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    Dell XPS15 R2 (L502) Thread

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Razor2, Feb 22, 2011.

  1. Razor2

    Razor2 Notebook Deity

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    The 2630QM was standard on the config, the 2720QM would have been 180€ extra, which I think is not worth it. Its essentially the same CPU with .2Ghz extra and bit faster HD3000. The 2.0Ghz quad is already fast enough and the slower GPU will be ok as the 540M packs a lot of punch.
    The 9 cell is big, bulky, doesn't fit into bags and makes the notebook probably hard to use with a cooler.
     
    Razor2, Mar 4, 2011
    #301
  2. Razor2

    Razor2 Notebook Deity

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    German version also have the HSDPA as standard...
     
    Razor2, Mar 4, 2011
    #302
  3. pure_canadian

    pure_canadian Notebook Enthusiast

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    Looking at the Canadian site, the instant savings that were supposed to have ended early this morning at 5AM seem to have been extended to March 18th...
    However, for the 899$ deal (same price as yesterday for the same specs), you now get instant savings of 100$ instead of 150$... Weird
     
    pure_canadian, Mar 4, 2011
    #303
  4. AtulThakor

    AtulThakor Notebook Enthusiast

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    Are you able to add a second HD to the XPS 15/17 R2?
     
    AtulThakor, Mar 4, 2011
    #304
  5. ans04

    ans04 Notebook Consultant

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    The XPS 17 has two Hard Drive bays
    The XPS 15 has one, but you can add a hard drive in the Optical Drive bay with a caddy.
     
    ans04, Mar 4, 2011
    #305
  6. xxfl4wl3ss

    xxfl4wl3ss Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah my setup was $1500+ but I got about $28 through EPP and I used this coupon 6B5L8RX93SG1FT and got an extra $100 off!!!!
     
    xxfl4wl3ss, Mar 4, 2011
    #306
  7. hovawarten

    hovawarten Notebook Geek

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    It seems they took out the free 15 months antivirus software....but....
    there is coupon code for $100 off for system over $1000 this offer ends 3/7
    Let's say upgrade lcd to 1080P...$899+$150=$1049 with coupon code==>$949

    B50LZZWWZ30N12
     
    hovawarten, Mar 4, 2011
    #307
  8. hovawarten

    hovawarten Notebook Geek

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    It can be added by sales. Just call them and tell them you want to add it. It will cost you $25 CAD for backlit keyboard and $40 CAD for wifi 6230 with BT 3.0 if you want this too.
     
    hovawarten, Mar 4, 2011
    #308
  9. hovawarten

    hovawarten Notebook Geek

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    Here you go! $100 off for dell.ca "B50LZZWWZ30N12"
    this offer ends 3/7 for xps system over $1000
     
    hovawarten, Mar 4, 2011
    #309
  10. tomywini

    tomywini Notebook Guru

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    Do you think guys I will get this discount since I ordered my laptop a week ago?
     
    tomywini, Mar 4, 2011
    #310
  11. hovawarten

    hovawarten Notebook Geek

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    Call CSR and ask them to give you $100 back otherwise just cancel it then reorder again....only 1 week late to receive your xps but save $100. It's up to you.
     
    hovawarten, Mar 4, 2011
    #311
  12. thatdaveguy

    thatdaveguy Notebook Evangelist

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    So does anyone know what the 525m and 540m score on 3dmark06?

    This laptop is calling me, I love how kick butt Dell laptops are with multimedia (screen quality, speakers) but crap graphics have plagued them for years.
     
    thatdaveguy, Mar 4, 2011
    #312
  13. Rick 64D

    Rick 64D Notebook Consultant

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    Rick 64D, Mar 5, 2011
    #313
  14. liqt

    liqt Newbie

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    is there a link about this? or to purhcase one?

    the xps 15 optical drive bay
     
    liqt, Mar 5, 2011
    #314
  15. NoSlow5oh

    NoSlow5oh Notebook Evangelist

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    The search bar is your best friend.
     
    NoSlow5oh, Mar 5, 2011
    #315
  16. wicked20

    wicked20 Notebook Consultant

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    wicked20, Mar 5, 2011
    #316
  17. blingers

    blingers Notebook Consultant

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    is the cpu replaceable so i can upgrade it in the future?
     
    blingers, Mar 5, 2011
    #317
  18. wicked20

    wicked20 Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, ZIF socket.

    Documentation
     
    wicked20, Mar 5, 2011
    #318
  19. blingers

    blingers Notebook Consultant

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    thanks mate.
     
    blingers, Mar 5, 2011
    #319
  20. liqt

    liqt Newbie

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    thanks

    regarding to this post

    does that mean any size below 12.7mm should work? such as this from amazon

    Dimensions (WxDxH): 7 cm x 10 cm x 9.5 mm

    Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420AS - Hard drive - 500 GB - internal - 2.5" - SATA-300 - 7200 rpm - buffer: 16 MB: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

    would this be fine? i assume this works for l501x?
     
    liqt, Mar 5, 2011
    #320
  21. Ambilight_Chris

    Ambilight_Chris Notebook Enthusiast

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    Quick question...

    Will the R+GB 1080p screen look better if run at the same resolution as the stock screen? I'm looking at this laptop as a development machine for my wife and I'd like to get her the best screen but I'm not 100% sure she'll want to run it at 1080p while coding. So 1080p screen run at reduced resolution or stock screen at native?
     
    Ambilight_Chris, Mar 5, 2011
    #321
  22. DakkonA

    DakkonA Notebook Evangelist

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    It would be better to increase the DPI rather than decrease the resolution.
     
    DakkonA, Mar 5, 2011
    #322
  23. Ambilight_Chris

    Ambilight_Chris Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks, I'll have to play around with my 1080 and 1200 screens and see how that looks. I'd think 1080p on a 15 inch screen wouldn't be great for coding in VS.
     
    Ambilight_Chris, Mar 5, 2011
    #323
  24. pinsb

    pinsb Notebook Consultant

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    UK version back for sale.

    No Backlit Keyboard

    No Blu Ray Drive option

    Maybe they intend to sell this model as a lego kit?
     
    pinsb, Mar 5, 2011
    #324
  25. kave2

    kave2 Notebook Guru

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    I talked to Dell rep[Ireland] and was told that BR drive and Backlit keyboard will be available soon online. If you order thru phone you can get it now.
     
    kave2, Mar 5, 2011
    #325
  26. alvester

    alvester Notebook Consultant

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    Dell XPS 17 is being offered with second gen intel core i5 while XPS 15 is not. Why so?
     
    alvester, Mar 5, 2011
    #326
  27. pure_canadian

    pure_canadian Notebook Enthusiast

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    Quote:
    Originally Posted by hovawarten View Post
    Here you go! $100 off for dell.ca "B50LZZWWZ30N12"
    this offer ends 3/7 for xps system over $1000

    Thanks!! I canceled my order and will re-order it before march 7th with the promo code!! Really appreciate it btw! ..This thread has really helped me
     
    pure_canadian, Mar 5, 2011
    #327
  28. Above9000

    Above9000 Notebook Geek

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    1.oh man, I re-ordered my Dell XPS 15 on March 1st and its Now In-Production, is there any way to get the $100 coupon, i live in NYC by the way.

    2. Do you guys recommend I do a fresh install of the windows 7 when my new dell xps15 arrives in about 2-3 weeks? What are some basic steps to do a fresh install of windows 7? What are the benefits of freshly installing windows 7?

    Thanks to whoever answers ;)
     
    Above9000, Mar 5, 2011
    #328
  29. rogsh

    rogsh Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi everyone:

    I'm planning to purchase this new L502x laptop... However, I would like to know if the included NVIDIA® GT540M GeForce video card is good enough for gaming... I would like to run games as Flight Simulator X, Need for Speed, Call of Duty, etc... Would this video card run games as these ones smoothly?

    Thanks!
     
    rogsh, Mar 5, 2011
    #329
  30. edit1754

    edit1754 Notebook Prophet

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    Based on benchmarks I've found across the internet, the 540M has roughly a 30% gain in performance over the 525M. Can't particularly say how either of them will perform with those games, but you'll probably notice at least some performance increase with the 540M.

    Also, just throwing this out there, be sure to get the 1920x1080 B+RG display! It's worth every penny. (the first option under the second tab, "Adjust Performance," at least on the US site)
     
    edit1754, Mar 5, 2011
    #330
  31. pure_canadian

    pure_canadian Notebook Enthusiast

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    If you want to use the coupon, you could try canceling your order (call customer service) and reorder it after you've made sure the original payment has been reimbursed. That's what I did. However, the coupon is for dell.ca ...not sure if it will work in the states seeing as you're from NYC. The coupon also expires on monday so you'd have to act fast.

    The benefits that I've always had of formatting the hard drives and performing a fresh install of windows are as follows (although I am far from the expert in that department!):
    -A fresh install should eliminate any nasty or unnecessary files lying around in your hard drive(s) making your whole system run faster.
    -A fresh install allows you to become reacquainted with what is and isn't on your system ...old programs you once used and want to again or delete forever. Overall, it's easier for me to become organized once again after a fresh install.
    -Potential for windows upgrade. Was on XP. now use win 7

    The 1st point is the most important! obviously. Hope this helps
     
    pure_canadian, Mar 5, 2011
    #331
  32. rogsh

    rogsh Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok great! Thanks for the reply! I'll definitely get the screen option that you mention...

    Regards!
     
    rogsh, Mar 5, 2011
    #332
  33. alvester

    alvester Notebook Consultant

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    Any answers??
     
    alvester, Mar 6, 2011
    #333
  34. sujinge9

    sujinge9 Notebook Evangelist

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    I made a whole thread about this, and the conclusion is there is no really obvious reasons why.
     
    sujinge9, Mar 6, 2011
    #334
  35. wicked20

    wicked20 Notebook Consultant

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    I think because the XPS 17 has more resource & priority from Dell Dev team, including 3D. Maybe XPS 15 will get i5 later if Dell thinks it's important enough, with bios update and removable CPU. Only Dell decision makers would know.

    i7 2720qm seems to be the best all around with great power & effiency, resale value. I haven't seen evidence that i5 will get any significance real world battery time than new i7. My guess maybe 20 min? If so why not get another battery or choose a different model?
    Thanks.
     
    wicked20, Mar 6, 2011
    #335
  36. Above9000

    Above9000 Notebook Geek

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    oh okay thanks, but i forgot to order the back up CD for windows 7, is there any way to get it for free from Dell?
     
    Above9000, Mar 6, 2011
    #336
  37. HamStar50

    HamStar50 Notebook Geek

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    They wouldn't do backlit keyboard for me...not available (apparently) and they wouldn't do a blu-ray writer...just a stupid expensive price of 91 pounds for a blu-ray reader (writes dvd and cd).

    Will see if things improve in the next couple weeks, if not, might hold out and see what Sony's F Series is announced like...

    If anyone here's differently from Dell, please do let us know. Thanks
     
    HamStar50, Mar 6, 2011
    #337
  38. sujinge9

    sujinge9 Notebook Evangelist

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    Besides battery life, the i5s are also 100 bucks cheaper...
     
    sujinge9, Mar 6, 2011
    #338
  39. pure_canadian

    pure_canadian Notebook Enthusiast

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    In Canada, the base processor is the i7-2630QM processor (2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz) and it's 100$ to upgrade to the i7-2620M processor (2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.40 GHz) and 200$ for the i7-2720QM processor (2.20 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.30 GHz). I will be using the computer mostly for music/video editing but want to be able to play some current games as well. Are the upgrades worth it? and if so, which one? Any thoughts on this?...
     
    pure_canadian, Mar 6, 2011
    #339
  40. sujinge9

    sujinge9 Notebook Evangelist

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    your bottleneck is probably going to be the gpu more than cpu in most graphic intense applications. Unless your music editing is super intense, and your videos are all HD and you've got the software that utilizes multi cores, I'd stick with the base.
     
    sujinge9, Mar 6, 2011
    #340
  41. FPetersonIII

    FPetersonIII Notebook Geek

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    After looking at all the different topics and whatnot in this forum about how crappy dell is at properly applying thermal compound to their machines I am not going to feel right when I get my new laptop unless I redo the thermal compound myself. What do you guys think?? And what is the best free program to use for monitoring the CPU and GPU temps?
     
    FPetersonIII, Mar 6, 2011
    #341
  42. kajouma

    kajouma Notebook Geek

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    Not all (XPS) notebooks ship with this problem. Mine (with a Core i5 560) never got (before I returned). I, however, live in a coastal town; the ambient temperature usually doesn't exceed 65 F.
     
    kajouma, Mar 6, 2011
    #342
  43. acspock

    acspock Newbie

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    Did anybody order and receive their l502 laptop yet? If so how long did it take? I ordered mine on the 28 of feb. Still in production.
     
    acspock, Mar 7, 2011
    #343
  44. MTC87

    MTC87 Newbie

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    Still "In Production" here, I ordered on 2/22, which I think was the first day the L502 became available.
     
    MTC87, Mar 7, 2011
    #344
  45. chemman14

    chemman14 Notebook Consultant

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    anyone have an answer to this? I used to have a program on my older dell laptop but forgot the name
     
    chemman14, Mar 7, 2011
    #345
  46. acspock

    acspock Newbie

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    oh interesting. Is your Estimated Deliv date, March 24th?
     
    acspock, Mar 7, 2011
    #346
  47. bydoempire

    bydoempire Notebook Geek

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    bydoempire, Mar 7, 2011
    #347
  48. slb1904

    slb1904 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Estimated delivery 31st March, ordered 5th March.

    XPS15, 1080p, 6gb ram, i7-2630QM.

    Can't wait :)
     
    slb1904, Mar 7, 2011
    #348
  49. dash8brj

    dash8brj Notebook Enthusiast

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    Speedfan will do temp monitoring, placing the result in the system tray, and in some cases, even let you take control of the fans (i.e. not have hurricanes when your just web browsing and the cpu is at 40°C)

    I use it on my desktop PC as well, a custom build with water cooling. The fans on the radiator idle at 500rpm when doing mundane tasks, and when I fire up a game, they rev up proportinatlly to the temperature, until they reach 1600rpm at 55°C. With the W/C this is the temperature ceiling. The program keeps my PC nice and quiet, which is good for me as I never switch it off.

    My Dell 1537 also got the program to stop the silly on/off of the fan, I'd prefer it run as it is, at a low rpm all the time (practically silent), until its needed
     
    dash8brj, Mar 7, 2011
    #349
  50. MTC87

    MTC87 Newbie

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    Nope, estimated delivery is 3/18 (with 7-day shipping, and having ordered on 2/22).
     
    MTC87, Mar 7, 2011
    #350
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