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    XPS: Metalloid vs Anodized Aluminum WLAN Backcover

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by 905er, Oct 31, 2010.

  1. 905er

    905er Notebook Consultant

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    So far I've noticed that for those that have posted their order specs online, that the backcover is described as Metalloid Aluminum for the 15.6" units and Anodized Aluminum for the 17.3" units.

    What the heck is the difference? Any metallurgists in the audience?

    I'd also love to know what WLAN or WWAN refers to in this context.

    You can see the terms used here; Notebook Wireless Card

    Thanks.
     
    905er, Oct 31, 2010
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  2. Gloomy

    Gloomy Notebook Evangelist

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    There's a few pieces on the SXPS 16 that look and feel like metal, but when scratched, reveal plastic underneath.
     
    Gloomy, Oct 31, 2010
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  3. 905er

    905er Notebook Consultant

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    I'm pretty sure that these lappys use real sheets of aluminum on both the lids and the palm rest, just a bit confused by the terminology.

    Anodized, I understand. It's aluminum that's been treated to better resist corrosion and wear. But metalloid isn't a type of aluminum, as far as I can tell.

    Anyway, just curious really. Any other ideas?
     
    905er, Oct 31, 2010
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  4. yellowlt4

    yellowlt4 Notebook Consultant

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    What pieces?
     
    yellowlt4, Oct 31, 2010
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  5. Gloomy

    Gloomy Notebook Evangelist

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    The silver on the lid.
     
    Gloomy, Oct 31, 2010
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  6. guapper

    guapper Notebook Consultant

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    Right, a bit more information would in in place.
    We don't want to scratch the whole thing just to discover them parts now!
    :p

    edit: inside or out?
    I read the cover would be alu.
     
    guapper, Oct 31, 2010
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  7. Gloomy

    Gloomy Notebook Evangelist

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    They're talking about this piece I think:

    [​IMG]
     
    Gloomy, Oct 31, 2010
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  8. Sirhcz0r

    Sirhcz0r Notebook Deity

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    Wireless local area network: your router/other computers (ad-hoc).

    Wireless wide area network: similar to a cell phone, and the service costs enough to disinterest me.
     
    Sirhcz0r, Oct 31, 2010
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  9. 905er

    905er Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks Sirhcz0r. Yes, I was aware of these terms, in the context of networks. But these terms are used in the descriptions for the laptop lids. For example, these were taken from specs posted in the 2010 XPS config thread:

    1 318-0152 Metalloid Aluminum (WLAN) L501X
    320-11483 LCD Back Cover : Anodized Aluminum WLAN Backcover L701X

    And I also seen this:

    Metalloid Aluminum WWAN Cover Dell XPS 15

    Wierd. Any idea?
     
    905er, Nov 1, 2010
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  10. Sirhcz0r

    Sirhcz0r Notebook Deity

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    Perhaps they have different internal antenna layouts rather than leaving an unused WWAN antenna in the majority of the models. How this would affect an access panel I have no idea.
     
    Sirhcz0r, Nov 1, 2010
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  11. 905er

    905er Notebook Consultant

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    O, now it makes sense. Thanks!
     
    905er, Nov 1, 2010
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  12. zarr

    zarr Notebook Geek

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    That's right, also I believe you require the WWAN panel for the 6300 Intel Wifi Cards and TV Tuner, the standard 6100 wifi card doesnt require the ex antenna...
     
    zarr, Nov 1, 2010
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