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

IDT is in Control Panel. I enabled the IDT system tray icon too (like what ImakE mentioned) for easier access.

I have no use of the Dock. Quick Launch toolbar (in the taskbar) is all I need.

 

I downloaded Rocketdock, and am enjoying it very much.

 

Guys can you post the link to a place where I can download the correct screen calibration file. The over saturated reds are killing my eyes!!!

 

hehe, welcome to RGBLED.
I remember going from a CRT to my calibrated CCFL LCD burned my eyes for a week after I got it. I used to have pain and tear from it, after that I don't even notice it and it seems normal. I'm sure the RGB will be the same someday, especially when movies aren't post processed to be extra vivid for CRT technology.

Try turning brightness on the LCD down, maybe that will help a bit.

 

N2O,
any chance you could send me that link for PowerDVD as well? I went on the downloadstore.dell.com/media site and the other three programs were there, but PowerDVD wasn't.

 

mmuffly,
PowerDVD has an "online update" link in the program. I clicked it to see if it would direct me somewhere online, but it only updates through the program itself. I have the application file that PowerDVD let me download when I first opened up PowerDVD on first bootup. I can hook you up, but I'm not sure how to send it to you as it's 56 mb large. If you come up with something let me know and I'll send it to you if N20 doesn't hook you up first.

 

Does anyone have a picture of a sxps 16 with the 9-cell battery? I'm wondering how much bigger it is when compared to the 6-cell.

 

See the NBR review.

 

I posted my calibrated ICC profiles for my screen on this thread... Try to search for that post of mine.

 

Count me among the proud 1640 owners. Thus far my only complaint is that it gets mighty hot underneath...almost as bad as my 1720, but not quite. Still pretty steaming though.

 

I'm uploading it now.

I can't PM you because you don't have enough posts. I don't want to post it public for obvious reasons. If you want to post your email we can do it that way.

 

Is there supposed to be a display brightness setting in the power management options? My Studio XPS 16's display brightness is different every time I open it up. If I turn the brightness down, close the laptop, and open it back up later, the brightness is turned back up again. Anyone else noticed this?

 

[email protected]

thanks a lot. i appreciate the help from everyone on this forum to help me get the best out of my new sxps 16

 

Wow... my 1720 never gets hot. The air blowing out the left will be hot during gaming but that only started in the last month. I've got to open it up and clean out the fans. I keep putting it off though.

Glad to hear that you aren't having any troubles with the 1640!

 

I haven't got it in front of me. But I remember the brightness setting being in a weird spot. When you get to where it should be it is in the left hand pane at the very bottom instead of with the other setting options on the right. Took me a while to find it.

 

PowerDVD 9.

Here you go: http://www.2shared.com/file/5260374/f132a8ac/CyberLink_PowerDVD.html?s=1

It works on Windows 7 64bit and should work on Vista. If you're using Windows 7 remember to install the ATI beta driver from here:

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx

 

I just downloaded it and tried to install it to see if it would work on W7, it errored out on me. I gotta head to work and can't mess with it, but it told me the file was corrupt just after extracting it in WinRar. When I ran the .exe it gave me some funky error immediately.

 

why do you want power dvd? its crap.

also, i cant find the 9 cell in the UK?
Is TV tuner any good?

 

Do you have another way to decode BluRays?

 

vlc player with blu ray codec.

 

So you think VLC is better than PowerDVD?

The quality I've seen on PowerDVD is good with it's codecs and video card integration so I have no reason to complain. I choose them over WinDVD too.

So is there anyone with real knowledge of video codecs and decoding that has done any comparisons or know why technically VLC would be better, except it's free.

If I am watching the best Video quality media I want the best presentation without compromising, that goes for sound options too. I didn't spend $2000 on a laptop, or $700 on my home PC LCD, to hamper my BluRay watching experience, so I like to use the best software on the market.

 

Thanks. I had no idea VLC could play BluRays. I'll do a little research and see what I can find.

 

From VLC developer...
VLC 1.0 will be able to read most blu-Ray codecs and the architecture of the Blu-Ray files. However, VLC will not be able to decode encrypted Blu-Ray.

So where is this that you speak of that can decode bluray over hdcp?
Unless of course you are talking about ripped blu rays, which I have no interest in.

 

So VLC is of no use to me. I'm trying to find something I can use with Win 7. I guess I'll just have to be patient, it's not like I watch BR's every night. I can just live with using Vista to watch movies only.

 

Well I finally pulled the triger yesterday to take advantage of discount. Here is my config:

My System Details
SYSTEM COLOR Obsidian Black with Leather Accent edit
PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9800 (6MB cache/2.93GHz/1066Mhz FSB) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-bit edit
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, On-site Service, and 1 Yr Tech Support edit
PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE Microsoft Works edit
HD DISPLAY Edge-to-Edge FullHD Widescreen 16.0 inch RGBLED LCD (1920x1080) W/2.0 MP edit
MEMORY 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1067MHz (2 Dimms) edit
HARD DRIVE 256GB Solid State Drive edit
INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE BluRay Disc Combo (DVD/CD read/write + BD read) Slot Load Drive edit
VIDEO CARD ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 3670 - 512MB edit
WIRELESS CARDS Intel® 5300 WLAN Wireless-N (3x3) Mini Card edit
BATTERY OPTIONS 6-cell Battery edit
SOUND OPTIONS High Definition Audio 2.0 edit
BLUETOOTH Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)


I dont think I missed anything but if anyone has any suggestions please let me know!!!

 

I also ordered an additional battery 9 cell hopefully will last a little longer than the std battery.......

 

MadBoris, I had no issues installing PowerDVD. There was a problem with the patch contained inside the RAR file so you have to download it seperately from the PowerDVD site.

 

Wowee. Looks like you maxed out all the upgrades except for the RAM. Youre gonna enjoy it.

 

Well yeah with using a beta OS their will be definite compromises at some point, if not many, depending on how someone uses it.

Windows 7 Media Player will be capable eventually supposedly. Microsoft is partnering with PowerDVD maker to include it into Media Player.

 

Nice...Same as mine, except I didn't put up an extra $250 for the T9800.
I went with 3 year warranty with complete care, which covers it if I drop it. I'd hate to have something major go wrong just after a year, so it was worth a few more bucks. You can add it on later but I don't know if it will cost the same.

I also decided against Vista ultimate because I will be getting the Windows 7 premium upgrade, which is a bit better than Vista premium, and then I won't need ultimate. 9 cell will be nice for the long BluRays and 1/3 rd more PC time. Used to be like a $200 upgrade so $80 is an easy decision.

 

Thx, will patch it seperately when I get the lappy.

 

Have any of you tried using the ITECIR driver from the Dell support site. It seems to be incorrect. I had to download the correct version for the ITE8708 here:

http://download2us.softpedia.com/dl...077/drivers/others/ite_ir_5.03_vista32-64.exe

Also have any of you noticed the flicker when the keyboard starts to light-up? It's only when it lights up from dim when you press a key or use the touchpad. It only seems to flicker once. Please let me know, cause I need to know so that I can contact Dell Support if its only me.

Have a good weekend.

 

Simple question:

Can the early 1640's be fitted with the TV tuner card?

If yes, what about the missing hole in the side for the connector?

 

I guess you are talking european because US has no such card I know of.

 

Ok, I didn't know that. Yes, I'm European

From the Dell™ Studio XPS™ 1640 Service Manual
Section: TV Tuner Card (Optional)

 

An important questions for SSD owners...

Does the 1640 come with SATA 150 or 300?
Everywhere it just seems to say SATA.

The difference ofcourse is 150 MB/s and 300 MB/s data rate.
Considering that the Samsung 256GB can burst up to close to 250MB/s ,if it's only SATA then the interface will not allow the SSD to hit full bandwidth.

Did they really limit it to only SATA?

From this place on the Dell site it says the 256GB SSD is limited to a SATA 150 port...
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?category_id=2999&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&mfgpid=200803&chassisid=8615&p=3

Tell me they aren't cutting the drive burst speed in half?

 

All new SATA interfaces are SATA II (300MB/s) compatible. The only place that it could be limited is on the HDD itself using jumper pins.

 

I'm talking to Dell right now and they are confirming that the SSD drive does have only a SATA 150 interface. I'm on hold for a different rep to confirm it again.

 

The aftermarket SSD is indeed a SATA 150 interface and is the 256GB Samsung, just like it says here:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Solid_State_Disk_SSD/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=341-8981&mfgpid=200803&chassisid=8615

At first the parts rep couldn't answer me as to why Dell would have the SSD bottlenecked and placed in the 1640 laptop. I said well I may have to buy a different SSD and will have to return my laptop, since it's in build stage.

So after they had me on hold for like 10 minutes he talked to his tech guys apparently and they confirmed the MOBO is SATA 2 even though everywhere it's just listed SATA. Secondly, he said while the 256GB SSD is exactly the same Samsung drive, he said the interface on the one put in the laptop at build time has a SATA300 interface while the aftermarket is SATA150.

I wish that someone would just specify SATA 300 or SATA 2 somewhere instead of just saying SATA on this laptop, would've ended some confusion.

Anyway, maybe it's possible that the aftermarket SSD SATA150 interface is adjustable to get back to 300, because it makes no sense to me why they would hard wire it to SATA150. Obviously all SATA300 controllers, interfaces and cables are backwards compatible to SATA150, but SATA150 interfaces can't do 300. And yet Dell specifically says the aftermarket is 150.

Pretty crazy stuff, but I'm glad I am not getting the aftermarket SSD that is apparently crippled at 150 (not positive if that is jumper/firmware or physically a different interface).

After a brief freak out I am back in anticipation stage...

 

How can I fix this popping crackle sound from my speakers when I'm only on msn webcam, runing xp pro 32 with the latest drivers?
The sounds is coming from my friends end with his woofer on, then he turned it down so much where it was to low and it still did it, and my volume was to low also so I'm really clueless.

Thanks

 

Got my 1640 delivered today, go all the drivers updated and windows updates done. Still need to try a blu-ray and what not. Screen looks great. It does seem to get hot in the front (where the bluetooth/wireless icons are). Only other issue is it doesn't sit flat on a table, the front left corner sits raised a bit, probably not an issue. Being a refurb, is there anything else I should check out?

 

Everything. Visually inspect, run a dead pixels test, stress the thing out with a heavy graphics game or some hardcore multitasking...put it through some tests man.

Because if you find something pretty wrong with it, you only have a limited time to return it...after that you could be stuck in dell repair limbo. And sometimes if you find something bad enough and they don't end up fixing it after the first time they take it back (which has been known to happen) they may very well replace it with a brand new computer...

So the key is to find everything you can wrong with the computer so you can get that refurb back into the "newest" shape possible!

 

they send a tech guy to your house to fix anything usually. and they can fix most problems and replace parts, its usually some major up that you get a new laptop for, and they do test your laptop before you get it so not a high chance of that happening.

refurbs are usually from people unhappy about the laptop in 1 way or another, like my old studio xps, i hated the crappy WLED resolution so returned it.


soon il get a RGB LED after my FW has gone back though.

is the tv tuner worth getting?

 

there was 25 1640 refurbs @ 8pm now zero are left lol

 

i wonder how many times thoes studio xps 16's have been passed around LOL seems like dell has been having a lot of problems with the studio xps. i just really hope mine doesnt give me any problems.

 

I share your concern a little bit, but as I read this forum, the majority of opinions here seem to be positive. I plan on giving mine a real good looking over and workout when it arrives, so that if I am at all displeased I can return it. I know it will get hot, but it sounds like using a laptop cooler will compensate for that, and it seems worth it for the performance.

BTW, this will be my third Dell laptop since 2000, and I have been very pleased with them over the years. My current Inspiron 8600 is over 5 years old but still running as well as it did the day I bought it. After the SXPS arrives I will donate the Inspiron to my in-laws. For them it will be a great upgrade!

 

This is my second Dell laptop in 2 years and I am very happy with it. I was actually thinking I would really miss my Inspiron, but I am selling it (and giving tons of extras) to a buddy of mine who is in need of a new laptop. So I know it's going to a good home.

 

If anyone here is interested in saving $25 on their next Dell Purchase, let me know.

I have a $150 Dell Promo Gift Card selling for $125.

I'll accept only PayPal, and can guarantee immediate e-mail delivery of the card via Promo Code.

I got it with my Studio XPS 1640, which I love, back in February.

 

Does that come with all new purchases?

 

Follow up.... screw DELL and their SXPS 1640.. Im in the process of returning my "REPLACEMENT" thats right ( laptop number 2 from them)

my first had a bad mother board and wouldn't allow me to charge my new 9 cell battery. My replacement had a busted subwoofer and the sound was absolutly horrible and only came out one side( the right) I tired everthing (updating audio drivers and what not) .,... also this replacement battery had a bad AC adapter that would make a very loud annoying buzz and get extreamly hot.

It ashame becuase i really like this rig and only wish they could of given me a perfect 1640. Im gonna miss this guy, don't know where to look towards now for another laptop..( im desperately ineed of one) this 1640 replaced my 7year old compaq persario R3000 -witch finally kick the buket.

Please advise on another good laptop
Thanks in advance.