New 1647 tips for a noobie.

Hi gang,

Just received my 1647 today and it looks awesome. I just have a few questions for you guys that know the ins and outs of your studio xps

1. I'm planning to do a clean install with Windows 7 32-bit. Does the Dell Drivers and Utilities disc have all the necessary drivers for like wireless, graphics card, etc? Or do i have to go to Dell's support website to install the latest drivers?

2. My 1647 came with a 90w adapter (I know lol). So i was wondering if I call customer service will they ship me a 130w adapter with little to no hastle? Or do I have to say that my adapter is hot and that my system throttles in order for them to send me one?

3. After my clean install, are there any programs that I should download? I know reading the forums that HWmonitor is needed to measure the temperatures since the studio xps can get really hot

I know that some of these issues have been addressed on the forums, but I've seen a few different answers. Thanks for your time guys! And please be kind, i'm new to the forums

 

I would highly reccommend against installing 32-bit Windows 7. Windows 7 x64 doesn't have any of the early-adopter problems that Vista did, and it has become the standard for the OS. Also, 32-bit can only handle up to 4GB of memory, including video ram and active virtual memory address space. Meaning that unless you only have 2GB of regular RAM, and don't plan on upgrading (you should really have 4), then you really don't want 32bit.

That said:
1. Just get the newest drivers off the Dell site, forget the CD. Also, for your GPU, use the drivers from AMD. And for your touchpad, get the drivers directly from Synaptic. Some people (myself included) had trouble with the Dell touchpad drivers, where things like 2 finger scroll and other multi-touch features were disabled. They work just fine with the regular Synaptic drivers.

2. Call Dell, say your adapter over heats, get 130W one.

3. There's alot of good programs out there. Here's what I'd consider to be critical programs for everyone:

A good security suite (anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware). I personally love Kaspersky, but there are also freeware solutions out there.

Also, all freeware:
VLC - universal media player
7-zip - file compression
CCleaner - free file and registry cleaner, also can securely delete files.
HWMonitor - for temps
Firefox - way better than IE
Adblock - add on for firefox
Adobe Reader
Adobe Flash

Really, there are too many things to get in to, and everybody had different needs. I'd suggest you google something like 'best freeware' and read through some of the sites out there.

 

Thanks Seeker!

Especially for the heads up for 32-bit OS. I have a gaming PC that has 32-bit installed with 4gb of ram and just realized that only 3.25gb is used!

 

Freaky ... I would have suggested exactly the same thing and nothing beats Kaspersky!

 

I got Microsoft Security Essentials and it seems to work great so far. Free, light and secure. What more do you want?

 

Yes, and surprisingly, Microsoft's Security Essentials anti-virus scores quite well in most reviews. I prefer Kaspersky, it's more up-to-date, has more options and features, and it's an integrated anti-virus / firewall / utility package. However, MSE combined with the Windows Firewall should be plenty enough for most people, and it's free.

 

ok...everything seems good. However when I installed Catalyst 10.7 it says my graphics card is now an ATI Radeon Mobility 5700? (Was a 5730) Do you guys get this too?

 

Yeah, I don't know why this is, but it doesn't mean anything, you still have a 5730. The 5700 series includes the 5730 (GDDR3), 5750 (a 5650 w/ GDDR5), and 5770 (the 5730 w/ GDDR5). However, only the 5730 is currently used in any laptop.

 

OP, shouldn't have to "Google" "freeware" for good sites to use on his lappy, we have them availi' right here on the forum! : )

OP,
Check these threads out for your new lappy
And, I have the 1647, you are really going to enjoy the lappy!
Grat's! XD

Here: This "freeware" is list is extensive, and just awesome!
The Ever-Growing Free Windows Software List

And, be sure to check this list:
The best free security software

This thread is also helpful: Dell System Recovery Guide

Also, I use (and as suggested by others in this thread).. Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free, light & easy on your lappy. And, it helps protect your lappy, very well (IMHO).

For PDF. I use Sumatra for PDF reader/viewer, it's a nice "light" application for my lappy.

Cin...

 

just wanted to say that foxit reader pwns Adobe reader.