Worried! Should I pull the trigger?

Hey guys so I'm looking for a laptop for college and am really close to pulling the trigger on this from dell... I can get the following specs for around $1035+tax

But I have some concerns...how bad is the overheating? Has it been mostly taken care of? I may be doing some gaming but I don't think I will be playing that many games on this laptop. Also how is the battery life? And is this the 1645 or the 1647..I can't seem to figure out which is which.

Please help me out...I'm close to pulling the trigger I just need to know those few things.

Thanks! :]

 

Hi Spiritd...

I just ordered the 1647, it is the same spec as yours except that mine are:
1) i5 430
2) ATI 5650

I just ordered last Friday and need to wait for another 2 weeks..

Well, from what I read in previous posts, throttling and overheating are main concerns.

1) Throttling - could be fixed using adapter with bigger watts.
I am not concerned about this because my ordered system is *only* i5 430, and ATI 5650 (which consumes less power compared to ATI 4670). The ppl from previous threads generally said that 90W adapter should suffice *which what I will get*
But I am not too sure about ur spec.. Since you got the high end i7 and ATI 5730..

2) Overheating
I am concerned abt this too...
Basically, ppl are concerned abt the vent design of XPS 16.. They said that the vent (on the back of laptop) blows hot air upward (which means on to the screen !! )
I am also still researching more on this issue as well ..

 

looks like a great deal to me. this is a 1645 (quad-core i7). the 1647s are dual-core i7s. I have only had mine for a few days and the heat has not been an issue at all. not sure on battery life as i have had it plugged in most of the time. hopefully one of the other member can help you out on that one

 

Nevermind, read the wrong post!

 

I see you listed the RGBLED 1080p in your sig. It was my understanding Dell discontinued that screen because of its known issues with the Studio XPS 16. When I ordered mine on Friday, they did not even list it as an option anymore.

 

Thank you for all the input guys. So from reading through other threads on the issue, many people seem to think the issue would be fixed with the new graphics card Dell is putting in the machine. Has anyone experienced the same issues with the new graphics card? I'm trying to figure out how bad this throttling is...

Thanks!

 

The 5730 uses almost 10 less watts and is 40NM vs 55NM so heat and power usage will be down considerably with just the change to a 5000 series GPU. I think the throttling had alot to do with the RGB drawing too much power. I dont have any numbers, but Im wondering with the wattage saved from the 5730 and the 130watt ac adapter if the RGB could make a come back. Personally I will be happier with the wled for better battery and less draw, but still wonder.

 

Wow that looks like a great price (considering what I just paid through EPP)....how are you getting such a good price?

 

the throttling is not bad...and only happens if you really stress the system over a long period of time... no 1 game or program should cause you to throttle...maybe if you open them all at the same time but not alone.

 

Not to argue but I will; MANY users are able to throttle this thing playing just a single game.

 

Has anyone experienced throttling with the new graphics? Did't the bios update and new adater remedy the problem at all?

 

Not sure about the older units, but I ordered my 5730 xps 16 the day after it came out and still have not see it ship. I am hopeful for this week though.

 

I'd bet it will ship this week or beginning of next week; I just got a replacement in production with the 5730... should be here mid-next week!!!!! -Can't wait..

 

The estimated delivery date is the 14th so I am pretty hopeful that it will be here this week unless something happens and they change the delivery quote last minute.

 

Well, I wish us both luck in getting it sooner! : )

 

Im in the same boat, i dont expect it any later than Friday and the EDD is the 14th.

 

Well Cbaty and wetcardboard here's hoping we all get lucky this week

 

My EDD is 10th, but the status still says 'In Production'...\

 

When I ordered my alienware it shipped the 12th of may and was delivered on the 14th. So there may still be hope for you yet!

 

How did you get the 1647 with that card? I looked over the website and couldn't find it. Did you call in and get that or?

 

I ordered in Singapore Website ( Desktop Computers, Laptops, Servers, Monitors, Printers & PC Accessories. | Dell Singapore ) as I work here.
They got an option to choose between 4670 and 5650 ..

And when I got my invoice, it specified the machine as 1647 based.

Hmm, with all those heat issue, I am thinking to buy one good laptop cooler.. is Cooler Master good enough? Or should I go for another brand?

 

Well I visited the dell website last night right before bed and saw that it was in delivery preparation and my EDD is now the 11th! Now I am really excited!

 

Congrats!

Always nice to see those EDD's get bumped up rather than back.

 

After buying a lenovo thinkpad I sure am. My thinkpad got delayed like 3 or 4 times and took forever to come in.

 

I pulled the trigger yesterday on this exact deal. Got it for $1100 after taxes. I will also be using this for college in the fall. I really hope they have fixed the overheating and throttling issues.

 

Howd you guys get such good pricing? jw

 

Im wondering too. I spent 1534 after shipping and taxes for the rig in my sig. All in all I feel I got alot for my money but as always would like the get money back.

 

I spent $1610.70 after taxes (CAD) for whats in my SIG, was $1499 + bluetooth add-on before tax. I requested to have a 6-cell battery although I could've gotten a 9-cell for near the same price.

 

EPP website with multiple coupons (no longer working, they killed the stackability of the coupons).

I have something similar coming for $1100, too.

 

ahh I looked a only saw the automaticdiscount (wich was significant). Either way I'm happy.

 

heck of a deal

 

Yeah!

EPP Coupon: -$314.79
DellU Coupon: -$100.00
EPP Additional Savings: -$21.68
Free Shipping: -$19.00
Total: $1,115.00

 

Epp coupon?