Dell XPS 14 L401x Thread

My guess is either the sales weren't high, or the return/complaint rates were high so they decided to pull it off completely.

 

My guess is that the extra cost for the smaller model led to low sales. Just search the board and see what people say about XPS 15 vs. 14. Almost nobody says to get the 14 -- due to the higher price. Toss in the screen issues, and it's probably not been good for Dell.

Personally, I LOVE My 14. But I did upgrade the screen myself. Of course this sucks royally for those of us who bought it, because support for this unit is gonna blow (both HW and SW updates).

 

I'm very happy with my XPS14, of course I would have been much happier if I didn't have to go through the screen upgrade. Anyway, it's perfect now with the LG screen on it.

 

They won't issue XPS 14 anymore? Damn son, I wish they would add a 14-inch version of the XPS in their next reroll of XPS models.

 

I guess that leaves the Envy to that market?

 

I'm putting this post here as well as in the L401x screen swapping thread.

I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed this issue?
After my screen swap i notice a mild bleaching
of light color an the Dell screen and on the black
screens during booting. the light saturation is a
half inch boarder around the sides and top. Its
very faint it looks like the led's are more powerful
along the sides and top. Once I'm on the desktop
all is well. Is that normal for this screen.
Thanks

 

Man, I REALLY hope they dont discontinue this model so soon. Now that I think about it, it was only for sale for like--what, 3 months? Support is gonna be terrible

 

hi, can someone point out where I can get the bluetooth module, the exact model. thanks in advance

 

I was wondering if anyone had swapped out their spinny hard drive for a solid state one. I wasn't ready to spend the extra $550 from dell. I have seen some out there that are around $325. Anyone done this yet?

Greg

 

I will get a Momentus XT Hybrid 500Gb drive. It has 4gb of SSD and 500Gb of normal HD. It costs around 100 bucks and has 80% of the SSD performance. For me is the best option while the SSDs drives still too expensive.

 

I had an Intel X25-M Generation 2 SSD in mine. Worked perfectly without any changes in the BIOS.

 

Quick question on backlit keyboard. Do all L401X's have the keyboard light on the F6 key or only the actual keyboards that have a backlight?

Okay - two questions:
Is it a "hardware" based thing or software? When you first start the computer, does the backlight on the keyboard come on during POST or is it completely software driven?

 

Anyone else have an issue with games stuttering every minute or so? I can't seem to track down the cause at all.

Running the latest nvidia drivers.

 

.....what?

 

Hi Friends today i got my Dell XPS L401X When check the my computer i found that it come with Only one Drive(c:/) Can i able to create partion? if so how can i do that? and also if i create partition will it create problem to OS or Dell preinstalled software.

 

Another new L401x owner here thanks to the Microsoft deal, and I wanted to know if it was possible to downgrade the processor from the i7-740qm to the i5 (460m I think). I am pretty sure Dell makes you choose video cards and processors together, so I wasn't sure if it would work. If it does work, do you think I can get Optimus to work as well (should be the 45m, according to specs)?

 

Do all Dell L401x laptops have a "light icon" on the F6 (function) key, even if they don't have a backlit keyboard option, or is the icon only present on the backlit keyboard? My backlit keyboard doesn't work, and I am wondering if the replacement keyboard from Dell has a backlight!

Hope that makes sense...

 

Yes you can and it's usually safe.

Are you ordering it right now or you already own it? i5 supports optimus while i7 don't. So if you want optimus you must choose i5. The best graphic card you can choose is 425m on the xps 14, and I'm not sure if that works with the i5.

There's nothing on my non backlit keyboard on f6.

 

Yeah, fixed the typo on the GPU, it is the 425m. The computer is ordered with the i7/425m. I just wanted to know if the same mobo was used for both the i5 and i7. Thanks.

 

hey guys - is 1hour of usage normal from 95% to ~60% with the xps 14 i5 version. i charged it last night (first night) and i opened it in the morning. i started using it (it had 95% batttery from the beginning) for about an hour and it is now saying 57% and 1.57min remaining. is there something wrong or ??

 

update:

it survived 2hr and 50mins on about 40% brightness. i think their maybe something wrong. im going to retest it later on tonight.

 

I have just ordered the XPS 14 L401X lastnight on dell's site. For one that experience was hell, but I think it will be a great laptop. The only issue is that I did not have the ability to customize the laptop, as it was only available refurbished. I am trying to see if I have a backlit keyboard or not. If any of you have this laptop, can you help me out in finding the part number for the backlit keyboard. I am posting my configuration right now. Thanks in advance.

1 JKX8P Base,Notebook,Configure To Order,Extreme Performance System,L401X $773.60
1 0M697 Ship Group,P6600,United States,North,AMF,T $0.01
1 0VJFK Module,Label,Dell Energy Offering,ESTAR 5.0 $0.01
1 1F9GF Service Install Module,Software,Extreme Performance System,L401X $0.01
1 1YTKV Module,Bezel,Bracket,Dvd+/-Rw,L401X $0.01
1 243Y0 Module,Battery,Primary,90WHR,9C,LG $0.01
1 9R578 Module,Information,DHS,High, Value $0.01
1 579C8 Service Install Module,Software,Network,62/300,L401X $0.01
1 6K4GF Module,Card,Network,Broadcom Corporation,Bluetooth,Brazil Customer Center,L40 $0.01
1 7CD46 Module,Assembly,Base,Arrandale,1G,Television Tuner,L401X $0.01
1 7F3V2 Module,Processor,Arrandale,I5-560M,2.66,L401X $0.01
1 8FCJ5 Module,Cable,Video Graphics Adapter,MDP $0.01
1 8X15M Module,DIMM,4GB,1333MHZ,DDR3,2X2G $0.01
1 910K0 Module,Door,With Out,Television Tuner,Plastic,L401X $0.01
1 CP1VF Module,Software,W7HP64 Consumer Desktop,English Dao/bcc $0.01
1 D9KVP Module,Software,Quick Fix Engineering,W7HB32,Consumer Notebook $0.01
1 DPF97 Module,Cover,Liquid Crystal Display,Aluminum,Silver,Wireless Local Area Network Card,L401X $0.01
1 G5C0N Module,Hard Drive,500,7.2,P11,HIT-PC,Across Line Of Business $0.01
1 J019D Module,Software,DELL-DOCK Consumer $0.01
1 J206C Module,Software,Dell Connect 2.1,Dell Americas OrganizationEMEA,Brazil Customer Center $0.01
1 J6XND Module,Software,W7HP64,Digital Video Disk Drive,Multiple User Interface,NO-E $0.01
1 JDCX9 Module,Keyboard,86,United States,English,NC/NM $0.01
1 M239M Module,Software,LTG DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG $0.01
1 MX962 Module,Information,NO MEDIA $0.01
1 R1N4R Module,Software,DSO,10GB-PAY,2.0 $0.01
1 TX4V7 Module,Shipping Material,SXPS14,Color,Expanded Polyethylene $0.01
1 V3TDJ Module,Liquid Crystal Display,14.0 High Definition,WLED,INL,N4010 $0.01
1 VKC3D Module,Adapter,Alternating Current,Liteon,90W,3P,Cost Reduced,World Wide $0.01
1 VN014 Module,Label,Intel,Notebook,CI5 $0.01
1 VR08H Module,Software,Certificate Of Authenticity,W7HP32/64 $0.01
1 VW7VD Module,Dvd+/-Rw,8X,Panasonic,BARE,Inspiron $0.01
1 W3HMK Module,Label,Microsoft,Notebook,Windows7 $0.01
1 W871N Module,Software,WINDOWS-LIVE Consumer $0.01
1 WDF4C Module,Software,Roxio,BURN,1.0,Factory Install $0.01
1 WGXV5 Module,Software,Creative,Camera,Consumer,2.X,Factory Install $0.01
1 WKD8C Module,Card,Network,6200,Consumer Notebook,Brazil Customer Center $0.01
1 XFVTM Module,Information,NO WWAN,L401X $0.01
1 XM544 Module,Software,PC-RESTORE Transactional Line Of Business $0.01
1 Y720M Module,Software,DSPRT-CTR 64BIT,2.0 $0.01
1 YD4CV Module,Documentation,Extreme Performance System,English,Dao/Bcc,L401X $0.01
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty
1 936-2690 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Initial Year
1 950-9057 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
1 923-2656 Mail-in Service after Remote Diagnosis, Initial Year $5.00
1 412-0361 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement $0.00
1 960-8710 Warranty Support, Initial Year
1 3E476 Information,Equipment $0.01
1 375-6061 Thank you, Dell Outlet $0.00

 

Also, if it is not backlit, can I order a backlit keyboard from dell or will it not be compatible?

 

Is that a way to put a function in that "empty' F6 key? Like open a program or turn off the screen?

 

Part number for xps 14 backlit keyboard is 0KMP3. It's available for $45 from dell as a separate order, refurbished(whatever that might mean)

Yes it's completely empty, but I'm not sure if you can do it. You might need to download some 3rd party program to enable short cut on a certain key. Or you could try dell quick set, how do you open it anyways, I can't seem to find a way to open the interface.

Edit: I just found out there's a "turn off monitor" option from the quick launch key option menu, and I have been searching a way to do it on the net, what a waste of time ;<

 

Thanks for the quick response. I just ordered the OKMP3 backlit keyboard. I really hope it works on the laptop. I think that all the motherboards are the same on the 14's, so it should have that power connector for the backlit keyboard. I will be getting my system on 2/24. I will post some pics of the install to those interested. I am also selling my M11x r1 for $500 to whoever would like to have an awesome laptop at a low price. Nothing is wrong with it, Dell just came out on Monday and replaced the entire screen, because of the failed hinge (it works awesome now). Dell also just sent me a new battery because the other one was wearing down. So basically this is a new laptop, battery and screen-wise. Let me know what you think. I will not post about this anymore on this thread.

 

I saw that option, and I've been using too. But I would like to put that function in other key and leave the quick launch for a favorite app, like my browser or so. One way to do this is to use the F1 key to put the video at a non-existing secondary monitor or projector, so the notebook video would be "off", but I don't like that.

 

I was down at Fry's yesterday and played around with the HP Envy 14. It had the 1366x768 screen. Even just sitting there not doing anything it runs hot. The aluminum case is nice, but I think the imprinting takes something away from it. The screen is OK at best, not quite as bad as the stock xps 14 screen, but nowhere near as good as the LG screen I put in mine. For all the comments about the "clunky styling" of the XPS 14, I have to say the styling has grown on me. Once open, there is no contest, the XPS 14 looks way nicer. I like the keyboard, the dark aluminum, the backlit keyboard, and the touch panel above it look much nicer than the Envy.

After the heat issues on my M1330, I do have some trepidation at any laptop in a small chassis that creates heat like the Envy.

For the person on this thread who was commenting that they were disappointed in the styling of their XPS 14 after their M1330: Put the LG screen in, and wait! The styling and computer really grow on you. I felt the same way when I got my replacement for M1330, and thought about just selling it and buying a different computer. This laptop has grown on me so much, that I frankly don't have any such thoughts now.

 

I'm okay with the look, I knew it was not the best looking laptop far before I purchased it. And it will probably never change, unless all laptop manufactures suddenly start making plain looking machines with their logo in the center(which is how is feel about the xps).

Though I'd agree that the interior design is one of the top ones out there, brushed black aluminium, shinny touch bar and well crafted speaker gills. Would be even better if the backlit keyboard color is adjustable.

 

Take a look at this link from Engadget. It seems pretty interesting.

Dell XPS 14 discontinued, will be replaced with something thinner and lighter -- Engadget

 

Would be perfect if you can make a video swapping the backlit keyboard ;p

If not screen shots would be fine

 

I am definately going to make a video and will post it up on youtube, and copy the link here.

 

I recently got the Dell XPS 14 720p i7, with Nvidia 425M a couple days back. I noticed that the youtube 1080p videos are noticeably choppy. It's really disappointing to see it perform worse with a powerful cpu like i7 and a mid range graphics card like the 425m. I tried the latest drivers from Dell and that didn't resolve the issue either. Has anyone noticed the same? Is there any solution for it?

 

The first thing I would look at is the throughput of the wireless router and the wireless adapter. Do you have the Dell 1000, Intel 6200, or Intel 6300? The 1000 sucks, if you have it, get the Intel 6200 or 6300 for $25 on Amazon.

 

Can anyone confirm that you can install a backlit keyboard in a non-backlit L401X? I keep seeing that there are two modules when the backlit keyboard is installed, one is the OKMP3 keyboard and the other is the CVNYD keyboard. I ordered the OKMP3 but am wondering if I also need to order the CVNYD to make this work. Please reply.

 

I already have the Intel 6200. Also I strongly believe this is not related to my wireless card. I allowed the video to buffer fully by pausing it for sometime and then played it, and it made no difference.

 

Got you. I had the same problem with the M11x, reinstalled the graphics drivers and it was fixed, no problems since. Also the Adobe 10.1 update helps a lot with flash videos from the net.

 

Can anyone confirm that you need both the CVNYD and OKMP3 in order to install the backlit keyboard?

 

I doubt it. OKMP3 is a keyboard by itself, not a backlit attachment(if that was your concern). It's supposed to be exactly identical to the regular one except there's a backlit on/off icon of f6 key and obviously the back lights attached to it.

There might be an extra connector for backlit power supply, but that shouldn't be a problem since I have told the Dell rep it is to replace my regular keyboard, and they never told me it was incompatible.

Edit: My estimated delivery date is this Friday, hope the thermal paste would arrive at the same date or earlier so I can work on them together.

 

Awesome, thanks for the response. I will get my keyboard soon and I will post a video if the install. I know that there is an extra cable on the backlit keyboard for the backlight power, I just hope that module is on the main board on the laptop. Again, I guess I will just have to wait to find out. I was just hoping that someone else has already put a backlit keyboard on a non-backlit l401x.

 

How much battery life does one normally get with the XPS 14? I get hardly 90mins with the lowest brightness setting and wifi turned on. Is this normal? I also have to mention that I have the i7 cpu and Nvidia 425m GPU.

 

Due to the Core i7's inablility to incorporate the Intel GPU, the L401x does not have Optimus Technology enabled for Nvidia. The Core i7 edition of the L401x will only last 2-3 hours max with a 6 cell battery and 3-4 hours max with a 9 cell battery. If you have the core i7 version of this laptop, that is a normal running time for the battery. I would suggest you purchase an extra battery (9 cell) to get a full 6-7 hours out of your laptop.

 

Has anyone found a good case that fits a Dell L401x /w a 9-Cell Battery?

I've been considering purchasing this case : Burnoaa Bag Case Sleeve for Laptop Notebook 10" - 17" - eBay (item 300510290180 end time Mar-02-11 07:07:35 PST) but i'm not sure it'll fit.

Burnoaa Bag Case Sleeve A4WP Internal Size: 14.57 X 10.63 x 1.5 in

Please post any suggestions or links. I just want something that fits well /w a pocket for the power adapter.

Thanks!

XPS L401X
Intel Core i7-740QM 1.73GHz
9-Cell Battery
8GB DDR3
Backlit Keyboard - English (Internal)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 425M 2GB graphics
500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Windows 7 Ult

 

I'm using the 15" bulitny sleeve(was available with the system configuration, about 20bucks, not sure if 15" is the exact size though).

I just carry it if I'm traveling short distance. If not, I put it into a standard drawstring backpack and it fits perfectly.

Edit: I haven't tried putting the power adapter in, but I probably won't want to put it inside the sleeve, but there is plenty room in the drawstring backpack.

 

Hmmm. Those sound like good options... Not sure if they're a good fit for me. I'm looking for a traditional case with room for accessories. Something that wouldn't be considered a carry on bag but is big enough to hold the power adapter ect.

 

Dell XPS 14 discontinued, will be replaced with something thinner and lighter -- Engadget

say bye to the XPS 14... let's hope for newer, better, thinner things in the near future.

 

It's a shame they're taking it off the line. I don't have a problem with this laptop. The performance is there. When I'm at a coffee shop, or wherever, I don't normally check out other people's laptops and I assume no one cares about the appearance of mine. The "low key" design stays out of the spotlight from crooks (I'm glad peeps buy macbooks) and it look fairly modern.

I think thinner laptops = loss of performance. I own an Asus UL30VT-x1 and an old Sony Vaio V505dx and they're not powerhouses. Those were intended for work/school.

 

Looks like a new Nvidia driver out today. Only says it supports the 3D TV tuner though.

Anyone look at taking the black mesh out of the vents under the laptop? Wondered if that'll gain any temperature drop.

 

They just updated my order for my backlit keyboard (OKMP3) for delivery on 3/1/11. Neubeehunhun, I will be awaiting a post from you to see how the backlit keyboard install goes. Pics would be nice.

 

Laptop Sleeve:
Amazon.com: Case Logic ENS-14 14.1-Inch Neoprene Laptop Sleeve (Black): Computer & Accessories
Fits pretty well. Its about the perfect width for the laptop. Theres a little room for how deep the sleeve is but its a good sleeve.

Anyone else having great battery life? I've got the stock I5-460m and 420m and on the battery saver mode I'm getting consistently 5+hours of battery life. Thats with wifi on too. I'm really happy with it. The only odd thing with the battery saver is, every once and awhile, the screen will dim and contrast will change, then it'll slowly revert back to its original state. I don't know if the battery saver is detecting a voltage drop or something in the battery that causes it to do this, odd. Also, a couple of other things.
When running Hardware Monitor, my battery life drops 1+ hours. So somethings going on with that, but otherwise its 5+, sometimes 6+hours. Typically with wifi off it'll be above 6 hours. On hardware monitor, the designed capacity is 5200mWh, on the full charge capacity it shows 5216mWh. Technically thats 100.3% of its designed battery capacity. Something interesting, I've had the laptop since November and I still have 0% wear on the battery. I use it every day for classes which I run through about 3 hours of battery life. I think I've gone below 50% charge level only a few times.

No problems yet overclocking the GPU during games to 550m speeds. Such a huge difference in gaming too!