Color Saturation = 200 (Max)




Decreasing Color Saturation
This merely adds blue to both the green and red primaries

Color Saturation = 60




Color Saturation = 20





Increasing Color Hue
This merely adds blue to the red color.

Color Hue = 30 (Max)




Decreasing Color Hue
This merely adds blue to the green color.

Color Hue = -30 (Min)

 

Bummer, although I don't do any professional imaging work, it's not very comforting. I am pretty picky so i wonder if it would effect me, I'm usually more sensitive to the more obvious like gradient issues which should be decent. Although color accuracy may stand out as a problem to me.

Does anyone know if Revisions take place with Dell laptops like they do with, for instance, Dell's desktop displays?

I know with their desktop displays it's not uncommon to go through multiple revisions to fix issues and add features to previous revisions, just wondering if that may happen for this laptop which is at a Revision 0 I guess for now?

 

Yay yet another crash after the recent windows update. I only installed the important ones; I guess this trash needs to be refunded.

 

Sorry, I've probably asked twelve times, but did this pass a night of Memtest?

 

But isn't that a windows update problem?

If a future update crashes a future system do you refund that to?

It's not the first time a windows update causes problems, happens often.
I dunno maybe you have been getting crashes from other things too, I'm just going by that single post, it struck me as strange.

At this point you may as well refund because you seem pretty disgusted with the laptop, and it stopping crashing likely won't change your appreciation from here on out.

 

Its the 3rd time since i got it.

 

For Thin Pig:

 

I should be getting mine this friday (hopefully!) I'll run memtest and report back

Shame Hopefully I'll be able to live with it, all of my image editing is done on my desktop pc and I'll do I'll ever do that kind of work on the 1640 but we'll see

 

Does any know a good TV Tuner ExpressCard compatible with the SXPS 1640? Thanks.

 

No it doesn't. It's been years since I've seen any issue with Windows Update, and I update a dozen systems every month. I updated the 1640 with no issues, and updated my new (semi-dumb) Asus with no issues too. I'd suspect there's a driver or hardware issue (could be Bluetooth since Dell's bluetooth seems to have issues I guess).

 

These update issues are pretty much unrelated to the notebook. Last month, I was reinstalling Vista to my 5 year old desktop which had never seen BSOD with Vista and while installing all the updates at once, it crashed and never booted. I had to install Vista again but this time I installed 10 updates each time and no problem occurred. Some old updates are incompatible with new ones and when you try to install all of them, it crashes the computer.

 

I hope we don't make this a habit but yes it does. I work in the IT industry and that is what I am talking about, it has nothing to do with how many times "you" see Windows update problems on your computer(s), it has to do with how many compatibility issues actually arise with Windows updates across the board. This could be a compatibility issue. In a corporate environment we test updates before deploying them for this reason, you'd be surprised.

Why do you think Microsoft makes things like an Update Compatibility Evaluator, and why companies have test labs to test updates before deploying them. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc766043.aspx

 

Forgive the stupid question: Beforehand, there was much talk about how the new 16" screens with FullHD resolution would eliminate the black bars on video playback.

Is that so? I still have them on my XPS 16 with FullHD resolution... (DVD playback, no BD drive)

 

depends on the aspect ratio of your movie. If it's 1.78 the it'll fit 1920x1080 just right. But if your widescreen movie is say 2.35, then it's going to have black bars across the top/bottom

 

So do I, and we haven't seen anything like that in ages. And regardless, this is a brand new system, and if SOME of them were doing that, ALL of them should be doing that, given identical configs. This isn't something that happens often, and it isn't something that happens for no reason...

 

Hi!

I was wondering if there is anyone else in Montreal who could share their order and delivery status of their 1640.

My order was placed Feb 2nd with an expected delivery date of Feb 11. It has been in production since February 4th.

I called yesterday and was told the delay was due to a backorder of a part. Isn't that related to pre-production?

Anyway, customer service said it should ship in the next few days and I can expect delivery mid to end of next week. (grrrrrrr)

 

Is the WLED option a good screen?

eg: are the black deep and rich?
and the colours spot on?
is the screen clear and sharp?
the screen is not grainy?