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

anyone experencing any problems with getting the steam games to run smoothly after upgrading to windows 7?
Ever since I did the upgrade all the steam games have not ran at a playable frame rate for me =(
I'm currently using the drivers provided on the nvidia site.

Any tips?

 

Did it come with Bluetooth and the express card media reader? If it did, were those two items listed on the detailed invoice that Dell sends after you purchase the laptop or are they considered standard?

Thanks so much!

 

did anyone find out how much the backlit keyboard costs through fabio?

 

1) Bluetooth and Express Card Reader are not "standard". If they are included, they will be listed as a line item on the invoice (and as an "item" on the computer manifest). Yes, I yelled at Dell (hardware chat) and they shipped the parts out next day. They also offered to have a tech come install it.

2) I believe the Dell Parts price for the back-lit keyboard is $45 shipped. Maybe we can do better if/when it becomes listed on Dell.com.

PDS

 

As I said, the card reader and bluetooth module are both around $20 each and easily installable. So if that is holding up your purchase, you can always buy those later from elsewhere.
Also, the backlit keyboard from other Studio models fits this 14z as well.

 

Hi,

I'm from Spain, and they're not selling the 14z here. I was thinking of buying a refurb, bringing it over, and sucking it up without the ñ...but after reading your post, maybe I can change the keyboard! what a great idea , can you confirm this is doable? what model keyboards?

Thanks!

Vaurien

 

Yep, that is the partition for the Dell diagnostic tools that you can access during the boot up screen. There is a memory tester and CPU tester in there among other things. Technically it can be removed, but I don't recommend it.

 

I know that the Studio 15 has exactly the same keyboard and somebody earlier in this thread was selling that and it fits perfectly on 14z. For other models, I can research when I have time, but basically check the pictures and connectors of other Studio line keyboards for a quick initial idea.

 

Im looking to upgrade to a wireless N card. Anyone one know of any goods ones or good places to get one?

 

I think I heard that Intel cards do not play well with this nVidia chipset. That's probably the reason that Dell is not offering them with this computer. Other than that, look on eBay, NewEgg, etc., i guess?

 

so this fits even though this isnt a 13in notebook?

 

Dell just sent out a $100 off code for EPP members (I'm in school) and I'm thinking about finally getting one of these.

This is what i picked out:

Ruby Red
T6600 2.2Ghz
3GB RAM
900p screen
320GB HDD
8-Cell Battery
Wireless-N
Backlit keyboard
1 Year warranty

Base Price: $1,118
-EPP Discount: $214
-Coupon: $100

Total: $804

Does this seem reasonable or should I wait for a better deal?

-Thanks!

 

Yeah it fits, got one myself

 

OK, how can I explain this issue...

When I scroll up or down a webpage, I briefly see flashes of very fine black horizontal lines on my 14z's display. I also see them on moving video images. They tend to be more visible on white backgrounds.

No problems on static images.

Vista display settings are set to Generic PnP monitor, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G, 1366 by 768 true color (32 bit) 60hz. I don't know if adjusting the display frequency to a higher frequency - if that's even possible - would help. Driver version reports as 7.15.11.7962.

Anyone else see anything like this on their machine? Thanks for any information or suggestions.

KC

 

I think it's a decent deal. Got a similar one in Outlet for $628 (plus tax).

PDS

 

Stick with the Dell 1515 card (also the Dell 1510 could be the same card). They run Atheros chips and you can get improved (modded) drivers for them.

I've seen it on Ebay and Dell's parts store. Cheaper on Ebay of course.

PDS

 

I've been checking the outlet on and off for a while for one I like, but nobody seems to order (or at least return) 14z's with the 900p screen. Anyways, I just checked again and found almost the exact one I was looking for (it has a T6500 instead of a T660) for $609. So I just saved $200!

 

With a 900p screen?

 

Yes, 900p, t6500, ruby red, 8-cell battery, backlit keyboard, wirless-n, 320Gb HDD, exactly what i wanted.

 

Adding to the recent specs/cost/shopping discussion by providing my purchase details. After searching the outlet refurb inventory, I purchased my Studio 14z for $628 ($739 discounted 15% w/ coupon code). Refurb has no problems so far (1 month). I suspect the reason for refurb was the hdd b/c my system lists a Seagate and new 14z's come w/ Western Digital (i think). Anyway here are the specs.

Black Chainlink(will trade ne1 for blue/red)
P8600 (2.4Ghz, 3mb L2 cache, 1066Mhz FSB)
3GB DDR3/500GB HDD@5400rpm
900p screen/8-Cell Battery/Backlit keyboard
Dell 1515 WLAN/Dell 365 BT/8in1 Memory Card Reader

I read that dell updates their outlet inventory on the 40th minute of every hour (reg. business hrs). I found this to be somewhat accurate +/- 5min. For coupon codes, subscribe to outlet email list and check twitter.com/delloutlet. The best configurations disappear shortly after a coupon release, so be quick!

 

Well I just got my refurbished Studio 14z from the outlet and guess what, it was the wobbly feet. Meaning it does sit properly on a flat surface. Also the fan is really noisy on the high RPM step. What do you guys think?

 

I sometimes notice a bit of wobble if I push on the bottom left corner, but not when I type/use touch pad. I'd prefer lest fan activity as well. The noise isn't so bad, it seems to be on a lot though...

Can someone help me w/ w7??
I just got my windows 7 64 bit upgrade DVD from dell. I have no external dvd drive, but i do have an 8gb usb drive. I tried to make the usb bootable using my roomates laptop since it has a dvd drive. He is using 32bit though and it seems like I can do the usb boot for 64bit on his 32bit vista. Any suggestoins?

 

It sucks but you have to download the drivers from the dell site. I'm not sure why but nvidia only gives you the audio drivers or something ridiculous like that. I guess video drivers are nvidia distributed through OEM

 

What sucks is that after ALL THESE YEARS Nvidia cannot release STABLE DRIVERS. You can install the "latest driver" and think, "wow, they've really fixed things now" then wham, you find out this doesn't work, or that is broken or works great for this chip but breaks on another. Total PITA and makes Intel and/or AMD/ATI look better every day.

When (if) you find a video driver that works for you (whether Dell or Nvidia), leave it be!

I haven't delved into Win7 gaming yet, but if I find a "good" driver, I will make sure to post it here. And I encourage others to do the same!

PDS

 

Hi, there are many "guides" online that help you do this. Some are "manual" meaning you have to be good at "command line stuff". But this tool is new, and from Microsoft ( http://store.microsoft.com/Help/ISO-Tool). It will "copy" an "ISO file" to your USB drive (making it bootable just like the DVD). You will need a tool/app that will "rip" (read) your Win7 Upgrade DVD into an ISO file. An "ISO file" is a complete copy of a CD/DVD stored in a single file on your hard drive like "Win7 x64 OEM.iso". Try this free (and relatively simple) tool "ImgBurn" ( http://www.imgburn.com/) to create your ISO file from the Dell DVD. Nero (and many other tools) will also create the .ISO file for you (if you already have them).

On that note, there are better ways to install Win7 on your Dell. This is another HUGE discussion, but your Studio 14z (and most newer Dell desktops/laptops) has everything you need to install a "pre-activated OEM SLP" version of Win7 Ultimate (32 or 64bit) or whichever version you desire (Starter, Home Premium, Professional). I also have the Dell Win7 "Upgrade" cd and it's just a plain Win7 "OEM" dvd and key, same as what you can purchase online. Using this dvd is fine (and in all ways legal), just a pain to have to enter the key, activate, then deal with activation issues down the road (like if you change hardware and have to re-activate). The "pre-activated" scenario is as if you purchased the computer with Win7 already installed and doesn't bother you with things like "keys" or "activation" (thus preferred). Send me PM for more info.

PDS

 

I just did the Win7 install. You do not need both DVDs that Dell gives you. You just need the one that is 3.7GB. So you should be able to use someone else's computer to copy all the files onto a 4GB USB drive and just but up from it. It worked great for me. Make sure you change the boot order in the BIOS so that it picks up the USB before your harddrive.

 

I'm just going to go out on a limb and just say it. I like my 14z laptop. But the fact that the cooling on this machine is so horrid, makes me want to never use this machine.

I'm constantly studying at the library and the fact that the fan is always at the second highest speed setting and then the highest speed setting when I'm surfing the net, just browsing text pages, really drives me up the wall. I've tried AS5 on both the CPU and GPU and it's not good enough. Honestly, I think it's a terrible choice in the fan they use (noise) but also the heatsink is made of two different metals making heat transfer absolutely horrible, going from a copper heatpipe to what I'm assuming is an aluminum or whatever junky heatsink. You just can't get good heat dissipation. The small "vent" where the fan should draw up cool air from, is way too small and doesn't provide enough airflow for the fan to do it's job quietly.

Shame on you Dell, shame on you.

Someone please come up with a better cooling option or maybe an aftermarket heatsink+heatpipe+fan that I can replace this crappy one with. I'm still going to try to take my M1330 heatsink, fan, heatpipe and try to mold it and fit it into my 14z.

 

Yep, its a noisy one. I just wanted to warn people against sending this in for dell repair to 'solve' the noisy fan issue. For me, first, their repair (replacing mobo/heatsink) didn't solve the issue. Second, they broke something else in the process.

I think running Ubuntu makes the fan noise somewhat better. I use Wubi which is a painless way to install ubuntu just like any windows program.

 

From what I hear, the Macbook Pro 13.3 (also uses Nvidia 9400M chipset) also runs hot.

It would help if those complaining of noisy fans included which CPU you have. If you have a "P" series (ie. P8600) you should run cooler as this cpu uses less power. Is anyone with a "P" series C2D complaining?

There's also the "undervolt" method of reducing cpu voltage (and thus heat), already discussed in this thread. But this is technical/tricky.

PDS

 

I'm running the 2.66 processor and this thing is so hot its almost unbearable. The left side of the touchpad is cool, right side is ridiculously hot and at some points I burn my fingertips on the keys. I think a cooling pad might be worth trying but is that really a long term solution.

Also, got my first BSOD of death today, never had it on my m1330 and got my first one in a week on this computer!

 

This is a handy guide to install Win7 / Vista from USB to your 14z. I did a clean install of Vista using this method. Installing Win7 should be the same.

All you need is access to a machine with Windows Vista installed and a DVD drive.

http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/

 

Hm.. Most likely, that's something elseThe CPU is right under your left palm area probably under the "D" "F" etc keys. That's a little worrisome. From what I remember from taking apart the computer, there wasn't really anything significant under the right side of the touchpad other than the speakers. You might have some really bad wiring of your touchpad. Give Dell a call.

 

That's not normal, there's definitely something wrong with your machine. Mine gets warm, yes, but not terribly hot. Anyways, the right side of the palm rest should not be hotter than the left side. And surely the keys on the keyboard should not be even warm. Does that happen under stress, while gaming, watching Flash videos, just normal use or idling? Run the HWMonitor and post your temps.

 

is there is any coupon codes now for the outlet ???
sorry but can we buy codes ??
i really think this hole code idea is stupid, but thats just my opinion

 

After checking twitter and the recent outlet coupon email, I didn't see anything going on right now...these are the best places to check tho(in my opinion)

 

I just downloaded this program and I'm going to run it today and wait to get some numbers at a time when its deep in use and at a point where I can compare it to what originally made me post this.

What kind of temps would be considered irregular or worrisome anyway?

 

Here is where I am running after 2 hours of use, mind you it doesn't feel as hot as it has in previous days. Left side of the trackpad is most definitely cooler than the rightside. Same with the keyboard.

 

Purchased a 14z from the Dell outlet with 5GB ram. Ran great with Vista 64bit. I just received the Win7 upgrade and installed it... now the laptop is frequently hanging with a "Not Responding" error state. Wait 5 to 120 seconds later and things come back to normal. Anyone else having this issue running 64 bit Win7? Bad driver issue?

 

Well I pulled the trigger and ordered a refurb 14z from Dell Outlet, found one with the 900p screen and backlit keyboard but otherwise base level specs including the T4200 processor. The price was right - $485 - couldn't find anything with this combination of size, dedicated GPU, and high resolution screen for less than $1k new so I am super stoked!

This will mostly be for web surfing, MS Office applications, Java/Flash based games but since it has the nVidia 9400, am hoping it's an acceptable gaming laptop for light dury. By gaming I mean WoW, Civ IV, Sins of a Solar Empire, maybe an occasional FPS like Battlefield, etc...

Has anyone done an upgrade and can comment on benchmarks, or even observations, as to whether spending an additional $150-200 on a P8600 is worth the money and hassle? Would spending a little more and getting a T9400 with the larger cache work on this mobo? Not worried about the technical aspect of the teardown and re-assembly, been working on computers and electronics for years, and the online service manual for the 14z makes it look pretty straightforward (just a lot of screws but that's to be expected). Just trying to assess 1) if the T4200 is a serious step down from the P6600/8600 and 2) if the 1440 series mobo can handle a T9400 (maybe even a quad core Q9000 ).

Lastly (yes this thread is meandering, sorry I have a lot of questions and am just sort of horking them up into a comingled mess), would perhaps a HD upgrade to a 7200rpm drive be even a better option in terms of a performance boost, before worrying about the CPU? It comes with a 250gb 5400rpm drive. I thought about pulling this and putting into another older laptop that I've got with a 160gb drive, and replacing with a WD 7200rpm 320/500 gb drive.

Any insights, feedback, or comments would be appreciated, thanks!

 

What Anti-virus software are you running? If you're feeling adventurous and have the product/activation key for the current AV software you're running, uninstall it and try Security Essentials from MS. It's very lightweight in terms of loading up your system, unobtrusive in the number of nags etc.. and is free.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

You should also look in the event viewer by right-clicking on "Computer" and choosing "Manage". You'll see the Event Viewer in the MMC snapin on the left hand tree view. Have a look at Windows Log -> System, paying particular attention to errors and so forth.

Lastly, download and run memtest86 and make sure your memory module isn't causing issues. It's unlikely but not unheard of for memory corruption issues to cause freezes and hangups although it's likely you'd be seeing BSOD's as well if this were the culprit.

 

You were able to find a 900p for 485?! Was that before discount or after?

I've been searching the outlet for days.

and this is the best I could find that is not red (i hate red):

Studio 14z - 1440 Laptop, No internal DVD or CD Drive
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
System Price : $529.00

Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Memory
Integrated Memory - 1 GB
2 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (1 DIMM)
Hard Disk Drive
320 GB SATA II Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
Video
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G
Processor
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T4200 (2.0 GHz, 800 MHz FSB/1MB cache)
Web Camera
Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
Network Interface Card
Dell Wireless 1515 802.11a/g/n WLAN half Mini Card
Software Upgrade
Windows Live
64BIT Operating System DVD
Microsoft Works 9.0
Facial Recognition Version 2.3
64BIT Operating System CD
Hardware Upgrade
Chainlink palm rest
No WWAN Option
Back-lit Keyboard
125V Power Cord
8 Cell, 74 Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery
65W AC Adapter
Certified Refurbished
Certified Refurbished
Laptop Screen
14.0 inch High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife
Base
Studio 14z - 1440 Laptop, No internal DVD or CD Drive
Bluetooth Wireless
Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Module
System Color
Black Chainlink

 

Couldn't find any coupons but here are the build details for the machine I ordered Friday morning @9:30am. Found it somewhere on Notebookreview that Dell refreshes their Outlet inventory regularly throughout the day so keep checking. Had not seen one with the 900p screen at this price all week so I jumped on it.

Quantity Item Description
1 Studio 14z - 1440 Laptop, No internal DVD or CD Drive
1 Certified Refurbished
1 65W AC Adapter
1 Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T4200 (2.0 GHz, 800 MHz FSB/1MB cache)
1 Operating System Label
1 Software
1 Black Chainlink
1 NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G
1 Service Software
1 Dell Support 2.0 Software
1 Resource DVD
1 64BIT Operating System CD
1 Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
1 Software
1 125V Power Cord
1 Software
1 Dell 1397 802.11B/G Wireless Mini Card
1 Processor Label
1 2 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (1 DIMM)
1 Shipping
1 Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
1 Back-lit Keyboard
1 6 Cell, 56WHr Lithium-Ion Primary Battery
1 Facial Recognition Version 2.3
1 Documentation
1 Microsoft Works 9.0
1 64BIT Operating System DVD
1 Shipping Material
1 Windows Live
1 No WWAN Option
1 250 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
1 Chainlink palm rest
1 Image Restore Software
1 Integrated Memory - 1 GB
1 14.0 inch High Definition+ (900p) Bright LED Display with TrueLife
1 Dell Support Center 64 Bit 2.0

1 STUDIO 14z (1440) : 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, Mail-In Service after Remote Diagnosis, 24x7 Phone Support (Included in Price)
Order Subtotal: $489.00
Shipping and Handling Total: $19.99

Shipping Discount: -$19.99

Tax Total: $42.02
Total Amount: $531.02

 

Anyone using beta video drivers on their 14z?

I posted a message a few days ago about fine black lines appearing on my Studio 14z's 720p display when scrolling up & down on web pages and when watching moving video images. The black lines are particularly noticeable on white backgrounds, but they're only visible when the image or web page is moving/scrolling.

It almost looks like I'm looking an interlaced display instead of a progressive one - in fact, when I use VLC Media Player software to watch a movie, the lines disappear if I activate a deinterlacing mode.

I've tried reinstalling the Vista 64-bit video drivers from the Dell website with no success. I've read on this forum that there are beta nvidia drivers that have solved some 14z video issues. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has had success with these beta drivers.

(With any luck these issues will disappear when I install Win7 and the associated video drivers.)

Thanks again.

KC

 

That can't be right. If it were hot enough for BSOD, the fan should be working at 100% (screaming). If the fan is not obviously cranking, then you should call tech support.

If it IS cranking and still hot, that is wrong. Your cpu/mem should only work that hard when you're running a "stress test" tool or a serious game.

PDS

 

I posted temps a page ago, did you check them out? I called tech support today and they wanted me to send the computer into the depot, I refused, I pay for at home support and the computer is a week old, I shouldn't have to have this much aggravation 8 days into ownership!

 

Yes, those temps look normal to me, but the question is "what is normal". Temp monitoring is tricky business.

Sorry if I missed it, but what monitoring tool are you using? I can run the same on mine and see what temps I get.

Also, your cpu is P8800? I think mine is T6500 and another with P8600.

PDS

 

Ok well the temps might be average, but the heat on the right side of the trackpad is really unbearable. Is it still possible that something could be wrong, I don't recall seeing heat as a major issue on this computer during my research?!

 

Your processor temps are very high. Mine are 48 degrees for each core, and GPU at 60 degrees (that's when the computer is running for 5 hours, and I'm watching YouTube). But that's because I undervolted the processor. I highly advice you do the same (if you don't know how, there's a guide on this forum). The problem with any laptop (not just this one) is that there's limited space for all those components and they are causing excess heat.

 

Is it pretty much accepted now that p8600 when undervolted runs idle at 48? and the T6500 when undervolted runs at 58C?

My T6500 runs at 58. what a sad sad temp. I think i may just buy the p8600 and install it myself.

 

Dell agreed to replace my unit but I went back and re-read the review here on the website regarding the 14z. The reviewer also complained of the right side of the touchpad being hot, mine is uncomfortably hot? Is this a problem you all encounter?