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

I'm giving in. I cannot stand the constant loud humming of my fan. I'm going to open it and then just add the AS and it'll at least drop it by like 5-10C. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

fyi, I complained about the noise to dell chat people and they offered to repair it in the depot. I shipped it and they replaced the fan/mobo. The noise remains and so does the temperature around 50. In addition there is no sound from the speakers (sound only from the tweeters). I'm sending it again to get the speakers fixed. I might open it up and replace their thermal gpad with AS5 after I get the speakers repaired first.

Anyway do post the details of your experience reseating the heatsink. If you can youtube that would even be better. Thanks!!

 

So I got around to applying the AS5. Sorry I just got done and didn't realize that you wanted it youtubed. I could've done that.

It was actually a very easy process. Compared to taking an M1330 apart, I thought this was much easier. Far fewer screws and the systemboard is much easier to take out. That being said, it is annoying because you have to take everything apart down to the system board in order to reseat the heatsink and fan.

My temps are 2-3C lower right off the bat, but I'll let you guys know once the AS5 actually sets in.

It is annoying that you have to take everything apart to access the GPU and CPU, but overall, it's far easier to take apart the whole thing compared to the M1330 (as long as you follow their documentation found here).

 

if you undervolt the 14z most people are getting 10 degree temperature drops on average. have you seen the undervolting guide on this website?

 

I've undervolted to 0.925V on all my multipliers on my T6500 and the drop was about 5C. I'm happy about that, but the temps are still really high. So I had to go with AS5.

 

Can I just get a really quick survey from guys who have the 14z with the t6500?

1. Are you undervolting?
2. What are your idle/load CPU temps? What program are you using to monitor temps?
3. Have you used AS5?

I think there's definitely something wrong with my system. I'm gonna call Dell and give them a mouthful.

 

Well if you have the Creative X-Fi software, in the "console" it has controls for "bass boost" that lets you add/subtract bass.

That might be useful if the bass is no longer working. Try cranking up the bass with that tool and if no effect than you know something's wrong.

I believe it also has basic bass/treble controls in the "advanced" part of volume control.

I agree though, seems like somethings wrong and I certainly do NOT trust Dell repair to get anything right.

PDS

 

I filled in the shipping details last week (Thursday I think) and it arrived yesterday (Tuesday). My 14z shipped in early July and I registered for the upgrade then. Don't know if that made a difference.

I haven't opened it as I'm already running Win 7, but in case anyone's wondering I can confirm that it's 64-bit only.

 

I'm curious if anyone has had success installing the student sponsored edition onto the 14z. With all the troubles that was had downloading the iso I'm curious how anyone was successfully able to achieve. Ordered a suped up refurb today, arriving Friday and my first order of business is to install win7.

 

Thanks. I tried that but it didn't help by much. btw, where does the sound come from on the laptop? is it only from close to the battery? does anybody get sound output from some place closer to the wrist pad? I am just trying to confirm where the speaker should be based on the dell manual.

Thanks for the info. Did you have to bend the heatsink to put it back in? Someone said earlier since the original thermal pad was so thick they had to bend something to compensate for the height difference. Also do let us know if the temperature improves over time.

 

Actually, I didn't think about bending the heatsink to make it sit better. But it makes sense, I guess. The way that it's laid out is that the CPU is between the GPU and the fan itself. The GPU uses a thermal pad, which I didn't replace. I guess there would be some space between the heatsink and the CPU, but I figured that the space would be filled with the AS5.

The AS5 requires a couple weeks to really set in. It also requires a range of temperatures (thermal cycles) in order to really let it set. So I think that once the CPU heats up and cools down (by turning off the comp) it can go through the cycles just fine. The temps usually from anywhere from 2-5C more for me after the AS5 sets for me.

I'll open up again later and put pics and try the heatsink bending to make a closer contact. But I think that the screws used to keep the heatsink in place over the CPU are good enough to maintain good contact.

 

I just received an Asus UL80VT and am going to return it due to a defect in the screen of the model I received. I am thinking of replacing it with a 14z instead. I am a bit concerned about the screen. How is the contrast and viewing angles on the 900p screen? I see very mixed reviews on the 720p one but not as much on the 900p.

 

You don't really need a DVD player. A DVD is like 8 gig. And USB drive can easily surpass that. I have installed Linux and Mac OS and Windows 7 using the USB device. Tell me, why would you want a DVD player that adds weight, drains battery, and make the laptop bulky. Laptop DVD Rom is on the way out. You don't hear any Netbook users complaining about the absence of such device. From my experience, these laptop DVD RW units are cheaply made. You are not going to mass produce DVD from them anyway. So what's the point?

 

I have put AS5 into my 14z and I would highly recommend that you put it on both the cpu and the gpu, provided you can get good contact on both. I say this because while my cpu temps dropped a bit, my gpu temps dropped dramatically, and so has the fan activity. I think the fan speed is based on both the cpu and the gpu temps, because now my fan is always on the lowest speed unless I put the computer to work. Before, it would hit the second speed for no reason, and the third with light work load.

 

Did you get rid of the thermal pad and just add AS5 to the GPU? The thing I'm most worried about, as you said, is the contact between the heatsink and the GPU. I did the copper mod for the M1330 that would get rid of the thermal pad and replace it with thin copper to allow for better contact. Did you do that or just remove the pad and add AS5 straight to it?

My fan is also really loud too on the second setting. I'll do that GPU thing tonight. Hopefully it'll get rid of this noisy fan. I was even tempted to try to somehow fit the M1330 fan to replace the 14z. At least the M1330 fan was really quiet when it was running full blast.

 

Does anyone know if replacing the harddrive by myself with void the warranty with Dell? I mean I'm pretty sure I voided the warranty by taking the entire thing apart to add AS5, but just curious.

 

Good luck h37S3M. Don't forget to youtube this if you can!

 

i am configuring my order for the 14z. How much difference is it between the t6600 and the p8600 processors?

 

I have a question, just received my 14z. I ordered a refurb from Dell and I just installed Win7 on it. The screen resolution looks larger than when I had it on Vista, I have the 900p screen but when I go to look at the screen resolution, the highest option it gives me is 1280 x 800. How do I get it back to the Vista size where it clearly gave me more real estate?

Edit: Nevermind, problem solved by downloading Nvidia Drivers...

 

I installed XP 32bit on my 14z. I had a hell of trouble hunting down all the drivers for it. So if anyone is interested and wants the drivers, please PM me.

 

not much. it's really a whole lot less than you would think. i wouldn't pay more than $50-75 for the upgrade.

 

Ok just upgraded to windows 7 ultimate and the upgraded the sound driver from the support page. Now there are times where I would lose sound all together, only shutting it off and turning it back on would bring the sound back. Restarting doesnt work, any ideas?

 

anyone have an unbalanced 14z? im thinking about trimming the other side so the damn thing won't wobble

 

LOL! I know how u feel, the left side of mine is a little too high

 

Strictly, even opening the back cover voids the warranty. But in reality, no, changing the hard drive does not void the warranty. At least I never heard a single complaint about that, so go ahead and put that shiny new SSD in there.

 

hey people
i want to use this laptop in my bed mainly and connecting it to LCd to watch hd movies
is this laptop good for me coz i hear it gets warm
do u recommend the 900 p resolution (money is an issue for me yes !!)

 

something weird !!
when u configure ur dell normally from dell website
u find the base model with 749$
u find they offer it with a 250 gb hdd and 6 cell battery

plz check this site for dell home also i cant remember how i went there but it still 749 and offers the 320 gb and 8 cell in there basic config

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...code=ss&c=US&l=EN&dgc=SS&cid=27399&lid=627062


i am sure someone have good explanation for this

 

I use it in bed very often, and if you don't block the air vents on the bottom, it should be fine, not much different than using on the desk. Get the 900p screen without a question, even if money is an issue!

 

i will get the 900 p its a class option i think
i like the green color of this dell
but what the !! 40 $ for a color this is robery
does the 8 cell weight more than the 6 cell coz they look the same
dont u think the hp dm3 is better looking than dell and even lighter (13' though)
but overall i like the dell better

 

Yeah, color options are robbery, that's for sure. I called them and negotiated, and finally they agreed to include the Ruby Red for no extra cost ($30 in Canada).
Yes, 8-cell weighs slightly more than 6-cell, even thought they are exactly the same shape (that is, 8-cell does NOT stick out on the back).
Yes, HP laptops generally look nicer, I agree, and that particular model might probably be lighter, but I never recommend HP to any of my friends or family, because of very poor build quality and overheating. Dell is not a miracle either, but much more reliable than HP. Anyways, you are buying, you decide.

 

negotiated man u r good !!
i have decided since this is my only laptop dell is much better
better cpu & gpu & better screen resolution still not heavy and doesnt get that hot & not that pretty but hay we r guys
its as good as mbp only cheaper
i just hope to get a good discount

 

something weird !!
when u configure ur dell normally from dell website
u find the base model with 749$
u find they offer it with a 250 gb hdd and 6 cell battery

plz check this site for dell home also i cant remember how i went there but it still 749 and offers the 320 gb and 8 cell in there basic config

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...code=ss&c=US&l=EN&dgc=SS&cid=27399&lid=627062


i am sure someone have good explanation for this

 

Yeah, I took out both thermal pads and put thin layers of AS5. But I did have to bend the heatsink a bit to have it make contact with both the cpu and gpu, and I even took out and bent the bracket for the processor heatsink so that it pulls it down with a little more tension. Be careful if you do any of this, though, I almost broke the heatpipe cause I was just bending it by hand. good luck

 

I just ordered one of these in ruby red from the outlet for 475.15 and I am pretty excited to get it. I didn't need a superpowered computer, but netbooks are too small and too underpowered. This fit the bill perfectly for a middle ground in portability, power, and price. The only thing stopping me from ordering one of these new was the $749 base price and then 40 dollars just to get it in red.

I have an inspiron 6000d that has been chugging along for 5 years and I have been using as a back up computer, but it isn't quite cutting it any more. I read the pros and cons of a bunch of different notebooks including this one and I think the 14z is a pretty good fit for me. I'm not worried about it not having extra features because that isn't what I am buying it for - I already have a laptop with all those extra features.

My new computer:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6500 (2.1GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Integrated Memory - 1 GB
2 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (1 DIMM)
320 GB SATA II Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
Vista 64 bit w/ free Windows 7 upgrade
Dell Wireless 1515 802.11a/g/n WLAN half Mini Card
8 Cell, 74 Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Hopefully, it turns out all right, but I've had enough laptop failures that I am prepared to deal with any problems if need be. I've read a lot of the complaints about this laptop on the web, but as long as the machine actually works, I think I'll be pretty happy with it.

 

i hope it turns out all right too
but isnt the lowest price in the outlet is 559
is the outlet the same quality of the new product
is it the exact model that is ordered freshly now (except OS i know )
but its a very good save i think

 

I think these are all questions without punctuation, so I'll try to answer them right now, but I don't actually have the computer yet.

The daylight savings coupon was still in effect as of 11:30 last night when I ordered it, so I got the $559 model with 15% off. It expires November 2nd, so it might still be working right now.

I'm not too worried about getting from the outlet. It might look a little bit less than new, but it shouldn't look too bad. If there are any defects, it comes with a one year warranty, so I can get it fixed if I need to. Sometimes even new computers come with defects.

It isn't the exact model that is $749 right now. I think this is a slightly older build. It has a T6600 processor and I have a T6500. Mine is also in red and has a 320gb hard drive that isn't in the base model minus windows 7, but it is part of the upgrade program. Other than that, it is pretty much the same as the base model.

Estimated delivery date is November 6th, so I can't tell you about the quality of ordering from the outlet until then.

 

sorry to bother u but what is the daylight savings coupon ??
and, i am from Egypt and i will ask a friend to bring for me from USA so is it a big risk to buy from an outlet ??
i really want a 900 p resolution and a 8 cell battery do u think i can scarify that to buy from outlet "for 475 i would scarify anything " .
my friend tells me that there is 10 % tax is that true !!!
and he wants to buy it for me from bestbuy or something , i remmeber they used to have this laptop but its not online anymore can they have any leftovers ???

 

I just ordered from the outlet, for 889 prior to the daylight savings coupon I got a 14z with a 500gb drive, 7200 rpm. 2.66 c2d duo processor with 5 gig ram, 900p, 8 cell battery. Black chainlink and while I do have the battery wobble and one usb port is a little tougher to pull cords out, so far I haven't had any trouble with (knocks on wood.) I went all out and bought the 2 year super warranty with complete care so I would feel comfortable. I thought I got a pretty good deal for a computer that otherwise probably would have been well over 1500 new.

 

I'm configuring my 14z and it won't let me add bluetooth to the system.

It says bluetooth is not compatible with my OS.

Anyone else have this problem?

 

Yes this is annoying! My guess is Dell think's there's no 64bit support/driver for the Bluetooth 365 card (but there is).

And you can't change the OS to fix it, stupid!!!

PDS

 

I'm interested, but why not just post here? That way others can benefit.

Thanks,

PDS

 

Has anyone had the black plastic that surrounds the keyboard crack? On my left hand side next to the monitor hinge the black plastic cracked. The crack is directly at the back of the laptop where it looks like the two pieces should join. The top shiny plastic no longer stays in place and i can push it in and hear a small click sound.

 

Hi everyone, I just got the 14z delivered with backlit keyboard and notice there is a lot of lot of flex in it, especially on the right side of the keyboard. Does anyone else have the same issue. Is there a way to fix it? Thank you.

 

For anyone still looking for a sleeve that fits PERFECTLY...here it is. Just got it yesrerday and its snug and looks good too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001KMW77Q/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

 

The daylight savings coupon can be found in the Dell Outlet Coupons thread, but I think it may have expired already. The links seem pretty dead. You won't have the customization options when you buy it from Best Buy or the Outlet. If you want certain specifications, you are just going to have to keep stalking the outlet until what you want shows up.

The coupon expires today or has already expired, but as someone else just posted on the last page, you can get a pretty nice system for a lot less than buying it new even without a coupon. I bought it for price and not power, so I went with the cheaper option and no extra warranty.

I can't answer you on how your outlet experience would be. For the most part you should be fine ordering from the Outlet, but like with everything else, something might go wrong. I can't guarantee that you would get a perfect computer. The outlet is a reliable place to buy a computer, but things happen sometimes.

Yes, there would be a tax and the amount depends on what state your friend lives in. I ended up paying $501.xx after tax.

My Best Buy did not have the 14z in stock last time I was there, but inventories can be different from store to store. I really have no idea if your friend can get it from Best Buy or not. If his Best Buy has it, he can buy it there but you are going to get their configuration and you probably aren't going to get as good a deal as ordering from the outlet.

 

Looks like Dell removed bluetooth options from all of their notebooks.

Looks like I wont be buying a notebook anytime soon.

 

You can buy that Bluetooth module from eBay and install it yourself, it's not difficult, I've done that (not with this 14z -- with an Inspiron, but the idea is the same).

 

u r right its a big saving opportunity
but here is another link that i think may save too
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...code=ss&c=US&l=EN&dgc=SS&cid=27399&lid=627062
it gives u 320 GB HDD and 8 cell battery and thats 75$ which is good as u can configure what u want !!

 

Hi PDSway. My 14z also came without the express card media reader and without bluetooth. Did you have any luck getting Dell to send you those two items for free?

Thanks so much!

 

hey, do you guys notice a small hidden fat 32 partition on your laptops?

mine has one. im wondering what that is about. i noticed it when i removed the recovery partition. Im thinking it maybe some diagnostic stuff, but im not sure.

also, my refurbished studio 1440 came with everything i expected.