Dell XPS 15 R2 - L502x - Owners Lounge

Anyone using the calibrated profile display? Is it any good?

 

Hey all, just got my new L502x in the mail this week, fully loaded of course (minus the SSD sadly). Dell was surprisingly fast for my machine! I had a few questions:

1) Is it worth it to do a clean install of Windows 7? I hate bloatware.
2) If I do so, will I lose my included software? (Roxio 2011 was included through a discount I got...though no discs were included for that software. Will it be included on the recovery disc I bought? Or the drivers disk? Its around $80 retail and I obviously don't want to lose it if I do a clean install.)
3) Speaking of drivers, should I be installing all of the drivers offered for my service tag on the Dell website? I feel like I don't need all of them but can't really tell which ones I need and which I don't.
4) Dell Data Safe...use it or lose it? If I have a recovery disc ($15 through Dell's website), I shouldn't need Dell Data Safe OR to create my own recovery disk right???

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

ps...this screen is gorgeous...

 

According to a NVIDIA exec. who posted on a Notebookreview forum back in 2009, you can't disable Optimus. Here is his post:

Hey folks,​

My name is Sean Pelletier and I'm the Senior Technical Marketing Manager for notebooks at NVIDIA. I came across this thread and wanted to clear some things up and offer some helpful tips.​

Optimus leverages the IGP and GPU to provide the best performance along with the longest battery life possible. If for some reason you didn't want to reap the benefits of the additional battery life, you cannot disable Optimus by disabling the Intel IGP in the Windows Control Panel. Even when the dGPU is being used, Optimus uses the display controller portion of the IGP to render to the system's LVDS panel and the remainder of the IGP remains off. As a result, the IGP can never be disabled as you'd have no output to the screen.​

(the display is routed to the IGP and literally isn't connected to the dGPU)​

Fortunately, you have the ability to customize nearly every aspect of Optimus within the NVIDIA Control Panel. Here, you can enable the ability to right-click on an application's .exe and choose whether you want it to run on the IGP or GPU. In addition, you can modify existing Optimus application profiles and create new profiles to force them to run on the IGP or GPU.​

As for telling when the dGPU is active, we built a useful tool into the Verde drivers. You can view a YouTube video I created here which outlines how to enable and use this feature (along with the other features listed above within the NVIDIA Control Panel). I apologize for the low volume...​

YouTube - NVIDIA Optimus Driver Tutorial​

Have a good one guys...​

Sean​

Sean Pelletier​

Senior Technical Marketing Manager - Notebooks​

NVIDIA​

I found his post at: http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/537767-dell-xps-l501x-optimus.html.

I don't know whether things have changed since his post. But, it does sound like the folks at NVIDIA still haven't figured out how to make it work right, at least as of last month: Unable to color calibrate my screen because of Optimus (M11x) - NVIDIA Forums.

 

What does graphics have to do with sound (in terms of on-board chips)? I know that HDMI outputs video and audio, but DisplayPort is there only to ...display Same with the internal screen obviously...

This question seems to come and go every 50 pages across entire forums Sadly, no, IGPU is the default GPU and the discrete GPU is triggered on demand.

 

I have had the XPS 15 for about 5 days now, so wanted to share my thoughts. I did a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate, no issues. I did get the HD screen, which is absolutely amazing. I had the HD screen on the 1645, which was very nice, but this blows it away. I have never heard sound on a laptop come even remotely close to how this sounds (I did get the JBL upgrade). Blu Ray movies look amazing!!! It is incredibly fast, runs cool (fan does run, but nothing excessive, no on/off like others reported). Love the keyboard and overall layout. I like the aluminum cover and palmrest, seems solid, durable and well built. What I don't like: HDD Indicator behind the lid (seems like a stupid location), same thing for the battery/power indicator. Don't like the tray load drive....1645 and Studio XPS 13 had slot load, why not on this one? No Firewire. No Express Slot.

Otherwise, I am impressed, will keep it for a long time!

 

Gizweb, is your spacebar much louder than every other key when you type? I feel like all of the keys make hardly any noise, except for the space bar.

Thoughts?

 

Yes, it is louder, but I think that is mostly because the other keys are very quiet. I don't notice it as anything that is abnormally loud or annoying.

 

Thanks, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't experiencing something out of the ordinary!

 

Yes, but the problem (in my case with the Triplehead2Go) is that the Intel card limits the maximum resolution available for output. Going "via" the IGP the GT540M cannot show 5760x1080 - which it could if it had direct access.

 

Any help on these questions would be awesome. Thanks guys.

 

1) Is it worth it to do a clean install of Windows 7? I hate bloatware.

Yes, it went smoothly for me, no issues.

2) If I do so, will I lose my included software? (Roxio 2011 was included through a discount I got...though no discs were included for that software. Will it be included on the recovery disc I bought? Or the drivers disk? Its around $80 retail and I obviously don't want to lose it if I do a clean install.)

Don't know, Dell should be able to provide if you bought it....

3) Speaking of drivers, should I be installing all of the drivers offered for my service tag on the Dell website? I feel like I don't need all of them but can't really tell which ones I need and which I don't.

Use your configuration, you can figure out which ones you need, use the ones from the site, not the disc, many have been upgraded.

4) Dell Data Safe...use it or lose it? If I have a recovery disc ($15 through Dell's website), I shouldn't need Dell Data Safe OR to create my own recovery disk right???

If you bought the recovery disc, you are good, but that will of course restore to factory fresh install.

 

For Roxio, I belive there is a website that you can download all your media and whatnot, check this thread out: http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/566977-dell-xps-15-l502x-tools-updates.html

As far as all other disks you can either download the driver or call Dell and have them sent to you.

 

Thanks guys, I think that is exactly what I needed. I'll take a look after work.

Anyone tried hdmi connection to tv then bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo? Looking at some logitech options, but didn't want to invest until the hdmi clone issue was resolved...is it?

 

Hi there,
Yes it does

 

Yes, very easy

 

How do you adjust the wave max settings without pushing the waves button?

 

Open the software, it's called Realtek HD Audio Manager. There should be in icon in your system tray, as well. Unless that's not what you mean...

Speaking of which, though, does anyone know if there is a way to remove that icon from the tray?

 

Post edited:

I performed a clean install of Windows and lost PowerDVD as a result. However, I went into Dell chat support where the agent showed me how to redownload the software a limited number of times. So, if anyone didn't know, you can redownload certain items from My Dell Downloads (try Googling it, I don't have a link) even if they are not on your recovery or resource discs.

 

i am moving the post.....

 

G'day, mates.

 

Yep i just noticed that....oops now time to move it...

 

I received my XPS today, Ordered 4/4/11

Intel Core i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz
6GB DDR3 Ram
FHD TLF B+RGLED
NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB
500GB 7200 RPM
Blu-ray Disc BD-Combo
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000
6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Windows 7 Home Premium

I'm coming from a Dell Latitude E6400, I love that laptop, but after a New Years DJ accident, the laptop took a fall & cracked the right side of the palm rest, leaving my SD card reader, and wifi card tripping out. The computer works, has a 64GB SSD in it so no damage to hardrive.

The E6400 got demoted to Dj/Serato duties only.

The XPS will be used mostly for Graphic Design/Photography, I have a Mac Pro With a Dell 22" IPS Monitor (work issued) but still like Windows PC.... topic for another day...

I use Adobe Photoshop CS5 64bit, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Indesign CS5, Adobe Illustrator CS5, Suitcase Fusion 3 for font Management and Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 (I know, just like it), regularly. I will be tacking advantage of the Quad Core.

I will be replacing the 500GB HD with a 128GB SSD, most likely the Crucial C300.

The Screen is just beautiful!!! Even the 500gb hd seems quick.

I'm updating windows etc.. and will install my Adobe Software, I'll report back with a better report soon.

 

I got a new replacement l502x and refunding my first one because the tech guy ruined it when replacing the bezel (kb not working and chip marks in lid). The replacement looks identical to my first one but noticed a few differences: the 6 cell battery internals are made in Korea instead of japan, the microphone hole is smaller, build quality not as good (creaks and flex in the base) the first one was very well built, the sticker above the service tag number is silver instead of black, SEC 4gb ram instead of Hynix.

the reduced build quality compared to my first is dissappointing. Tightening screws didn't help. Its like roulette with these things

 

I think that adding all of those things is a step backwards and I would rather have updated USB 3.0 instead of the Express Card, firewire, etc. If you want that, your best bet is to get a business laptop. Plus there are only so many ports you can put on a single motherboard. I agree with a previuos post, I would liked to have seen a slot loading dvd player.

 

Is there any way to have the light on the backlit keyboard remain on instead of fading off after n seconds of inactivity?

Also, any way to remove the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon from the system tray?

 

Anyone know how to turn the bluetooth off on the 6230N card? I literally never use it. I can't figure out how to, even disabling bluetooth adapter in the adapter settings and going to the mobility center it says that the bluetooth is on. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

i'd like to know too.

 

Which color tone is yours over saturated? I have 2 units and one is on Red other is on Green, I prefer the green since it has a cool white like Apple LCD's/CRT's...

It is very interesting that no AU B156HW01 V.7 is the same, every one has some color balance offset. Depends on what you like white to look like reddish (TV broadcast like) or cool (PC LIKE).. I seem to dislike red.
Even the pop was different between the displays, one with sharper pitch but lack of contrast, other one with bolder pitch but nice contrast that cannot be adjusted in neither cases, even the blacks in dark room look less "lit" in the second green calibrated unit.

Hope this helps the "Ultra Perfectionists" out there...

One more thing, I can bet 80% of the XPS's have their WiFi card's antenna disconnected from shipping/factory which creates "my signal db is krap" threads...

 

I actually am having a lot of trouble with the 6230 wifi card. I heard people were getting their laptops with the antenna disconnected, so I checked and mine are connected. It can't keep a stable signal on any network (WNDR3700 v2 at home). It'll connect then windows will give me the yellow ! on and off every 20 seconds maybe. I can't get to the router admin page on wireless so I know it's not the internet, but when I finally do get some connection, it's EXTREMELY slow. Any ideas?

 

1. Using the latest drivers from intel.com?
2. Try reseating the antenna connections anyway
3. Any problems on other wifi devices?
4. Try changing the wifi channel on the router and check results
5. How far away from the router are and how through how many Walls?

 

Tech messed up mine as well when replacing the motherboard. I requested a refund, and I'll be returning my xps 15 as soon as the box comes.

 

Thanks for the tips ollie.
Wifi driver is up to date. 14.0.1.0
I pushed on the antennas just in case they were loose. But I'll try re seating them.
My old laptop with an intel 5100 wireless was VERY stable on the 5Ghz band and could get a speed of about 18MB/s over wireless (from our internal server).
Wifi channel is clear of interference (see pic) and all other devices are fine on it (we're 5-spot).
The AP is right below me one floor down (about 6 feet, 1 wall) but like I said, all other devices are perfect on it.

I heard a lot of other people were having problems with the 6230N, anybody know if they've found a solution or anything.
Thanks again Ollie. Rep+

 

This intel optimus sucks! Anyway to turn it off?

 

It's Nvidia Optimus. It's awesome, why would you want to turn it off? You can set certain programs to use the Nvidia or intel GPU or you can right click on a program to run it and choose which GPU it runs on. As far as I know (and I'm not really sure about it) there's no setting to turn it off but you may be able to get a different driver that doesn't have it enabled.

 

I want to have the nvidia brightness and contrast settings as the universal settings, is there a way to make the nvidia color settings over ride but have the intel work?

 

Open the Windows Mobility Center (You can use the settings button above the keyboard). Click on the Keyboard Brightness Icon in the Customized by Dell section, and you'll see the keyboard lighting options including never turn off.

Gary

 

Guys I've had this laptop for 2 weeks and I'm in love loll it's 50 c when surfing the web, it never heats up, when playing games it goes up to 78-80c, speakers are amazing its like my stereo in my car lol, and the screen is so HD, I can keep going on and on, this thing is beast!!!

 

No probs! Tried another wifi router? (if you have one handy?) in case the 6230 "doesn't like" your current one?

I know it also sounds odd, but how about trying the wifi access point without any WEP/WPA security? I've seen that cause weird problems with certain cards.

I'm hoping it's not an inherent problem with the 6230 as I've just bought one in anticipation for receiving the laptop in my sig

 

Aha, many thanks for that. I didn't realize you could click on the icon for further settings.

 

Tech guy damaged my keyboard when replacing the screen... Waiting for my replacement to arrive. Hopefully its as good quality as the one i have now.

 

Anyone else having the Realtek audio control panel crash (the thing that launches when you press the Waves MaxxAudio button)? I even did a complete factory restore and its still crashing.

Edit: And by crashing I mean simply not opening and causing the system tray icon to disappear.

Edit2: Did factory restore again and updated everything, and the problem is gone. *shrugs*

 

Hi, everybody, I currently own the new hp dv7qt, but considering returning it for an xps. My primarily wanted to ask about how bad the alleged fan / overheating issues are, the feel of the keyboard, the build quality, and whether our it is worth it to save the 100 for video card, 525 v. 555, and whether they think the machine is too bulky. Thanks!

 

Hi,
could you guys post your boot times.
I am getting over a minute. It was over 90 secs but after removing unwanted startup programs and updating drivers i managed to get it down to a minute.

specs
XPS 15 (L502X)
core i7 2630QM
6 GB RAM
500 GB 7200rpm
NVIDIA 525 M
FHD 1080p
6-cell battery

if the boot time is still slow, any ways to improve?
I have not done a fresh install.

 

Anybody has a clean install guide for the L502X?

Thanks

 

yes I would also like to know!!

 

Intel Core i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz
6GB DDR3 Ram
FHD TLF B+RGLED
NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB
500GB 7200 RPM
Blu-ray Disc BD-Combo
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000
6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Windows 7 Home Premium

^Now has Windows 7 Pro (Clean Install)
and a Samsung 470 128GB SSD





This was the missing piece to the system. It boots up in line 18 seconds.

 

In Europe, where can i buy a customized XPS other than Dell.com/(de,uk etc)? OR Does other coutries Dell.com sites send laptops to other countries?

for example laptop from germany-->Finland

I´m from finland and Finland´s Dell.com/fi does not have new 2011 modell to be chosen. Sry for my bad english, which is also the reason for not using "search" option for this kind of question

Does xps 15 have backlit keyboard option? Somewhere i read that it doesn´t, only 17" does?

 

@dskreet nice! I want an SSD so bad! HD is definitely the slowest part of this laptop.

Just timed my boot on the stock HD (500GB 7200RPM Seagate) and the stock windows install with a bunch of crap removed and it booted in about 1:40 :O.

I will be installing my Momentus XT probably tonight and a new Windows 7 Pro install and I'll update my boot time then.

 

Getting ready to take the plunge and order an XPS 15, any tips on how to get the best deal, i.e. order over the phone v. ordering online, things I can say to get them to up the deal, etc. Thanks!

 

I just got my XPS 15 two days agao, and i MUST say it is THE BEST LAPTOP I've ever owned!!!

I've used macbook pros and other Dells, but this thing blows those out of the water!!!

The Screen it beautiful and the sound is fantastic, right now it is only boxed up till i finish school, when ill have time to really play with it but DAMN! i wish it was safer to take it to school and work with me right, but the 1537 gotta takes its licks before i trade it in.


DELL GOT IT RIGHT!!!