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    Dell XPS 14 L401x Thread

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Micaiah, Nov 6, 2010.

  1. machiz7888

    machiz7888 Notebook Consultant

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    I tested mine and got similar (though, better) results. I've had mine for about a month and a half now... did you do the full 12 hour charge the battery calls for? I only got about 10 of those
     
  2. barry255

    barry255 Newbie

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    Anyone having a issue that the touchpad suddenly stops working? It starts working again only after a forced shutdown.

    What could be the problem?

    Thanks
     
  3. machiz7888

    machiz7888 Notebook Consultant

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    Drivers and Downloads

    the bios. check the fixes and enhancements category. it fixes your problem, i believe
     
  4. stevenxowens792

    stevenxowens792 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Question all - I was checking the 3dmark06 scores for this series notebook and I wanted to know how it scores only in the 7k area with an I7-740qm? Doesn't this sound low to anyone? Not trolling just curious if maybe it's the way the nvidia 425 handles dx9 ? Best Wishes, StevenX
     
  5. barry255

    barry255 Newbie

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    Thanks!!!!

    I didn't notice the new bios was released.
     
  6. spiceditup

    spiceditup Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is there any way to control the fan speed? I don't think speedfan works on my XPS 14.
     
  7. avalanche0316

    avalanche0316 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey guys,
    I am working with the tech support at blisscomputers.com, where I purchased my lcd to upgrade. They are telling me that my computer wont' accept a resolution higher than 1366x768 and thats why i am getting a blank white screen. Clearly some of you have been able to make the switch to a higher res. what am i missing here?
     
  8. compwiz0620

    compwiz0620 Notebook Evangelist

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    Is it white right from the start? If so make sure the cables are tight. I read you need to hear the one click into place. If it only goes white once Windows takes over, try safe mode and uninstall and reinstall monitor and video drivers.
     
  9. s0lace

    s0lace Notebook Guru

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    What monitor? Also, clearly our PC's can accept higher resolution screens.
     
  10. avalanche0316

    avalanche0316 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I believe it said 'resuming windows" so I will try the safemode suggestion once I get the correct screen. They sent me a glossy instead of matte.
    Thanks guys.
     
  11. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    Here is a little bit to show you that this isn't a 7k rig StevenX ;) This wasn't even the roof of the card as it never broke mid 70's with no additional cooling and ran smooth as butter. I will find the roof of the card tomorrow, I think it may be possible to hit 9k with this rig.(and yes it is at 1280x1024 res run on an external monitor ;) )

    [​IMG]

    I'm also going to open it up tomorrow to see if I can find a pll to look at the possibility of CPU oc'ing using SetFSB :D :D :D
     
  12. jwilley

    jwilley Newbie

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    I managed to forget ONE screw when removing the palm rest, and snapped the female platic side off the back of the palm rest. However: the LG display IS ABSOLUTELY like night and day from the original.......... do not be afraid to make this mod!! Best $75 (plus palm rest) I spent for a while!

    Someone above noted that this will only work at 1400 X 900 on desktop. Is that true?? Why wouldn't it also play games at that rez??

    And finally: DOES anyone have a contact a DELL? I need to order a new palm rest, but am not having much luck thus far..........

    Great forum--glad I joined!
    John
     
  13. Confuzzeled23

    Confuzzeled23 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey everyone,
    Has anyone figured out anything to fix my iPhone sync issue? So does anyone else here have any problem? When I manually manage music and highlight a song iTunes freezes, CPU goes to max and once I unplug my iPhone everything returns to normal. If I wait it out for it to resolve I get numerous errors and end up having to restore my phone from backup.
    I am currently using BIOS A06
    So anyone else experiencing these issues or know what could be causing this?
    Thanks so much.
    No other problems with the computer besides this.
     
  14. jwilley

    jwilley Newbie

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    Just google dell l401x service manual...............then D/L it--it explains the entire sequence. There ARE easier ways to do it--but not s safe IMHO.
     
  15. jwilley

    jwilley Newbie

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    I did the LG glossy, and am absolutely amazed that it booted right on up..........

    you DO need to be a bit careful with the 3-4 connectors, especially the 2 ribbons. Make SURe you "unlock" them before you pull them out, and re-lock them when replacing. Good luck! (and remember to take out ALL 7 of the palm rest screw holddowns, or you'll be looking for a new palm rest like I am!<G>
     
  16. s0lace

    s0lace Notebook Guru

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    Two ribbons? I remember only having to plug the BIG one back in- am I missing something here?
     
  17. h3nG

    h3nG Notebook Consultant

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    How does the LG 900HD screen compare to the Envy Radiance 900HD screen?
     
  18. s0lace

    s0lace Notebook Guru

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    I have not seen the now non-purchasable Radiance screen on the ENVY, but from what I gather, the LG is not as nice as that.
     
  19. jwilley

    jwilley Newbie

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    There was the big one; I also had what appeared to be a power supply for the backlit keyboard......
     
  20. s0lace

    s0lace Notebook Guru

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    I'm crystal clear on the "big one." I have a backlit keyboard, and I don't recall seeing another plug in- I will wait until I get my new screen from hootoo (I have everything taken apart and ready to plug back in) to check... but even looking at the back of the stock screen I don't see anything else but the big one. It would be nice to hear some clarification from others about this.
     
  21. s0lace

    s0lace Notebook Guru

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    BTW, almost certain this "second plug" ISN'T anything to do with the backlit keyboard, as I just turned on my XPS14 with no monitor connected, and the keys lit up fine.
     
  22. joscasle

    joscasle Notebook Enthusiast

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    who manufacture the HP Radiance screen?
     
  23. kp416

    kp416 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anyone found a matted screen for this machine? I have the XPS 14 and a Lattitude 4310 on my desk and I cannot believe how much better the Lattitude screen looks. My office had a large windows behind my desk and the XPS is tough to see durin gthe day with all of the reflections on this monitor. No porblem with the Lattitude.
     
  24. Indus

    Indus Newbie

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    @ bill71: Are you sure your DELL L140X has a USB 3.0 port? I heard that Dell don't provide this port on XPS 14.
     
  25. phatphree

    phatphree Notebook Guru

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    Hi guys: Just ordered my L401x from the outlet with discount coupon and am eagerly awaiting. Seems like the entire owner's thread is about replacing the screen or the sync problems :)

    Anything else cool to discuss about this model?
     
  26. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    The Outlet?!?!?! Wow these things hit outlet quick! They must be having a lot of replacements happening as most computers don't hit outlet for 3-6 months in Dell/Alienware's performance line. Congrats! What specs did you get and if you don't mind me asking what price?

    Edit: What country are you in? The USA site still shows "coming soon" on the outlet.
     
  27. NoAirBanding

    NoAirBanding Notebook Geek

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    I picked up a XPS 14 off the outlet last night, they were only up for a few hours before they were sold out.

    The one I ended up with has an i7 with a backlit keyboard, 6200 wifi (no bluetooth :( ). I think the total was about $830 after tax.

    Moving up from my Studio XPS 13 :D
     
  28. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    Wow! What hard drive, optical drive, etc?
     
  29. NoAirBanding

    NoAirBanding Notebook Geek

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    500gb HDD I think, I didn't really pay much attention as I'm going to be using my 128gb SSD. All I know about the optical drive is that it's not blu-ray. Oh it just has 4gb of ram, but I don't think I really need more then that.

    I'm a bit sad that the screen is 16:9 instead of 16:10. But once I install that LG 1600x900 screen I'm sure I wont mind it as much.
     
  30. machiz7888

    machiz7888 Notebook Consultant

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    lol the outlet says its a 13.3 inch screen and shows it running winxp. interesting
     
  31. phatphree

    phatphree Notebook Guru

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    They are still on Dell outlet -- but the landing page for the XPS 14 shows "coming soon." You have to go in via any other model and set the criteria on the left. I paid $640 for an i5-460, 4gb/500 with the stock 420m and tv tuner, backlit KB. Think that's about it. This was with the (now expired) 15% off coupon.

    The screen shipped is the "INL" model according to my build. Is that any better than the other one? I am considering the LG panel.

    The cheapest 14 on there right now (without coupon) is $759 for:

    XPS L401X
    Processor: Intel Core i5-460M Processor (3M cache, 2.53 GHz)
    Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
    500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
    4 GB DDR3 ECC SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
    8X DVD +/- RW Drive
    NVIDIA GeForce GT 420M 1GB graphics with Optimus and TV Tuner
     
  32. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    Oh ok, not a bad deal at all. The INL screen is the same one I currently have, my new build/replacement computer shows the same exact screen so I'm guessing it's still the only one Dell is using :(
     
  33. Micaiah

    Micaiah Notebook Deity

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    Toshiba. No point of trying to find it, since HP probably bought the entire remaining inventory and the panel itself does not fit the XPS 14, since its dimensions are bigger (13.25" x 7.75" versus 12" x 7.4").
     
  34. kp416

    kp416 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anyone found an anti-glare screen for the XPS 14 yet?

     
  35. machiz7888

    machiz7888 Notebook Consultant

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  36. kp416

    kp416 Notebook Enthusiast

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    That is another Glossy Screen. If I dont find a matte screen soon this machine is going back. I know I can replace it with a better screen I would rather just get a machine with a good screen.

     
  37. bonilhar1976

    bonilhar1976 Newbie

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    Gents,

    It may sound like a stupid question, but newbies must do some of those.

    Does exist a screen with higher resolution than 900 p for 14 size? I mean full hd for exemple?

    Another question (hope it sounds a little more clever). Anyone tried the Seagate Momentus XT HD in thoses rigs and can give us a feedback on performance gain?

    Thanks for your comments.
     
  38. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    Don't think anyone has found a screen higher than 900p and honestly at 14" 1080p would be very hard to use. Some 15" 1080p rigs are hard to use at that res. As far as the MomXT drive I would wait for the next generation of ssd's, the MomXT is faster than the normal HDD's but not a lot on most things other than maybe boot times. SSD prices should go down and sizes should go up with the next generation set to launch soon(maybe CES?).
     
  39. NoAirBanding

    NoAirBanding Notebook Geek

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    I've messed with some 15" laptops that had 1920x1200 screens and it was almost annoying, so much space yet so hard to read. The first thing people that weren't me would do is complain about how small everything was. Plus you need a lot of GPU power to run 3D stuff at that res.

    Though if it weren't for the higher resolution LG screen being available, I wouldn't have gotten the XPS 14. I hate 16:9 screens, I use my laptop for more then just movies and a vertical resolution of 768 just doesn't cut it.
     
  40. Darkstone

    Darkstone Notebook Consultant

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    if 786 pixels doesnt cut it, 1280*800 is just as bad.

    there is always the 13.1" vaio Z...
     
  41. kp416

    kp416 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Not sure I like this when you check out..

    Minimum Order:
    We ONLY sell wholesale. Minimum Order is $100.00 (NO EXCEPTIONS)! For orders under $100.00, there is a $10.00 handling surcharge.
     
  42. machiz7888

    machiz7888 Notebook Consultant

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    Ah. sketchy. I was just trying to be helpful. I'm waiting for dell to roll out the 14 inch touchscreen before I replace my screen.
     
  43. Ultramilkwai

    Ultramilkwai Newbie

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    This is a question directed at those who did the screen swap. My XPS14 comes in tomorrow, and I'm really interested in performing the screen swap. However, I'm a little concerned about tearing my new machine apart. I read post #129 and I was wondering is popping the bezel off easy?
    Easy as in would the bezel simply just come off? Or would I need to fight the machine to remove the bezel? Also, would I need a plastic scribe as stated in the document to remove the bezel (I know I would need the screw drivers to unscrew the screws)?
    Thanks for your answers! Just new to this and I really don't want to mess up my machine :p.
     
  44. Micaiah

    Micaiah Notebook Deity

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    Yes, the swap process is easy. It's a matter of taking your time and pulling at the bezel slowly. I would recommend a pair of latex gloves so you do not mar the screen when trying to pry at the bezel, and it help prevents your hand from slipping.
     
  45. stormryderz

    stormryderz Newbie

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    I was totally scared of messing up my bezel as well.. which I slightly did because I did not read beforehand that you should start popping it at the top by the integrated camera. I started on the right side which came off easily, however i did break a couple of the clippings which I just superglued back together and it is holding pretty well. I would recommend starting at the middle directly to the right or left of the camera since there are two clippings along the top instead of 3-4 on the sides. Be gentle though the clippings break pretty easily. Hope this helps
     
  46. Shashank_sh

    Shashank_sh Newbie

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    Hi..m new here.. m luking to buyXPS14... i m from india ... dell here has horrible prices and almost no customizing options.... can ne suggest me how i can order it from US site or some outlet and have it delivered to india?? I mean ...is their ne such shipping facility from dell or ne 3rd party...? and if yes what will be the cost?

    no discount coupons are available..
    From the indian site for $1168 (converted from indian rupee) im getting..
    Core i5 460M
    4gb ram
    500gb hd
    Backlit keyboard
    9 cell battery
    1gb 420M Graphic( thats the only card available here)

    m i just being miser or is that a bit more..
    :(
     
  47. Ultramilkwai

    Ultramilkwai Newbie

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    Alright, I see. Thanks a lot for your help!
     
  48. joscasle

    joscasle Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the info. I don't want to find one, just information, it seams no one knows who manufacture them.
     
  49. stormryderz

    stormryderz Newbie

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    Someone help.. It seems that my synaptic mouse hardware does not want to be detected anymore. I am not sure what happened but I turned it on yesterday and the same thing happened except I went through safe mode and the mouse worked again. However, I turned on my computer today and there is no mouse hardware detected once again. I tried updating to the most recent driver, but it is not working. I went through safe mode and that did not resolve the problem this time. I am currently using a usb mouse to function. Does anyone else have this problem or a solution to this problem?
     
  50. Confuzzeled23

    Confuzzeled23 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Everyone Again,
    I was just wondering about my sync issue. I notice that on the Dell site the most recent Intel Chipset 5 Series driver is listed as November 1, 2010. I have downloaded and installed. However, when I go to the device manager and look at the Intel 5 series Host Controller 3B34 and 3B3C they both say that the driver I have installed is
    Date: 8/20/2009
    Version: 9.1.1.1020

    Whereas the Dell site says
    Date: 11/01/2010
    Version: 9.1.2.1008

    Why doesn't my driver in device manager show the same date or version that the Dell site says it is installing?

    What does everyone elses device manager say their Date and Version of the Intel Chipset 5 Series driver say?

    Hope maybe this could be the culprit of my sync issues?

    Thanks for any replies.
     
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