** The Official Studio XPS 1640/45/47 replacement thread **

Well I had a very small fault, I didn't even ask for a replacement. All I did was email [email protected], and said I love this laptop but I am replacing the screen every 2 months and will that keep goin on for the next 2 years (remainder of warranty)... Go figure

 

I asked for an xps 15 and ironically they said no because they couldn't offer a processor as good as my sxps (in nz the xps is only shipping with the i5 480m
at the moment). Doesn't matter that it doesn't bother me lol, they won't do it.

So it's either the M15x or push for a refund and get something else. There aren't many other options in NZ though. Possibly the envy 17, possibly a MacBook pro running win 7 (though that will look amazing but not the worlds best hardware)

I don't know why I'm gonna do!

 

Yes, a refund in NZ is easily achievable.

I got a full refund on my SXPS after 11 months of use due to the throttling issue, and I'd only had one motherboard replacement.

Took ~2 weeks from initial complaint til the money was in my account

 

Thanks mate thats great to hear, also awesome to see another kiwi on here

 

Also keep in mind the consumer gaurantees act. It trumps any and all warranties.
And since dell NZ is a NZ listed company, they are bound by it.

A laptop is reasonably expected to last 5 years, so you are covered for anything for 5 years minimum that goes wrong with it.

The sxps16 does not perform to advertised specs so you are entitled to a full refund under the consumer guarantees act.

(note, you may have trouble getting people at the indian call centre to understand this)

 

Evening all, new to the forum, saw this thread, and answered alot of my questions, so thanks. I would just like to run through my problems, and see what you think whether or not I have a case, and what action I should take. I have an xps 1640. I've had it for one year and two months. I have the three year premium cover plan. I've had the mobo, palmrest, heatsink, backpanel all replaced. Im still having horrible heat issues. I CANNOT bear to use this laptop on my lap, its far to hot. It stutters whilst playing the simplest of games (super meat boy) after about an hour of use. This happens even when on the desk. Am I wrong in thinking that I should be able to experience the "multimedia" aspects this laptop was advertised for, whilst having it sat on my lap or on a desk?

What should my next course of action be, i dont want to keep waiting around for the dell engineer, i'm at uni, and i need this laptop to study. Can I ask for a replacement now? or am i going to be forced to keep having components replaced.

Hope this wasnt to much of a rant, just a little annoyed. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Glucose

 

Exactly what they told me, however they said they would offer the XPS 15... which I declined... ugly machine IMHO.

They gave me a full refund, and knocked off an additional 200 dollars in addition to the $410 currently offered on the M17x, and upgraded me to next day shipping for free. So I feel like they are trying. In the end I gave them some more money but I feel pleased with the outcome.

The refund was supposed to be already approved and sent to my DPA, however I don't see it yet... we shall see.

 

I've been checking these forums out for a couple of month, but I just now registered so I could pass along this info. After a couple of months (multiple tech visits for motherboard/heat sink/fan replacements) Dell has finally agreed to replace my Studio XPS 1645.

My current specs are:

Studio XPS 1645; i7-720; 4GB Ram; HD4670 1GB; 500GB 7200 RPM; 15.6" WLED 1080p

My replacement system specs (just listed as "in production" and slated for next-day shipping) are as follows (I left out some of the irrelevant info):

1 224-9506 XPS 15
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 312-1114 92 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
1 317-5419 Intel Core i7-840QM 1.86GHz / up to SC 3.2GHz / 8M
1 317-5420 8GB,DDR3,2 DIMM
1 318-0150 8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
1 318-0152 Metalloid Aluminum (WLAN) L501X
1 320-1669 NVIDIA GeForce GT 435M 2GB graphics
1 320-1673 15.6FHD TLF B+RGLED LCD L501X
1 331-0481 Backlit Keyboard (Internal) - English
1 342-1682 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 420-8878 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement
1 421-1365 Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate, 64 bit, English
1 421-4060 Fast Access Facial Recognition 3.0 SW Application
1 430-3891 Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200
1 430-3893 No Mobile Broadband L501X
1 430-3894 Dell Bluetooth 3.0
1 430-4038 Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card
1 467-7771 Thanks for choosing Dell!

I have a couple of questions:

1. Is this a new system (as opposed as a refurb)? I was told I'd be getting a refurb, but this looks like a new build. Not complaining...

2. Is the screen resolution the 1080p? I was told in an email that I'd be getting a 15.6" HD (720p) WLED but that Dell would send a service tech out to replace it with a 1080p after I received it. However, the actual order (above) looks like it could be the 1080p. Again, not complaining...

Thanks. I'm a non-techie that knows a few big words (thanks mostly to this forum, mostly).

Blessings!
Mike

 

Small update: have been dithering a bit and are tryin to get Dell to agree to let me return the m15x if I accept it but then it is unsuitable for me. They just called me and have upgraded my offer to i7-840m lol. Must say, I am impressed with them. Just trying to get it in writing that if I receive the m15x and don't find it satisfactory, then I can return it. Has anyone else run into that? Thanks

 

What would qualify as a written statement thing that they would except, could anyone clarify?

 

^Most likely an e-mail, or a quotation of some sort (sent by e-mail) indicating that they will acknowledge whatever it is that you guys have discussed. It's just proof that the conversation occurred, as the Dell reps in general tend to have amnesia every once in a while , "I never said/promised this or that !"

 

1. I guess its a new system.
2. Yes you have FHD 1080p B+RG LED screen which is supposed to be very good.

Enjoy you replacement

 

================================

 

xfachx, If you go to dell's website (technical support / product support / system configuration) and type in your laptop's service tag # you can view the original configuration.

**edit** (add link)

Here's a link.

 

Dell offered me a XPS15 with the following:

Intel® Core™ i5-560M (2.66GHz, 4 threads, turbo boost up to 3.2GHz, 3M cache)
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional, 64-Bit, English
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 435M 1GB graphics with Optimus
6GB Shared Dual Channel DDR3 Memory
Tray Load Blu-ray Disc BD-Combo (Reads BD and Writes to DVD/CD)
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000 with Wireless Display Support
92 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card
640GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

I really need a bluray burner. They don't have anything available that has one. This sucks. I'm not sure what I should do. I have the XPS 1640. They also offered me a refurbed 1640, I want nothing to do with it. I'm sure it will have the same heat-performance issues.

 

That looks quite nice, I would take it, what were your old specs?
As for the Blu-Ray, you can ask and if they have it and if so then you can pay to upgrade it. Otherwise, maybe you can configure another laptop to these specs with blu-ray that would be around the same price and ask if you could get that instead (?).
BTW, what do you need it for?

 

He made it a xps 17 with the previously listed specs. I took it. It's a good upgrade from my 1640. I need a bluray burner because I like to download HD concerts and I have a 1080p camcorder. I burn all of my videos from it in full HD. I can buy an external for pretty cheap.

 

=======================================

 

hey guys, do you experience any flickering of the screen when viewing this website? Bottom dark footer area. To the left and right. Look closely...

https://mozillalabs.com/blog/2010/03/contacts-in-the-browser/

it seems to happen when there is a lot of small diagonal lines or so.

should i get my screen replaced? Its RGB Screen at 1920...

 

Hey guys I saw this thread and some questions popped into my head. I have a SXPS 1645 and I got it back in May '10 and since then I've had to get a hard drive replacement and a few weeks ago I spilled water on it (had to get an out of warranty replacement for MOBO and Keyboard) and it has been a bit sluggish and I am still having HUGE heating problems when playing games. It idles at 50 degrees Celcius even with a chill pad. What is the deal with getting a replacement? I'm confused on this whole situation.

 

Idling at 50C for an i7 quad is normal.
Its good upto 100C.
What temps are you hitting when gaming?
CPU and GPU?

 

I just called today to and talked to them. I have had 2 motherboard/ heatsink replacements and now dell asks me to ship them my laptop so they can take a look at it. Definitely NOT what i want to do since i will be laptopless for no idea how long. They said they will send some one to give me a cpu replacement now. well see how that goes. But sending them my laptop for an undisclosed amount of time is just a tad outrageous.

 

==============================

 

Well when I play CSS it goes the highest it peaked at was 88C and for Team Fortress 2 it hit about 84. World of Warcraft I used to have the settings on high but it would hit in the 80C area so I turned it down to Fair and im still hitting high 70's thats GPU and for CPU itll go up to about 80C. And if you say I'm good up to 100 then that relieves me cuz I have been freaking out about it going over 80C because someone else on this forum previously said upper 80s is bad for the laptop.

and Tvdang yeah I feel you man. I have the basic warranty and they replaced my hard drive for free like they had someone come out but when I spilled water on it I had to send it away and pay $500 to get my MOBO and keyboard replaced..and I have even opened up the back and air blasted the entire thing and it didn't solve any heat problems. so IDK what is up with these laptops.

 

Guys pleace could you check the footer of the page (dark background) if you see a sligthly flickering?

https://mozillalabs.com/blog/2010/03...n-the-browser/

I have windows 7, 1920x1080, RBG LED screen.

JUst wanna know If I need a screen replacement....

Thanks..

 

Yea I notice flickering on the black background on my wled when the screen is held up close. I cant notice it from viewing distance. What could be the reason?

 

Ok so have accepted the following replacement...

XPS 17 L701x
i7-840qm
6GB Ram
640GB 7200rpm
3GB GT 445m
900p screen (lame have already ordered a 1080p replacement

All around pretty stoked and pretty keen to receive it.

Anyone else made a similar transition?

 

Wow MattXPS that's a really impressive replacement, it's like when Studio XPS or M1530 people get Alienware 15s... i5-540M to i7-840QM (massive)... 4GB to 6GB (not as big)... 15.6 inches to 17.3 inches (albeit 9000p)... 5400RPM to 7200RPM (not that big)... ATI 4670 to GT 445M 3GB! (humongous)...

 

Nice replacement, how'd you manage to get such a big upgrade?
Was your old system seriously messed up or did you just get lucky?

 

Its weird how the replacement process works in India. I have been reporting heating and throttling issues with my XPS 1645 and after numerous replaced parts they agreed to replace my laptop with the XPS 15.

I was first asked to hand over my laptop to Dell after which they said they will evaluate and give me the quote for the new system which upon my approval will be delivered to me in about 2 weeks.

Its been 6 days since I was stripped of my laptop and now very conveniently Dell India tells me they need the original invoice to proceed further with the case. Since I picked up this laptop from Ebay USA I received no invoice as such for which they tell me they cannot do anything further without the invoice copy as far as replacements are concerned and that I will have to either get the invoice from the original owner or take my old system back and keep replacing parts till the warranty expires.

I wish they had told me earlier that the invoice was required at least then I would have made arrangements for the same before I handed over my laptop. I was told only my laptop and charger were required. And I don't get the point of the invoice. They are going to replace my laptop which still has 213+ days under warranty according to Dell website with a equal or better spec laptop, why would they so strongly insist on the invoice.

I am really angered by their tone and attitude towards handling this issue. The Dell rep tells me there is nothing she can do and there isn't much point me calling her till I can obtain a copy of the invoice.

Is there anything I can do? I have already contacted my ebay seller for the invoice. I hope he can help me. If he doesnt wats my way out?

 

Yes dell India handles the replacement case in a diff. way. I know it because i have been through it. They ask for the invoice first (as it was done in my case) and then pick up the system and then send you the quote. While the last part is quite flexible i.e you can send them a wish list aswell and they would make the quote accordingly the only constraint is the price should be near and about the orignal price of system (this is why they need the invoice).

There are some positives to this method and some negatives aswell.
The positives are you can customize your replacement system to some extent aswell. Also you get a refreshed warranty for the new system i.e 365 day warranty.
You are suffering the negatives
i.e the process is messy and time consuming.

As far as invoice is concerned.
Have you transfered your warranty.
If yes then something can be done. Talk to the xps tech. team about this they can provide you the invoice if the warranty has been transfered, i guess (and you hope) so.

If you cant get the invoice from orignal owner the only people that can help you are xps tech. team. The Whole unit replacement team of india sucks. Try calling 1800-425-2066 (xps hotline) and see what can be done.

 

I think I'm going to wait until the new xps models come out to get my system replaced.

 

I doubt that they would give you L502x as replacement because even after SB laptops are launched they wont stop building the old L501x laptops.

The C2D SXPS 1640 is still available so you got the point.

 

I thought L502x is the L501x, but with a newer CPU (and maybe a new GPU).

You're right in that they have leftovers from older models, but in this case it will probably still be the XPS 15, and there won't be old i7 quad versions with GT 435M left for sale once the new ones are out in March-May. It is like when they had i5-460Ms released, and there were no more i5-450Ms left for sale with the SXPS 16 (except in certain countries, like some did not get i7-740QM but were stuck with i7-720QM for a while).

Dell seems to be quite generous to a large number of lucky people, who have gotten GT 445Ms and GT 435Ms for old generation GPUs, RAM upgrades to 8GB, CPU upgrades to i7-620/640/740/840M from old/new dual cores, upgrades to BluRay drives, and Full HD monitors etc. You won't get an old replacement or an inferior one.

 

I was supposed to get the xps 17. Apparently they are not making these anymore. My replacement was downgraded to a refurbed 1645. No thanks.

 

---------------------------

 

I have spent a few hours reading over these experiences with the overheating and throttling issues for the Studio XPS 1640. I bought a Studio XPS M1640 back in August of 2009. I bought the full warranty and onsite repair. I finally recently tried to game with it, and it was terrible. All of the throttling and overheating abound. Including the Power Brick getting so hot it actually burned me.

After two weeks of calls to Dell, chats, and two emails to corporate. They are finally going to replace my machine.

I bought it new, and with Top of the line specs at the time. 1GB ati graphics card, T9550 2.66hgz proc, 6gb 1066, 500GB hd 7200 rpm, wlan half mini card, bluetooth module, slot load BlueRay with cd/dvd burner. It was about a $2000 machine and I got a 20% discount at the time so it was about $1700 after taxes.

I am supposed to get a call from a Corporate resolution expert tomorrow. Not sure what that is, but a csr already offered to replace the computer and is supposed to call me tomorrow afternoon to inform of what is available to replace it with. I expressed that I was not interested in another 16XX model of laptop as they all have similar overheating and throttling issues.

I get to talk to Corporate in the morning though, between 8am and 10am. I am going to request a AW mx15 with slightly upgraded specs and a cost that is around what my original cost was. I have seen people get full refunds up to a year after purchase so I don't think I am asking too much.

Any advice on how I should approach this?

I have had 4 mother board replacements, two keybaords, a wifi card, 3 palm rests, all of the cooling components 3 times, and a hardrive all together over the 18mos life of the machine. I also have a chat log where a dell csr admitted there was a known overheating issue with this model of laptop. If that helps any.

 

^You're already on the right track. You know all the parts that they've replaced, how many times they've replaced each, and you have the chat logs, so that is all the ammunition you will need. Just be calm when speaking to them, but don't allow them to treat you like you don't know what you're talking about (as they can do that when they don't think the customer is computer-savvy). Usually telling them what system you want doesn't go over too well with them, but you might be lucky. What I suggest you do is tell them that you don't want any SXPS or XPS laptops again, as those seem to overheat, throttle, etc. This might force them into the Alienware corner, if you are lucky. Again, asking for an M15x from the get-go might work, though I don't know. I feel like they'd want to give you an XPS 15 and honestly it is their choice, as long as the replacement system is equal or better.

Either way, whatever they decide to send you (hopefully m15x), make sure they send you an e-mail quoting/confirming that that is what they'll send you. Sometimes Dell can have second thoughts about these things and screw you over, so cover all your bases. Good luck .

 

I have been very nice to all the dell reps throughout this process. Even though it is very frustrating.

What does anyone know about these Resolution Specialists? Has anyone heard of or dealt with them before?

When I say request an Alienware, it just looks like it is either that or a new xps 15, it just seems that from looking at what is available on their site, the AW will be the closest match to what I had. Of course if they offered me a refund, like have done others, I would take my $1700-1800 and just purchase what I want.
I don't expect that though.

 

So there has been no response since my last post, but I hope to get a resolution decided on tomorrow. My Corporate Resolution expert has offered to give me the new XPS 17 with an i5 Sandy Bridge (lowest model), with 6GB DDR3 1333 ram, a 1GB GeForce 550M Graphics card, BlueRay drive combo drive, etc. I have still been pushing for the alienware. I have not heard back from him since I responded asking him if he do the AlienWare mx15 basic model with the same specs except 1.7ghz i7 1st gen Processor, and the new ati card. Otherwise same except smaller screen and no Blue Ray.

What is better? Should I just take the new XPS with the sandy bridge and be happy? It is a nice Upgrade. My machine is 18mos old. A Dual Core T9550, with 6GB 1066Ram, slot load Blue Ray, and 1GB Ati 3XXX series video card. Either way it is a nice upgrade. I want to decide tomorrow. I will post then what he says in his next email.

Opinions?

 

I got stuck in the 2 week period when they stopped the XPS 17. I was originally quoted a XPS 17, got downgraded to a 15 with a worse graphics card. I just emailed them to see if they can make it back to a 17. I'm not holding my breath.

 

well I just my Alienware quote back. My rep agreed to give me the alienware mx15, the only thing in it I had to complain about was that he wants to give me an i3 processor, and he put the 5730 graphics card instead of the 5850. However my old machine had a 3XXX series ati card and a T9550 2.66ghz processor, so all in all, it is an upgrade, and i don't have to worry about overheating and I get pretty lights....

*edit*
They didn't have an i5 processor, but they did give me an upgrade to 8GB of ram. So I am pretty much happy. I should be able to play RIFT on this bad boy now, once I get it.

 

Hey guys,

Haven't really kept you up to date on how my replacement process so here is how it all panned out.

Originally had a Studio XPS 1647, see specs in my sig.

After having my screen replaced 3 times due to the hing aluminium coming away, and the same thing happening requiring a 4th replacement, I emailed [email protected] and was emailed back the next day with an offer of an M15x, i7-740qm, 8GB Ram, 5850, 1080p screen. A great offer and a significant upgrade, however not suitable as a work laptop. I was however very impressed with Dell's offer.

I was declined the option of an XPS 17 and instead offered an upgrade to the 840qm on the M15x.

I keeped dithering and then they offered the XPS 17, i7-840qm, 6GB Ram, 900p screen.

As soon as I had sourced a 1080p screen replacement, I took the offer. It then took less than 2 weeks for that laptop to arrive to my door.

It is a stunning machine and I could not be happier. Already loved my previous laptop and love this one even more.

Dell has exceeded my expectations on great customer service and has blown me away. They were quick (if I hadn't dithered the whole process would not have taken longer than 2 weeks), and I have ended up with some great upgrades on original specs.

Hope this story is an encouragement to those in or about to be in the same process.

 

Sounds good but why would micheal dell him self email us customers back? I mean come on it must be someone else replying back and not him. If not then damn that is some super good customer service. I wonder how many people actually email him.

 

Oh it is definitely not Michael emailing back, it was someone from the Executive Customer Support Team.

It has been thoroughly noted that sending an email to [email protected] provides results and is often suggested when you are not getting anywhere.

Apparently that is true!

 

Just emailed lets see how it goes

 

An order was FINALLY generated for my replacement system

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 225-0587 XPS 17
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 312-1182 92 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
1 317-6202 4GB,DDR3,2 DIMM
1 317-6210 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2630QM processor 2.00 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 2.90 GHz
1 317-6214 Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
1 318-0392 Windows Live Wave 4
1 318-0427 8X Tray Load CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
1 318-0431 Creative SoundBlaster X-FI MB 1.2
1 318-0432 Elemental Silver Aluminum
1 318-0434 Roxio Creator Starter, FI
1 320-1979 NVIDIA GeForce GT 550M 1GB graphics
1 320-1986 17.3in FHD WLED TL (1920x1080) 3D
1 330-0171 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 331-1414 Backlit Internal Keyboard - English
1 331-1416 Resource DVD (L702X)
1 342-2248 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 410-0487 Microsoft Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word and Excel with ads. No PowerPoint or Outlook
1 410-1883 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
1 410-9453 McAfee Platinum, 15 Month, MUI
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-7938 Dell Connect 2.1
1 420-8878 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp
1 420-9876 Cozi-Calendar
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 421-0757 Skype VOIP Application
1 421-1737 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 421-2086 eBay Webslice
1 421-3642 Basic Stage
1 421-3874 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install
1 421-4060 Fast Access Facial Recognition 3.0 SW Application
1 421-4118 WHITEPAGES.COM,Webslice
1 421-4289 Dell Support Center Software 3.0
1 430-3893 No Mobile Broadband L501X
1 430-4038 Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

My XPS 1645 was fairly "basic" at the time --

XPS 1645, i7 720QM, 4GB, 4670, WLED

All-in-all I'm satisfied with the replacement unit. Any thoughts/feedback as to the replacement model I am to receive?

 

damn you ha ha. should have held out another week or two and gotten a sb replacement. didnt think they would be offering sb in replacement units for a while. nice.

 

Just for curiosity and since i might do the same in the future....
Whenever you get a reply and post it up, could you add in your email that you sent aswell.

 

I also emailed [email protected] and got a response within 48hours. The Executive Resolution team is who emailed me back saying that he would be handling my case. My original machine was purchased in 2009. It was (is for another week or so) a Studio XPS M1640. I purchased a 1GB ATI 3000 series graphics card, slot load DVD player, a dual core 2.66Ghz T9550, 6GB of ram, and 500GB 7200 RPM drive. My Windows User experience was a 5.9 out of 8? Not too bad for the time I purchased it. I payed around 1600 thru an EMP program.

I had overheating and throttling issues and have around 6 months left on my warranty as of now. I recently started playing Rift and had GAWD Awful lag every 30 minutes or so.

So I started complaining. They replaced several parts within a 2 week period. They finally offered to replace the machine with a 1647, I refused. I told them I did not want an XPS as a replacement and certainly not a 16XX model.

When the corporate rep emailed me, I expressed this to him and he offered me the new XPS 17 with the lowest grade i5 SB processor (this Tuesday). I told him it was great except that it was an XPS and expressed my interest in an mx15. He told me the mx15 would be a significant upgrade and that the XPS 17 was a significant upgrade. I replied with a mx15 build and told him since both were an upgrade why not give me what I want?

He replied with a lesser AlienWare mx15 build, with an i3 Processor and the 5730 ati card. I then asked if he could make it an i5 and the cost to me to bump it up to 8GB of RAM. He replied with the same i3 build and 8GB of ram stating that would be the final build. The cost of the final build was $1643, the original XPS 17 offer was priced at $959. So I think I did pretty good, even though a lot of that was "Sexy" lighting and the AW name.

I currently am shopping i7 processors on ebay. They are around 200 for 720 and 740 Qm models. The i3's sell for around $80-$100. So if I buy one and sell my i3 I should be able upgrade it myself for around $100. Pretty amazing upgrade if you ask me.

If you do go the warranty route, don't bother with the guys at the 1800#. Get a corporate contact. Don't settle for the first thing they offer. I started by telling them I would never buy another XPS system again and that if I could do it all over I would buy AW. Then I just kept pushing it.

You will know when you have pushed too far, or as far as they will go, because they will tell you that you aren't getting more. Be nice. Just politely state how you spent a lot of money on your machine and that it doesn't perform at all how it was advertised. You can get a nice upgrade out of them if you work a little bit.