XPS 15 (L521X) Owner's Lounge

A month ago, this statement would be labelled "trolling" in this very forum. Sigh.

 

Thank you.

 

No it would not, the trolls were the people who had not purchased or even intending to purchase. I bought it, found the faults were hardware design and therefore have returned it. Not only that but the guy asked a friggin question.

 

But I think it's reality,

I really thought I had found a windows alternative for a macbook pro, but Dell messed up big time.
I also cannot find any good alternatives from other manufactures so I will downgrade to a Inspiron SE.

For the people who are not happy with there purchase, I think the best thing is to do is return the laptop.
The more laptops beeing returned, the more bells will ring at Dell, the more units they can investigate and the more priority they can give.

If Dell sorts out the issues you can always buy the XPS once again.

 

Quite high temps. Nearly 90 degrees. Never had a laptop reaching so high temps, but it looks stable and not drops of CPU.

View image: CPU Z

Battery life is not much, some reviews said that went over 6 hours, I could get over 4 hours, more or less the same as XPS 16.
The sound, I like it, better than XPS 15 Z that happens to have it and worse than XPs 16.
Overall is nice laptop. Throttling no issue for me, just the wireless if could be a fix.
I have to decide what I am going to do with it. The LCD I noticed a very small vertical lines, which hardly can be noticed, the same as XPS 15Z.

 

Ahhh well, least they will have plenty of stock for the Outlet soon...

 

Hi, have i missed something or we should have had this BIOS update 2 days ago? And still nothing in the support section downloads on their website! Even in their communication they suck!
But if we stop pressing them, they could lower their efforts, and try to hush up these problems or come up with short updates to shut us up!
I'd really like to buy another one when all these issues will be fixed.

 

That was later amended as a misunderstanding, bios in theory scheduled for release aug 3rd.

 

There was a misunderstanding: 2 days ago Bill had understood that the A06 BIOS would have been available at 3 pm but instead it will be available tomorrow (August 3rd). Someone reported this here from Bill's twitter

 

Ok thanks, i missed that, sorry then!

 

Ok thanks, apparently i'm the only one that missed that post! Sorry guys!

 

My six-year old Inspiron 9400 hits 95 to 98C when streaming HD full screen -- with its fans cranked and VERY loud. The plastic bottom became so hot you literally can't keep it on your lap. I use it on top of a wire baking rack to get airflow underneath. The L521X is an improvement when compared that *that* experience.

 

In my first laptop, a IBM, I only had infrared. I used this to transfer data from laptop to laptop. Comparing to that the L521X is really amazing fast!!!

The only thing is, this was 14 years ago...

 

Hi guys, does the L521X have the standard dell docking ports?

 

Have an of you submitted a review on Dell.com stating that there is a WiFi problem? There are plenty of reviews on Dell.com, but none of them mention poor WiFi performance.

 

Dell has removed those reviews! Never trust reviews on the seller's website!

At least, that what's another user on this forum reported... He said he saw some reviews about bad WiFi, and the next time he got there, those review were gone!

 

Yep - at some point it was up to 35 reviews (it's 32 now) earlier this week with at least 3 with WiFi issues - next thing I know, those negative are gone ...
some shady marketing games - not far from Apple's "Best", "First" and "Only" ...

 

I was actually participating in the Dell forums, I can no longer access the forum about the bad wifi by the dell forum website, the only way I can find the forum is if I go through the link in my email.

 

And I've posted bad WiFi review as well
When submitted - here is what the response screen said :
"Thank You! Our moderation times vary so reviews may be posted between 1 - 7 days post submission" - I wonder which way they will moderate my review as I only left a one star rating ....

 

Is there anyone of you having problems with the Bluray drive of this laptop? When I'm in Windows desktop sometimes it won't take the DVD that I'm trying to insert and when there's a DVD inside, it won't eject!

One thing that I noticed too is that it always keeps on checking if there's a DVD inside the drive.

 

I also posted a review mentioning the wifi and the display. My review stated the facts but was still positive overall. The review never showed up on dell.com. Seems like they are hiding the issue, which can only hurt them and their customers who purchase one that is defective.

 

I have non-data ... specifically i've only had three discs in the drive and all worked fine, but that's not a large enough sample to be meaningful.

As to the latter, I do NOT have that issue.

Of course, one of the first things I did was eviscerate windows of most of the pre-installed crap (including the antivirus) and disabled excess services and crap. This is a break in tradition for me, but with the mSATA SSD usage I wanted to run with the current install for a while at least to get comfy with the hardware/software/driver behaviors.

Every now and then I'll notice the drive being checked, but that's at times I expect the app I'm running to be doing a scan for volumes so that doesn't surprise me (windows pretty much needs to check the drive to see if there's a disc loaded or not).

I'm running Avast for antivirus, FYI.

I *HAVE* had the QuickSet-based functionality get "woogly" - like last night I could not use the Fn keys to raise-lower the screen brightness (and AFAIK there is no other interface). Logout/login didn't cure it; but a reboot did. My machine gets hibernated 2x a day at least though, so maybe something related to hibernation is the issue? Hibernation in Windows has been quirky before.

I don't know if sleep can cause the same issue or not, I may try to use that instead of hibernation for a couple weeks to see.

 

Bill, you're a part of Dell's marketing team, right? Don't you think deleting bad reviews from Dell.com is a bad customer service policy?

 

Oh, you will be in for a bucket full of hurt. Looking at your laptop history, you like your windows machines. Apples don't like windows..

I first tried the latest flavour of the non-retina MBP before I came to Dell to try the new XPS 15. Sad to say both have been returned to their respective manufacturers...

I am now looking into a Lenovo Y580... I really wanted a light-ish and powerful laptop.. Unfortunately I will have to wait until the next Intel series sees the light of day before that wish comes true... So, in the meantime I will have to settle for a slightly heavier machine...

Happy hunting!

 

I've seen negative reviews about the xps 15 on dell's website, even one that mentions the wifi problem. How are you all missing it? Maybe it is because one person said it without actually looking, and everyone else is hopping on the bandwaggon. Please, let's not assume something without hard evidence; this isn't politics.


Also as a side note, most people don't have exceedingly high speed lines. Most probably sit at 10MB/s or less, so they wouldn't even see the problem.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

Maybe not... that is until they run a speed test or notice a download taking abnormally long. They might not first suspect the WiFi but might instead think that it's their ISP. A spark of thought might occur if they have another notebook or wireless device to compare. Truth is, most people aren't as tech savvy as those who participate on this forum.

 

This is true.

Note to self: No politics in forums. Lol I hear you, and don't mean to cause trouble.


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I only see one review that mentions the WiFi issue, and it's a positive review that says the WiFi will probably be fixed with a software update.

I do see a review that mentions a touchscreen (which I don't think this unit has). If that review got posted, then the criteria for getting a review posted must not be that high......

 

i mentioned this before in this thread. Some guy was upset and claimed that there wasn't and everyone just ran with it. Many reviews I;ve read mention the wifi issue. The thing is that minus the wifi issue, the laptop is awesome therefore still getting positive reviews.

 

Personally, I'm less concerned with maximum speed and more concerned with simple connectivity. I'm having a lot of trouble getting ANY connection when I'm in public places with poor to moderate wireless conditions. Unfortunately, I seem to find myself in places like that quite often...

I was at my son's summer hockey training camp this afternoon and wasn't able to connect to the arena's AP. Denying a Canadian internet access at a hockey arena? Wars have been fought over less....

In all seriousness, the simple fact that I have difficulty using this laptop in public places is a much bigger issue for me than speedtest results. I do understand, of course, the two things are related, so fixing one would probably fix the other...

I don't want to send this laptop back -- other than the wifi issue I'm very happy (the throttling issue is less important for me) but if I can't use it in the places I need to use it...

 

There at least 3 people on this thread who posted negatives and confirmed - along with me, that their reviews or even complete forum threads discussing the WiFi issue on Dell.com forums were removed. If by some guy you imply me - I do confirm that my review is not there. And another one - look at the number of reviews - it's 32 today, and it was 35 the day before yesterday. Reviews with 5 stars do not hurt that much - even if those mention a WiFi issue that "will likely be fixed with BIOS update" - which looks like very far from the truth anyway.
There is enough evidence to support that - look at the first few pages of this thread - ther are additional complaits about dell manipulating the reviews on their site.

 

Well, i don't know if they just remove the bad review on the xps15, but if they really select the reviews, this one souldn´t last long
New Inspiron 17R Laptop

 

Anyone else notice this?... "Sorry, but this item is no longer available for purchase online. Please contact your sales representative for details on how to order."

New XPS 15 laptop

 

I believe Dell has somewhat acknowledged the problem. It looks like they have taken it down from home sales. Can anyone confirm?


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I apologise if this question has already been addressed in this thread, but I tried to do a fresh install of Windows 7. Unless I change the had drive settings to ATA or AHCI, I can't even get the drives to show up. And when I tried to install to the 32GB mSATA drive, the 1TB drive wouldn't appear in my drive list! Can someone advise how I can boot from the mSATA and use the 1TB as storage?

 

Looks like someone else sees it also.


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Yep, it's pulled from the home store. Also pulled from MPP, brings to same home page after I click customize and buy.
Small Medium Business still has it to configure though

 

Interesting they have removed it. Only a few hours ago Dell sent me another marketing email touting the XPS line.

"You deserve the stunning good looks and performance of a Dell™ XPS™ laptop or Ultrabook™. Advanced processing and performance, eye-popping graphics, cinema-like sound and HD display are just a few of the features that will provide you with endless entertainment wherever you go."

 

Pulled for a price adjustment? It is August and this is when all the laptop back to school deals happen?

 

if that's the case, they better adjust the ones who bought it just days ago

 

No kidding...if the price goes down...they better refund the difference or everyone will be returning before the 21 day "hassle free" return policy expires

 

I hope they pulled for the wifi. Not price.


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I have been stalking here for a few days as I have a new XPS 15 on order...
Noticed the posts about the XPS 15 no longer being available and started a chat from a sales rep to see what I could see...
If you read between the lines (and accept that the sales folks usually have no idea what's going on) it looks like it may have been pulled indefinitely:


08/02/2012 10:18:43PM System: "Thanks for choosing Chat to assist you in making your purchase on Dell.com. A Dell.com Chat Expert will be with you shortly."
08/02/2012 10:19:03PM System: "We apologize for the delay. Due to high demand, we are experiencing slightly longer wait times. A Dell.com Chat Expert will be with you as soon as possible."
08/02/2012 10:19:34PM System: "Thanks again for your patience. We strive to help make every customer extremely satisfied, and will be with you as soon as possible."
08/02/2012 10:20:34PM System: "We apologize again for the delay, and hope that you will wait for a Dell.com Chat Expert to help you."
08/02/2012 10:20:40PM Session Started with Agent (Imran K)
08/02/2012 10:20:42PM Agent (Imran K): "Welcome to Dell US Systems Sales Chat! My name is Imran Khan and I will be your Dell.com Sales Chat Expert.I can be reached at [email protected] or via phone at *******-****-BUY-DELL ext. *******"
08/02/2012 10:20:51PM Agent (Imran K): "HI Ben"
08/02/2012 10:21:22PM Ben: "hello"
08/02/2012 10:21:46PM Ben: "what's the story on the xps ******* no longer being available?"
08/02/2012 10:23:09PM Agent (Imran K): "sorry its not available now as its out of stock till further updates"
08/02/2012 10:23:11PM Agent (Imran K): "sorry for the inconvenience, our apologies"
08/02/2012 10:23:36PM Ben: "out of stock?"
08/02/2012 10:24:27PM Agent (Imran K): "right"
08/02/2012 10:24:56PM Ben: "any particular reason why?"
08/02/2012 10:25:11PM Ben: "it's a brand new model...."
08/02/2012 10:25:35PM Agent (Imran K): "the stock for the system is over"
08/02/2012 10:25:48PM Agent (Imran K): "there is no information as to whether its discontinued"
08/02/2012 10:26:20PM Ben: "over, meaning not going to be available again?"
08/02/2012 10:26:40PM Agent (Imran K): "sorry we don't have any information regarding that at present"
08/02/2012 10:26:48PM Agent (Imran K): "i will update you email so that you can get notifications"
08/02/2012 10:27:40PM Ben: "is there something that will be replacing it?"
08/02/2012 10:28:32PM Agent (Imran K): "sorry no information about it of any sort avaialble now, as this happened today"
08/02/2012 10:29:12PM Ben: "what if one has one of these on order already?"
08/02/2012 10:29:33PM Agent (Imran K): "those will be shipped"
08/02/2012 10:29:39PM Agent (Imran K): "its only not avaialble for purchase now"
08/02/2012 10:30:04PM Ben: "ok - thanks for your help Imran"
08/02/2012 10:30:10PM Agent (Imran K): "sorry for the inconvenience, our apologies"
08/02/2012 10:30:13PM Agent (Imran K): "you are welcome"
08/02/2012 10:30:28PM Ben: "can you send this to me email?"
08/02/2012 10:30:58PM Agent (Imran K): "once you exit the chat the transcript is automatically emailed"
08/02/2012 10:31:08PM Ben: "ok - thanks."
08/02/2012 10:31:15PM Agent (Imran K): "Thank you for choosing Dell’s New PC Sales Chat and have a Nice Day "
08/02/2012 10:34:38PM Session Ended

I think the discontinued comment is the most telling - perhaps the SKUs for the line has been removed from the sales system??

 

I'm hoping they pulled for the WiFi issue, too. That would be a good sign that Dell is taking the issue seriously.

Only problem is that the XPS 15 is still available on the Small Business section of the site..........if they pulled for the WiFi issue, I'd hope they'd pull the XPS 15 from all sections of the site.

Hey bcspazer, if I were you, I'd call the Dell hotline tomorrow and speak with a live person in real time on the phone. I think their sales associates on the phone are more reliable/informed than the ones who answer the online chat requests (or at least that has been my experience so far). If Dell pulled the XPS 15 off their web site for a WiFi fix, maybe you can postpone or cancel your order?

 

My thoughts exactly...
I'd even be willing to bet that they cancel my order by tomorrow morning :-(

 

Wouldn't you rather have your order cancelled than receive a faulty product?

 

Absolutely - no argument there...

I own an XPS M1530 and dealt with the whole overheating / WIFI issue on that model...

Such a shame - this model had potential.

 

i kee[ track of this tread to see if the issues are solves as im still in between the l502x and l521x i have a feeling that it was pulled for
1) wifi issue
2) windows 8 was released to OEM so could be testing or win 8 refresh in the works
3) thermals a new fan design could be in testing or coming as well
4) the optical drive issue
i think dell did the right thing here take it off the market less systems to repair / replace now. and they can work on the issues at hand quickly maybe add some new features i feel there is also a display refresh coming in the form of IPS or PLS if it is a refresh

 

Guys is it worth to install OS on 128GB m-SATA and store all other partitions on 5400 drive? Or m-sata ssd drive is rather not good to use it as system partition? Is m-sata for OS + 1TB 5400 better/faster solution then 32GB m-sata for cache and 500GB 7200 for system and other partitions?

 

They pulled it from Small Business as well - you can customize it OK - just not proceed with the purchase. Buttons to Add to Cart seems to be disabled.

I'm 90% sure it is done to reduce the overall cost that it can add to sell and replace the flawed units in addition to tech fees and return costs as well as preventing the Dell's face damage from customers in the long term.
It's cheaper to loose some sales now and come back strong with updated product.
It seems that in the Big Race of Ultrabooks (new Ivy Bridge Intel) - Dell overlooked to QA the obvious things that never presented a problem (like WiFi) - it this game whoever offers the new/cool product first, gets the biggest amount of money as well as can ask for top $ and make better margins on sales. Once the market flooded with rival offerings - it's not so easy to sell the product especially for the Premium Price.

Besides - it's 2012 - nobody pulls the product off the site for a simple price adjustment as this process is instant throughout (may be some delay to propagate for all servers or reindex cache - like 10 min delay max) - we live in the 21 century!!!