---> OFFICIAL: Dell STUDIO 14z Owner's Lounge <---

I just got a studio 14z and love it. If it is discontinued, I have a hunch that MS was none to happy about the Nvidia Chipset and pressured Dell to drop it.

 

I just ordered a 14z yesterday, got a sick deal on it.

 

I've had my 14z for only a month, and it's going to have to be repaired. Today, I used it and put in on hibernate, when I got home to take out of hibernate, the computer would be on, but the screen would be blank(black).

I called technical support, and we tried everything, so they are going to replace my motherboard and LCD screen. So it will be 4-5 days when it will be fixed. Sucks, but what can I do.. good thing I have a backup computer.

It's an awesome machine, but there were some quibbles that was making me want to chuck the machine at times. The touchpad would not recognize my touches easily, I'd have to touch multiple times, it was agonizing.. and it was working fine in the past. Also, at times the Home Key's on the right would not move the page up and down, I'd have to manually scroll.

Also, the the scrolling feature would sometimes not work. I think I needed to download a driver or something, but hopefully with the new motherboard, it will be like new again.

I was hoping to upgrade and pay for a colored screen lid, but no go on that.

So far, its been lots better than my Sony Vaio i sold prior. The battery life is 10x better. Besides the touchpad not being as good, the battery life is nice, and its more reliable when it comes to coming out of hibernate/sleep mode, and the speakers are great.

 

it helps to adjust the alps touchpad settings. i put mine on full sensitive and adjusted the right side scrolling to full wide. it's not as good as a synaptics pad but it's better than i thought it would be and ok after some small adjustments.

 

So, well i wait for my 14z to come, what is everyones experience with the ALPS touchpad on the 14z? I used the one at bestbuy for about 25 min and didn't notice any problems with it. So, I'm curious if I'm going to be forced to use an external mouse at school.

Thanks,
Trenium

 

Yes - interestingly enough it had no problem booting from the USB DVD if I chose USB, just from the flash drive (I tried two). I'd have thought it was something wrong with the flash drives if it didn't go into network boot.

I guess I'm OK now, at least until Windows 8 comes out (My 14z will be long gone by then, I'm sure)

 

Certainly seems like the 14z will meet my needs, as these are the only three games I really play... I'm looking for a notebook to use for gaming. I have a netbook I use constantly, so I just need something that can handle gaming and doesn't weigh ten pounds.

I do have one question, though - Sims 3 requires the game DVD to be inserted, IIRC. How did you play it with the 14z not having an optical drive? Can I make an ISO of my DVD (I own a retail copy of the game) and mount it with MagicISO, or will I need to use a USB optical drive whenever I want to play that particular game?

 

Yeah, it's great for light-medium gaming. Plus it's pretty light at 5lbs and has 5hr+ battery life. I've been using it as my main computer at college and it's awesome!

For The Sims 3, you can purchase an external drive or create an ISO and mount it like you said.

 

I just remember Sims 2 didn't play nicely with virtual drives and mounted ISOs. Have you actually played Sims 3 on your 14z with a mounted ISO?

 

Yes, I've been doing it for ages. Installed over my home network from DVD drive on another computer, then made an ISO that I mount with DAEMON Tools lite - no issues whatsoever.

 

I got a my laptop yesterday and have been playing with it. I'm happy with most things but the fan noise. Is there a way to turn it down? Even when I'm just browsing some web forums, its a little annoying. Speedfan only shows 36C CPU and 50C GPU. So why have fan at such high speeds?

 

Do you have the 8-cell battery versus the stock 6-cell? Does it stick out any? I can't find any pics of it online, and Dell's store uses an identical photo for both, so it's hard to tell.

I just discovered that through the EEP I can get one of these with a 2.66GHz C2Duo with 6MB cache. I'm definitely getting one. Soon. I hope.

 

8-cell does not stick out at all. Looks exactly like the 6-cell, just a tad heavier.

 

Hi I am thinking about getting a 14z but I'm concerned about the keyboard flex. I'm a pretty aggressive typer. Can any fellow aggressive typers out there give an idea of whether it's been a big issue or not at all?

Also I wanted to order through Costco but they don't have the 14z on their website right now. I am not sure if this is because manufacturers are holding shipments until the windows 7 release (this is what Best Buy told me when I went down there & asked why there were so few computers out) or if Costco just doesn't carry certain models. Any ideas?

Thanks!!

 

quality control seems to be an issue with the 14z. i bought mine from best buy right before school and noticed that the keyboard flex was pretty bad. fortunately (or unfortunately) the unit had a bad piece of ram so i returned it to BB promptly and got another one in return. My current one has almost no keyboard flex and is running windows 7 very smoothly. but just a couple complaints, the bottom of the laptop is uneven (one side is higher than the other) and the screen will flicker every now and then. oh well, probably should've spent a little more on a thinkpad.

 

Hmm...I'm using MagicDisc to mount it, and after it loads the game, it errors out telling me that my disc couldn't be authenticated. I made the ISO with Alex Feinman's ISO powertoy thing.

Any ideas?

 

The ISO is fine. Use Daemon Tools instead. Free and just hit I'm feeling lucky on google.

 

Anyone see that dell posted some new drivers on 10/7 for windows 7? I just updated the touchpad, graphics, chipset, etc.

I haven't played around that much, but some games appear to be playing better. Maybe battery life will also be better on win 7 with the fixes...Anyone know what these updates do?

 

I did a clean install of Windows 7 64-bit with my 14z. Installed all the drivers but there's still some issues that concern me.

Issue #1: Booting may take up to 3 minutes long. Unsure of the cause. VISTA and linux I ran seemed fine, taking under 30 secs.

Issue #2: Lots of weird mini-freezes even while browsing the internet. Mini-freezes resolve when you hear a your hard drive head shift. I have a 5400rpm 320GB hard drive and it seems really jerky in Windows 7. Comparatively, my system seemed lot smoother in VISTA and linux.

 

i've had windows 7 for a month now, i installed the new win7 drivers the other day and now everything seems sluggish. I also have had problem with booting taking well over 5 minutes...i'm trying to rollback the driver atm.

 

Out of curiousity, wouldn't 32-bit windows run better with 3 gigs of ram versus 64 bit? Unless you have 4gb+ of ram, wouldn't 32 bit be the better option?

 

i'm not sure what the issue is anymore, i restored to almost a week ago when i wasn't having any issues and the same problems are still happening...exactly the same as your description...

 

I suspect immature drivers for windows 7 64 bit are the culprit for the jerkiness and lag. Either that, or something is wrong with our hard drives.

Just in case some bad software are causing the problem, here's the software I've installed for comparison.

All Windows 7 64 bit hardware drivers from DELL dated 10/7/09.
Google Chrome
VLC Media Player
Sun VirtualBox
Pidgin Instant Messanger
Steam (some casual games installed)
Heroes of Newerth
Adobe Flash 10 Plugin
AVG Free 8.5

 

I experienced one blip today, but booting is quick, and everything seems to be working well so far. I installed these drivers: the 2 chipset drivers, video, and touchpad. I then updated the Bios.

I'll post updates if I encounter problems...

Also, would you think that the AHCI controller driver is the culprit since that controls SATA?

 

maybe i should try updating the bios.

 

I think you're right. From personal experience, I generally can't discern 64-bit over 32-bit in terms of speed. Both 64-bit and 32-bit perform more or less the same for the suite of software I use (e.g. browsing, light gaming, office). However, in terms of driver and applications compatibility, 32bit wins hands down. The only thing I get from 64-bit is the feeling of novelty.

I did read that 64-bit may be faster for rendering and encoding, which helps some user niches. Just doesn't help me or most people that only use browsers and office apps.

 

I have been using the A03 bios, the blips still happen.

 

I think i've found the issue. Its the chipset drivers. Just reinstall the vista 64-bit versions and you should be fine. So far so good for me, I'll update if it still blips...the drivers are..

nForce AHCI Controller - version v10.3.0.42, A00
MCP79 Chipset - version 13.03, A01

You may have to run them under vista compatibility and it'll say it wasn't properly installed at the end but you can ignore. So far, (15mins in) no freezes yet and the computer started up properly. Goodluck

 

I'm glad to see that worked for you. I did something different and it seemed to have resolved the blips as well. At least now, I've been able to play HD youtube videos ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEheh1BH34Q) and play droplitz (steam game) without any hickups so far. I'm still crossing my fingers. Anyhow, here's my method.

Go to:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce_vista_win7_64bit_15.49.html

Download this driver for the nforce 730i, windows 7/vista 64bit, it updates the "NVIDIA nFORCE Serial ATA Controller" driver to 11.1.0.33 (8/4/2009). Good luck too if you try this method.

 

I used Nero to make the ISO and mounted with Daemon tools. Just watch out for the search engine garbage it wants to install.

 

While I'd love to search through 238 pages of threads, I did a quick search for dvd playback and really didn't find an answer as to what kind of battery life users were getting strictly for battery. Will a 2.5 hour movie survive for a plane ride?

 

I've been through all 238 pages at one time or another and I don't remember anyone having tried that particular test. I don't have an external DVD drive so I can't give it a try - it would probably depend on what DVD drive you were using anyway. The operating system, processor, display and battery type would also be factors. You'd certainly be OK playing a 2.5 hour movie on your hard drive or USB flash drive, even a 1080p movie that is more processsor-intensive to decode.

<snarky answer>DVD? Why not just get a USB Betamax instead?</snarky answer>

 

with the 8 cell battery, i get about 6 hours of battery from surfing the web and writing stuff in word.

 

Right, I did the best search I could and couldn't come up with it. Realistically I'm asking about plane rides and how much juice I could get out of it for just watching movies from the hard drive. No wifi, screen percentage probably middle of the way etc.

I'm debating between this and the Asus UL30a which of course are different machines altogether but I'm just comparing apples to oranges right now.

 

go with the asus. i regret getting my dell 14z even though it has better video capabilities.

if u want a solid laptop that handles tasks from a day to day basis, i think the asus is the better choice. the specs might not be as good, but ask urself this: will you be able to feel the difference of having the core 2 duo + 9400M when ur surfing the web or writing papers? chances are no. plus, the asus is lighter, has better craftsmanship, longer battery life, and better customer support.

my 14z is serving me well, i really haven't needed the extra power to do the things i do. i also forgot to mention that its crooked, the screen flickers, and my first 14z had corrupted ram soldered to the motherboard.

i'm sure you'll find plenty of people who have no problems with their model and there will always be lemons out there for every brand. for me, 2 for 2 is enough for me to want to look elsewhere.

 

Can't dispute the weight, battery or CS differences, but I think you're comparing apples and oranges. I have to think that for any given person, one or the other will be a better choice not because either one is inherently better than the other, but because one will be a better fit than the other for that person's needs. For me personally, the Asus has a smaller screen and is less powerful than I want/need, and I don't need the last word in battery life or thin-ness, so the Dell is a better fit.

 

I just received my Studio 14z (boy, was the shipping fast, it only took 2 days), and it's actually a surprisingly solid laptop. The rubber paint they had on the lid felt very professional and solid. I only found two flaws in regards to the built quality, the keyboard and the battery. The keyboard was not only very flexible, but also felt extremely cheap. The 8 cell battery that came with the laptop was also very wobbly (it wasn't stable at all). The laptop with the 8 cell was also surprising heavy for its form factor, about the same as the SXPS 13 with the 6 cell battery. If I was to estimate, the laptop, with the 8 cell, is probability around 4.9lbs. Other than those two flaws, the laptop felt very solid. Did I mention that I liked the rubber paint A LOT? Cus I did I'll play around with it a little more next week.

 

Well my big concern with the asus is the ability to both watermark images in gimp and at some point be able to shoot movies for the blog I run. I do heavy web browsing with at least 10 tabs open at any given time and at least two instances of word/excel running for school work. While they both might run those, the question is, which will perform better? Will I notice? The dell has the benefit of in house warranty should something go wrong, but the problem is, Dell has been hit or miss with me, it took me 8 BBB complaints last time to get them to honor my now defunct warranty. I had all the proper documentation and yet they still didn't believe me. The thing is, under warranty they aren't allt hat bad. I have NO experience with Asus and their warranty other than knowing that I can purchase the squaretrade warranty via ecost. The money isn't a huge factor so I'm not terribly influenced by that.

Thoughts?

 

If we're talking hard drive I can easily test that for you. What kind of movie format are we talking about - actually DVD stored on hard drive, XVID, MKV or HD? I assume the codec could have some impact on how much processor power is needed to run it.

In an informal test a couple of months ago I got two hours of playing the Sims 3 at 1600x900 on battery. I assume that's more processor and hard drive intensive than a movie.

 

I'd probably use DVDFab to rip a dvd onto the thumb drive and place it on the hard drive so whatever format that uses. I haven't done it in so long I don't even remember, but I just want to know if a 2 hour 30 minute movie is possible on a plane ride.

 

Have you considered the Dell Inspiron 14z or HP DM3t, they have similiar specs to the ASUS UL30a. I have been looking at the Acer Timeline with SU9400 CPU, ASUS UL30a with SU7300 and considering the Dell Inspiron 14z with SU7300 and once it is available possibly the HP DM3t. They all provide long battery life with similar specs, but will not be as fast as the Studio 14z. I just ordered a Studio 14z scratch & dent for $415 that I hope will serve as a Hometheater PC (HTPC). I have read the G45 graphics are no where close to nvidia 9400 for HTPC use. I still hope to get a CULV laptop once they come down in price.

 

Ran the test tonight with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, which happens to have the exact running time you mentioned.

14z with a P8600, 900p display. Turned off WiFi, Bluetooth. Headphones plugged in. Display about 25% brightness (I wasn't actually watching the movie and didn't want it to be too distracting). Used MediaPlayer Classic to play the movie.

After the movie was over the battery meter reported 53 minutes/26% remaining.

 

Sorry guys, I tried searching but I couldn't find info on whether any 14zs have CPUs running at really high temps. My 14z CPU runs at 58-60 for idling and runs 76C for loads but not max loads. This is very disheartening.

Anyone try using Artic Silver and see how much of a temperature drop there is?

 

Go to this thread on undervolting. Lots of people have reported their before and after results there using RMClock. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=403364

Generally speaking the "P" processors should run cooler than the "T"s.

 

I have the T6500 processor and my temps with 5-9% load are around 55-58 with the "Always On" profile in Windows 7. Have you tried downloading the "Dell Recommended" profile from the dell website? I don't know what operating system you're running, but it can make a difference too.

 

I've tried undervolting and it seems to work by about 10C. I like it, but I'd be happier if I could drop it by another 5C at least. Have most people just tried undervolting or using the dell recommended profiles?

I didn't install Win7 on here cuz I'm too lazy to dig out my RC DVD install. Since the upgrade comes out next week. I'll just wait before putting Win7. I'll update when that's in.

 

I undervolted and dropped my avg temp from about 60 to about 45.

 

krick, which os are you running? which cpu do u have? i think i get lucky if my t6400 is idling at 58C. did u add artic silver?

i undervolted everything to 0.9250

 

I just wanted to say, still looking to order this laptop and as of today they have changed it to order with Windows7 preinstalled. Problem being, now the only shipping option is 3-5 days whereas this morning it was Vista and the next business day was available. Will be watching for more shipping options to order.

Update: Tried again, ordered...Spec'ed out with everything but the 5 gig ram mostly, ruby red, 900p, backlight keyboard, 320gb drive 7200rpm, ready to love it and give it a good home!

Hows the bloatware?

 

I got in on the 20% refurb coupon as well. Unfortunately mine was scratched up to hell and the screen has some dead pixels. Seems like it must have been a junior tech refurbing the machine. The machine description seems to indicate and LG screen but that one is the one with issues at lowest brightness. I'm guessing some tech replaced it with the AUO panel (i checked the hardware ID and it is AUO***) but did a really poor job. They say the replacement will take up to 15 days boooooo.

This scratch and dent machine I received is totally fubar lol. There is some white sticky stuff on the bottom as well. Looks like stickers of some sort that were removed but not the service stickers.

Anyone else noticed a really like click from the hdd once every 30 mins or so?

I just wanted to ask if anyone has tried replacing the LCD or the keyboard and how difficult it is? I plan on upgrading the LCD to 900p and to back lit keyboard. I called dell and apparently the 900p LCD is about $110 including the inverter and the cable. There are actually servicing instructions online so I am planning to follow that. I might take some photos if anyone is interested in the process.

I config'ed a new machine with similar specs and it seems it would be in excess of $1k.

I noticed in the thread some people complain about the keyboard. it seems fine with very minor flex. Palm rests are solid. It feels pretty easy to type on. Not lenovo thinkpad quality but the spacing seems correct and took 0 time to get used to. the layout seems very usable and I am glad there are no touch sensitive buttons. (Like a mercedes, you are just asking for trouble/things breaking/drivers not working or incompatible)

The touchpad kind of sucks though. the mouse keys are flat so you cannot feel where the left and right are easily. the touch responsiveness blows too. the texture is meh (inconsistency with sticky and smoothness). I had a dell mini9 and the color scheme and design looks the same. I definitely would stick with a mouse. I'll have to fiddle around with the the dell alps drivers and see what are some of the better settings. As a point of comparison, lenovo thinkpad touch pads are I think one of the best. I would say this dell pad is bad and a shiny HP pad is crap.

The machine idles at 40-44 C in balanced mode. I also plan on doing the AS5 instead of the thermal pad mod. I will need to readjust the heatsink since the thermal pad has a thickness to it. Let me know if anyone wants pictures of this.

I updated the audio drivers to the latest version. Whatever driver it came with in Vista64 it was cracking alot. The latest sounded fine. This laptop is quite loud even at about 30% volume and clear surprisingly. Bass wasnt too good but overall if you listen to non bass music it does quite well. I noticed the new machines have X-Fi software. What is that and where can I get it? I have the IDT audio on this refurb model. Is it compatible?
One issue I have though is that the audio will crackle if I am doing something processor intensive. Once I have the new machine I will install win7 64bit and see if this still happens.

The webcam absolutely blows in low light. I had a T400, dell mini 9 which I sold and I also have a sony vaio W series. This dell by far has the crappiest low light level correction. If you are sitting in the dark, you will look like you are in the dark period. the dell auto correction software has a brightness setting which is set to the highest level. Although my T400 automatic light level correction algorithm kept making it super dark, you needed to go near a light to fix it which was also annoying.

The power plug on the machine is very loose and does not sit flush all the way into the machine. Dell seems to have unified the power plug since my roommate also has a e6400 and it seems the head is the same with the same blue light. The flat power brick is very cool.

The lid flexes quite a bit but there is no screen distortion whatsoever.

Overall I think it is a pretty good laptop. If only dell has Sony's fit and finish.
This is the only laptop thats light, has long batt life stuffed within the machine and a real proc and discrete gfx.