Help with XPS 15 decision.

EDIT: XPS 15 i5 processor users, appreciate your feedback on this


Guys,

I first got my XPS 15 with i5 processor, the screen was flickering when i was watching movies in full screen. Used may be for 1 day or so and returned it.
Since the problem was with Optimus technology i did not opt for replacement and made a new order for laptop with i7.

i7 is fine but the left hand palmrest heat was killing me. I ordered for replacement thinking it was defective laptop.I got replacement and that also get heated up but may be little less than the other i7 i got first.

I installed the HW software and monitored it, the temp were in 70 or so..
The heat is killing.Tried targus chill mat did not help.

Now i have like 3 more days to finish my 21 days. I like everything of laptop except the heat.The sound is awesome.

I am not willing to open my laptop and do repaste as i dont want to void my warranty.

I have wasted around more than 3 months in ordering waiting cancelling and replacement till now.

i want to close the chapter of buying laptop ASAP.

Now since the 1080p screen is no more available.Would it be good idea to buy refurbished laptop with i5 processor and 1080p screen. Any one having XPS 15 with i5 processor please let me know if that runs hot???? I dont play any video games so willing to use all time on integrated graphic card disabling optimus.

Or Shall i wait for the sandy bridge to come in XPS15.But that will be another 15days or so for launch in XPS and another 20 days or so for delivery.

Or Shall i keep the i7 i have and live with the heat.

Please help me make the correct decision.

 

You should call Dell and ask them about the heating issue, I got my xps 15 laptop yesterday have not installed or played any games with it I use the corei5 and integrated graphics so far, no heat at all in my left palm rest, it does not even get warm. I saw many complaints about the heating issue but none from my side. All i have done so far was listening to music and browsing the internet and using microsoft word. I am installing some games now and I am going to see how well it performs. If your not going to game you might as well use corei5 processor.

Edit: Even when playing games like Crysis and Battlefield Bad Company 2 the left palm rest does not even get warm.

 

More replies on this appreciated

 

Overheating CPU will not cause the palm rest to be on fire. Most likely hard drive. See if your Dell can run the diagnostic utility or see if you get SMART warnings.

 

My i7 and 435m run around mid50s while doing casual tasks like Netflix, web surfing, iTunes, Photoshop, etc.
Never had my palmrest heat up, even before I repasted it.
Even when gaming and the parts heat up to the mid-70 C range my palmrest doesn't get uncomfortable.

Hime has a good suggestion, as I don't see the CPU & GPU causing palmrest heating at all in my unit.

 

regarding 21 day thing....

When I spoke with XPS support yesterday, and the day before, (to return my L501X in anticipation of L502X) I was told the period is 30 days. Maybe that's Canada only?

repasting the laptop will not void your warranty. Dell provides step by step guides online so....you can pull your laptop apart.

Other companies are focusing more on sound with their first wave of sandy bridge laptops, so if that's a reason you're so adamant on sticking with XPS, shop around. I think it was ASUS that is shipping systems with "JBL mini speakers and sub woofer". Just google it.

 

Left palm rest heating is a subjective question.
I have tried measuring the temperature of my dell laptop while doing some web surfing, netflix etc.. i got temperature on my palmrest using thermometer at 95.8F.

Are you all getting temperature on palmrest around this.

Is this considered hot or warm?

Is this a problem or normal?

 

Got it, so palmrest may be due to the Hard drive.

My mouse pad also get as warm as my left palm rest.

What may be causing that, what lies underneath the mouse pad????

Appreciate response.