Silly Dell UK site with half baked XPS specs

just gone to UK website to configure a full spec XPS15 (i7- 2820QM)

but :-
no TV Tuner
no Blueray
no Backlit keyboard
can't downgrade to Win7 pro

... and we certainly dont get good discounts either like the US

What a total joke !

anyone managed to order in UK with these options at all?


css_jay99

 

Oh mate don't get me started on this. I've been waiting since October last year for Sandy Bridges and when this finally became available, I got totally annoyed as everywhere else gets decent specs and discounts.

I need a Blu-Ray writer (video editing work I do) - no go from Dell but they will offer you a Blu-Ray reader (with DVD & CD writing) for a rip-off £91 on top. Sony (where you pay a premium just for the name) charge £120 for full Blu-Ray writers. If you want the blu-ray reader option
, you can phone them up and they'll offer it you (I can confirm this).

No backlit keyboard - is a big deal for me apparently is available if you ask for it on the phone. I originally rang on the day of release and was told it wasn't available but a couple of people are now saying that it can be included over the phone - if anyone can confirm this and a price that would be great. The other thing to confirm is that is they do offer a backlit keyboard, is it still the "island" style (chiclet) keyboard or is it the old style keyboard.

In regards to the TV tuner I think there 2 hopes - bob hope and no hope. The TV broadcasting is different to a lot of the world and I'm not convinced that Dell will be looking into this territorial specific - especially as they don't bother with basics.

 

There is some problem with the DVB-T Tuners Dell is offering:
- When I first asked about it, the rep discouraged me from buying one.
- When I ordered my XPS15 the rep initially ordered it with a TV Tuner but later called back that it is only available for HD not for FHD screens...weird.

 

Dell XPS I7, Dell I7 XPS UK, Dell XPS with I7 Processor

 

No backlit in UK. Only thing left which I really wanted...

Ordered my XPS 15 on Saturday. But yes, they didn't have any blu-ray / tv tuner option either.

 

shame , I kept waiting for the SXPS 16 to have all the bits I wanted and kept waiting ...... Now its the same story with XPS 15.

...2yrs later and still waiting for a laptop with all the dogs b

I wonder if there is any disadvantage in buying from the US, I might have someone comming down to the UK for Holiday

css_jay99

 

Just spoke to dell who said backlit keyboard not available for UK but maybe republic of ireland. She said dell start of with base spec and sometimes introduce add-ons later down the line like they did with backlit keyboard on xps 17 sort of 3 months into selling the model. In regards to blu-ray writer...she said don't hold my breath as they almost never include these as an option. Best to get a basic drive and swap with an after market one (assuming they are just normal IDE laptop interface like most)

 

Hi UK People,

I have just gone on the Dell Chat I was told by the rep that though not available via the website, I could configure the XPS15 with TV Tuner (£30) + Blu-Ray (£100) but can only be done via the phone


Thats great news!

css_jay99

 

I just got mine today...ordered on 8th March originally. I'm at work..got it on my desk looking at it. It's very nice! I just finished swapping the DVD/CD combo to a blu-ray writer (which was easy enough) and changed default 4GB ram to 8GB. Coincidently, my backlit keyboard part that I ordered through Dell Spares and Upgrades arrived as well! I'll fit this when I get home. Then we're all sorted hardware wise. Time for a clean installation of Windows

 

Hi Hamstar50, would you mind telling me what Sony model of Blue-Ray writer you are swapping into ?

 

and also if you were able to reuse your existing Bezel without any problems ...

 

yes i would love to know that too

 

Hi gents,

I swapped for a Sony Optiarc BD-5730S but any will fit. The bezel is the same as any other drive...literally clips off.

The backlit keyboard was a little more difficult but got there in the end...simply follow the guide. By the way, did you guys get a Vodafone SIM card in yours already there? It's under the battery...if anyone can advise me on what/how/who that'd be great...i didn't oder this but would be good to use if it's free

 

Hamstar

If you check system devices do you have a Dell 5540 card fitted?

If you do that's a WWAN card with an inbuilt GPS chip so good for your mapping needs.

If you do have the 5540 then in networking you should have WWAN options available.

 

Hi mate,

I do indeed have a Dell 5540 card fitted - didn't order this (it seems to be standard in the UK). Do I need a active SIM card in there for the GPS to work?

When I click on the network settings, I can see the WWAN adapter and when I try connect it pops up the wireless network selection box. I take this basically means it works but I have no active valid SIM? (The Vodafone one must not be 'live' then).