Dell XPS 15 R2 - L502x - Owners Lounge

The keyboard is extremely easy to resit. I literally opened my laptop 4 times after the tech left (replaced it with back-lit) to reset the keyboard and front trim to perfection.

 

Will this void the warranty? And does it remove some of the sturdiness of the build?

Thanks again,

Aguycalleddave

 

Damn it will be here tomorrow :-(

 

is the screen really that bad? I mean I am using a CRT monitor on my current desktop so it has to be better than that right?

 

CRT monitors usually have better color reproduction, but they're fuzzier. I mean it may be usable to you, but keep in mind that unless you happened to get the LG LCD, the screen is worse quality than the screens in many budget-class laptops.

 

Just ordered my XPS 15. Had huge problems as I ordered it 5 days ago when Dell.ca was running a "deal of the day campaign". Got a really good deal and was stoked for it. I got your order is "Acknowledged" but never the "confirmed" email, so I called them today five days later. The order had not gone through, most likely due to a faulty phone number. So I got bounced around through FIVE representatives and when the fourth answered I was already so pissed that I said "ing unbelievable service" and the middle eastern accented guy told me "I will not tolerate any profanities " I was losing it at this point out of irritation but bit my tongue. Well the fifth guy was able to give me the same deal I had ordered and said they will put it on a priority list and ship asap.

Here is the confirmation am I missing something? I was thinking about sending a email to the service representative that finally solved my problem since I have his personal email and ask for a the better WiFi card Centrino Advanced-N 6230 instead of the Centrino Wireless-N 1030. The 6230 wasn't even an option on the dell.ca site so am I being y if I ask for this card? Anything else I should consider changing or asking for? Thanks for the help fellas.


225-0675 XPS L502X (Direct) 1 $1,146.19
312-1185 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Batt (L502X) 1
317-6408 Intel Core i7-2630QM 2.00 GHz 1
317-6415 8GB,DDR3,2 DIMM, 1333MHz (L502X) 1
318-0138 JBL 2.1 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3 1
318-0151 BluRay Combo Drive 1
318-0392 Windows Live Wave 4, CNB 1
318-0434 Roxio Creator Starter, FI, CNB 1
318-0490 Elemental Silver Aluminum (WLAN) L502X 1
320-1673 15.6FHD TLF B+RGLED LCD L50xX 1
320-2120 NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M 2GB US (L502X) 1
330-6222 Windows 7 OS Label,CNB 1
331-1668 Backlit Internal Keyboard - Eng (L502X) 1
331-1674 Resource DVD (L502X) 1
342-2370 750GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive (L502X) 1
410-0487 MICROSOFT OFFICE STARTER 2010,CNB 1
410-0548 ADOBE ACROBAT X READER MLANG,CNB 1
410-9453 McAfee Platinum, 15 Month, MUI, CNB 1
420-6436 PC-RESTORE, DIM/INSP 1
420-6576 DELL WELCOME,SW,DIM/INSP 1
420-9691 DATASAFE LOCAL BACKUP 1
420-9876 COZI-CALENDAR,INB 1
421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG 1
421-0757 SKYPE VOIP SOFTWARE APPLICATION,CNB 1
421-2086 EBAY-WEBSLICE, CNB 1
421-3642 Basic Stage, CNB 1
421-3874 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install,CNB 1
421-4289 DELL SPRT-CTR SW 3.0 1
421-4550 Power DVD 9.6, 3D, CNB 1
421-4736 Wireless Display Software (L502X) 1
421-5780 Win 7 Home Prem 64 SP1,Eng,No Media,CNB 1
430-4038 INTEGRATED NIC 1
430-4047 Intel WLAN-N 1030 and BT 3.0 (L502X) 1
920-5070 XPS WARRANTY SPRT, INSPIRON, INIT YR,CA 1
931-0791 HW WRTY + SVC,XPS L502X,SOL,INIT,CA 1
931-0811 RTD,XPS L502X,SOL,INIT,CA 1
009-6800 SHIPPING FEE 1
950-9057 NO WARRANTY,YRS 2/3(1-1-1RTD) 1
600-0023 BC $1.20 EHF,NOTEBOOK PCS 1
Subtotal: $1,146.19

 

im pretty sure it is just the wled. seems like a huge hassle to return it and all but once i get it tomorrow then I will view the screen and see. If it is that bad I will just return it and get the 1080p. With the 1080p screen will it be better than the dv6 you linked? (not just the screen but overall)

 

The 1080p screen in the XPS 15 is better than the one on the DV6, but the one in the DV6 is still good.
The 720p screen in the DV6 is better than the one in the XPS 15, but still not very good.

The graphics in the DV6 are supposed to be more powerful, especially when the drivers are perfected.

 

thanks for all the help! Isn't the memory only 1066 in the dv6? Maybe the DV6 is the better deal though b/c you get blu-ray and the 1080p for 750 where as with the dell it will bring mine to around 800 after getting the 1080p screen. Decisions, decisions. I just wish I would have known about the screen before so I wouldn't have to bother with returning it and dealing with customer service and all that.

 

My L502x came with 8gb dual-channel 1333Mhz DDR3 SD RAM (2 x 4gb) config

When I ran HWmonitor it informed me that the memory speed is only 667Mhz with a max of 800Mhz

Did they advertise incorrect clock speeds for the memory when I purchased?

 

Can the l502x with the gt 525/540 plat starcraft 2 in high or even ultra?

 

so as many said dont buy Xps without 1080p available i think it is not available here ....so should i get the Inspiron (sandy bridge ) instead of this

Specs would be

Intel® Core™ i7-2630QM
Ram 6GB
HDD 640GB
NVIDIA GeForce GT525M 1GB
15.6" Widescreen HD WLED (1366x768)
Exchangeable Cover
Mobile Intel 5 series express chipset
12.7" SATA Tray Load DVD+RW
Numeric Keypad
SRS Premium Sound 2 speakers
WiFi, Bluetooth, Webcam, Card Reader, HDMI Port.

it will cost me around 850$ here should i go for it ??? ....i do not know about the heating issues of inspiron although i wont be doing Gaming Much

 

Well the 1080p screen in the Inspiron won't be any better to be honest.

What website are you buying the laptop from?

 

i did a big mistake when ordering my l502x i.e i forgot to add the bluetooth add on .... so when i realized after ordering dell uk could not add it afterwards and said i have to cancel my order for this and order it again...
now i have the laptop without bluetooth , any idea what i can do now ..?? can i add the bluetooth ..?? sorry i m not that techy

 

well in the inspiron there is no 1080 it just have the normal 15.6" Widescreen HD WLED (1366x768) screen

i am buying from a local site here Computer Zone Pakistan - Computer Prices  - Laptop Prices - Computer Rates-Used Computers-Used Laptops-Gaming-Graphic Cards-Karachi. they dont have the XPS right now but they quoted me the price for the spec i posted earlier .....

....now i am really confused after the 720p/1080p thingy

i was all set to buy the xps with 720p screen but as every 1 said 1080p is the most important upgrade .... but unfortunately i cant have that upgrade


so i was thinking about to just get the inspiron for the above specs which i posted in around $850 ....... although i know inspiron has inferior build quality and their spkr is not as good as XPS ........i dont know what to do

should i go for the XPS without 1080p for $1235 (specs i posted earlier) ? as this is the only option

OR

Should i get the above posted spec Inspiron for $850 and save around 400$ ?

 

Well, there are plenty of cheap USB bluetooth adapters you can buy. I never use it myself, but if you really needed it to synch your phone or something, that might be an inexpensive way to do it.

 

Buy an intel 6230, open the backcover of your xps 15(3screws), remove the stock wireless card(1screw), put the 6230 in, screw everything back.

 

I thought I destroyed my wireless BT module clicking the antennae on wrong, but I guess it was my router, anyways.. I thought this was a good deal, it was the best I could find and it works well:

MacMall | Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 - Network adapter 62230AN.HMWWB

its the 6230 advanced N with BT for $20 + shipping. (shipping was a bit much I thought, it was a huge box for a very small chip.)

 

if you can find a B156Hw01 v.4 I have an extra FHD cable I can send at cost + shipping. I'll mark it as gift. They sent me two and just refunded one and told me to keep it.

I'm hesitant to suggest these guys because they say they sell matte and its glossy instead. I was a bit mad, but he's a nice person. They might be able to find another panel and even get it repolarized to matte if you ask.

[AUO B156HW01 V.4 ] - AUO B156HW01 V.4 LCD screen - US$130.95 - AUO B156HW01 V.4 LCD screen 15.6 inch LED 1920x1080 WUXGA

make sure its genuine before you buy.

If you can afford it, this is the guy to buy from and its matte

B156HW01 V.4 (LED) GRADE A+ - Kuzotronic.com

if you go with Kuzotronic, it might be cheaper to get the kit with the cable. I think my cable cost $15 so its not much savings including the shipping?

the upgrade isn't too complicated. Its kind of fun to get into your laptop like that and know where everything is.

 

Technically an XPS 15 with 720p is better than an Inspiron with 720p, but you have to take into account price, and once you do that the XPS isn't worth it. All you gain for the $400 is better speakers and I believe a bit better build quality.

 

yeah ur right that exactly i was thinking ....but let see what i get ...am still confused ....i was looking for HP stuff too but found out there are some serious Heating issues

 

Anyone here play starcraft 2 on high / ultra?

 

I haven't played it, but here's a link that should help. LINK

 

ok so I have been playing with my xps 15 720p screen. I notice some pixelation/artifacting with the blacks. other than that it looks good imo. so what should I be noticing that will be better on the 1080p to warrant the extra 150? I don't plan to watch blu rays on it and might do some mmo gaming (star wars old republic maybe) in the future. but other then that i just do the typical email, facebook, etc. should I still send it back for the 1080p? how will it be $150 better? I am very curious about this. Thank you for any and all help!

 

also, is the 1080p screen non glossy? that is one of the faults I guess I have with this current one. Thanks.

 

I have 1080p screen on my l502x and it is glossy.

 

thanks for the info. I am assuming you like the screen overall? Have you seen the 720p to compare?

 

I think, according to the raving reviews i have read, that the 1080p is well worth the premium. It is one of the best screens on the market right now, better even than the macbook pro's. You will not regret it.

 

The 1080p B+RGLED screen is second only to IPS RGB LED screens like the HP DreamColor and Dell PremierColor. $150 is a very cheap upgrade for this type of screen.

The color reproduction is just about on-par with them - a lot more vibrant than on standard screens, especially in the red spectrum, there are no artifacts - you get true blacks, the viewing angles are much wider - colors don't shift quite as much when looking from an angle.

 

so I should send it back and get the better screen then huh? Should I get the 9cell battery too then? Will the better screen use more power?

 

Also, seeing as it is 1080p, have any of you calibrated the screen for the best possible picture output?

 

The screen is brighter so technically it will use more power on its brightest setting, but if you turn the brightness down to a level that equates to the maximum brightness of the 720p screen it should use about the same amount of power.

It also uses more GPU to output more pixels, but given that it's going to be running on the integrated GPU while the discrete GPU isn't being utilized, and that it's nowhere near the max load if the iGPU, the difference will be negligible.

So in short, no you won't need to upgrade your battery to power the upgraded screen.

 

I got my SPXS 1640 replacement in transit to be delivered tomorrow morning! I cant wait!!

XPS 15:

i7-2620M processor (2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz)
8 GB DDR3 RAM
750 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
15.6 inch FHD (1080p) B+RGLED
Blu-ray Disc Combo
6 Cell Primary Battery
Backlit Keyboard
Windows 7 HP

 

I had my dell last month and I don't really care for the graphic card back before.
now I tried to play pro evolution soccer 2011 but the graphic card is not working or insufficient video card said the game.
I've tried to set it through nvidia control panel - manage 3d setting - program setting and select the pes2011.exe and select high performance nvidia processor but the result is the same.
and 1 more, it also happen for counter strike 1.6
anyone can help me with this problem?

oh btw, I already updated the bios. I use the default intel driver but I installed

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...stemID=XPS_L502X&typecnt=0&typeid=-1&vercnt=2

for the driver of nvidia

my laptop is nvidia GeForce GT 525M

 

You bought "Dual Channel" memory. Your hardware monitoring software is only measuring one channel which is typical. So 667 x 2 = 1,334. You got what you paid for. I hope this helps.

 

Thanks, that's a relief. How many memory banks does the XPS have? Does anyone have any recommendations for the optimal amount of memory to install onto the XPS before performance increases become barely noticeable? Have the 2720QM processor and 2gb 540M gfx card, if it helps...
Memory is constantly running a baseline level at 25-30% (from monitoring the CPU meter)... just using basic applications (web browsing, office) would like to improve.

- J

 

nice system! I'm working towards something similar. I think the quads are overrated unless doing video editing or something like that. I rather have a fast dual core any day.

 

I couldn't find the "Post your Build" thread, so I'll write it here.

I finally re-ordered myself a XPS 15 (originally ordered the XPS 17 1080 and HATED the color/contrast of the AG screen) and here's the deal/build I got.

i7-2720QM processor (2.20 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.30 GHz)
15.6FHD TLF B+RGLED LCD L50xX
NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB graphics with Optimus
8GB DDR3 RAM
750GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
Backlit Internal Keyboard
Blu-Ray Disc Combo
9 Cell Battery
Win 7 Home Prem 64bit

That's pretty much the important info, right? All that for $1475 (includes taxes and s&h)!

 

ya i just got my xps 15 today and i love this thing!!!! Are you trying to get one too? Are you still having overheating/throttling issues with your sxps 16?

 

I bought a XPS for like $600, and have been adding parts to it slowly. It all started because I wanted a matte screen (didn't work out too well). CA tax made beefy systems over my budget too. My last purchase was the 2620m on ebay, pulled from someone else's laptop. System runs greats so far, can't wait for that new CPU though.

Didn't own a XPS 16, might be someone else

I have to agree though, these XPS 15 are sweet laptops!

 

I've been browsing through the forums and can't find a definitive post about whether Sound Blaster X-Fi is worth the $20 or not. Some people say it is since it'll make things sound better over headphones, while other say it's extra software that you don't really need... Does anyone know where I can get more info about it?

 

Hey, I just got my XPS 15 yesterday and I love it. I'm having an issue with the system password in the bios. Basically it'll freeze when the password is being entered on bootup about 1/3 or 1/4 of the time. It's easily remedied by shutting off the system and turning it back on, but I'm wondering why this is occurring. I tried calling dell tech support, but they weren't much help at all (The guy kept running windows diagnostics, when it clearly was a bios issue as everything else was working perfectly). When the call was over he basically said there was nothing they could do, and I should just disable the bios password if I want to avoid the issue. I'm just wondering if anyone else is running into a problem such as this (my bios revision is A05).

 

It is a software add-on. EXACT SAME HARDWARE.

Equalizers are garbage. Invest in top tier ($150+ headphones) instead.

 

Hope this works - first post.

Fan Noise Problem SOLVED ? ? XPS 15 L502X

I have had all the different variations of fan noise - from the Studio 1558, to the Studio 1569 to two different system replacements XPS 15 L502X. The latest problem is, when just web surfing, every web page I click on, the fan will go on for a very short burst, medium loud.

This is every page, nothing else running, no YouTube video. Click on a page, fan burst, click on another page, fan burst (air is not hot, feels cool to warm). Drive me crazy !

My system:

i7-2620M, Video Card 525m, Screen 15.6 1366 x 720 (I think the screen is great), 6g RAM, 6 Cell Battery.

Bios - A05 5/4/11
Video Card 525m - Driver 268.30
Intel - Driver 8.15.10.2253

This is what has worked for me for the last couple of hours. Now fan goes on for approximately 1 minute (low to medium sound), approximately every 11 minutes. Much better - have not checked temps.

Control Panel > Power Options > choose Power Saver - then Change Plan Settings > Change Advance Power Settings (don‘t worry, you can change back to default - see other option). When shipped the XPS was set to High Performance.

Choose all of the options you would choose from High Performance - every option for max performance. Yes, you should be in Power Saver, switching all options to max performance.

Some of the not so obvious choices:

USB Settings - Enabled

PCI Express - OFF

Processor Power Management - Min 5% / Cooling ACTIVE / Max 100%

If the same exact settings options as described for Power Saver (listed above) are used in the High Performance option - this will not work; you will continue to have fan noise. I don’t know why.

Well, I hope this helps someone - it is currently working for me. I can’t take all of the credit as I have read a lot of the different forums (this seems to be a common problem).

 

oh ok nvm , ya I thought you had the studio XPS and also got a replacement. But nice you got your config for $600 plus upgrades. not bad! Do you know where to get a cheap 9-cell battery from or is Dell my only option?

 

never looked into batteries, usually mine is plugged in. I just am at different places a lot.

it sounds nice to get a XPS for $600, but after all the upgrades it comes close to dell's asking price for a full system. Didn't really do myself a favor except I have extra parts I might be able to sell.

probably screwed myself on warranty too.

good luck on the battery search!

 

Google WHXY3 for the 9 cell, J70W7 for the 6 cell.

 

For sale if anyone interested $1150 (OBO - Atlanta, GA area) text me 770-634-1552.

Own for 2 months. Don't travel anymore. Mainly use desktop only.

Item Number Quantity Item Description
225-0675 1 XPS 15
317-6409 1 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2720QM processor 2.20 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.30 GHz
317-6414 1 6GB,DDR3,2 DIMM
331-1668 1 Backlit Internal Keyboard - English
320-1673 1 15.6FHD TLF B+RGLED LCD L501X
421-3874 1 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install
421-3642 1 Basic Stage
320-2120 1 NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB graphics with Optimus
342-2372 1 640GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
318-0490 1 Elemental Silver Aluminum (WLAN)
420-6576 1 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
420-9691 1 DataSafe Local BackUp
420-6436 1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
330-6222 1 Windows 7 Label
421-1737 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
421-0092 1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
420-9876 1 Cozi-Calendar
421-2086 1 eBay Webslice
421-0757 1 Skype VOIP Application
421-4118 1 WHITEPAGES.COM,Webslice
421-4289 1 Dell Support Center Software 3.0
318-0392 1 Windows Live Wave 4
331-1674 1 Resource DVD (L502X)
430-4038 1 Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card
410-1883 1 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
318-0151 1 Tray Load Blu-ray Disc BD-Combo (Reads BD and Writes to DVD/CD)
318-0434 1 Roxio Creator Starter, FI
421-4550 1 Power DVD 9.6, 3D
318-0138 1 JBL 2.1 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3
430-4048 1 Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
421-4736 1 Wireless Display Software
410-9452 1 McAfee Platinum, 30 Day, MUI
312-1185 1 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
410-0487 1 Microsoft Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word and Excel with ads. No PowerPoint or Outlook
939-4860 1 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Initial Year
939-4870 1 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, Initial Year
950-3337 1 1 Year Limited Warranty
950-9797 1 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
420-8878 1 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement
933-0410 1 Warranty Support, Initial Year
988-0099 1 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online
927-2357 1 DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
421-4356 1 Software, DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
430-3893 1 No Mobile Broadband L501X

 

. Dell wants me to pay 78 dollars to send back my xps to upgrade to the 1080p screen. Don't think I want to do that so I will send it back and pay it but not order another dell. f%%% you dell

 

Hi, currently waiting for my XPS 15 to be delivered. Just one question, where were your laptops made? My one is probably made in China, tracking say China as a first place. Was expecting Poland, since i am in Ireland.
BTW, laptop is currently in Koln, Germany. So hopefully Mon or Tue. Cannot wait