Dell XPS 15 R2 - L502x - Owners Lounge

I think its been discussed 15 pages back or so. There is some kind of small debate if it is sending digital signals over VGA. Newer projectors would work for one guy, but older ones didn't seem to if I recall correctly. I think page 152 or a few before would be a good place to get info.

 

Is there a guide on how to install it and where to obtain the parts? thats the one thing I could not upgrade to at the time of purchase.

 

It has been discussed before.

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Summary of that page 152
gpufan was using an apple branded adapter. His adapter failed on the xps.
I don't even know of he used the switch function either.
His test was to use a Dell Vostros 1500 with a vga cable to the projector.
But never tested his adapter on a different device that isn't a Dell XPS or a Apple Device, to be sure that his adapter works.
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An active Mini -Display Port to VGA works. Unfortunately, I do not have a mini version but a full sized version.
There is no difference between them except for size format.
So, I know it does work.
The last guy reported didn't working with his cause the PNP (Plug and Play) didn't work so he had to manually turn it by using the Switch Monitor function.

But that last guy had a non apple brand and an active adapter. These adapters are typically priced between 25 and 80 bucks.


As for Apple Mini Displayport to VGA adapter works for X502, probably No.

 

I can confirm that the Apple Mini Display to VGA Adapter works. Used it for a work presentation a couple of days ago.

 

Thanks, it's hard to find other brands here in Malaysia.

Regarding the digital/analog issue, I don't quite understand it. Will it be a huge problem?

 

Dell also sells an analog MDP> VGA adapter, if you make a new config its under its own section for add-ons I think. But I never could find a part number for it if you wanted to add it on later. Maybe its not an option in some countries as well.

the Apple adapter looks like its active

Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

looks like it has a firmware update only update-able on a mac

About the Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter firmware update


I still don't understand the whole active vs. passive thing, it seems like passive just passes a digital signal through the wire and does a little tweaking to make it compatible. I think the active adapters have hardware to make the signal analog or if the MDP doesn't support digital passthrough. But it gets more complicated. If you want to hook up more than one monitor I think you have to go active.

It doesn't really pertain to anything I do, except I did buy a passive MDP > DVI-D for when hooking my laptop to a monitor as a desktop replacement when I'm home.

I have had an interest in exactly how and why/when it works for curiosities sake. Maybe after reading some more on the subject I could be of more help, or if someone here could spell it out

 

Mini DisplayPort VGA - Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter Converter | StarTech.com

This seems to be the 'official' adapter for Dell laptops. It's also listed on Dell's website. STARTECH.COM Mini DisplayPort to VGA Video Adapter Converter : TV & Home Entertainment | Dell Canada

But I have no idea where to get this!

 

Hello everyone, great thread! I just purchased an XPS 15 and am waiting for it to be delivered.

I would like to post the specs and hear your feedback on the unit I purchased:


1 317-6410 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2820QM processor 2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz
1 317-6415 8GB,DDR3,2 DIMM
1 331-1668 Backlit Internal Keyboard - English
1 320-1673 15.6FHD TLF B+RGLED LCD L50xX
1 421-3874 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install
1 421-3642 Basic Stage
1 320-2120 NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB graphics with Optimus
1 342-2370 750GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 318-0490 Elemental Silver Aluminum (WLAN)
1 318-0392 Windows Live Wave 4
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 331-1674 Resource DVD (L502X)
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 421-0757 Skype VOIP Application
1 421-5825 Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Service Pack 1, English, No Media
1 421-4289 Dell Support Center Software 3.0
1 421-4586 TRUSTED-ID,ICON
1 430-4038 Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card
1 318-0151 Tray Load Blu-ray Disc BD-Combo (Reads BD and Writes to DVD/CD)
1 318-0434 Roxio Creator Starter, FI
1 421-4550 Power DVD 9.6, 3D
1 318-0431 Creative SoundBlaster X-FI MB 1.2
1 317-6212 Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6150
1 421-4736 Wireless Display Software
1 410-9453 McAfee Platinum, 15 Month, MUI
1 312-1186 90 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
1 410-0488 Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Student, English
1 939-4850 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Extended Year
1 939-4860 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Initial Year
1 939-4890 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, 2 Year Extended $195.00
1 939-4870 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, Initial Year $55.00
1 950-3339 3 Year Limited Warranty
1 993-8552 Accidental Damage Service, 3 Years $119.00
1 412-0358 Soft Contracts Consumer Accidental Damage Agreement
1 420-8878 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement
1 954-1870 Premium Phone Support, Initial Year
1 939-7862 Premium Phone Support, 2 Year Extended
1 988-0099 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online $0.00
1 927-2357 DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
1 421-4356 Software, DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
1 330-0171 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
1 430-3893 No Mobile Broadband L501X $0.00


The cost before tax and shipping = $2,118.47

So, first off, were my selections good?

Second, I was told by Dell that even though I purchased Win 7 Ultimate, I will NOT receive the install discs however, I will be able to download it via DataSafe. Has anyone had any experience with this and is it easy to do? I plan on doing a clean install of Windows ASAP upon receiving the unit.

Lastly, I also purchased the NETGEAR PUSH 2 TV unit... is it any good?

Thanks for your help!

 

how much did it cost?

 

$2,118.47, I have now added it to my post. Sorry about that.

 

Pretty expensive but you have a good machine there and good warranty, the only thing that you need now is an Solid State Drive.
I think there is an option for if you want to receive the windows disc, it costs $15

 

what was your aim for getting a 2100 dollar laptop? Gaming, design, etc?

 

I'd like to do gaming and video editing but I generally like a speedy system. Do you think I spent too much?

 

Not necessarily. I was just curious. I only spent like 625 on mine so kinda envious haha. I probably would have purchased less ram and then bought it after on newegg or a similar site.

 

No, that's relative. I mean, it looks like you pretty much got the best of everything. I cut back on a bunch of stuff a little to save money. I decided the 525 GPU was fine for what I needed, 500 gig HD would be OK, and I bought less RAM so I could upgrade later and save a few bucks. But I don't think anyone could argue that you are buying an incredibly sweet machine.

EDIT: I even returned the at-home warranty service that you are automatically enrolled in to save 55 bucks (just means you've got to ship the machine if something goes wrong.) That just goes to show how cheap I am.

 

Thanks for all the kind words! What about that NETGEAR PUSH 2 TV unit... is it any good?

 

If it is the netgear pvt2000 then it pretty good. the lag between your laptop and the tv is about less than a second. it is easy and fast . i use one at home to watch movie on tv and work on other stuff on laptop screen.

 

Yes, YOU SPENT WAY TOO MUCH. Frankly that machine is garbage for $2100. You don't want a 540m in a $2100 gaming laptop not even including tax.

Cancel immediately.

 

Thanks for the feedback Bob. Do you have any specific changes in the configuration that you could recommend?

 

If you're going to spend $2100 on a computer, don't get an XPS 15. The 540M really limits what games you can play (and at what quality). Check out the Suggestions forum for better options.

 

Ok, got my Dell XPS L502x to connect to a non PnP projector. Don't use the adapter from Apple, use the one from Startech. Details here:
Mini-DisplayPort on New Dells: Resolving issues with output to projectors in Windows 7

 

hey guys is there a difference in quality between 16" 720p WXGA (1366x768) WLED HD Display [studio xps 1640] and 15.6" (39.6cm) HD (1366x768) WLED display with TrueLife™ [xps 15 l502x]

 

Thanks. I'm actually pretty surprised to hear this as most of the reviews and forum discussions about this video card were mostly positive.

 

The 720p display in the XPS 15 is one of the worst 720p displays there is (unless you're lucky and get a different-brand LCD)

Don't buy the XPS 15 if you're not going to upgrade to the 1920x1080 B+RGLED display.

It's a good mid-range GPU. It's good for a laptop that costs around $800-$1100. Maybe up to around $1400 makes sense, but only if you're in it for features other than gaming, and need the battery life of a non-gaming laptop. However the XPS shouldn't even offer the 2820QM. In fact, nothing should, the performance difference between it an the 2720QM is so negligible it's basically never worth the upgrade.

 

540M is good for casual gaming and not so serious gaming, but it will not handle the latest and greatest at max settings/max resolution. 540M gets beat by a GTX 260M.

I can attest to the terrible 720p screen in the XPS 15. If you buy an XPS 15, get the B+RGLED screen or don't buy the laptop. Nothing like having all that hardware and having a terribad washed out 720p screen.

 

my xps 15 arrived today. relevant specs:

- brg led 1080p screen
- 525m
- 7200 rpm 500 gb hd
- 6 gb ram
- intel 1000 wireless (woo)
- i7-2630qm
- 6 cell
- bd-rom

$790 shipped w/ tax. basically my ideal config except for no backlit screen and intel 1000 wireless card (coming from a 5300 card...), but i'm going to be using my old latitude when im sitting in bed/low light because this computer is massive. wireless is easily upgradable so i don't care about it either.

only complaint so far is that the keyboard seems smaller vertically when compared to the old-school 7 row keyboard on my e6400. there is still a lot of feedback when i hit the keys so no complaints there - it just feels a tad cramped. i'm probably not used to it yet, i expect this won't be a problem in a few weeks.

if i rest my left hand in a typing position, the side of my palm hits the touchpad unless i move my hand away. of course, if my left palm is touching the touchpad, using my right hand to move the mouse won't do anything. slightly annoying, it just means i have to move my hand a little when i'm typing and want to move the cursor.

other than that, very happy with the screen (oh my god viewing angle and color intensity) and speakers.

 

whistle, where in the blue blazes did you get that configuration for only $790??

 

You can disable/enable the touchpad with a keystroke.

 

oh I thought I mentioned it was from the outlet, lol. my last laptop came from the outlet as well and it looked and worked as if it was brand new, so I didn't have any qualms about getting this one there too.

disabling the touchpad defeats the purpose of using the touchpad, no? . my explanation probably wasn't very clear - I want to use the touchpad with my right hand while my left hand is still in its "typing pose". however, the touchpad is so large that this means my left hand (which is on the small side itself) touches the edge of the touchpad, making it so that the touchpad doesn't respond correctly to my right hand. it's not an issue with brushing the touchpad accidentally while typing.

 

Ah... I thought you were just using the keyboard and a mouse.

 

but i'm getting a replacement =/ from xps 1640 to l502x. So was wondering if the screen is like mine. If it is then i'm fine

Which brand of LCD is the bad one? i read from this forum that the 720p has 2. Ones okay and ones bad. If it really is alot worst than my current screen then I guess I will ask for the 1020p

 

@dj62

What were your XPS 1640 specs? If it had a non-FHD LCD, it'll be pretty tough to get Dell to give you the FHD B+RGLED 1080p.

 

Wow thanks for that. But now I have no idea where to get it...!

 

I got my L502X two days ago and I'm loving it. Love the display and the speakers.

I have one immediate problem though. Dell has created a single C: partition with Win7 installed, apart from a 13GB recovery partition. I want to have a 100GB partition for the OS and the rest for data. Tried the shrink partition utility in Win7 but it doesn't allow for shrinking the partition to less than 350GB and still has the risk of screwing up Win7. Besides I'm guessing it also screws up Dell's system restore? Another way would be to do a fresh clean install of windows using the disk provided. What would happen to the recovery partition while doing so? Would it be possible to setup Dell's system restore/recovery options again? How useful are they anyway - Data Safe local backup, Dell's factory image restore?


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Dell XPS15 L502X
Intel Core i7 6230QM, 750GB HDD, 4GB DDR3 RAM, NVIDEA GT540M, 1080p B+RGLED

 

worked for me. i used the partition utility to shrink the OS to 100gb and the rest is for data.

 

@villosa
I have 16" 720p WXGA (1366x768) WLED HD Display, and i'm quite happy with it. viewing angles are great in my opinion. heard the 1502x 720p has bad viewing angles =/.. if it's equivalent or better then my current 720p quality I am very much satisfied..any idea which 2 brand of 720p is in the 1502x? heard one is better than the other..

 

The two LCD models are AUO and LG. The LG one is suppose to be the better one. No way to select which 720p LCD unfortunately so it's all luck.

 

The partition utility in Win 7? It allows me to shrink it only to 350GB, not lesser, saying there are unmovable system files.

 

My L502x had a Samsung 720p - LTN156AT05-001 - 60% Gamut - Awful awful screen
http://lcd-screen.com.ua/data/pdf/1168.pdf

 

defrag the harddrive and then try.
i dont think it will let you partition if there are files all over the harddrive.

 

Hello all. Long time reader, first time poster here. I thought I'd chime in and bolster the Dell Outlet argument. I have purchased many products refurbished from several manufacturers (Dell and Apple to name a couple) and have never had a single issue. I have however saved quite a bit of coin. Below is what I purchased Monday after doing a bunch of research and pressing F5 while on the outlet site more times than I can count:

XPS L502X
Processor: Intel Core i7 2630QM 2.0GHz (2.8GHz Turbo Mode, 6MB Cache)
6 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
640 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Blu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M 1GB graphics
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
15.6 inch FHD (1080p) B+RGLED Display with 2.0 MP webcam
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Elemental Silver Aluminum WLAN Capable
Microsoft Office Starter
6 Cell Primary Battery
Internal Backlit Keyboard - English

My total cost after tax was $727.01. Not too shabby for what should be a pretty powerful system.

I went back and forth a bit on the graphics chip; I'm hoping I get a decent overclocker and can make up the ~10% difference.

It just arrived today, and I'll post impressions after I get to play with it tonight.

I would like to add that this thread was instrumental in helping me with my decision, and I'm grateful for the wealth of information everyone has been sharing here.

Thanks,

Eric

 

Re: StarTech mini display port to VGA adapter.

The original quoted article contains a link to the MDP2VGA from Amazon. Does Amazon not reach out to Malaysia?

FYI, I have one of these and it works great with the only projector I have access to.

 

Wow, so the price before tax was 670 or so? Monster deal. My system which had less RAM when I bought it, a smaller HD, no bluetooth (but a 9 cell), was about a hundred more than that from the outlet, and that was a pretty good deal.

 

Pressing F5 to keep it in the cart? I wrote an automatic refresh script to keep my outlet Dell Precision M4400 in the cart for around two weeks until I finally went for it

 

LOL nice! I was refreshing to see the changes in stock on the page.

Eventually I figured out that if you use the chat feature, the support agents can actually see stock that isn't posted to the outlet site yet. That's how I was able to grab what I was looking for.

In related news...I got in on a refurbished crucial 128GB SSD deal I saw on Slickdeals.net (through TigerDirect) a month ago, so I'll be repasting with AS-5 and installing the SSD this weekend.

 

I thought it was pretty slick. To be fair, this was a "scratch and dent" model, not just a regular refurb. Again, in my experience, there's typically nothing noticeably wrong with stuff that's considered scratch and dent (see Logitech sales).

I used the current 15% off outlet coupon and the 3% DPA discount. Shipping was free. Base price on that configuration before discounts was $829.

 

Turned off the paging file, hibernate, and defragged it using diskeeper. But diskeeper couldn't move those system files in the middle of the drive. It's just 2 days old, doesn't have much user files anyway. I'm not dumping my stuff in until I get it partitioned.

I'm thinking of trying out Partition Wizard. Dunno if it'll compromise Dell's DataSafe Quick Restore utility? But a partitioned disk is more important than keeping that restore option that would delete all data in a single partition. If it does stop working, I'll use Acronis.

By the way, are your Recovery and Diagnostic partitions intact and DataSafe quick restore working after you've shrunk the OS partition?

 

Nope, the product doesn't. I was hoping I could buy it from a local store rather than online shopping, still not too used to that.

Maybe I'll try contacting Dell and see what they think.

 

the recovery is on a separate partition. i think you should just use datasafe to restore. then you can partition the harddrive.

 

hi keebz
im new to the forum! Don`t know if you got an answer. but for Q3 look into face recognition software I saw a video on youtube and worked well when logging on.