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

Hey thanks for that info. So you've had both in your hands? What is the build quality like for the hdx16 vs. xps16? I ask cuz my hdx16 has some build issues like a hump where the touch sensitive controls are as well as the inability to connect to N wireless. I'm exchanging mine soon or maybe looking to the xps16. Thats why I came to this thread. Thanks.

 

Optimus:

I didn't specifically have the HDX in my hands. I had nearly every other HP in my hands; from what I saw and researched, the HDX had the same build (if my research was off, then I apologize...but I researched every night for a week straight, probably about 20-25 hours worth). I was extremely disappointed with what I felt...and the SXPS just felt strong.

I have not been let down with the build of this machine.

You know, even after I was at BB, I left there disappointed with HP (my gf's parents and brother have one, and they look good, but still...). But I honestly still left undecided. The coupon was that appealing (I built a $2600 machine that came down to about $2000). But the SSD really changed my mind (as did the nagging doubts about the build of HP).

 

Yeah, there's so many little plus's with this laptop that do exactly what I want, with great hardware to boot. Little things like a strong frame and stiff keyboard area are a definite plus that I remember seeing in reviews.
I know why I wanted this lappy, and apart from some lemons or small percentage of issues, it's the best choice for me.

 

You've got good service in your area! I was going to have the motherboard replaced on my first system but it took 3 days for the tech to receive the parts and then he said he couldn't get out to fix it for another week. I returned it instead. Now I know to have parts sent to me and I'll do the repair.

This is in Anchorage.

 

whats thee display port good for.
is it better then hdmi, i never heard of it b4 SXPS

 

Its more or less the successor to VGA its being rolled out very slow thow

 

I guess the big question I have about it (since I know very little as well) is, is it just an out port, or does it go both ways?

 

I am waiting for my lappy to arrive just ordered the beginning of last week, I want to remove all bloatware does anyone have a list of all that they removed? Also whats everyones thoughts on Mcaffee security and if its negetive whats better?

 

I immediately got rid of McAfee, and downloaded Avast. There are many options in the free application thread over in the Windows OS and Apps forum.

Other than that, I really didn't get rid of too much. I got rid of Works (in favor of OpenOffice) and the Dock (in favor of RocketDock). That, I believe, is about it.

 

Out port. But first you need a monitor with one. Most new dell monitors have them. Dell has made them a standard. Apple has a mini display port but it has a few quirks.

 

I ordered my laptop on the 11th of Feb and actually got it around the 26th. I was supposed to get it a week earlier but they had a delay (I'm guessing not enough orders for this model here in India.. it is "expensive" as compared to the other (lower ranged) models which is what most people are looking for here.. those looking for performance know their hardware however )

 

I've had the XPS1640 for about a month now and my RGB LED screen's reflective surface has started getting scratched in an identical shape to the edges of the track pad. I also have small scratches around the area that is in contact with the keys when the lid is closed. Seems like the rubber feet are not tall enough to prevent contact between the screen and the track pad edges + keys.

Anyone else have the same problem? I carry my laptop around daily, but it still seems like a design flaw. Laptops are meant for carrying around and really should be designed so that magnificent RGB screen will not get scratched, the main reason why I opted for this laptop.

 

Does anyone have a link for the RocketDock???

 

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Rocketdock

 

dola--

 

I just found the download for RocketDock however it is not supported for 64.... Is anyone using it on 64?

 

I am. I've had zero problems with it.

 

I was also wondering if anyone has tried any of the Clear protection skins that are available such as Invishield or Phantom Skinz since it appears that this laptop is such a fingerprint magnet and now i'm seeing from earlier posts that it is prone to minor scratches. I am tough on my lappy since I carry it with me everyday so something like this might be worth it to protect my new investment..... Let me know everyones thoughts

 

That is a bad sign. Sound like it's a product of making these things thinner/smaller, and the spacer for the LCD was sacrificed. I wonder if/when it's covered under warranty for something like that fora replacement screen.

 

The LCD lid is fairly rigid and there are those rubber bumpers on the sides that prevent direct contact. Actually, the only markings i have (on the LCD) are from those bumpers touching the screen. Compared to my last laptop, this one is much less prone to lcd cotnact with the KB.

 

Same thing is happening to me ImakE No direct contact what so ever.

One question. I got a new monitor (cause of issues with the old one) and now reduction in brightness causes the monitor to go all yellowish :-/ Any ideas why? Should I call them and complain? (cause I'm about to)
And ever since the monitor change, Fast Access never actually starts up. Its always in starting up mode (black screen) :-/
Any ideas what's going on?

 

Yea they definitely left too little room for error with the height of the rubber feet.

Here are some pics of the scratches on my screen. As a note, I have kept the screen very clean with a microfibre cloth, which is why I've noticed the scratches becoming more visible.

caused by the track pad 'frame':


and the power button area:



The centrino and vista stickers made some scratches as well but didn't get a proper shot of it.

Yea I'm thinking about the warranty now as well. Need to call Dell and see what they say. If the scratches are so visible now, I don't want to imagine what the screen will look like in a year... So it would make sense for them to do something about it.

It's a shame since I've been so happy with the laptop otherwise.

 

I'm trying to utilize this Dell System Utility to update drivers and such, and, for whatever reason, the thing cannot be found. I've installed it a couple of times, with no such luck.

I signed up for an update email when it's time to update...but I'm not sure what updates I should get now. I updated the BIOS (was a bit warmer like others said, it's cooling now), an audio update...and I think that's it. Is there anything else I should look for? I ordered the system on 3/22 and the updates from 3/23 on are not on here.

 

@ masap87
I'm interested because I haven't rec'd mine yet...
There is a couple things I think of...just see if you can answer these:

Did you notice it gradually over time on several occasions getting worse or was it like all of the sudden you noticed it one time opening the laptop?
If you keep it in a bag, do you keep any bulky items next to it that may add pressure to the lid?
If you carry a bag over the shoulder do you possibly have it bounce off your hip periodically, with the lid side to you or other items in the bag pushing against it from the other side?
If you travel in a car, an airport or other public transp. has their ever been other bags applying pressure to it or times where some object was on top of the laptop while the bag was on it's side while traveling?
Do you notice if the keyboard is raised or the glass is raised more than it should be or the feet not sufficiently, maybe some unique defect?

Those scratches look like they have vibration written all over them. And without vibration and some sort of outside pressure I can't see how it's possible for the the thing to scratch alone. In other words the weight of the lid itself does not have enough kinetic energy to move/vibrate and scratch like that all alone IMO.

Although glass scratch removal is difficult, you may want to call some local aquarium stores or glass shops (mfr's,cutters) for some ideas. But atleast with a very fine polishing you may remove the impact.

 

this is from dell outlet! too bad there is no 15% off coupon.

Studio XPS 16 - 1640
(System Identifier: EZ1CVB8W)


Studio XPS 16 (1640) Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 (6MB cache/2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB) w/2.0MP Integrated Webcam
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium

System Price : $1,149.00

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


Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (2 DIMMs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hard Disk Drive
128 GB Solid State Hard Drive, 2.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Video
512MB ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web Camera
Integrated 2.0 Mega Pixel Web Camera
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Network Interface Card
Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardware Upgrade
6 Cell Primary Battery
125V Power Cord
90W AC Adapter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software Upgrade
64BIT Operating System DVD
Microsoft Works 9.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media Bay
Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scratch & Dent
Scratch & Dent
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laptop Screen
16 inch Edge-to-Edge FullHD Widescreen RGBLED LCD (1920x1080))
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base
Studio XPS 16 (1640) Laptop: Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 (6MB cache/2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB) w/2.0MP Integrated Webcam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bluetooth Wireless
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
System Color
Obsidian Black with Leather Accent

 

Thanks great questions MadBoris, made me think about what actually caused the scratches.

The scratches have been getting more noticeable with time. They did not come all of a sudden.

I have always kept the XPS1640 in a sleeve by Incase for the 17" macbook pro. I've put that in a Targus ( http://www.targus.com/US/product_details.asp?sku=TCG650) or Swiss Army bag ( http://www.swissarmy.com/TravelGear/Pages/Product.aspx?category=15laptop&product=32341&). Only the Swiss Army bag might have some trouble with bulky items next to it, for e.g. the powersupply. The Swiss bag probably bounces a bit as well. I haven't had any heavy bags on top of it, always kept it separate.
The keyboard is not raised, nor is the glass. The rubber feet look fine.

I did a little check in a dark room shining a torch through the side when the lid is closed. It revealed that the glass does not touch anything left alone, but tiny pressure from my pinky is enough to have it touch the track pad or the stickers. The rubber feet do not seem to be the problem, but rather the lack of them by the trackpad and the Dell logo. The screen has too much flex to prevent contact with only two rubber feet in everyday use. I'm sure it's enough on the 13" model.

This really isn't an issue for most people using this laptop as a desktop replacement.

I've gotta contact Dell and see what they say. Not too pleased about this since I bought the laptop for carrying around everyday.

 

Yes, I noticed this too on my 1640. The screen is very flexible. I'm using a thin microfibre cloth between the screen and the keyboard when travelling with it, using a backpack. If you noticed, the laptop came with a thin foam sheet to prevent this during shipping. Mine did.

 

Let us know what they say.
I too will use for out and around work, so this is kind of important to work around. I'll have to either add to the cushion pads or like hjorte said always use a cushion like a cloth to avoid this.

It's kind of a bummer pinky pressure is all it takes, but thanks for the experiment with the light and feedback on that.
Thinking it through, it may be the actual sleeve that is giving just enough pressure to make the contact, and then all that's needed is some vibration/shifting when traveling like in car.

Let us know what Dell says, as this could be iffy, complete care coverage may help here but if it can be tracked back to a defect in workmanship then they may have to cover it somehow. Not that they would ever want to admit that and open themselves up to a host of screen replacements.

 

Hi,

I have a Dell Studio XPS 1640 with Slotload DVD+-RW drive. I installed Windows 7 and the slotload DVD drive stopped working.

Problem
--------
- I'm not able to insert any DVD into the slot, it just pushes the DVD out.

Solutions i tried.
----------------
- In the device manager the drive is recognised as "PLDS DVD+-RW DL-8ATS ATA Device" and the status is that device is working correctly.
- I tried to install the drivers (R208979.exe) from Dell Support but the driver updater says "Can't find the target drive"

Here is a screenshot of the device manager


Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
VasiS

 

If you ask me your drive is defective.

Stupid question, but have you tried other disc's?

 

What build of Windows 7 are you running? I'm running 7057 and SXPS16FTW is running 7077 with no issues. I don't remember if I was able to install the driver for mine, there were a few drivers that wouldn't install, but I have no issues with mine. Thanks to SXPS16FTW I can watch BluRays with Win 7 now.

 

Hi, thanks for the quick reply.
I'm using windows 7 build 7057. Windows driver is intalled by default. By wht name is the device recognised on your machine? Is it using dell driver (or) default windows driver?
Thanks,
Vasis

 

Mine is correct, Optiarc DVDRWBD BC-5600S ATA Device. Do you have the BluRay Drive?

Nevermind, read back, we don't have the same drives.

 

You know, those look like grease/oil from the KB that is transfered to the LCD glass. I have the same problem with my VAIO TZ, its got very little clearance between the keys and the surface of the LCD and the grease and oil always transfers over, esp. when i travel with it. BUT, after 1.5 yrs of daily use and many flights.. i have ZERO scratches on the LCD (im a bit OCD with my laptops).

Have you tried wiping it off with a microfibre cloth? Thats what i do with my TZ. Something else you can do is to use a place a lint free cloth on the KB when you travel.

 

Well 1:30 minutes later I was actually put through to the correct person. They have placed an order for a replacement system. I should be getting an email confirmation withing 24 hours.

Issues are:

1. Left and right hinge covers were open when I received the machine.
2. NIC is not 1gbps
3. Keyboard backlight flickers.

 

Yea I've kept it very clean with a microfibre cloth so dirt or oil is not the problem. They are small scratches.

I just cut a microfibre cloth to fit between the keyboard and the screen, much like the foam sheet that came with the laptop. I also placed two small and round rubber feet from my old laptop on both sides of the webcam. That really is the problem area with the flexy screen so I'm sure that'll prevent much of the scratching. The rubber feet don't look bad and actually fit in very well, it's just like they were supposed to be there in the first place! I'll also try to stick with a backpack, not a messenger bag.

I'll still call up dell, but not sure if it's worth the hassle of trying to get the screen replaced. I might try out some plastic cleaner to smooth out the scratches instead.

On another note, do you guys think undervolting is worth the hassle for a 2.26 GHz P8400? I want to increase battery life and reduce heat... I realize it's the lowest specced processor, so will I notice a difference?

I underclocked my videocard but that had no effect on temperature, since all that does is places a cap on max clocks when under load. I don't do any gaming so it's pretty much idling most of the time. What I should really do is undervolt it, but for a GPU that sounds a bit risky since I would be flashing the bios with the new values... Currently I have the GPU running under powersaver mode under all power plans so that should help a bit. Haven't tried out the exact effect on temps though.

 

hi i am new here. I juz bought mine and get it 3 weeks ago. But i found that there is a dust inside the LCD and email them for warranty.

But i get the reply

kindly be informed that this issue is not covered under the warranty. No worrries, as I am a laptop user, I would like to share some information with you regarding this issue and it may solve the problem. There is a liquid product that you can purchase from any local computer shop to clean up the LCD. It comes with a set where provide you the cloth or special brush to clean it up. You can consult them first before purchase it from them.

is there any liquid or brushes can clean the dust inside the LCD ??

 

I would try again, except call someone. I know if you read back others had their screens replaced for this same issue.

 

Tell them you received the laptop with the dust behind the glass. They will then either send a techie to replace the LCD or send a replacement laptop.

 

OK. Just wondering do you have the 720p or 1080p display. Maybe there is a difference in how thick, rigid the LCD lids are???

 

What is Dell's return policy once a laptop has been delivered?

 

21 days from date of invoice I believe.

 

I have mailed them for replacement d. Hope to get their good news tomorrow. It's annoying to see the big dust in my screen = ="

 

Tech came and replaced my keyboard. He had a bit of trouble putting the two peices beside the battery back on. Chipped the media media bar abit. But all in all my backlight is working

 

I wonder if you guys here can be more helpful than Dell support.

My XPS1640 is less than a month old. The power keeps cutting out and then it is totally unresponsive from that point. The first time it happened I was able to get it back on by removing the battery and then holding down the power switch for a few seconds then putting the battery back in. But now that has no effect.

I got a replacement mobo from Dell support but less than a week later it did the same thing as before. I phoned them again today and they are once again blaming a faulty mobo for this... what do you think?

 

Sounds like a bad power supply that is either getting toasted (if you got a new one) or is toasting the MOBO.
I don't know dells tech support well enough but I'd see if you can talk to next level tech support and say something like you have been unsatisfied with the current diagnosis as being accurate and you want someone more knowledgeable to look at the issue.

Repeating the same behaviour and expecting different results is how some have defined insanity.

 

i had the same problem. i sent the laptop to depot to have the screen replaced. they didn't go jack . no point in sending it to them..they';; just send it back saying this isn't covered under warranty.

 

You could just say that the screen has bad backlight bleeding, and then they will replace your screen.

 

Mine did the same thing. It would shut down and not turn back on for several minutes. It was fairly repeatable when pressing near where the battery connections are on the mobo. To me it seemed that something was shorting out. I disassembled the machine and put some insulating tape on the mobo near where the battery connections are. I haven't had a problem since.

 

What kind of an improvement is there with modded drivers?