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

I was upset that I ordered the 720p before realizing the upgraded screen was 1080p, but after hearing all you guys unhappy with that screen I'm relieved. Maybe you should send it back and get a 720p screen, I haven't had any issues with mine.

 

Anyone play "Empire: Total War" on their 1640 yet? How was it?

 

not to offend anyone here but I do not see a problem with the 1080 screen at all. I think some people just take it too seriously

 

No offense taken. I guess it just matters how picky you are, and I happen to be quite picky (lol). I guess my eyes are very color keen or something. Unless I find a good solution, I'm definitely sending it back within 7 days before the 21 day refund policy expires.

Certain programs I use for webdesign don't support ICC color profiles, so that isn't a very good solution to the problem. It's very annoying to be designing graphics, editing images, etc. and have such off color saturation.

 

excuse my ignorance but how do we find out which drivers we are running?

 

Go to Control Panel/Device Manager/Display Adapter/Driver

 

i've been comparing this pc so much with an hp dv7 that i just cant keep them straight.

Does this notebook come with recovery disks? I know there is a recovery partition, but i'd like to have disks if possible. If not, is there a program that allows you to burn recovery DVDs at the initial start-up like the HP has?

 

It comes with the Vista disk and most of the programs needed. You can download everything else from the website. I reformatted mine the day I got my replacement and blew the recovery partition away as well.

 

Wouldnt you be using a desktop with ips lcd anyways? Basically, all laptops come with TN panels, and the 1640 LCD is crasy glossy .. its obviously not meant for your line of work.

 

Do you actually need a 64-bit version? Or just to get the 32-bit version installed. I'm assuming there is no 64-bit version. I'm not sure if the 32-bit version will install or not, but if not, if you go to download iTunes from a 64-bit copy of Windows, it will default to the "64-bit" version of iTunes, which includes Quicktime. In reality, I'm not sure how much of it is really 64-bit. Bonjour is I guess, and maybe some other pieces, but most of it is 32-bit (but runs fine). But if the 32-bit Quicktime doesn't install, that would be a way to install it. You can probably uninstall things like iTunes and Bonjour afterwords if you don't need to use them. So far I've had no issues with Apple's software on Windows, so I woudln't worry too much about doing that (though it does keep adding more and more processes over the years, but they don't really hide them or do anything weird).

A difference from what? Basically all DVD programs for years do a solid job. It'll certainly look watchable, and much better than like web video or something, but of course far worse than Blu Ray.

Nope. It didn't really install, it just doesn't even bother giving you a correct error message in a lot of situations. ATi doesn't support their mobile hardware, so you have to use third party tools to get their drivers hacked so they'll install.

Because ATi's drivers are considerably worse, even on desktops, and on notebooks, ATi doesn't support their hardware at all. Nvidia has official support now for most brands, and even before that they had unofficial support. It was easy to force install their desktop drivers (which would even retain mobile features from my experience). Basically for some reason OEMs don't want Nvidia or ATi to provide drivers (which is insane IMO, as it makes the notebooks they're sellling far more valuable!) Nvidia has apparently been working with OEMs for years to allow them to support their mobile hardware, and the program finally more or less officially launched to the public last year. (Though like I said, they had some unofficial support even before that, in addition to the third party community .)

 

You forgot to mention what resolution has been used!

In 3DMark06 for example have XPS16 score 4400 with 1080p display (because default resolution is 1280x1024 in this case) and 4850 point with 720p display (because the default resolution is 1280x800 - it lower)

 

I tried to install the standard version and it balked at me saying I needed the 64bit version, yet upon a search, nothing is returned. I'll install the 64bit Itunes and see if that does the trick. I just have some movies that I ripped to MP4 format and I'd like to watch them on here as well as my Ipod. Thanks.

 

For those who got their screen replaced, do you know how Dell did it? Specifically, did they replace the hinges too? I hope they can detach the screen without having to dissamble the hinges. Hinges are critical parts I prefer they do not touch.

 

Aside from the recovery partition and recovery disc i'd like to set up a routine backup schedule with my external harddrive. What critical areas and folders do i need to backup in case of system failure? I suppose I could do the entire C: drive, but i feel like that may be unnecessary.

 

You could use Vista's built in backup program. It seems nice, but doesn't back up executable, so doesn't really fit my needs (if nothing else, I have random little programs scattered around my desktop).

I use Syncback, and just backup my desktop, my actual documents directories within "Documents", my calendars, and a handful of other things.

All you need to do is just make sure whatever you're using to back up is grabbing all your personal files.

 

1640 is NOT a gaming notebook. It's not even advertised as one. It only has a mid-range graphics card. Yes, sure, you can do some gaming on it, but you'll hardly get impressed by its gaming performance.

Look harder. The resolution is posted for every 3D Mark 06 score on my post.

 

Getting the AC adapter replaced as we speak - on the phone with customer service.

Noticed that the AC adapter/power supply was buzzing. It got very hot and eventually shut itself off.

Anyone else had an issue?

 

My first one was nice and cool, the 2nd one I received was hot as hell. Luckily I hadn't sent the computer back yet, so I kept the one from my first one. The 2nd one was blazing hot though.

 

Which battery were you using? I didn't have a problem until I upgraded to the 9 cell battery.

 

The 6 Cell.

 

In the UK the option for a 9 cell has gone AWOL from the options list

 

My AC adapter also shut down twice when it reached critical temperature. The problem was that I was playing Call of Duty 4 and I didn't notify that the power supply didn't work so I continued with the battery. But the battery also overheated during the game and shut down itself also. I swhitched AC adapter off and on and it get started work again. But BIOS informed me that it could not find any system battery. So I switched off the battery and guess what... it was hot like the hell. So I waited for few minutes until it got lower temperature and then it became work again.

After that experience I decided to return the XPS and buy different laptop... Dell Precision M4400.

 

Finally received mine. I formatted it at once but now can't seem to figure out how to install the facial recognition software or the blu-ray software as they dont seem to be included... Can someone give me a direct link with instructions for how to dl them as I can't seem to find them on their website either (and I didn't receive a note with a link where to download).

 

can someone explain this to me : 2GB (1X2GB) PC38500 NONECC UNBUFFERED 204PIN DDR3 SODIMM Price: $40.70

first off this is in regards to upping the ram on the 1640 from a standard 4gb
Does my 1640 currently only have 1 slot of 4gb and another "empty" (for upgrade) ???

if i wanted to up my ram from 4gb to 6 gb - what do i need? can i simply purchase a 2gb memory and add it to my 4gb?

Thanks guys.

 

There is a white postcard with a link to download that software. I'm not sure if you'll be able to download PowerDVD. I had to have them send it to me after some convincing that I should have had it already. The Facial software, Dell webcam and one other are available for download for free two times, after that you have to pay for it. Look for a square white postcard that has instructions on what to do. If you don't find it PM me and when I get home I'll send you the link.

 

Its more than likely 2 x 2GB.. since a single 4GB DDR3 laptop module is still expensive (which is why going from 4 to more than 4 is so crasy expensive an upgrade option).

Also, its ideal to go with identical modules.. ie. 2 x1gb, 2x2gb, or 2x4gb... not 1 @ 2gb + 1 @ 4gb.

 

I have i run on medium at 1280 x 800 low shadows thow. But when to many people get on screen it lags a bit. That is due to my proccesor

 

so looks like my only option would be to buy another 4GB to match my current 4GB...but of course (will wait until there's a dramatic price drop on 4GBs) Thanks bro.

 

Actually, your only option would be to buy two 4GB sticks. If you read back a bunch of pages there was an extensive conversation about this. If you were to get a 4GB stick and pull out a 2GB stick and replace it to have a total of 6GB it will actually run slower then having the 4GB. I forget all the essentials about why, but there was some strong conversations about it. To replace it with 8GB's is like $800 US right now, not really worth it.

 

I was under the impression that i had 1 4gb module installed and an extra slot to place another 4GB

but infact its actually 2gb's in each slot.....that blows...i see what your saying now.

 

Hopefully that will change a little with the arrival of the 4670.

 

4760?!?!? what are we talking about? is this lappy getting an upgrade? hmmm....so i shouldnt buy one now?

 

OOOKKK thanks! you just made my day! There are all these people telling me that this graphics card is a good one for a laptop and you just come in and say NO ITS NOT GOOD. dude. after all my research EVERYONE is saying this is an OK peformer but you just straight up say its NOT. you even gave me that link that showed that it performs decenlty. first you tell me its good...then you tell me its not....IS IT GOOD OR NOT PEOPLE!!!?? UHHHHHHHH

 

Someone should start a poll thread regarding whether people with the RGB screen like it or not.
EDIT: Wasn't sure how to do it, but I think I got it.

 

Hey guys,

Have any of you overheated your power adapter? I think I did. I was running ORTHOS on the highest multiplier to test out my undervolt, when my adapter suddenly turned off after an hour. When I touched it, its hot!, not just hot, really hot.

 

So if you have bought one but it has not yet arrived, are you an XPS owner for the purpose of this thread?

 

It's basically a thread for general discussion by owners and non-owners.

 

im quite happy with the HD3670 my old laptop had the HD3650 and it was fine, the 3670 is the factory overclocked GDDR3 version of the 3650 which if you go to the GPU performance thread is a reasonable GPU under the performance catagory of GPU's.
I can play most games on high settings (with AA off or 2x) and still get +25fps ive been playing games such as CoH gold edition, CoD4, CoD WaW, DoW, oblivion, falloutout3, the more demaining game will require a lowering of the settings to mid range to get decent fps but for a notebook that is portable and has decent battery life i think the HD3670 is a very nice mid range card that lets us play most games and still have portiblity.
To compare it against Nvidia, I think this card sits between the Nvidia 9600m GT DDR2(faster than) and 9600m GT GDDR3 (slower than).
Anyway enjoy.

 

Cool.

I'm waiting for mine, it is projected to arrive 4/1/2009.

As I ordered it with the Blu-Ray and the 256GB SSD, I am going to very interested in measuring the heat and also performance, in part to see the impact of the SSD.

 

ok thanks, i found this nice review that might help everyone, http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/product/44034/tests/studio_xps_16.html, if you click on lab tests it gives you some results.

 

Cool. Did you upgrade the processor/screen?
There were some figures for the 256 SSD read/write a few pages back. It's supposed to be a really good one.

 

That's a good review but I wonder how the fps would be on something like Crysis or GTA (the new Crysis).

 

From what I've heard, not very good. I've played San Andreas, which I know isn't near as intensive as IV on mine, and it looks incredible. Most of the games I play on it are fine, but I didn't buy it to be a gaming machine, just a serviceable desktop replacement. And for that, it's serving it's purpose just fine......so far.

 

For people with the 1080p.. how scratch resistant and dust prone is the screen? Is it real glass or plastic? Thanks.

ps. mine should be coming early next week. im gonna crack it open and see what brand the 256 ssd is.

 

Aren't they all Samsung?

 

Per Dell it is the Samsung 256GB SSD. I made sure because I did not want to be stuck with something using one of those JMicron controllers, as they cause a stuttering effect.

 

Yes.

The processor is the T9550 and the screen is the RGBLED.

 

Hey guys, i recorded a Gameplay vid of COD: WaW on max settings (except AA for this vid because of FRAPS) and i'll post more gameplay vids of different games (including crysis) and this one... also keep in mind i'm using a touchpad so that's why it appears as if i suck really bad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE_KF9Q5vqY&feature=channel_page

 

In some regions, the video card in the Studio 15 was upgraded to the 4570, so it's a good possibility that a 4670 is in the future of the Studio XPS 1640. Almost twice the performance over the 3670 according to ATI/AMD, with a grain of salt added of course.

 

1640's graphics card is good for the laptop's class, i.e., it's a multimedia, mid-range laptop. But that does NOT make 1640 a gaming laptop. Gaming notebooks usually come with SLI graphics or more high-end notebook graphics card like Nvidia 9700M or 9800M or ATI Mobility 3870.