XPS 14 UltraBook Owners Lounge

My Broadband is only a 5MB ASDL+ connection but getting the full speed all over the house. Our Exchange gets upgraded to FTTC end of September which should bump it up to 20MB so I'll re-check then.

Perhaps this is why some have issues and others don't. My maximum is at a speed others find the XPS maxes out at. I may take it work and test on the fibre connection.


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Cowboy, I think that may be an issue. My work connection throttles to 10Mb, and there I can hit max about 30% of the time, and my average 7mb down seems almost exceptable. But at home, and now tested on other routers at other friends' homes who get @20 Mb service, the erratic throughput is more evident and I've never seen it near the max other wifi devices can pull from the router. I'm anxious to see how yours performs on a faster access point. I DL 15-40gb files sometimes 4 times a week, and the throughput I'm seeing on the otherwise awesome 14 makes this a non-starter for me. No matter how you cut it, when an old g/b only laptop -- or the kids' ipod! -- runs rings around your brand new computer's DL capabilities, there's a very real problem with something in this system. Right now, after trying everything I can, I'm so disappointed I just want to return the thing. Too bad, cause other than this it's exactly what I wanted!

 

Looks like the issue is with the Intel 6230 card...

http://communities.intel.com/message/153950

Affecting both Dell and HP by all accounts.

There are a few suggestions on that forum such as turning off Bluetooth. No point in me trying this as I only have a 4 meg connection to start with. Perhaps someone can give this a go and report back?

Easiest way to disable BT:

Start | Run | type services.msc

Locate Bluetooth service, double-click it and 'Stop' the service. Set the startup to 'Disabled' to permanently switch it off.


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I'm having no issues with wifi and I used Dell Datasafe to create the restore media, which I then used to do the install on my SSD. If that helps anyone.

 

I just ordered mine, now i'm waiting for the ETA and the details from Dell. What about making a decent first page with all the tips about this notebook? (replace Hdd, driver issues, useful links and cool things like that)

 

I also ordered mine yesterday, pretty excited. Can anyone reccommend me a SSD? I plan to buy a 256gb SSD for my dell but i havent the slightest clue when it comes to SSDs....Recently saw a Crucial M4 256GB for ~$200. Would i be paying too much? Agreed with travis, a first page with all the tips would be very helpful haha.

 

Any word on the status of the wifi fix

 

From reading over this forum and other reviews, I don't get the sense that this is happening to the majority of new XPS-15 users. You should just return the laptop for a new one. I know you've already done this once and got a bum trackpad. This will give you a chance to kill two birds with one stone. I don't think a "fix" is needed it is a simple defective component on a small percentage of units that Dell can simply R/R with a phone call to support.

 

This is the one I am using:
Amazon.com: SAMSUNG 830 Series 2.5-Inch 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MZ-7PC256B/WW: Computers & Accessories

You can check the SSD section of the Hardware Component Topic for good info on SSDs.

 

Glad to hear that!

It took me a few tries to realize how this works but it seems so obvious now.

 

Got my RMA from Dell today. Fed-ex will pick it up tomorrow. I really hated to part with this laptop, but $1499.99plus tax is too much to pay for such a bad screen, wifi issues, and slow machines. I will wait and see what comes down the the pipe line from other computer companies. Maybe dell will do a refresh with a better screen. Good luck everyone with your XPS 14!

 

Hello all, few questions for the more knowledgeable. I just installed my Sammy 256 SSD which wasn't fun at all by the way. I know this has been discussed but was't sure where to find it in the 57 pages. After I have the SSD installed I changed the BIOS to AHCI, is this correct to do? Another thing is how do I get the 32GB cache to appear as a D: drive seeing I no longer need the cache to speed up the system? Lastly, was it right of me to disable Rapid start technology in the BIOS? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

AHCI is correct if you're not using the cache. The mSATA drive can be un-hidden using the DISKPART command - Google it and you'll find some tutorials, it's fairly simple.


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When I'm within 10-20 feet of the router it works phenomenally. But when I'm more than that it either doesn't connect at all or runs at lower than 1mbps.

As much as I love my PCs, I love my Macs as well. I'd love to be able to grab a MBPR and Boot Camp it but not wanting to spend $1900+ -_-
I know this is a L421X owners forum but I guess since I still am an L421x owner I am free to post...

 

Try the Dell outlet for a refurb. If you don't mind the drab style a business class Latitude or Precision would be awesome - and no performance bottlenecks of any kind. Plus if you get a Precision with IPS display it beats everything else out there, Apple included.


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What Cowboy Coder said.

Another option is to look at the Latitude 6xxx line.

You won't get IPS and you won't _quite_ get a Mac quality screen. But the Latitude 6xxx series with a 15" 1080p screen is pretty good, actually really good. Problem will (as you said) be the price point. You might not be able to do a new one at $1200, but it won't be $2000 either. I think my E6510, 1080p, 8gb ram game in at around $1400 w/ little discount. New model pricing is a bit less, the E6510 was 1st gen core i and was pretty expensive if you ask me, compared to Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge. I have to think you could get a new, or outlet model...either in 14" 1600x900 or 15" 1080p at a reasonable price.

But it'll be bigger/thicker/uglier than the XPS or the MB Pro.

 

had a PM from dell support on twitter - Hi, we have no update as of now if a new release of BIOS or SSD firmware will be released for this model ^BV

 

Ok, I have been googling to find how to just make the 32 msata a normal SSD without caching to put whatever I want on it. I tried to to go into control panel to manage it's settings but won't let me make any adjustments to the drive such as "disable caching". Cowboy I was researching "diskpart" but I'm not sure that's the right place for me to initially go. All that I want to is to make sure my system is no longer caching and just want the msata as storage. Any suggestions anyone? Not discrediting you Cowboy because you know 50X more about computers than I just was stumped when it came to diskpart. Suggestions??

Ok, I just figured out how to reformat the msata to get the 22GB of storage minus the 8GB hibernation storage. This Cowboy is where I think you thought this was step I needed. I'm guessing I need to do diskpart to be able to get at that hibernation file to erase? Also, do I turn off the write-caching policies on these drives? That I am not sure of.

 

These spooky wifi issues really are keeping me away from this laptop. I was debating getting over the questionable screen but the combination of the 2 really bothers me.

 

Does the CPU in XPS14 and XPS13 run at max turbo speed under load, or is it throttled like in some other ultrabooks ?

 

It turbos. But anyone needing an answer to this question probably shouldn't be looking at Ultrabooks to begin with.


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Just get it. Can always return it within 21 days (7 in the uk).


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Yep now you use DISKPART. Then you format the 8gb section and extend into the 22gb part using device manager | disks.

Write caching can stay on.


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I might do this and give it a try since Bestbuy doesnt have a display one for me to try it out. But one question though, do you happen to know how "hassel-free" are we talking about here? and how long should I expect my FULL refund?

 

I just thought I'd post here with a comment for anyone who's a bit anxious about the wi-fi issues that some have reported. I received the xps 14 (512Gb SSD and i7 cpu) just over a week ago and have been using both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wi-fi channels with no problems at all. In fact reception on the 5Ghz channel is better on the xps than on any other machine I've used. Also I don't seem to be experiencing the large fall-off with reception that others have seen - on either channel.

Remember that forums like this one will tend to attract users who are having problems, and reading them can give you the impression that everyone must be having problems. But this is a selection effect - you just don't usually get to hear from people who aren't having problems.

Anyway, just for a change I thought I'd post a comment to the effect that I am completely happy with the XPS 14 - the screen issue isn't really a problem for me most of the time as I drive a 27" external monitor via the displayport, and the main laptop screen is fine when I'm out on the road working with clients. The machine is replacing an old tower machine, and will cover personal and professional needs (including some heavy-duty image editing in Lightroom and Photoshop, which it handles easily, even on the large external monitor). Don't be put off by potential worries - the XPS 14 is an excellent machine (IMHO), and it's worth using it before deciding whether it's right for you.

 

Thanks so much for posting this. I ordered mine a week ago, and I can't wait to get it. I'll report back on this thread my WiFi and screen impressions.

Does anyone know where I can buy a spare AC Adapter for this new XPS-14 laptop? It wasn't offered as an accessory while purchasing the laptop on Dell's website (only a 12V auto adapter was available), and I can't seem to locate the correct adapter on Dell's website. I will be carrying my laptop to and from work every day, and I want to make the AC adapter one less thing that I have to lug to work with me every day.

 

16:44:24 Agent Daniel_Deen_Dayal
UK/Ireland - 130W - 1M - AC Adapter With Power Cord : Laptop Accessories | Dell UK
16:44:54 Agent Daniel_Deen_Dayal
this is a compatible ac adaptor for L421X

Edit: not sure they are supplying the exact PSU as an accessory yet for the L421X it seems?

 

Returning my L421X and purchasing a MBPR. Sorry guys.

 

On the website for the XPS-14, it says "65W AC adaptor on Intel graphics; 90W AC adaptor on NVIDIA graphics". Why would I want to lug around a huge 130W adapter? If anyone knows how to get the correct 90W adapter for my NVIDIA model XPS-14, please advise.

Hope you don't get one that has the ghosting issues with the Retina display (search YouTube for the examples). Also, I thought you said you were a student on limited funds. Did you win the lottery? Good luck with that.

 

MBPs also have WIFI issues.

I'm happy with my XPS but next time I upgrade I'll be returning to the business grade machines and to hell with style over function


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A thanks for trying would have been nice mate - That's what they quoted me - don't shoot the messenger!

I seem to remember you saying "and I want to make the AC adapter one less thing that I have to lug to work with me every day." - so you wouldn't be lugging it around?

I now have my adapter in my hand with a code 00W6KV which has the same spec as the 0W6KV - 0W6KV - AC Adapter, 90W, 3-PIN, Delta, L6, WW For Dell Computers.

There are loads of 90W PSUs - like this: Power Supply : UK 90W AC Adapter with 1m powercord (Kit) : Laptop Accessories | Dell UK

Take your pick - 120 one looks the same size to some of the 60's and 90's so up to you - I still stand by the fact that they are not supplying the exact XPS 14 unit yet!

 

That's an excellent point. I could just buy the bigger 130W adapter, and just leave it at work, and carry the lighter 90W adapter that comes with the XPS-14 when I go on travel.
Thanks!

 

Hi everyone !
I just got my xps 14 yesterday and I wonder if you are happy with the screen of this laptop...
My last laptop (Latitude E-6400) had a really sharp screen compared to this one.
Quick explanation : It looks like everything displayed is "compressed" like a really bad jpg
I have not tried on another display as I do not have a mini display port adapter yet.
I tried to uninstall dell's drivers and to install drivers directly from Intel's website but it is still the same.

If necessary I can upload some pictures...

Thanks for your help

 

I do not understand what you see, maybe your screen is bad. So Yes please, a picture could help.



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Here is a uncompressed picture taken from my (DSLR) camera : ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting
The problem is that if your screen is as bad as mine you won't see the problem !

Thanks anyway

 

Ditto. Have never been unhappy or unimpressed w/ my Latitudes. No, they don't scream 'i am cool', but they are 'bulletproof' from durability to performance to stability, in my experience with them.

But, I do like the form factor and design of this XPS even w/ the weight it has. I will most likely return to a Latitude next time, but I fully expect they will have brought the style (at least in the thin arena) and ultrabook platform to them by that time. This should last me 24-36 months.

Yep, mine looks similar to your picts. Am I happy about it, no. Am I living w/ it given the other things I like about this laptop, yes.

I don't know if it's a driver issue coupled with the specific LCD or just a display issue. On an external LCD, it looks fine, off the HDMI or the MDP ports. So, unless it's a combination of driver + laptop LCD, then it's the display and nothing is going to improve it ever.

It's either accept it or return it and believe me, I strongly considered returning it. I've made some of the adjustments mentioned earlier in this thread, they helped some, but it's still pretty awful in some respects. This is a work/development tool for me. I don't game, watch videos, photo edit, etc. So not a big deal for me. But it's not near the quality (on the display that is) of my E6510 (similar to your 6400).

 

Damn !
I think I will send it back if this is normal, I am a graphic designer and I also do a lot of photography, I cannot work with a screen as bad as this one, and I need to be able to work without an external display (and no I do not want to buy an overpriced Macbook).
How a screen can be so awful !!!?

Thanks for the reply.

 

Yea, there's definitely something wrong with your screen. It's missing one of the primary colors in the mix, as it isn't even coloring the blue window (appears as gray instead). Definitely return this defective unit.
You should be seeing deep, rich blues on this laptop, like shown in this review:
Dell XPS 14 review | from TechRadar's expert reviews of Laptops and netbooks

 

It is not a color problem, it is just that the windows theme on the two laptops are not the same : black on the xps and purple on the studio.

What I wanted to show is the sharpness difference between the two screens. Okay the resolution on the studio is much higher (1920x1200 on a 15" screen) but here is another photo with my E-6400 (1440x900 on a 14" screen) it is clear that the XPS screen has a problem.

ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

Quick update :
I have downloaded the graphic driver directly from Intel's website and replaced the one provided by Dell. I think that there is a small improvement but not sure...

 

I sent mine back yesterday because of the bad screen. The view angles were plain awful. Even though the build was the best build I have seen on a laptop[(I have a Macbook Pro), the screen was a a deal breaker to me.

 

Just to chip in my wifi experience - I have used my XPS 14 on many different wifi's now, never a problem.

 

I think those with issues are on super fast links ie faster than 20mbps. What speeds are the networks you've been using?


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Same here . .
In fact I have the XPS sitting next to the Vizio I have
I have been running the wifi speed tests on both, the Dell is actually performing better than the Vizio.

No problems with mine but I haven't tried anything faster than 20mbps.
None of the corporate networks we have are that fast

 

Yeah probably, I am getting 10-25mbps effective speed on 54g connections. Better than my other laptop.

 

Question regarding the mSATA, can you boot off of it? My XPS14 is in the mail. Planning to replace the spinner with an 830.

Would like to install Win7 on the 830, and Linux Mint on the mSATA leaving the windows MBR intact. During boot press F(x) to select boot device, and choose OS that way.

I'm familiar with editing grub, but don't want to screw with the Windows MBR. Tired of re-writing everything on my current dual boot off one drive every time I want to change Linux distro/Edit Windows install/etc. Would rather just wipe the entire disk and install clean each time.

Cheers.

 

Yes, you can duel boot off mSATA. Switch the SATA mode to AHCI in the BIOS and format both drives first.


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yeah, I know the CPUs in Ultrabooks are generally slow, but it's good to know Dell does run at full speed unlike some others。

 

Being an enterprising fellow I pickup up an extra XPS14 and upgraded with a Samsung 830 128GB (much easier the second time around), and selling it on ebay for those who don't have the time or inclination to do it themselves. I decided the best route is to clone the Dell installation (making sure the alignment is right, etc.), so it remains in Intel RST mode, rather than ACHI. Seems just as speedy, check it out if you want to see the benchmarks.

New Dell XPS 14 Ultrabook i7 Ivybridge w/ SSD upgrade | eBay

 

You're a brave chap. I'll be very surprised if you can make a profit on it on eBay.


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Have anybody tried to change the color setting to Generic color? because the initial setting when the computer were shipped is way saturated. Please post photo update if possible

 

Generic colour? I've not seen that option on my travels?

 

Control Panel, then type "Color Management" in the search box at the top right.