Dell Studio XPS 16...issues?

Hey all,

Considering picking up a studio xps 16. Probably just going to get the base model that is available, as it's really the only one within my budget -- and I can't see spending an extra grand or close to it for the nifty stuff like SSD or improved processor, or RGBLED screen. I figure the base processor, 7200rpm HDD, and WLED screen are all better than the laptop I have now, so I'll be happy either way.

My questions are:
-I have read some things about slot load problems with the Studio XPS 13. Does the slot load on the 16 have the same issues?

-Has anyone run into overheating issues on the ATI card available?

-The ATI card will in general beat the 8600m GT available on the 1530, correct? Because I have been eyeballing the 1530 as well.

-I figure a 9-cell battery is worth getting considering they're on special at the moment...would you agree?

Thanks, and looking forward to some informational responses!

 

No, no, yes and yes.


Sorry not very informational, but you asked yes and no type of questions.

 

I read somethere that someone fried the mother board while palying crysis for 8 hours, maybe it's not that reliable

 

He needed to get out more often if that's the case. So I think Dell did him a favor.

 

No apology necessary, those are exactly what I wanted to know!

Thank you!


Another question: What, if any, issues have been popping up with the Studio XPS 16 in general?

 

My minor issue:

- I get interference noise / white noise on my headphones plugged to either audio jack of 1640. I already contacted Dell about it weeks ago, and they even had the motherboard and audio board replaced, but the problem is still there. Don't get too worried though; this problem isn't specific to 1640. Owners of other laptops get this issue as well.

 

Yeah I've used several laptops that had the issue. I typically don't use headphones on mine but the little buzz doesn't really bother me too much to be honest when I do.

I'm more concerned with overheating / crashing / quality control issues moreso than little annoyances like that...but your input is highly appreciated! Thank you!

 

Have the same issue...Only running on battery stops the noise..only happens with headphones or speakers plugged in, doesn't show up on the laptop speakers themselves.

 

I doubt this.. these systems arent even shipping yet... new processor new chipset new video card. your buddy may have had an xps 16 but not this xps 16.

 

I think the major issues I had (both discussed in the forums here) was the IDT HD Audio causing popping sounds/inability to play overlapping sounds for certain applications/interrupting sounds, which I cured by uninstalling the HD audio sound driver and going with the default detect install.

The other one that has been plenty discussed are the 'clap-click' or clunking sounds that come occasionally on the seagate harddrives (both 320gb annd 500 gb), accompanied by a 1-second temporary 'freeze' in activity in some applications when the sound happens.

functionally-speaking, I have no other issues with my xps16. (i got mine back in july, 720p screen, 2.4GHz, and 4gb ram, vista premium x64)

 

How much time the Studio XPS 16 can run continuously with AC power supply? I never shutdown my PC. Can it be with SXPS16 ? I need this info as I used to keep my PC running throughout the night for heavy downloading. And if the laptop will blast, then its hard to save our lives

Edit: BTW, Does SXPS16 has touchpad on/off feature ?

 

Let me see, I've turned on my SXPS for 2 days and 12 hours :-? so what's wrong with it? (run tasks that concern to my job - about 12 hours per day, then make it download something...)

Yes, you can turn off touchpad of SXPS 16.

P.S: oh, how about keeping your opinion and get a HP HDX :-?

 

I haven't turned off my XPS 16 ever since I got it. I underclocked the cpu and leave my zalman cooler to cool it down. My idle temps were 29-30c when I woke up. Just make sure you close the screen of the laptop whenever you leave it on.