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    SXPS 16: Is the 9-cell battery sticking out annoying?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by SirDarren, May 16, 2010.

  1. SirDarren

    SirDarren Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've never had a battery that wasn't flush to the surface before and I'm worried that it will be annoying as hell. Especially when I'm resting it on my lap.

    Can anybody tell me what it's like, and post a picture of how the 9-cell battery sticks out if at all possible? I've seen one but it wasn't a good perspective.

    Thanks!
     
  2. Raether916

    Raether916 Notebook Consultant

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    YES- I use a 6 cell on my 1647 even though with RGB and i5 i get about 2 hours.. and on the 9 about 3.25 hours- I keep the 9 cell in my bag just in case. I like laptops to sit flat not raised.
     
  3. SirDarren

    SirDarren Notebook Enthusiast

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    I can only choose the 9-cell on the site, but if this proves annoying I guess I can always order the 6-cell online after.

    Thanks!
     
  4. nmpraveen

    nmpraveen Notebook Guru

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    It actually helps in keeping heat off lap...already there is throttling issues...if they keep flat battery then lap will perform very poorly..actually many ppl are using coolers inspite of that elevated battery
     
  5. SirDarren

    SirDarren Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah I'm gonna be getting a cooler for when it's sitting on my desk anyway.
     
  6. m715

    m715 Notebook Consultant

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    Annoying yes, won't fit in my old laptop sleeve with the 9-cell and tight fit in my laptop back where the battery sticks out.
    Functionality wise on flat surfaces without a cooler it does help with air circulation. Once i get my cooler i will be looking to get a 6-cell to allow it to sit flat.
     
  7. Fenikkusu

    Fenikkusu Notebook Evangelist

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    ...This is not a laptop you want on your lap. Not unless you're trying to melt your legs or sterilize yourself.
     
  8. cbaty08

    cbaty08 Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah, not good for the lil swimmers!

    I myself kept my 9-cell from my last lappy when I got this replacement, and I will agree that the 9-cell is nice to HAVE, just not convenient to use everyday or even on your lap....

    I am going to sell one of my 9-cells and pick up a 6... It then will fit in my backpack easier, and lay flat giving it a lower profile... like those other classy looking rigs... ;)

    I will agree though, that using the 9-cell on your lap is probably better; giving the system more ventilation and keeping the heat off your junk.
     
  9. SirDarren

    SirDarren Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for all the answers guys!

    Will order a 6-cell if I don't like the 9-cell when it arrives. Just keep the 9 as a backup.

    Also, don't think the heat will be an issue as my Studio 17 was extremely hot if it was on my lap for a while, and it wasn't too bad :p

    Also, luckily I have good reason not to, and never want to have children so I'm safe! :D

    Haha
     
  10. codester

    codester Notebook Consultant

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    I think it is a matter of personal preference. A lot of users have said it is annoying and uncomfortable, but it hasn't bothered me yet when using it on my lap. I actually like the 9-cell for a couple reason: 1) the vents aren't blocked when sitting it on your lap, floor, bed, or any other soft surfaces, & 2) it angles the keyboard.

    Also, keep in mind that the 1647's don't get as hot like the 1645's. Mine doesn't get hot at all, which is why I am able to use it on my lap, unlike Fenikkusu's 1645.
     
  11. gpig

    gpig Notebook Deity

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    The 9 cell battery is annoying. I use a flat $15 "lapdesk" because of the battery. However, my XPS 1645 runs cool enough on my lap for light tasks like listening to music, web-browsing, and word processing. It seems pretty cool even for watching 8GB Blu-ray movie rips. However, the flat surface is needed because the battery is really uncomfortable especially for certain sitting positions.

    If you are playing games I'd say it's about the same amount of heat as most laptops out there including the Core 2 Duo generation. The fan noise is also very annoying.
     
  12. Zswickliffe

    Zswickliffe Notebook Evangelist

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    The extended battery is EXTREMELY annoying and so is the bottom of the laptop in general. This is not really a LAPtop. It annoying to have it sit on your lap for long periods of time as it sort of digs in and leaves marks on your thighs. The only real downfall to this notebook.
     
  13. Fenikkusu

    Fenikkusu Notebook Evangelist

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    The average idle temp is between 55~60C on the SXPS1645 (less true now for me now that it's summer weather) that's pretty hot, the bottom of the chassis retains a lot of heat even if the internal components don't so for me personally it's quite uncomfortable. Not to mention this laptop is like 9 pounds, it's an inch short of being an official desktop replacement computer. That being said, when I do have it on my lap the 9-cell isn't what bothers me it's convenient because it angles the keyboard for me and puts less strain on my wrists. The heat is what's annoying in terms of using it while it's on you.
     
  14. entrance002

    entrance002 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm using the 9-cell, and I carry my laptop to class in my backpack everyday with the 9-cell on it. Not a big deal for me. It might make it slightly heavier but even 1lb more is not much compared to the textbook/reading material that I add to my backpack lol.

    I actually like that it tilts my notebook up for 2 reasons: gives an opportunity for the laptop to be slightly cooler by allowing for more air flow, and makes it more comfortable for my wrist when typing.

    And of course, longer battery life in class. I transcribe my notes often during lectures. =)

    So basically, I'm all for the 9-cell.
     
  15. cbaty08

    cbaty08 Notebook Evangelist

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    Just throwing it out there, please correct me if I am wrong but, Isn't it worse for us to have the keyboard tiled up when it is at lap-level?

    I understand if you are using it on like a desk, the elevation is nice, but I think I must disagree on this one and say that I wish the keys sat flatter like a MBP while on my lap..
     
  16. JKleiss

    JKleiss Notebook Evangelist

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    On the upside the 9cell works great as a handle.
    Also, it wudn't dig into ur legs when on ur lap if u have big chubby thighs :)