New XPS 15z

Greatrift, I too have noticed excessive fan noise and use. Is there any way to reduce the fan going on all the time? I am a former owner of a Macbook Pro 15 2011 and that thing is quiet compared to this. I returned it because I didnt feel it was worth $2000 and I didnt like the screen for reading CNN.

By the way, the 1080p screen on this sucker is fantastic.

 

Yeah, the lines are visible to the point where it is distracting on screens with any amount of solid color.

 

I really think it's the 7200 RPM hard drive that is making most of the noise (although the fan is definitely louder than I've ever heard in a notebook). The hard drive seems to be located on the left of the track pad.

It might be just the brand of hard drive they use? My thinkpad with 7200 RPM does not make this much noise.

 

Well, despite my best efforts, I can't keep this laptop. Dell sent me a replacement after the first was in poor shape right out of the box.

Between the two brand new units I received, they had:

* Broken trim
* Scuffs on aluminum lid
* Misaligned panel
* Creaking/popping chassis
* Plastic bezel separating from lid (cheaply glued on)
* Wobbly (front-left side would not sit flat on any table - including glass)
* Uneven key backlighting

 

Sorry to hear about your build quality issues. I'm fortunate in that my 15z didn't have any of these issues, nor any defects in the LED panel quality as some others have raised. There's definitely a mix out there of experiences with this 15z.
I'm completely happy with mine, and have a flawless unit.

 

have been having a few issues with this laptop...

Sometimes the laptop wakes from sleep while lid is closed, draining the battery and gets really hot in my bag.

The screen gets dimmer when there are dark things on screen, and is nice and bright when I have white things on screen.

I can't find the right SATA drivers for windows, I had to switch to IDE mode in the BIOS.

 

Can someone who has replaced their HDD with a SATA 3.0 SSD run a battery benchmark? I'm wondering if there's an appreciable increase in battery life with an ssd.

With the stock hdd, Laptopmag.com got 6h 8m in their test ( Dell XPS 15z Review - Battery, Configurations, Sofware, & Verdict) while engadget saw 4h 26m ( Engadget. What sort of battery life are folks getting?

And has anyone run civ5 on their 15z? Can it hack it?

 

If you change the Power Setting "When I Close the Lid" to the setting "Sleep", then it should not wake the computer at all when the lid is still closed.
The SATA drivers should have already been loaded when you got the laptop from Dell, but if you did a fresh install of the OS, then the Intel Rapid Storage Technology SATA driver is available on Dell's support website.

 

I have the lid setting at sleep, as per windows defaults.

When trying to install the Intel SATA driver I receive the error that my computer does not meet the minimum requirements to install???

For those wondering about gaming performance, I've been able to run Duke Nukem Forever at 1080p with all the settings maxed and I get no visible stutter.

This laptop also plays 3d movies at 1080p perfectly on my 3d projector.

 

I suspect that the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver is only for use with SSD's. After all, the normal hard drives aren't really in the category of "Rapid Storage". When my computer arrived from Dell with the 750GB hard drive, I noticed that the Intel RST driver wasn't installed either. I had to wait until after I installed the SSD to install the Intel RST driver.

 

How does the 525m gt compare to the 335m in the m11xr2?

My dad wants my m11x for some reason and offered to buy me any other Dell I want lol. Just looking around at different options.

 

That's the crappy Intel power-saving "feature". Right-click desktop and click graphics properties (for Intel graphics). There is a power managment feature that can be turned off (for both AC Power and Battery power) - that will disable the adaptive contrast feature (dimming dark screens, brightening light screens).

 

According to benchmarks, the 525M is better than the 335M in most cases.

But keep in mind the XPS 15z is known to get rather hot during intensive gaming, and in some cases shut off.

But make sure, if you get the XPS 15z, that you get the 1080p screen. The 720p screen is bad.

 

I use my laptop on a netted chair, so it hardly gets hot, I noticed it getting hot even after a little while of using it on the bed

 

I've told the Dell rep to cancel the dispatch for my new LCD panel and that I want to return the unit. My machine doesn't sound as bad as the two you got, aside from the panel, but it just doesn't feel like it's worth $1200.

I really wanted to like this PC, and I hope they fix the issues with it because the form factor is really sleek, but it's not for me.

 

For what it's worth - I've been holding on for months waiting for something like the 15z - some raw power, a future proofish approach to connectivity (I want a shelf life of years out of this) and most importantly at least a 1080 (preferably 1200) screen on a sub 17 inch laptop.

Oh - and ideally a reasonably svelte form factor.

My finger was hovering over the buy button until I started to get a sniff of the build quality issues here and elsewhere.

OK, I may be getting good bang for my buck (or pound as we prefer to call it but basically the same these days but I expect more for my £1200+ than a unit that is glued together and hasn't even had time to dry.

Dell is still getting my money but I switched my buying decision at the last second to the XPS 15 - substantially better spec (fully loaded i7 version), second generation hardware (tried & tested), more flexibility in terms of self customization and loads of support / advice in the community.

Better processor (quad i7), probably the best screen available this side of £2k, more memory and 3 year next day in home support for £200 less (with current Dell UK discounts) than the nearest 15z (with standard support).

So the box I originally dismissed 8+ months ago for being ugly / bulky has become my ideal new pc in light of the 15z's true colours - and I'm actually really looking forward to it.

 

I actually think the XPS 15 looks slimmer in person than it seemed on the net and videos, at least to me it does. It's also better looking than it pics. Although it's quite heavy, I expected it to be heavier.

 

I was kinda in the same situation. Was offered replacement computer in XPS or Inspiron line.

XPS 15z was too shoddy for me to choose. Magnificent screen, solid build and great thermal design makes XPS 15 a winner.

 

If only they'd let me buy one - order went in 21/6 - still processing payment 22/6 so called Dell - said bank needed to authorise transaction - called bank authorised transaction - called Dell told them transaction authorised, informed that the system would automatically try another 2 times before canceling order and I would here within 24 hours. 23/6 - still no order confirmation, called Dell who had no record of previous calls and explained it all again. Was informed that they no longer held my card details so had to give them all over again - told to wait another 24 hours for confirmation.

If I hadn't chased this I guess they would just have let it roll and then canceled it. Funny way to run a business and with sales staff this polite and helpful I can't wait until i need tech support (sarcasm).

 

Greatrift, I agree, it is the hard drive, but I think when the hard drive gets going, some sort of fan engages. Today I had nothing open, not a single window, and I could not get the xps15z to stop fanning. Only a reboot.

I have updated all the drivers via the website (an unpleasant experience, by the way, there were 18 updates, and all had to be installed manually)

If I cannot find a solution to this excessive fan noise, the unit is going back.

 

I am using an SSD that I installed myself, but in bios it's running via IDE mode as windows won't boot in the other mode. I think your rapid storage comparison is wrong, I don't think the chipset can differentiate between SSD and regular HDD

I've disabled the power saving features and set it to max performance for both battery and AC, still get the dimming

 

Would you guys recommend this laptop? Im looking for one with a great screen and eventually for engineering programs in the next year or two.

I currently have a m11xR2 and am looking for a computer with a larger screen. Im considering this or the m14x, but I'd rather get a computer that is thinner.

I love my mom's 15 inch MBP (Late 2008), how does the XPS 15z compare to it?

Is the laptop loud while just browsing the web? Also, how much battery life do you guys get? Im hoping to get over 4 hours, hopefully 5.

Thanks in advance!

 

Even with the issues, I would still recommend this laptop, it's a great value. I've given up on investing in build quality like I did when purchasing a MBP or XPS M1530, I don't need my laptop to last 5 years if the components are only relevant for 2 years. I paid over $3000 for a top of the line M1530 with accidental damage warranty and all the upgrades, it would have been smarter to invest $1500 like I did with the 15z and just upgrade more often.

After a year or two your battery will be dead anyway and who wants to invest $200 for a new battery to power a laptop that's on its last leg performance-wise?

You get what you pay for, and in this case I paid for something made of paper thin aluminum slapped together with glue. There are some typical problems that you get with a first generation laptop which are amusingly similar to those I experienced on my first gen MBP (brittle trim, easily dented case). I'm looking forward to getting the next gen of 15z as soon as it comes out, using the $1500 I saved by not purchasing a pimped out high end MBP.

 

Because performance is not an 1:1 comparision. My 1¾ year old laptop with an 5 year old processor is still faster then everything else in class thanks to an SSD. I'm still happy with it and i feel there is almost nothing in the market under €1000 that does really compare. Only the xps 15.

Besides, performance is only part of the story. the screen, build qualty, and battery life are equally important. You are not just buying a compter because it has an i7 processor and big hard drive...

 

Personally I consider anything over a thousand dollars "expensive" and expect it to not be poorly made.

 

I really wanted this laptop to be as good quality is a Macbook Pro, but its not even close. At several hundred less, it is a better value for many people (including myself), but it is by no means a great computer. Definitely falls short of its potential.

 

I'm interested in purchasing an XPS 15z but I had a couple of questions/concerns. I have an HP Envy 15 and there are couple of things that bug me about it...

1. How big is the powerbrick for the charger? It's touted as a relatively portable/slim laptop but if the powerbrick is huge that'd be a pretty big blocker for me. (I hardly take my Envy anywhere because the charger is huge)
2. Has anyone tried using one of those portable universal chargers like the Kensington laptop adapters or the iGo? I have one that I use for my Envy 15 but I've found while it gives it enough of a charger to power up and turn on, it won't power the HDMI out adapter while travelling.
3. (Generic question) Do those of you who own the 15z think its a good upgrade from the Envy 15?

Thanks!

 

If you are buying a laptop for college, consider a business laptop. You get better support, build quality, everything. That and GeForce GPU's aren't the best for CAD, while laptops like the ThinkPad T420 and the Latitude E6420 offer Quadro graphics that are meant for CAD.

 

Got my xps 15z last week. I have some problem with the LCD.

Check out my photo. Is this darkening in some area of the LCD normal?

Also anyone notice that the caps lock on the keyboard seems abit loose and the backlight on it is not too bright.

Thanks

 

the question is if that caddy will fit in the 15z? size wise but also the connectors must fit. i have an E6510 caddy here, my 15z will arive soon. will check it out later. if it fits then we have a winner, who's still using optical drives these days (waste of space)?

Documentation

 

I am eagerly awaiting the outcome of this. If this can be done, I will probably buy the 15z.

Also, has anyone been able to find one of those "invisible skins" for the lid of the laptop? This could cut down on the amount of scratches that people seem to be experiencing without affecting the look of the laptop.

 

Can anyone tell me what the screen opening angle is?

I bought my wife a 1st gen HP ENVY 15 when they first came out...she is a CAD user and lives in Illustrator and Photoshop...the ENVY tilt angle pisses me off to no end...the laptop has to be tilted back in order to see it most times. The battery life is awful without the slice, which kind of defeats the purpose. However, the casing on the ENVY is solid and seems very very durable.

If the 15z can open wider and get a LA-DC flight's worth of battery life then I will order today. Not to mention dealing with HP support is like gouging my own eyes out with a spoon.

 

I never tested it before I returned mine, but I believe the opening angle is 180 degrees.

The battery life is very good. I used it for 3 hours in my living room and was at about 75%.

 

Hi guys, I just got my new Dell XPS 15Z today.
My Specs:
Base Model: $999 (+ student warranty $100)
i5-2410m
nVidia 525m w/ optimus
6 GB ram
500 GB 7200 HD
1366x768 720p display


I previously ordered one with a 1080p monitor and the text was unbearably small so i had to return and order one with 1366x768 display which is personally MUCH nicer. I didn't notice much "color" difference between the two screens. So if you guys are used to the 720p display, i recommend you get that. 1080p hurts my eyes too much also.

So, the computer was everything I hoped for. It's got specs good enough for me. (Light gaming, college work) The backlit keyboard is nice, so is the island style keyboard. It will take you guys some time to get used to because its kinda cramped, but other than that it's nice. The touchpad is a nice size with multi-touch (i disabled) which is ok, but i'd rather just use the vertical scrolling option.

One con is, this computer doesn't have page up and down buttons but I can adjust since I'm used to the vertical scrolling on the touchpad.

HEAT: This computer is VERY VERY cool when running light tasks, whether it's watching a couple 1080p youtube videos, or playing plants vs zombies (not graphic intensive) but when you run gpu intensive stuff, this computer gets REALLY hot on the left side. Surely you can't put this in your lap when you are gaming, and it's a bit uncomfortable when touching on the left while gaming.

GPU: I ran a couple benchmarks, and it seems there's about a ~40% speed difference (by the benchmarks) between the nvidia 520m (faster) and the integrated graphics. I have played Bad Company 2 and COD blackops on this thing and honestly, the integrated graphics go just fine in 1366x768 with settings in medium. I got about 30 fps in medium for cod. The 520m on the other hand can do 55 fps. BC2 is a little lower with the integrated in medium got 27 and the 520m got 40. Im perfectly fine with these benchmarks as i don't care whether it's in medium. Now crysis 2 i did get 35 Fps in medium with the 520m and I didn't try running in integrated.

For now though, I have disabled the 520m gpu (Nvidia Properties -> Preferred Graphics Processor -> Integrated) I only enable when Im playing crysis as I play both cod and bw2 in medium with nice quality + saves heat and battery life.

BATTERY: Battery on this is amazing. If i use the dell power saver, (right click battey and hit dell battery meter -> enable dell extended battery life) and i got 6 hours and 3 minutes all while playing 480p movies.

Battery life on gaming is HORRIBLE if the 520m is on. So I got about 1.5 minutes for 1%. I got it to last 2 hours and 23 minutes (I was doing crysis 2) (btw, I was using the power saver plan, and since optimus wont turn on gpu in that power plan, I turned it on via nvidia panel (selected use nvidia gpu with crysis 2 always)


That's IF whe 520m is on. While playing cod in medium on the Integrated Graphics, i got a bit more with about 3:20. That's nearly an hour better. (again played in the battery power saver plan)

Brightness was always at 50% for this thing.

I don't have the HW Monitor temps yet, but I will post later. If you guys have any questions, feel free to pm me or reply.

Overall this computer was worth the money. The only downside is the heat when gaming, but hey my friend's MBP gets this hot when playing 480p videos, so dell did a good job with the heat management.

 

^ Glad you like yours. I'm inclined to believe I just got a lemon

 

why, which computer do u have lol.

 

I HAD a 15z, but I sent it back because it was poorly made and had a defective LCD panel.

 

I like the specs.. portability, 2nd gen proc, USB3, decent battery (with the few issues I've heard.. heat when gaming/flex/strip piece)..

However have a question regarding WiDi ... any of you guys use it? if so, what is your experience? I've read it somewhere that it just cause huge issues in terms of heat and cpu usage!

 

Hmm, I'm very confused about the screen on this laptop. I have the 1080p, and compared to my work Lenovo w500 with the 1200p screen, and my friends studio 15 with 1080p - this laptop has a really bad screen.

In my first one, I could basically see the vertical black lines separating pixels on the screen when looking at a pure color background - like white or red or anything non-black. On the replacement one I just got, same problem. Dell now says it's how they are made, but I can't believe that.. especially since not many other people saw any problems.

I guess I'll have to send it back.. really tried to like this laptop.

 

What kind of battery life are you getting now on that laptop in your sig?

Also, are you able to overclock it? I've heard that there are issues with overclocking the latest dv6t's because of the switching or something like that?

 

The 1080p screen on the 15z doesn't compare to the 1080p B+RGLED on the regular XPS 15 at all. There have been quite a few complaints regarding the quality of the 15z. Sadly, Dell chose to screw the 15z over by leaving the high gamut B+RGLED screen out=/

 

Still waiting for it to come in, supposed to ship this coming Tuesday.

From what I understand, the lockdown on the BIOS prevents CPU OCing, but the GPU can be OCed. The switching problem has to do with whether or not the discrete GPU is kicking on correctly, which it isn't for OpenGL rendering, and they've removed the option to force it on.

 

Anyone notice that the XPS 15z is no longer available in the Dell website?

 

Wow you're right.

 

I see it on there.

 

10characters

 

I noticed this too and asked a rep. I was told it was an error that ought to be resolved.

 

The high-gamut panel is probably heavier and thicker, and would make the 15z too thick to be "the thinnest 15.6" PC in the world". This is quite likely Dell's rationale for using the inferior screen.

 

Loving my 15z after having it for 2 or so weeks. Great for watching movies etc. No problems with the fan either.

 

Had my 15z for a week now, can't get away from it. Swap to my older 128gb SSD. this combo is a killer! USB 3.0 on the bundle 500gb drive is awesome!
The 1080p screen is beautiful and vivid, this notebook is looks even better in person. yes there are things I don't like, Glossy screen, a slight heavier then I expected, speakers sucks. but for $1200 it's a great value, great balance on design and performance.

IMO - gaming = desktop, or else 15z handsdown! you're really throwing your money away to try gaming on a notebook platform.