Dell XPS 15 R2 - L502x - Owners Lounge

My m1530 was about that res, I wouldn't go any lower for sure (not that there is). Thing is, wait for a 1080p and I'm probably adding about £100 onto the price. I reckon to get 1080p at this price, I'd have to wait for an i3 one to appear.

Seems like a decent trade off for value I suppose, I'll always wonder about the shiny lovely 1080p screen though

Good to hear the 525m is decent!

 

Yeah, Widge, I think you're right about how much more you'd pay. I've never seen an i3 with the 1080p. Perhaps you could find one with a smaller HD. I don't think there's any way you could get the same price.

The warning: there are more than one manufacturer of the 720 screen, even though Dell counts it as the same part and acknowledges no difference between them. Unless you get lucky, the screen is likely to be a bit worse than other 720p screens. It's a bit funky of Dell to sell a multimedia computer with fantastic speakers and a sub-par screen, but there you go. I can vouch that the AUO 720 screen does, in fact, suck mightily. (AUO also makes the magnificent 1080p screen from which I type now.) I hated it and returned it to the Outlet from which it came.

Here's a trick if you're cheap, like me, that works in the US: buried in the paperwork is a warranty feature that allows for in-home service. I was able to return it for 55 bucks US. I still have a year warranty, including parts, but if something goes wrong I have to ship it. This isn't hard for me since I live close to a UPS drop.

Good luck.

 

Does this work on refurbs as well? Returning the in-home portion of the warranty for $55? How do you go about doing so? Just call customer service and ask to return just that line item?

 

Yup. Mine was a refurb. You might have gotten an email that says "Service Plan Agreement." If you read the fine print, it says you can cancel at any time. Do it within the first 30 days and you get a full refund. (877) 293-1197 is the listed number, but they might have to transfer you.

My understanding is that you are covered exactly the same without this part of the agreement, just that you'll have to use the mail. That's what the customer service rep told me and that's what I got from reading the agreement. You might double check that this is true for you (although Dell's customer service often have no idea what they are talking about at all.)

 

Nice. I'll be calling to do this later this week. lol Wow. If this works I'll have REALLY done well. I'm already down to $675.86 total shipped with tax for my config: 1080p, 6GB, 640GB 7200RPM, 2630QM, GT525M, 6230 wifi/bt, blu ray reader, backlit keyboard. Pretty amazing deal already. If I can get another $55 off this will be borderline ridiculous.

 

How long did you run the mem tester for? It could take up to 24 hours for something to show. I run my tests for 24 hours (roughly 600 or so passes) before I can clear new RAM.

 

Yes, if you end up with that config for 620 I will seethe with jealousy. I'm already envious.

 

Yeah. I got extremely lucky. Happened upon a scratch and dent version which was even less than a regular refurb. ($829 base price for my config).

I then used the 15% off outlet coupon as well as a 3% discount for using the DPA to pay.

I then called and played the "Dell game" by asking to return and was offered $35 off to keep it. I told them if they took $50 off I'd keep it and they agreed.

 

Well...just to throw this out there...

I bought an XPS 14 from Dell about two months ago, they had them on sale with the 1st Gen i-7's, 4gb ram, and 2gb GPU. They were discontinued, so they were pretty cheap, $599. I waited and waited and it never came. Dell called and informed me that they over sold and I wasn't getting one, but they would offer and upgrade for the same price. I ended up with an XPS 15 with 2nd Gen i-7 2.00GHz, 8gb ram, nVidia 540, and 1080 for $599(w/out tax - $650 w/tax) with free overnight shipping. All said and done it cost me about $750, with the money I saved I added a backlit keyboard and a nice bag...I'm the guy that normally ends up screwed in the end, so this was a nice little treat for me not to make you seethe...

 

About 5 hours I think. No way it was 600 passes...what did you use?

 

MemTest for Windows Download Page

I like this one since it allows me to use my system while testing.

 

Ok, I am confused by various things I have read on the Internet about the use of Aluminum, Magnesium and Plastic in the body of this computer.

Could someone please tell me exactly what parts are metal and what parts are plastic?

I think the following:

Lid is metal
Bezel around LCD is plastic
Keyboard area is plastic
Palmrest and deck are metal.
Hinge is Plastic
Sides are Metal
Underside is Plastic.

please let me know what I am getting right or wrong. Thanks.

 

I was actually able to get the $100 off and the xbox deal! I can't wait to get my xps 15

 

Just gave it a shot, had to run 4 test at once. Took about 9 hours. No issues. I'm giving up. I'm going to email Dell and hopefully get this figured out. I'll report back any info incase someone else is in this boat.

The damn thing is, is that it doesn't fail during anything intense. Crysis, GTA4, my photo editing and my web design software not even a hiccup. I search google and boom down the toilet. I'm still thinking it's an Optimus issue...I don't know...

 

The only metallic part is the lid, which is some sort of soft aluminum material.

 

Does anyone know if it is possible to have both, the TV Tuner and the Mobile Broadband Module, or will must only choose one of the two? some of you have both installed in your XPS 15 L502X?

 

just got my xps l502x today..

what things should i upgrade? drivers? bios?

i'm not really tech savvy, i don't really understand these kinds of things

 

I'd recommend doing a fresh install of the OS.

If you're not comfortable doing this, I'd start by removing the excess software (trial versions and such).

Then run Windows updates, and the 275.33 driver from nvidia's site. The BIOS can be upgraded if you choose; this can be found on Dell's site.

 

There's only one mini-pcie slot on the board. You have to choose one or the other.

 

My XPS 15 with 1920x1080 FHD screen arrived today.

I just took it out of the box, plugged in the battery charger, and turned the laptop on.

And.... the screen is broken. There are black and white horizontal lines across the screen and vertical lines of color along with random splotches of color.

By toying around with the angle of the screen, I was able to find one angle where it would display fine, at least for a while.

Managed to navigate to my desktop. The actual computer seems to be fine.

Advice please!!

 

I'm don't understand what advice you are expecting. Your machine came broken. Send it back.

 

Call dell to replace it.

 

I'll call them when I get home. Will they be able to replace the screen or will they tell me to replace the whole laptop? And if they are just replacing the screen, will I have to send it back to them?

 

The video cable might not be seated properly

 

Thanks for your suggestion. That actually makes a lot of sense because simply moving the laptop or adjusting the screen changes the screen. How do I fix the video cable?

 

Thanks, here in Europe, the mobile module is included in the price and is already installed, I think I'll keep that and I don't take the TV tuner, I just have to decide whether to spend 180 € (255 $) to switch from "i7-2630QM" to "i7 -2720QM "

 

if you are inclined to work on the laptop, its trivial. You could probably do better than a Dell tech because you can take your time and actually care about scratches.

Documentation

just tear it down and check the connectors, maybe see if moving the cable causes it even if the connectors are alright if you can turn it on safely like this.

hardest part is removing the bezel. have to pull out left of the camera to get it started, then it comes off pretty easy

 

OK thanks for the info. I'll give it a try when I get home.

 

hi... i hav got xps 15 l502x recently. i tried reinstalling my windows 7. where the problem started. since then my backlight does not work... pls help me out.

thanks in advance

 

Bios, graphic card for both intergrated and dedicated. Do not bother with the touchpad drivers as it messes up the sensitivity.

 

It is done. Just returned the in-home portion of the warranty for $55. Total for my l502x configuration = $620.86. lol

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

$839 base price (scratch and dent from Dell Outlet)
-15% Dell Outlet coupon
-3% for paying via DPA (called customer service to have this applied)
-$50 for playing the Dell game and asking to return
-$55 for returning in-home warranty coverage
----------
$620.86

I win.

 

Legend. Sticky in New Thread.

 

I just got my XPS today, but realized that one of the audio port seems loose (sound does come out, but very weak). The port is the SPDIF one. Should I called dell for repair?

 

No, the audio port is probably part of the mobo. Besides you don't want a tech ripping apart your new laptop.

Call Dell up, ask for replacement or return. Most of the time, a supervisor will issue you an replacement. Don't take no for an answer. Stress the defective nature of your audio port.

 

Ok, i will test the usb 3.0 first, b4 making any action

 

Guys I'm having major trouble with the USB 3.0 ports. I'm using a 1TB WD Passport Essential SE with USB 3.0. It works when I plug it in, but will disconnect with even the slightest wiggle of the connector. I can hear the disconnect/connect sound and since the drive is encrypted, I need to re-enter the password every time.

Sometimes the drive won't reconnect and I need to keep replugging or even reboot until it does. The drive always works fine in the USB2 port on right side, or in my other laptop.

Did some searching and see a lot of others talking about problems with the USB 3.0 ports on the XPS 15/17. Anyone here having these issues?

 

Coincidentally I just RMAed that exact hard drive vsol. Went completely up on me for no reason. I too had problems with the USB3 and it not detecting the hard drive. If you do a quick search for the tools thread on the L502x the last post by me has new drivers that fixed that.

 

Well I just had a Dell tech reinstall the USB drivers, and I see he used the same file as you did. It didin't fix my problem, drive still disconnects like crazy. He wants to send a tech to replace the motherboard. I'm starting to wonder if there might be some issue with the drive or at least the cable. It does work fine in USB2 ports on the XPS or my other laptop, but I suppose maybe the cable could be faulty for USB3 operation. I might run out and get another one of these drives for testing.

 

Anyone want to comment, left it a couple of days now?

 

Update on my USB 3.0 issue. It wasn't the laptop, it was the hard drive cable. I got another drive, swapped the cables and all is perfect.

The thing about these USB 3.0 ports, they are supposed to be backwards compatible but in my experience they aren't. My Magicjack and my USB flash drive do not work in these ports. Wonder how many other USB 2.0 devices will not work. It's really limiting when you only have one port that works with USB 2.0 devices.

 

Has anyone got a Seagate Hybrid drive in this, and is it worth it?
Just get an SSD boot drive in your disc bay. The Hybrid has some reliability issues.
Will 8GB of ram make any difference?
No, but memory is now DIRT CHEAP in the US. You can now get 8GB of laptop RAM for 40 USD or 24 pounds. Might as well buy and upgrade.
I read there is USB 3.0 issues, is this true?
Yes, some users have USB 3.0 issues. I have never really used the 3.0 port for USB 3.0 yet, works fine for 2.0.
I want to get a USB 3.0 memory stick, which make?
Memory is already a mature product (ie, no difference in quality between brands, ie similar to TV which has matured over the last 20 years. Yes, I do realize a $500 TV and a $1000 Samsung will be different, but if you do take two equally priced product, they will have similar quality) Brand doesn't matter.
I purchased this second hand ( less than a month old ) by px my old laptop. I am in the UK, so is the warranty transferable?
It is transferable in US; Europe has better consumer protection laws so probably yes.

 

@1. I just bought one, although I am aware some people have issues, there seem to be happy users too, so I'm willing to risk it to see if I can get it to work properly. It's a lot more affordable than real SSD's, so I guess the real price is the risk of it giving trouble (freezes and noise). (edit: I'll let you know what my experiences with the drive are...)
@2. See above post: from 2GB -> 8GB is very noticable. From 4 -> 8 is barely noticable unless you do very mem intensive stuff. Still, it's soo cheap right now, you can't go wrong.
@5. Warranty is transferable, but if you ask Dell, they will happily overcharge you for it. I'm pretty confident European legislation will help you here, it should be covered even though Dell wants you to believe it isn't. Check with your local consumer agency or government, they should have info on this.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I phoned up Dell about teh warranty transfer, they pointed me to the correct part of the site. However, it asks for the original owners name and email, which I have no way of getting as purchased from a shop. Any ideas on what to do?

 

My screen is still extremely fragile and I decided not to try to repair it myself because I don't want to void the warranty. Dell tech is sending a guy to my house to replace the motherboard, which they think will fix the screen.

Meanwhile, I've been examining my laptop for other problems. Does anyone else have the following issues:

1) Down arrow key is significantly louder than any other key on the keyboard. and just feels weird to press. Can I get a single key replaced?

2) When i push inward on the CD drive (while it is closed), it gives in quite considerably and makes a loud thumping sound. If I look from the bottom, I can see myself making the drive more flush with the laptop by pushing it in. When the drive is fully extended outward, I can wiggles toward and away from me quite considerably and freely.

3) Any window I maximize does not go to the top of the screen. There is a horizontal bar of desktop background above it.

Help would be much appreciated.

 

I highly doubt that's the issue. Dell wastes so much money with these ignorant Tech Support reps.

Tell him to try reseating the cable before he replaces the motherboard, it'll save a lot of time and he won't have to completely gut ("refurbish") your laptop to do so.

 

Will do. Thanks for the tip.

Can anyone comment on the other issues?

 

Hi all, I'm a newb here but have been reading for a very long time. I'm in the process of getting my L502 set up and have run across a couple of things I can't quite figure out yet.

1) I'm having problems with Readyboost and my 8GB SDHC card. I used it with no issues in my XPS 1645. I've tried formatting the card using all 3 file systems and it still won't work in my new lappy. Any suggestions or ideas?

2) While at my desk I use a USB mouse and keyboard. I'd like for number lock to stay on with the external keyboard -- in my XPS 16 there was a BIOS setting that allows this -- I haven't found a way to make my L502 do this yet. Any suggestions?

Other than those two issues, I'm loving the new system. My parents are the proud recipient of the old XPS 16. I look forward to contributing more around here -- I've been a Dell customer since the early 90s and a software engineer for the past 12 years.

 

Hi,
I've bought the L502X recently and still waiting for the delivery. Can anyone tell me what is the make and model of the 640GB HD used by Dell on this XPS? It says "342-2372 640GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive" in the order summary. I think it's not the WD Scorpio Black because they don't make them 640GB. Am I wrong?

 

Straight from Aida64

Model ID TOSHIBA MK6461GSY, which is a 16mb cache, 7200rpm drive.

 

I want to ask a similar question , the 750 gb who makes it?