**The Official Studio XPS 1645 Intel Core i7 "Owners Lounge"

What exactly is the difference between a gaming and a multimedia laptop? because from the hardware aspect of it, they are the same...at least close. Ya, the 8000 dollar Alien has 12 gigs of ram 2 vid cards ect.... im talking dollar for dollar here, and if you hard core game your gunna have a desktop anyway.... Yes...No????

 

Multimedia machines will have hardware/specs that are better for, well, multimedia than gaming.

For example, the video card in the 1645 isn't really that great when it comes to games. There are better, more powerful mobile cards out there. However, it does a great job handling video/blu ray/HDMI out, etc.

That being said, there's usually a lot of crossover. A good multimedia machine should be able to handle most games and a good gaming machine should be able to do video.

 

Does anyone know if there's an update on being able to sync up itunes? Any word on a bios update?

 

A Chroma 5 or an EyeOne Pro should both work well.

 

Dude, look up videos on youtube. This is a great machine for gaming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sft1Zze1fhA&feature=related

 

After a month and a half with the Core i7 XPS 1645, I can unequivocally say that it is an utter piece of garbage. No one should buy this piece of crap unless Dell does a major redesign.

I'm just happy I got through this post without a random lockup.

 

Is XPS number 1-800-232-8544?

 

Hi everyone,
I have a question about watching a blu-ray movie on my machine. When using dell's powerdvd dx program (which I finally got to work at all!) on my 16x9, full high def screen, black bars STILL appear above and below the picture. From what I have found searching the internet, this may be unavoidable, but I wanted to ask in this forum for any insight. I would think a high def screen with a blu-ray movie would take up the WHOLE screen. Am I missing something here? I've done the obvious things= checked settings, etc. Thanks in advance.
Mickey

 

There's really nothing wrong with the bars appearing because it depends on the aspect ratio of the movie. If the ratio is not 1920:1080 (1.78:1, 16:9), bars will appear. Some directors prefer an even 'elongated' ratio like 2.35:1 found in LOTR in which case bars need to be shown.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vector_Video_Standards2.svg

 

How are people doing with battery life?

RGB vs WLED

I get on normal use around 2 - 2.5 hrs at half brightness with the monitor. I have the RGBLED. Im really thinking of returning this and going for the WLED if the battery life is better. Overall this computer is very nice.

 

what sort of tasks? if im browsing etc, i get ~3 hours on max performance power scheme.

if im watching hd video from my HDD, using DXVA (video card acceleration), then i get just over 2 hrs. both of those numbers are on full brightness, on the lcd in my sig, but im also using an SSD. (no motor in hdd)

 

It's quite begrudgingly and with great sadness, I have to agree. This is the last post I will be making on my xps 1645.

This is my second machine after having the first one replaced, several engineer visits and many a lost hour on the phone to Dell.

I love the screen, and the size, appearance, layout etc of the laptop, but it is infurating that I've paid for the i7 processor, only to have basic games freeze, repeated blue screens, and even this second machine needed a restore to factory default after just 1.5 days ownership.

I do wish the best of luck to those owners out their still struggling (or in rare cases, enjoying) their machines, but for now I say goodbye as I leave for the HP Envy owners thread.

xXx

 

I am hoping some one knowledgeable may be able to answer regarding the RGB LED screen.
Does anyone know if the RGB panel is a 24 bit panel instead of the usual 18 bit type. The M6400 17" RGB panel (lp171wu5) is one the rare 24 bit types. There is no public information that I've been able to find on the actual model number of the xps 1645 RGB panel, which would help clarify. The device id is SEC5448. This suggests a samsung panel (and not Seiko- Epson Corporation, as some earlier reports). There is no mention on samsung website of a 16" RGB panel (only CCFL).

 

Can't believe it shipped today, wasn't supposed to arrive until Jan. 21st. Not expecting it to be a perfect experience...



Your order (or part of your order) was shipped on 12/29/2009.

This e-mail contains the Estimated Delivery Date for your order(s),
along with tracking and delivery information.

Thank you for choosing Dell!

 

What problem are you having?

I am syncing iTunes fine on my system. I am also syncing with an iMac in the other room. Takes a while for that first 200GB, but it's working...

 

I have not played any games on my system, but I have used it steady since I received it. I usually keep it on all day and night. I have watched four movies from iTunes.

The only thing I can say is the fans run a lot, but I have not experienced any problems.

I am not aware of any Dell official answer about the laptop not being for gaming, that makes no sense...

Perhaps some Dell reps are coming up with their own interpretation of the problems people are having.

I will admit, I have no intention of doing any real gaming on the machine. I have a PS3, XBox 360, and Wii for that.

I can attest that while watching movies on iTunes, the laptop charges fine. I have been watching movies, draining down the battery, then repositioning the laptop near an outlet to recharge while watching. Works fine.

This is the best PC laptop I have ever owned.

The only laptop that wins out is a Mac, because of the single piece of metal and the lower weight.

 

DeathWalking: I was told that according to dell return policy: http://support.dell.com/support/top...n/en/new_alt_dsn_118131?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs preinstalled windows can't be returned, But as I understand that, according to EULA it can...

What shall I tell them?

 

interesting to note the new samsung firmware for the 256GB SSD now supports trim.. vbm24d1q

http://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=674668&page=3

Dell just shipped me one i ordered with a build date of DEC 11 2009 and it has the new firmware... im selling it in the market place so i have pics posted you can view here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=446835

 

There is a known problem between a chipset (Intel PM55 Express )on the motherboard, Windows 7 64 bit and itunes. I was able to sync fine initially. Then I got a variety of errors on further attempts. I just sync with my office computer for now.

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19306534/19604520.aspx
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2157442&start=300&tstart=0

 

Ah, didn't see this. Thanks.

I had decided to use my son's iMac to continue to sync my iPhone, so I probably missed the problem.

I have been syncing iTunes across computers though, and it works fine, but that isn't the issue as I now understand...

 

Is it true they are discontinuing our laptops?

 

It's starting to look that way and it would make sense, seeing as one of the proposed throttling solutions is a redesign... It's really starting to look like they are trying to bury this issue making throttlegate a very fitting name lol

 

I'm hoping that they dont cancel them quite yet. I am waiting on a replacement for mine that died. My order was placed today and I have an order number and it says its in pre production. I'm not sure what would happen if dell stops making these. I just want a damn computer that works.

 

Anyone use a Zalman cooler with their SXPS. I read the reviews on NBR and have decided to get one, just not sure if I should go with the NC1000 or the NC2000... Thanks!

 

Mine came almost a month early also - wasn't supposed to ship until Jan 21 and is out on the truck for delivery now. Should have it very soon.
I have odd expectations for Dell, seeing as they lie about build time. Even if it is to my benefit that I get it early, why lie by a month?

 

Urgh.. its not a lie.. its early. the EDD is well exactly what it stands for

ESTIMATED delivery date

es·ti·mate (st-mt)
tr.v. es·ti·mat·ed, es·ti·mat·ing, es·ti·mates
1. To calculate approximately (the amount, extent, magnitude, position, or value of something).
2. To form an opinion about; evaluate: "While an author is yet living we estimate his powers by his worst performance" (Samuel Johnson).
n. (-mt)
1. The act of evaluating or appraising.
2. A tentative evaluation or rough calculation, as of worth, quantity, or size.
3. A statement of the approximate cost of work to be done, such as a building project or car repairs.
4. A judgment based on one's impressions; an opinion.

 

I want to know from a 1645 owner:I am about to order an SXPS. I don't do gaming/video editing, would the i7 1645 be faster for everyday stuff than Core 2 duo 1640? I mean, for example, would a C2D 2.8 GHz 1640 system be faster/better than a throttled 933Mhz per core 1645 i7 system? The price is almost the same.

 

I would go with the i7 just to be in line with the future abilities programs will develop to fully utilize all 4 physical cores. I would rather the throttled i7 over a c2d any day.. given that our fix works 130w adapter and throttlestop app. Re-encoding movies is sweet with this 1645 w/ i7.

the C2D system is still powerful enough though for most needs..

 

throttlestop app? What is that?

Also is it confirmed that the 130w adapter increased performance?

Thanks

 

Hi,
I just purchased 2 new dell studio XPS 1645 notebooks. I have already updated the drivers and updated the bios to A03.
(My notebooks are still freezing I may add)

I am (hopefully) going to be using these computers for my biofeedback buisness. With this,I am only going to be using the biofeedback program, word, and external moniters. So, I would like to remove any additional bloatware from this system that I do not need, to speed up my notebook. I do not want to do a full install.

Out of the list below, what can I safely remove from my notebook?

Here is a list:

Windows live update tool
Windows live Sync
Windows live Sign-in Assistant
Windows live Essentials
WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software
Sound Blaster X-Fi MB
Roxio Easy CD and DVD Burning
Quickset64
Power DVD DX
Microsoft works
Microsoft Sync Framework Services Native v1.0 (x86)
Microsoft Sync Framework Runtime Native v1.0 (x86)
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition (ENU)
Microsoft Siverlight
Microsoft Office PowerPoint Viewer 2007 (English)
McAfee Security Center
LoJack factory Installer
Live! Cam Avatar Creator
Java ™ 6 Update 14 (64-bit)
Java ™ 6 Update 14
Intel Matrix Storage Manager
GoToAssist 8.0.0.514
Fast Access
Dell Webcam Central
Dell Touchpad
Dell Support Center (Support Software)
Dell Getting Started Guide
Dell Dock
Dell Datasafe Online
Consumen In-Home service Agreement
Complete Core Consumer service Agreement
Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office System
ATI Catalyst Control Center
Advanced Audio fx Engine
Adobe Reader 9.1.2
Adobe Flash Player 10 Active X

Synaptics Pointing Device Driver
IDT PC Audio
Quickset
RAID Event Moniter
AmbRun Endpoints Dynamic Link Library
Java ™ Platform SE6 U14
Catalyst Control Center
Adobe Acrobat
LoJack Factory Manager
DataSaft Online
FA Tray Mon
Cyberlink Power DVD
Dell Webcam Central
Creative Volume Panel
Creative Updreg
McAfee Security Center
Dell Support Updates
Bluetooth Software


Also does anyone have a list of systems that you keep on?

 

Does anyone know the website for the modded ATI drivers?
Thanks in advance

 

Here is the link:

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/modtool.php

 

Look around for the thread called like Dell OEM Build....that should help some.

~Ibrahim~

 

That's quite the exaggeration though. The card isn't that great perhaps compared to the top of the line mobility cards out there.

But in terms of actual performance? Aside from Crysis, this card can pump out solid framerates in even the latest games. I'd say the card is pretty darn good and can justify being called a "gaming machine" at this point, ThrottleGate issues aside.

 

what does it mean when the white lights start flashing orange on the sides of the computer? I figured low battery but it seems to happen when i still have about 56% battery left so i'm not so sure anymore..

also does throttle stop absolutely fix all throttling issues?

 

I have already ordered dell studio xps 16 i7 720, 4gb, 500gb, 1080 rgb led. Shall I cancel the order since it is still in pre production and order a hp envy 15 but it doesnt have 1080 p screen here in uk.. what do you guys suggest?

 

Just got mine 2 days ago, saw that the center area above the F-keys, including the plastic piece above the battery compartment is raised. The seam isn't flush as it is on the right side. There are also irregularities in the palm rest as well.

 

Thanks for the responses for my previous Qs. Last one, what are some of the idle temps people are getting? Like on power save, idle, with no fan running? And peak when running something like Prime95?

 

I was following another forum about crashing HERE And it seems that if you want to be crash free, The consensus here and there is a fresh install of windows 7. This is better than keeping the current dell image.

 

fresh install ftw!
the dell image seems problematic, as soon as i fid a clean install, no more crashing at all

 

I must be one of the few lucky XPS 16 owners that got a good machine. Dell image-no freezing, no throttle issues so far, (although only have Tomb Raider Anniversary on here) and it does get warm,but what do you expect from a high performance cpu and a 1 gig gpu in a laptop?

 

For it to perform to it's full potential straight from Dell.

 

If you are going to quote, put it in context,as in,I was referring to the warmth,nothing else.

 

If you dont mind me asking, What else have you installed/uninstalled besides tomb raider?. Have you used any USB devices?
thanks

 

I think it was in context.. he expects a 3k machine to work properly.. sounds reasonable

 

I am not disputing that a machine should work properly out of the box,was specifically commenting on the warmth in that post. Trust me, I well know about build quality issues with Dell as I have been shipped 3 consecutive laptops that were defective out of the box, an m15x , a Studio 15,and even this XPS 16 (which had a defective 370 Bluetooth module-which Dell replaced)

 

finally got a desk!!!

 

my wife's side...

 

How is that Vaio? Been looking into the Vaio CW.

 

i dont use it but my wife loves it. she had a dell 1505 and she used to complain about it all the time. the fan is annoying though, cycles all the time. my 1645 is quiet compared...