Why people still buy SXPS 1647

Just confused why still people are buying studio XPS 1647 in spite of daily updating problems of the laptop which includes heat issue, throttling problem, audio problem, display problem and non availability of USB 3.0 and having not an option for switchable GPU ???

 

because for the price, even with the throttling-its a better machine than its competitors.

I was between this and the sony vaio F series (same exact specs). I sometimes wonder if I made the right choice especially when throttling happens...but oh well

 

The problems are somewhat overrated in the main, though, aren't they?

The heat issues are a non problem, as it doesn't run any hotter than any other similarly powered and sized notebook.

The throttling issue is only really an issue on the 1645 model, and isn't universal on every config.

There isn't really any audio problems

There isn't really any widespread display problems

USB 3.0 isn't widely supported yet, both in host hardware terms of peripheral hardware terms. Switchable GPU is also not fully supported on all platforms and OS.

So people stil buy the SXPS because the problems are either universal in all notebooks in its class or are overreported (heat, speakers) or aren't especially important to the user or won't be widely implemented for a good 4 years (Switchable graphics and USB 3.0). The only real issue for some is the throttling, which is dependant on configuration, is only really present with the quad core.

I can tell you right now that my SXPS 1647 has no throttling problem, has comparatively good speakers for a notebook (this is somewhat relative, though, notebook speakers are never going to be particularly stunning), has decent temperatures (CPU has never been above 65C at full load, GPU never above 79C. Both well within normal ranges for notebook CPUs and GPUs. The cooling system actually seems very efficient, going back down to idling temps after only a minute or so from full load. It's clearly able to get rid of all the heat that the chips are producing with the screen open. The vent clearly isn't blocked by it.), has a beautiful screen with no more problems than your average notebook screen (a little backlight leakage along the side, but try finding a notebook screen that hasn't). I'll never use USB 3.0, I rarely use the bandwidth of USB 2.0, and with a 500GB HD, it's not something you'll need tied to an external drive.

Problems with a laptop are always overreported on a site like this, as people are more likely to post about a bad experience than a good one. The only real problem with the 1647/1645 is the throttling on some configurations of the 1645.

 

Agree, that incidents are not generic and its overrated in public forums. But I believe, "There can not be fumes without Fire".

@lizard5, Do you think the configuration is cheaper ? I believe Dell laptops are costlier to its counterparts for the same configurations.

 

I have the 1647, have no throttling problems. But then, again I am not a heavy gamer.

I keep a very close eye on my temps. The sound on my lappy is great. Performance wise, it is quick and swift. Only annoyance I have would be the Touchpad..being highly sensitive, so I try and use my own mouse as much as possible.

This is a nice lappy.

Cin...

 

Nice to hear that your SXPS is working fine without any problem. Might be the issues here in NBR are highlighted more by users ?

 

Could be? ....I have not tried to push it with the throttling & perhaps, someday I should try.

As you see above, another user of the 1647, also reported..no throttling problems w/his 1647. Im sure more will chime in

Cin...

 

This notebook is popular and a great value. The number of people that actually post regarding this system are a small percentage of the total purchases and in most cases are a lot more computer saavy than the general public.

That being said, people here are more likely to push their systems harder than most, expecially the gamers. For everyday use though, this system does everything it should easily and is a worthy purchase. Most users will not notice the throttling.

The heat issue gets played out here seriously. Laptops are becoming more powerful and smaller at the end user requests. Manufacturers are giving us what we want and heat is the end result. If having a cool running laptop was a priority, the things would still be 3 inches thick and be able to fit more fans and dissipate the heat better. This is the reason for many true gaming laptops still being bulky. These laptops will get warm, especially since they are not complete plastic but it is not a safety issue and remains in spec for most users. No manufacturer can completely satisfy everyone and most of the unsatisfied people post here.

 

Count me in. I'm another 1647 user that has had no issues.

It just depends on user preferences. Sure, switchable graphics and USB 3.0 would be nice, but I didn't care if I had them or not. I probably wouldn't make use of them if I did. Also, you can't always wait for the latest thing. By the time switchable graphics and USB 3.0 become standard, there will be something new coming down the pipeline...

 

True that. I use the 1647 for multimedia as it was designed for, and it's perfect! The speakers are brilliant along with the screen and it looks fantastic!

Find me a better laptop for a similar price with similar specs and the same quality and then I might buy something other than the 1647! But I haven't seen anything come close!

 

First off Mutron had some good points. But this is why I got mine and still have it:

My 1645 does not throttle

Sure it runs warm, but for the power it has in such a thin chassis what computer wouldnt run warm? The answer is none

I got the same power (minus GPU) of my old alienware m17x for alot cheaper.

Dell has always taken good care of me

I have always loved my dell machines, and after owning and supporting many dell rigs I have never been let down

These are just a few reasons why I bought and kept my SXPS 1645.

 

Why I got my 1645

- It packs a lot of power for its size. a relatively thn 16" laptop with an i7 quad core, 8 GB RAM, SSD, and an ATI 4670 (soon to be 5730 for me)? Not something you see everyday
- Very good price for performance. Before I bought my 1640 a year ago, I compared it with the Sony FW series and Macbooks and Alienware, but price wise SXPS wins
- Awesome screen, not many others can compare
- Looks good
- It does run more warmly than my old Acer, however that's expected from the power and smaller size

 

Is there any chance that we can have our 4670s replaced with a 5730 for free?
I have seen ppl talking about it, it cannot be true right?

 

Not for free. To replace the GPU, you need to get a new mobo, and given that it fits, it'll be around $550.

 

I think the phrase is "where there is smoke, there's fire". There most certainly can be fumes where there is no fire.

Personally, I think Dell is milking the SXPS system.

Bronsky