Dell XPS 15 L501 *Owner's Lounge*

I have next day on-site service, they'll do anything to make me happy...
You probably have the base warranty if they want you to ship to depot.

 

There is a grace period of 21 days(?) after you recieve the notebook when, in the event of any problems encountered, the notebook will be declared dead on arrival and a new one will be constructed from scratch to replace it.

I think HP does this too, though I'm not sure (never had a problem within 21 days with an HP, and only once with a Dell).

 

Hi Everyone,

I have two questions:

1) I'd like to add Accidental Damage coverage to a Dell XPS that I just ordered 2 days ago. The machine is currently in production with an expected delivery date of December 23. I called Dell about this, but the support agent in India said that any change or addition to my order would require canceling my existing order and submitting a replacement order. That would mean that the machine would not arrive in time for Christmas (and may not anyway).

I'd like to know if anyone can recommend how I might purchase Accidental Damage coverage for *year 1* without delaying shipment of the machine. I'd like the machine to be covered for Accidental Damage from the moment that I open the box.

2) Does anyone know if I can use an eSATAp external drive with the eSATA port on the XPS 15? Can the laptop's eSATA port send power down the line?

Thanks in advance!

Jay

 

There is a phone number on the website somewhere where you can call for a quote on extra cover. There must be a way to do this, never trust a call centre operator.

 

What would be Dell's stance if I did not want to keep my L501X? I haven't received it yet, thus haven't opened/powered on the computer. The more I read, the more I'm not sold on the laptop. If I could send it back without getting a restocking fee then I'd just go that route. Specs are in my sig.

 

Why not? This thing is b.a.
I couldn't imagine using any other laptop in this market segment that is currently out.
The m15x weighs a ton and has <2hr battery life w/ 9-cell.
HP laptops suck.
Lenovo's consumer line are creaky and have poor screens.
Asus are pretty nice, but they don't offer the same customer service and warranty that Dell has, I have to have next day service with CompleteCare as mine is my sole grad school computer.

 

I have been experiencing quite of a bit of audio crackling/distortion when listening to music on my XPS 15 since I received it. It's very noticable- both through the speakers and and any external speakers/headsets attatched to the computer. Tried reinstalling the Realtek audio drivers from the Dell support page and no difference. Anyone else run into this?

 

If you have the money, I would just call and ask for an upgrade to FHD. The low-res screen is the only thing that would bring down the build you have. Everything else is just _amazing_.

 

Dunno but it's too long

 

Guys,

Just a small update.

The XPS15's eSata port (rear right side of the system) has suddenly decided to quit working...!

I was using a new USB mouse in the eSata's USB slot (since yesterday) but now it has stopped working. I have checked the port with other devices (USB HDD/Pen Drive) but no result. Its dead.

The mouse is back to work in another USB port (Rear left).

I have a feeling this non-quality checked unit is just to buggy to be continued as a production machine. After a popping woofer, and always on fan, my bad luck continues...

Ahh...

 

Seriously if you want a laptop on which the fan doesn't run, buy a netbook.

 

Has anyone else experienced some kind of a loose contacts problems with the USB 3.0 ports on the XPS 15? When I connect my new external USB 3 drive to my computer and move it it loses the connection sometimes it reconnects right after that but sometimes I have to move the cable a bit or replug it completely. This problem doesn't occure when I'm using a USB 2 drive or stick. They are a bit loose too but doesn't lose the connection so easily.

 

My friend, I understand the heat which must be building inside a i7 system. But a fan which is constantly on at medium to high RPM, when the system is just idle (97% resources free!) can only mean one thing.

A sloppy thermal paste job. If I had my needs mapped up to a netbook, I wouldn't be here in the first place!

 

it could very well be the case, since other people apparently got a poor paste job and they're getting high temps even at idle.

 

Just like Dell man, take an awesome concept and do something to screw it up.
They could be the top computer company if they could execute their ideas properly.
I have to say with my first replacement unit everything is golden after repasting it. Hopefully you'll get a unit with no problems.

 

Did anyone come across this issue???

 

Guys, I need some advice. I just got my L501X last night and LOVE it. The audio is the best I've ever heard from a laptop, and the build seems quite solid. Only one problem I have with it is HUGE though. The first thing I tried to reconfigure is the screen resolution. I was hoping to be able to configure it for 1920 x 1080 but I was shocked to realize the limit on my unit is 1366 x 768. I simply can't deal with that.
I checked the website and realized where I went wrong. There was an option to upgrade the screen which I ignored as I figured I dont need anything fancy, just a regular screen (This is my 5th Dell laptop and I've never had to upgrade to get 1920 x 1080).
My problem now is, how best do I get this fixed without having to pay too much? I tried to talk to customer care and they told me I cant send the laptop in for a screen upgrade (that doesnt make any sense), and all I can do is return it then buy another one (which means, paying re-stocking fee, and then more for the screen, plus I got the unit at a Thanksgiving discount which I may not be able to get again).

What do you guys think should be my best approach to dealing with this? Thanks for any advice whatsoever.
Cheers

 

What is the best program for testing the GPU temperatures?


XPS 15 | Core i5 460 | FHD B+RGLED | 6 GB RAM | 1 GB nVidia 420M | 640 GB 7200 RPM HDD | Backlit Keyboard | 9-Cell Battery| Bluetooth | Order Date: Nov 10th | Received Date: Dec 1

 

I like HWMonitor. Simple and straight-forward. Give it a try.

CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

Hope this helps!

 

You can't send it in for an upgrade.
Your best option is to either get the part number and buy the replacement panel and do it yourself when the parts eventually come available.
Or return it and buy a new one, you made an expensive mistake if you go this route.

 

FACEPALM
Maybe take the time and effort to research what you're doing next time.

 

My question was not clear enough. I use HWMonitor to check the temperature of the GPU. What I am looking for is a program to stress the GPU to see how high the temperature gets.

 

I do believe that the total cost of sending it back for a full refund, within the first week of receiving the laptop, is only £20 all in, at least in the uk. That's what I would do.

As far as not getting your thanksgiving discount if you order again, tough luck, pay better attention next time

 

Hi all,

Has anyone bought a decent laptop case for the XPS 15 yet? can anyone recommend one with photos?

Cheers all!

 

3dmark?
Or load up a graphically intense game and play for 30min.
BF:BC2, SC2, Black Ops are all good ones to stress everything in the system.

 

Dohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Play the "I suffer from bad eyesight and the screen is just not suitable for my needs compared to previous screens i have had from Dell although i am very impressed with the quality of everything else and would just like to change the screen" then pray you have got the right person especially not the one you spoke to last time

For anyone here with a disability I apologise for this but it does work occasionally because it can increase your mystery shopping score as an operator.

 

Thanks a lot, genius. I bet you've never made a mistake in your life. How about you take that palm and shove it in your face, fktard.

Thanks for the advice, David. I'll call and see if that's possible. If it is, then this will be much less irksome than I expected.

Thanks sprtnsblplya... I'll check for the pat number. That may actually be the best option so far as I've taken apart quite a few Dell's in my past.

 

Haha. Thanks man. I doubt they'll fall for that one but I guess it's worth a try. Lets hope I luck out with a nice Holiday spirited customer care rep.

 

Hi Everyone,

I buried this question in a long post and it attracted no responses:

"Does anyone know if I can use an eSATAp external drive with the eSATA port on the XPS 15? Can the laptop's eSATA port send power down the line?"

Comments anyone?

Thanks,

Jay

 

Has anyone tested his/her notebook to see whether the problem stated in the quote is right? " On top of that, the hinges holding the screen are not strong enough to keep the laptop closed when held upside down by the base unit" I had returned mine because of this problem.

 

Yes Count next time i'm using my laptop while hanging from the ceiling i will give it a try.

 

Hello

1) Is it possible to have the unit running with the lid closed?

2) Is there any way to change the Video Card for Example to add an Nvidia Quadro Mobile?
I did not found anything on the service manual I sadly guess that the graphic card is part of the system board.... Anyone can confirm that?

Txs and regards !!

 

The graphic card is soldered on the board, check out my tear down thread during repasting.

 

Ohh thank you man, excellent repasting Thread !!!! I've enjoyed it !!

 

np, you can see the vRAM chips spread around it too, no way can this card be upgraded.

 

I'm still waiting for mine, still in production, yes I sow that in your pictures, no way at all. thanks.
System board, expensive spare part in case the GPU pass away? ;-(.

Anyway do you know if the computer works with the lid closed?

Txs!!

 

Hi, i'm looking forward on upgrading my m11x to new XPS serie. But i have one question, about battery life. As i see i5 have only 2 cores, so i'm interested in machine with i7, second i'm interested in powerfull GFX 435.

So how long will such machine (i7+435) last on this battery
6-cell LI (2.6Ah) standard
and this one
9-cell LI (2.8Ah)
?

 

Also, these umbers
6-cell LI (2.6Ah) standard; Up to 5 hours, 14 minutes10 of battery life with 6-cell battery
9-cell LI (2.8Ah); Up to 9 hours, 9 minutes10 of battery life with 9-cell battery

are taken from i5 machine which can work on intel gfx, so such values are not true for "mine" config?

 

Thanks!

 

Oh, ok.
Then I'll add Furmark to the list. Recommended for GPU temperature testing.

FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net

Hope this does help! xD

 

Furmark is a power virus. It loads every single resource so it'll only tell you how hot it can get when running Furmark, not how hot it can get running anything else. It's also potentially harmful to the hardware. I recommend putting a disclaimer up to warn the less-informed.

 

Guys with the stock 720p screen, how are the viewing angles and colours? Does this laptop suffer from cpu whine?

 

I got my XPS 15 today.
Let it idle for 1 hour.
XPS 15 powered off by itself, and won't power on.
My XPS is dead, but am I still considered an XPS 15 owner?

 

No. Please return the certificate and complementary Michael Dell bobblehead. You've been demoted to "future owner" and as a "future owner" are required to wait with the mandatory anxious feelings of expectation for the requisite two to six weeks (exact date to be decided on the whims of whoever is currently on coin-flipping duty). Good day.

 

That's is still to be decided. I am rather concerned with the fact that it burned out within an hour of use. I would have felt better if it came DOA instead.

I ordered the XPS15 with the intention of upgrading. I wouldn't want Dell's faulty hardware to damage my hardware.

Also, if I do RMA, I plan to take a ramstick and blame it on the substandard QC they have provided me with. Anyone with experiences on this?

 

They'll charge an exhorbitant fee for the ramstick, because Dell hardware is handcrafted by elves housed in an attic on the north pole only once a year for a month. Or something. They will more than likely not let it go without recompense.

Sadly, Dell won't give you free stuff until your third or fourth replacement usually. If your second computer dies immediately as well then you can probably make a case for it though it's a stretch...

If you do RMA it, they won't repair but will instead build you a completely new system from the ground up, since Dell considers any system malfuctioning within 21 days to be DOA. Fortunately, the replacement should be expedited. If I recall correctlly, I got mine after about eight days.

If you don't wanna wait for that you can try requesting to have the problem diagnosed and have a tech sent out instead. That takes about as long as it takes you to make an appointment with the tech, and the tech to receive the replacement parts. Could be next day, could be a week, idk.

Last option is refund, and you'd get a full one because it's a malfunctioning product.

 

just got my new XPS today and very impressed with it. but one issue

the screen look redish/yellish. when reading a yahoo news on a white background, it does not look as white. I have the 1080p screen. I went to change the color calibration to my satisfaction but whenever I log out and in again, it went back to the old setting with no so white and more redish/yellowish screen.

anyone has this issue? should I contact dell and ask for an exchange?

 

dell still not upgrade his drivers for nvidia card. I'm going to make a reclamation

 

Well, Just got off the phone with the Dell Rep. He took remote access of my machine and tried installing drivers for the popping sound! I have already told these ppl that the popping starts at system boot up even before any drivers are loaded but still he insisted...

No results as expected, I pressed for a replacement, they are offering a repair (mobo change) and no replacement. I am having the issues of -
1. Fan running continuously;
2. Popping sub-woofer;
3. eSata USB malfunctioning;
4. Random system Shutdowns

Should I take the repair job? They say they cannot do replacements. I am still demanding to talk to higher-ups for that. This system is 4 days old... My God, I am so tired of DELL...I don't know what kind of QC dept takes care of such a sloppy job...

 

That's crazy, you should get a brand new system built from scratch since yours in brand new and in the 21 day window. Insist on it, the tech support people have no idea what the hell they're talking about most of the time.

I checked my dispatch status and apparently they were going to replace my XPS 15 with an XPS 17?!!? Nobody told me! Then the tech support guys tells me that is Dells policy, in the case of exchanges, they give users "a better system" and the XPS 17 is "a much better system". Are these guys for real?

He told me that I can get an XPS 15 instead, but only "upon request." I then clarified that I want my system exchanged with an EXACT same configuration as the one I have and for them to assume otherwise was retarted!!!

Worst customer service experience EVER~!

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

Here's a detailed log I'm keeping of my experience (for your entertainment):

11/25/2010 - Initial call to tech support to describe issues including a fan that constantly runs, warm palmrest even on idle, hot when taxed, subwoofer and right channel distortion when volume increased past 75%. I was offered a system exchange but was told they would have to get approval and would call me back.

11/29/2010 - I receive call back from tech support telling me the exchange was approved and will take 3-4 weeks to arrive. I was assured the system would be in my hands by the end of the year. The support agent told me that she put a note about me needing the system by the end of the year.

12/1/2010 - I call to make sure everything is underway. Apparently nothing was done because my computer did not have a service contract associated. I am told I need to "register my computer." After not being able to register online, I get in touch with customer care who takes care of activating my warranty. I am then transferred to tech support, and they tell me my system exchange has been approved and will arrive in 3-4 weeks.

12/7/2010 - I call tech support because on the online dispatch status page, it shows that an XPS L701X was ordered for my service call. The tech tells me this is normally Dell's policy and when they exchange systems, they usually give the customer a "better system" and that the XPS 17 was a "much better system" than the XPS 15. I clarified that I want my exchange to be exactly the same configuration as my original XPS 15. I am told that this can be done, but only "upon request" by the customer. I am told that this will be taken care of and I'll receive my new system in 3-4 weeks.