XPS 12 Owners Lounge

I would like to know more about the fan noise. My previous pc was a custom built desktop with extra attention for noise (120 mm fans etc) and I hoped an ultrabook would be even more silent. Would the fan kick in when watching a movie or listening to music? That would be annoying... If someone could make a video while using the machine (eg under heavy load vs browsing) that would really be helpfull!

 

I tend to be irritated by a lot of fan noise (it's one of the reasons I own an iMac as my desktop), and I've been pleasantly surprised at how quiet the fans are; my 15" Macbook Pro produces a sound like a vacuum cleaner when under any sort of load at all, but the XPS 12, while certainly noticeable if in a quiet room, is far easier on the ears. Mine seems to whir the fans up for a few seconds every five minutes or so, even when doing nothing but browsing, but that's really not an issue. I had it at work today, and you couldn't hear the fan noise over the single desktop machine (which are fairly quiet themselves) at the back of the room. I admit I haven't really had the machine under any real load, I'll probably try that at the weekend.

However, if you're going to be listening to music or watching films, you really want to be using headphones or external speakers; the speakers are fairly poor, but then you'd expect that from so small a laptop. You won't hear the fans over either of these options, and I doubt anyone else in the room would mind unless they're wanting absolute silence.

 

Nope not crunchy at all. Everything on mine seems fine I have no complaints and I can't even hear it click it may or may not have a different tactile response its a tiny button I have big fingers.

 

Finally shipped! Purolator gets to avoid my wrath.

User-------------Order Date-------Estimated Date---Delivery Dt---Country------------Config

SuperTongue-10-13-12----------10-30-12/11-06-12-11-05-12-----USA----------------
IntelUser-------10-17-12----------11-15-12-------------11-15-2012--------CANADA----------i7-8-128
Chris C---------10-23-12----------11-09-12-------------11-08-12-------USA----------------i7-8-128
jabbok----------10-23-12----------11-15-12-------------11/14/12--------CANADA----------i7-8-256
Regret----------10-12-12----------11-05-12-------------11-12-12-------USA-----------------i5-8-256--Got delayed
Bill_P-----------10-18-12----------11-13-12-------------11-07-12-------USA-----------------
netrowdy-------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-07-12-------GERMANY--------i5-8-256
PhilipX----------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-05-12--------BELGIUM---------i5-8-256
Lioso------------10-29-12---------11-26-12-------------11-12-12--------SPAIN--------------i7-8-256
dmehers-------11-05-12---------11-30-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------SWITZERLAND-i7-8-256
itsnotlikethat-11-10-12---------12-06-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------UK-------------------i7-8-256
ClintonVaz----11-13-12---------12-03-12-------------xx-xx-xx--------INDIA---------------i5-8-256



Initial impressions are VERY GOOD. The hinge is sturdy, I don't have trackpad issues(like on the youtube video). Keyboard is a minor loss coming from a full-sized Desktop Logitech one. Way better than the HP 15-inch we also have at home. Keep in mind that this is my FIRST ever Notebook/Ultrabook/Tablet whatever.

About Windows 8. I use EVERYTHING. I use the touchscreen, keyboard, AND trackpad. Trackpad is the least used and touchscreen and keyboard equally compete for attention.

Review is coming with much more details.

 

just received my new xps 12 today

and I noticed from time to time, the touchscreen itself (not the touch pad) will stop responding. It may or may not come back after a minute or two. Rebooting the computer definitely will make it work again.

I have gone through this thread and most seems to be experiencing an issue with the touchpad only.

has anyone had similar issues with the touchscreen?

many thanks

 

I divided C into C (OS) and D (Data).
So I did not touch any of the other sections.
Win8 yesterday reminded me to back-up recovery media.
Quite likely I will do this and then have a look which of the sections is obsolete.
Someone said that Win8 will offer deleting the recovery section when the back-up process is done.

But so far, I now have around 90 GB for OS and programs on C (which is a bit too much for me, but less was not possible) and around 100 GB for Data (music, pictures, documents) on D.

 

Look at:
XPS 12 Partitions. What can I delete? - Laptop General Hardware Forum - Laptop - Dell Community

8GB and 40M partitions are used to speedup startup. There is also extensive information (white paper) on Intel technology for that.

I suspect that 6GB will be filled once you make initial backup? I have used 8GB pen to do recovery media.

 

Hi folks!

Really informative thread and I'm definitely one of the potential owners of this marvelously designed book I loved the hinge design better than any others. (compared to flexible YOGA, sliders, and traditional un-transition-able design)

However, I definitely need more info on the touchpad before i make the jump. It looks like there are some issues with the touchpad, which is a very very important factor for me. Other minor issues such as SD card slots, weight, or battery life are something that I can bear with.

 

Wow, now that seems pretty serious. I'd contact Dell and get it replaced. For sure you don't want to experience any issues with something which is one of the main selling points of XPS 12... As far as I know, your problem hasn't been addressed in this thread yet...

 

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 review of engadget is online:
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 review -- Engadget

With many interesting points and comparisons with the XPS 12 engadget also reviewed some time ago.
It seems the XPS 12 is the winner of this battle

Despite often read elsewhere, it seems the battery life isn´t that much better on the Yoga.
(not in Engadget´s standard battery test)

Quite interesting because it seems the Yoga is the popular device, though.
(at least my impression when trying to get information or when counting the forum posts here)

 

I am interested to hear more about your experience with the machine! Thank you for the reply! This is a very useful thread when making a decision on what to buy.

 

I have the Dell XPS 12 now more than a week and while the screen was very responsive all the time, the same issue happened to me yesterday evening and is now constantly reoccuring. After a few minutes or a reboot it indeed is enabled again but I have found myself already in the situation where the screen was not working, nor the (horrible) touchpad and somehow also the keyboard stopped working (only once). I'm still very fond of this laptop but these problems really need to be sorted out!

 

Im also having this same issue and dont know whats causing it. I have installed Visual Studio 2012 and SQL Server 2012, and i use the XBox music service when it seems to happen. Very aggravating. Thank God it reboots in like 10 seconds or this would be a major bummer. Please post back if you find a solution, as will I

 

Hi everyone,

I received my XPS 12 a few days ago and I am very happy with it.
But... I can't find anywhere the Windows 8 product key sticker.
Do you have it? I try to look Under the aluminium trap but can only find the service tag.

thanks.

 

Well, I just ran into a brick wall trying to back my laptop up for the very first time.
I use imaging software called TrueImage from Acronis, and when I hit F12 during bootup to try and boot off my USB drive loaded with the TrueImage software, it gave an error telling me that the current "Security Policies" prevent this from being allowed. I hit F2 to go into the BIOS, only to discover that Dell is now using a UEFI bios called InsydeH20 that looks pretty feature-rich. There is a Security tab page and a Boot tab page, and there appears to be a way to "Add a Boot Option". Unfortunately once I add the new boot option there doesn't seem to be any way to configure the new entry! There is an option to hit F1 to get help, and it promptly displays a BLANK SCREEN!! Also, no manuals that are avaialble for download on the Dell Support website for the 9Q23 have any coverage whatsoever for the BIOS screens. GRRRR!!!!
Anyone know where I can get a manual for this InsydeH20 BIOS, or how to configure an entry to allow booting from USB? At this point, since the BIOS is UEFI, I'm having serious doubts as to whether the TrueImage backup software will even work anyway. <depression sets in>
How are the rest of you planning on backing up your laptop? Manual backup of user files doesn't really work for me, since I have a ton of development software installed and configured. I really need a hard drive imaging solution instead.

 

good to hear I am not the only one having this problem

Good news is that it has stopped happening to me. It only occurred quite frequenly in the first day

Bad news is that I am not sure what I have done to fix it.

I will share with you what I have done and maybe some smart person can give me the answer

So on the first day, the touch screen is working intermittently and sometimes it will come back with or without a reboot. This happened probably 5-7 times in the span of an hour. We were quite annoyed that we were about to do a factory reset and see if it makes any difference. We got into factory reset and it asked us to plug in the power adapter in order to proceed. But at that time we got sidetracked and just turned the computer off instead.

Next time we turned the computer on, the touchscreen was perfectly fine and with the subsequent reboots, the touchscreen was perfect. No more unresponsive episodes.

So we haven't really done anything specific to make it go away. Fingers crossed it is not coming back.

I have tried googling for solutions but because this computer is so new there aren't too much info on the web.

anyway, please also keep me posted in case you find a case or solution to the problem

many thanks

 

I will be contacting them on Monday I think the gap is too wide at the top causing the screen to be looser then it should be, I have a few issues with the trackpad otherwise everything else is excellent, the fan is quiet, the screen is vey responsive and crisp, keyboard is solid I really like the notebook.

 

You can still access the Windows 7 backup utility, including system image backups (Using Start Search, search for recovery and then choose Windows 7 File Recovery from the Settings results list) but it didn't work for me. I'm going to try Paragon next.

 

According to Paragon's website, "For recovery purposes it includes a powerful Linux/DOS environment.", which implies to me that we're still going to have to tackle the BIOS security problem of being able to boot off the USB drive.

 

I love the XPS 12 and Win 8 but I'm having two problems: trackpad intermittently not working and WiFi glitches (failing to connect). WiFi is particularly weird because I have in our household Mac, Win7, WinXP, Android, and iOS devices that never have problems with either of our two access points.

Sadly I'm on the verge of deciding to return it. These issues are simply not-ready-for-prime-time category. I felt I couldn't take the XPS 12 to an important meeting yesterday which is a bit ridiculous. A firmware update from Dell that corrects them would save the day but I'm not holding my breath. The bad thing is it is still what I want: i.e. if I returned it I would just have to hang on to my old system a while longer. So I would definitely rather see these issues corrected. Sigh.

 

Did you change the Power-Saving setting for the WiFi to Maximum Performance? I had this same issue when on battery until I changed that setting (see my previous post for details).

 

Sorry to hear that. For the WiFi though, go to Intel website and get the latest drivers if you haven't already. Their drivers are flaky in the beginning with new product/OS launch but mature steadily with driver updates. Mine is far better now that I have the latest WiFi drivers.

1. Intel.com
2. Support
3. Downloads then to "Automatically find drivers"

Unfortunately it looks like you got a faulty unit, since everyone else so far seems to be fine. Mine I could move it to a hard desk(which exerts some force on the device when "landing" on the table) and it won't flip. Call Dell up.


I assume the touchscreen issue may be related to drivers as well. In this case, getting the latest drivers might help. The default installed on my system is 9.17.10.2849. It looks like 2849 is the OEM launch driver while Intel launched their own at Windows 8 launch day. The launch day driver is 2867 and there's another version called 2875. 2875 fixes issues with more games. You can't use auto update tool to find those drivers though. Just go to Intel's Support page manually.

 

hi Chris, i would like to know what material i need to change the ssd in my dell xps 12? what screwdriver etc.

and did you change the wireless card?

Do you think there will be a replacement battery soon with better life?

i am not english but i looked in that video and it sound really easy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usk560qAboA

but i do not understand what screwdriver i need because of my language

 

Yes it requires a T5 Terex Screw driver for the 10 boarder screws a Number 0 or some Number 1s fit as well for the one under the xps plate

the screws are Philips Number 0 that hold the wifi card and the ssd.

Yes I changed out the wireless card for the Bigfoot Networks 1202 wireless card Like it MUCH Better

as for the battery I highly doubt it.

 

a big thanks

you got those part on ebay? ( the msata and the wireless card)
i saw them here, but looking for the best price


not sure but i think i would be ok with that http://www.ebay.com/itm/30-Precisio...959?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d362ef29f

 

NO I never use ebay I got the ssd from amazon and wifi

Wifi (sold out at last check on amazon)
Amazon.com: Bigfoot Networks KillerN-1202 Notebook Wireless Card: Computers & Accessories

SSD
Amazon.com: Mushkin Direct Atlas Deluxe 240GB mSATA SATA III Solid State Drive MKNSSDAT240GB-DX: Computers & Accessories

Screw Driver Kit
Amazon.com: Boxer 30 Pcs 4mm Precision Screwdriver Set: Home Improvement

 

My XPS 12 has a Micron C400 mSATA SSD. Does anyone else have the same? It looks like Dell is using both the C400 and PM830.

 

I have seen dell use these Brand Msata drives so could be
Crucial c400, Liton, and Samsung PM830

 

The Windows Experience Index from Windows 8 may not be comparable to Windows 7. I heard the new score cap is 9.9 rather than 7.9 as in Win 7. Actual testing methods may have changed as well.

 

I would say they are some what similar only ones that are different are the SSD due to the 7.9 limit on 7 and the Desktop Graphics Performance and yes I used the same drivers on 7 as 8 for video Intel only
XPS 14 Win 7...6.9...7.2...4.9...6.3...7.9
XPS 14 Win 8...6.9...7.2...5.1...6.3...8.1

 

Regarding True Image

Try searching for "advanced start" on start screen. Scroll to the bottom and click "restart now". When it restarts you should be able to use what ever key you use to get to boot options. I used the non-uefi option for the usb stick and True image ran just fine.

This does not work on XPS 12. It worked on a uefi Asus. It must be because of the way different manufacturers write the uefi boot sectionl

 

Does anyone know how to disable the automatic backlit keyboard at startup.
I always have to switch it off ... Thank you.

 

do you know if the cpu is soldered on the motherboard?

 

hi chris_compson,

just wanted to say "thanks" to you

I bought the xps 12 recently and your SSD upgrade post was perfect for my reading (and eventual execution).

I had gone to purchase a Crucial 256GB and performed the upgrade, leveraging on the Dell Recovery tools/process.

Cheers!

 

Thanks so much, I feel like I'm almost there, but not quite. Here is what I see when I try this:
1. After searching for "advanced startup", I run the Advanced Startup Options program inside the Settings.
2. I scrolled all the way down and clicked on the last "Restart Now" button under "Advanced Startup".
3. On the window that comes up, the choices are "Continue", "Use a Device", "Troubleshoot", or "Turn off your PC". I choose "Use a Device".
4. On the window that comes up, there is only 1 choice "EFI USB Device". I don't see any non-UEFI option available. I reluctantly click on the "EFI USB Device" option.
5. After the computer reboots, I see the light blink on my True Image thumb drive, but then it shows the BIOS security error "EFI USB1 PATH1 (SanDisk U3 Cruiser Micro) has been blocked by the current security policy".
Any further suggestions?

 

YES it is soldered to the motherboard the system is thinner than the socket itself would be.

 

hi smckenna,

out of curiosity, which version of TrueImage are you currently using for this test?

I'm not familiar with Acronis TrueImage, but I came across this information on their website. I'm not sure if this is useful for you: EFI Based Operating System Support in Acronis Products: http://kb.acronis.com/content/5684


Cheers

 

I don't have a "non-UEFI device option" either, but try the following.. From the list of Advanced Startup options choose "Troubleshoot" then "Advanced Options" then "UEFI Firmware Settings." Select the "Restart" button and you should be in the Boot Manager". Choose "Enter Setup" and the "Boot". Go down to "Secure Boot" and press F5. "Enabled" should change to "Disabled." Press F10 to save and exit, answer "Yes" at the prompt, and the system should boot into Windows. You should now be able to boot from a USB device.

 

Hi Everyone,

I do have a question about the microphone/headphone combo port.

What are some options we have? I can't seem to find anything that works well. e.g. I tried my Samsung headphone/mic, and sound only came through on one side of the earphones...

Cheers and Thanks in Advance

 

My apple Ear buds work fine both mic and left and right audio work flawlessly

 

thanks chris_compson, I will try my iphone ear buds later today. thanks!

 

Just thought I'd update on the unfortunate progress of my own XPS 12.

Basically, I ordered the laptop on 29th October, and last week it was dispatched for delivery. I wasn't at home but other family members were, and according to the UPS tracker it arrived at my home on Monday 12th November. However upon contacting home the following day, it turned it that it had not arrived. Naturally I contacted UPS immediately, and they said to contact Dell (which makes sense, as Dell are the customer of UPS technically). The following day Dell sent me the copy of the signature of the person who signed for it (under my name), and asked me to identify the signature. I responded saying that it was not mine, nor was it that of anybody at my home address. In fact at the time of supposed delivery, nobody was home.

Later, Dell said UPS had done some investigation and were attempting to locate the package, but that an automatic refund or replacement would be arranged after 48 hours. But now the replacement is going to take nearly another month. Totally gutted because I needed this as soon as possible. It's nobody's fault except whoever stupidly delivered to the wrong address/stole the package at UPS really. Dell have been really good with the whole issue, except maybe it taking so long to get a new one, but that can't really be helped I guess.

 

I'm using TrueImage Home 2012, which is on the list of supported EFI products on the Acronis website article you sent above.
However, here's a scary quote from that same article: "Although it is possible to restore a GPT partition with Acronis if Windows is installed on it, the restored system will not be bootable."
Not feeling the Acronis love at this point.

 

I'll try this tonight when I get home. I think the same option is available in the F2 BIOS setup window. Not sure if the TrueImage can create a bootable image upon restore because of something I read on their website, so I might be switching over to Paragon anyway. However, I would have had the same issue with trying to boot of Paragon's rescue media (USB), so thank you for this info!
Question, are there any security disadvantages of leaving this EFI BIOS "Security Boot" setting to "Disabled"?

 

Has anyone tried Paragon?

 

I'm getting mixed messages on their website. On the following web page, it says that "Windows 8 support coming soon"...
Paragon Backup & Recovery Home - Overview

But on the link you sent it makes no mention of the Windows 8 support coming soon, and appears to already be supported.

 

Dell is going to exchange the notebook I didn't want them to start replacing a bunch of parts on a brand new computer, she was going to have them replace the touchpad, the battery and the plastics around the screen.

 

Hi,
There is a True Image 2013 version now (30 day free trial)... you may want to give that a go....
If I have time this week, I try it as well.
Cheers

Hi Everyone,

I've owned my XPS12 for just over a week now and am very impressed/happy with it

Today, however, I noticed static around the edges when I rest my wrists... doesn't happen all the time.. but enough to be annoying.. *gulp*..

Does anyone know any possible reason and/or fixes?

Thanks in advance

Cheers!

 

A. Your suggestion worked, and it now attempts to boot of the Acronis thumb drive. However, the True Image 2012 Home seems to have some graphics/display incomatibilities with Windows 8, as it displays garbage on the screens in the same color pallette as their normal menu screens.
B. Paragon worked fine as far as creating an image of the entire hard drive with all the partitions. However, I couldn't get it to boot at all off the rescue media (thumb drive) that the software created for me (error message "System doesn't have any USB boot option. Please select other boot option in boot manager menu."
C. Next, I just downloaded and tried the new Acronis TrueImage 2013, and built the new rescue thumb (USB) drive.Unfortunately, it has the same problem as True Image 2012 Home. It has the garbage display upon booting off the thumb drive. I looked for a startup parameter that could back the display back down to VGA mode, but I didn't find any related display option in http://kb.acronis.com/content/1891
It's so much fun being on the bleeding edge. I'm manually backing up my stuff for now.

 

Make sure your outlet is properly grounded as if it isn't then that can cause some static charge to occur when grounded correctly it shouldn't cause static build up. this is a common issue with newer notebooks both dell, apple, and Lenovo and more.