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

Even though I'm satisfied with the temperature this computer is running at, I am still going to take it apart and apply a thermal paste to both GPU and CPU. I will post the new temps later this weekend.

 

I'm having trouble upgrading to Windows 7 using the Dell upgrade CDs. Can someone post a simple how-to?

 

Ok so after careful consideration I am going to return the machine. I want to wipe it clean obviously before sending it back. I had thought going into the Dell system repair screen would allow me to click on the factory restore and voila, all done. I have windows 7 on this thing which I installed from my student 29.99 edition and now that option is not there? How can I factory restore this puppy for shipment back to Dell?

 

I believe that once you mess with the second partition, you can no longer do the factory restore. I tried this as well for a few of the many replacements... and I ended up just formatting, and reformatting the hard drive, getting it to the setup screen right after, and just sending it back without any of the settings customized.

 

How did you do the format??? I'm perfectly happy sending it to them at the set up screen and short of putting vista on a bootable usb drive, I want to do this quick and painlessly!

 

My T6500 runs at ~40-45C in Vista and a warmer ~45-50C in Windows 7.

 

I just popped in the dell operating system cd, went to customize (or advanced) when it asked me what drive I wanted to put vista on, and then formatted both of them. I'm not sure if it was necessary, but I followed the install until it restarted and started asking the login id internet etc, then I packed it up and sent it back.

Ic, if you don't have a usb/esata optical drive, either you'd need to make a bootable flash drive or possibly format the drives within windows. I'm not sure how total the format would be if you just used disk manager though.

Also, there's something called like zero rewrite, where it burns zeroes a couple times onto the hard disk and basically deletes stuff and rewrites over it, but I haven't used it myself.

 

I don't have an optical drive so I'm going to have to figure out another way. I was hoping there was easy painless way to do this.

 

go into nvidia control panel and make sure there is only one monitor present, and set your laptop monitor as your main monitor. Also, make sure the refresh rate is correct.

 

Hi, new to the forums and just upgraded my processor to a T9300. Also used AS5 on the cpu and gpu just yesterday. Just wanted to post up the temps...

 

Is that the temp that you get from HWMonitor or RMclock? My RM temp idles at around 45C (60C in HWmonitor) for Win7. I have only Google Chrome open now and my CPU is running at 55C in RMclock (70C in HWmonitor) and the fan is going at full blast.

Pretty bad, wouldn't you say? Mine is also a T6500

 

45 for CPU and 48 for GPU on a T9xxx processor? Is this immediately after startup? Because those temps are unrealistic, it should be running at least 55 (cpu) and 65 (gpu) during normal use (an hour or more after startup). So, what's the deal there?

 

Just ran it for a bit over an hour....updated temps.

 

No one has a good way to factory restore this POS if I installed Windows 7 after the fact?

 

Hey guys, I'm having a problem with my webcam. The problem started in Vista, so I upgraded to 7 hoping it was just a windows problem. No suck luck. The problem is still present. Can anyone point me in the right direction to fix this?

First what happens is I hear the Windows noise as if a USB device has been connected/disconnected. Then I see the following warning message at the bottom of the screen, even though I don't have any external USB devices connected at the time:



Now for the real problem, my webcam looks like this:



What the heck is going on, and how do I fix this??!

 

I may be completely wrong, but it looks like you might have a solarize effect preset turned on or something. Otherwise, just reinstall program/driver and it probably will fix it.

 

I did a complete format and clean install of Windows 7, and that did not work. Hence, I do not think reinstalling the driver will fix anything.

I believe the effect is actually just a very low color bit depth...not any special effect, solarizing or otherwise.

My reason for believing this is the error message saying that a device would perform faster if plugged into a USB 2.0 port. If the webcam is operating through USB 1.x rather than 2.0, then the bandwidth for the video may be severly limited. The webcam may be lowering the bit depth to compensate. Is the webcam attached internally through a USB pathway?

 

I'm not sure about the "effect", but I did find that doing "update" in the Webcam Manager downloads a new version. I have it running on Win7 x86 with no warning message, but I'm not sure about the image quality (will check later).

Which Nvidia video driver are you using? (this ONE sentence starts major !@#$)

I think we need a sticky (or blog) that lists the "recommended" drivers for Win7 (both x86 and x64). I've seen discussions on other laptops doing this. They specify each driver and even the order to install things. A LOT of confusion and bad drivers out there.

Anyone volunteer to organize/maintain such a thing?

PDS

 

a) I sympathize with you, but it really doesn't matter how you return it, hard drive wise. They will just re-image it before sending it out again.

b) If you're concerned about personal data on the drive, then just remove the partition(s). Several ways to do this, 1) remove the hard drive and connect to another pc (via several connection methods) or 2) boot from a usb something or other, even the Windows 7 cd, start the install, choose "advanced" and delete partitions then just turn it off (don't install win7).

c) If you want the original Vista, a) Transfer the Vista cd to usb, boot from that or b) Try to use the Dell "restore" partition (assuming you didnt delete it). I'm not sure if this will work with Win7, but you press F8 right before Windows starts to boot, then look for something like "Restore Factory Image" either on the menu or perhaps from an "Advanced" menu. You can also boot to a "command prompt" then change to the restore partition and find the script that kicks off the image restore. Sorry I don't have more details, but that's the gist of it.

PDS

 

Another thing, the webcam is usually perfect right after a reboot, but if I adjust the angle of the screen then it immediately cuts out the video stream, pops up the error message I previously posted. Then the video stream resumes but with the awful image like I posted already.

 

I tried part of C and tried to restore the factory image but it was possibly removed by Windows 7. How do I do the second part with the command prompt? I only have one partition on the computer other than the restore drive, its one 500 gig drive. I would love to just reformat and return.

 

Do you mean, that you move the cover/screen (up or down), then it screws up? That's not good, sounds like the webcam cable running through the screen/cover to the laptop motherboard is getting pinched or pulled out of place. You can view the "service manual" to see how the cable should be routed and possibly disassemble things to check on the cable.

I've been super busy and not able to play with mine, but will try.

PDS

 

If you insist...

Here's a link with various info...
Dell Restore Info

Copied in part from another post, may or may not work...

Good Luck!

 

Yep, that's what I mean. The problem can be initiated by moving the screen/cover up or down, but it also happens on it's own given enough time. I have anxiety about opening up the case LOL! I guess I will look into it though, I know I downloaded the service manual shortly after I got the laptop.

 

I am trying to download bios version A04 but I keep getting an error 1275: "Cannot load driver, please check your accounts, if you have no administrator privilege, please log in again! This driver has been blocked from loading"

Thanks for any help

EDIT: figured it out, just needed to go into "more download options" and get the 1440A04_64.exe version.

 

My 14z from the outlet arrived today. There are a few scratched on this 'certified refrub' so I'm not that happy, but I'll live.

The only really other gripe I have is that my right click button misses or doesn't register regularly.. When I push it down on the left side of the right click button, it misses a lot.. and that's where I usually push down as I rest my thumb there. It doesn't happen if I push down on the right side of the right click button. Does anyone else experience this?

Is there anyway I can open this open easily? and see if the padding is somehow screwed up?

 

When to buy?

So I have definitely decided on getting a 14z. I am now trying to figure out when to buy it. Part of me want's to order it now but I am wondering if I wait until Black Friday/Cyber Monday will there will be some deals? Up until now it hasn't seem like the Studio 14z ever has a coupon or deal for it. Do you think it is worth waiting?

-Aaron

 

Any noticeable changes with the new bios?

 

I recently bought my 14z and manually upgraded to windows 7 64bit. So far, I've been unable to find the proper application for the web cam. Can someone point me to the download. I have the driver, but no application.

On another note, I noticed last night that my 900p screen has a bright spot about an inch long, 4 inches from the right edge, and about 2 inches from the bottom edge. I got my 14z as a "certified refurbished" from the outlet, and I'm curious if anyone else has noticed such a spot. It is only visible while the screen is mostly white, like while web browsing or working on documents, and is noticeably brighter than the area around it. Would this kind of thing be covered under the warranty, because I still have time to send it back for a full refund if not.

 

https://smartsource.dell.com/Web/Welcome.aspx?ReturnUrl=/web/main.aspx

https://smartsource.dell.com/web.main.aspx

 

Awesome. I feel pretty silly for not finding that on my own. Thanks!

 

No worries, I had the same problem when I installed windows 7.

 

I'm sure this has been answered before (pardon me for not reading all 259 pages of this thread), but here goes...


How do you guys use bootable CD images? I have a bootable version of Acronis, e.g. Or, say I want to install linux from the Ubuntu bootable CD?

Do external USB CD/DVD drives work pretty well for this sort of thing? The USB bus is fast enough to watch a DVD from it, isn't it?

Do they have external DVD burners/drives that you don't have to plug in?

Or, alternatively, can you copy a bootable CD over to a thumb drive and boot that way?

I mean, I realize this isn't the kind of stuff people do every day.
Thanks for enlightening me.

 

I've been surveying this thread for a while now, and am almost ready to jump the gun and purchase the 14z (hoping for some coupons for Dell.ca, you never know!). My question reflects my newbie status: How much should one spend on a warranty? Should one upgrade to a multi-year warranty, or opt for a more "complete care" package? Or, is this simply Dell suckering us for more hard earned $$?

Thanks!

 

I'm sorry to hear that. I did try my 14z and did not have the blocky video nor disruptions when moving the lcd screen back n forth.

So your choices are to fix it yourself or deal with Dell Tech support. If I were working on it, I would open it up (carefully) and inspect the webcam cable, make sure each end was attached securely and if so, replace the cable. That is the quickest/easiest route to ensure the cable is not the problem. If the issue continues, replace the webcam.

Now from a practical point of view, it's probably easier to chat with Dell Tech Support, get them to declare it "defective". Tech support may even send a technician (even though your warranty doesn't cover that), just plead your case. Otherwise, you then deal with Dell Customer Service, who will offer a replacement 14z or a refund (if still possible).

PDS

 

You have to remove the "palm rest", the entire plastic piece below the keyboard and up around the speakers. It's extensive, but not difficult. Once the palm rest is off, turn it upside down and there is the touchpad. I have not removed the touchpad or examined it closely, so I don't know what to tell you as far as fixing the button. It certainly seems worthwhile to open it up and check for something silly. Otherwise, the touchpad needs to be replaced. See my other posts regarding dealing with Dell Tech Support and/or Customer Service.

PDS

 

I installed it and have not noticed anything different.

I think we need to do benchmarks and/or temp measurements between bios updates to really tell what's going on. New features and/or crashing would be obvious.

PDS

 

Anyone have/use the Dell "Express Card Reader"?

I have one, and have tried it on 2 14z's. One the first 14z, I insert the card and it freezes the machine dead in it's tracks. This is using Windows Home Prem 64-bit, using bios A03 and A04 (no difference there). Installing the Ricoh driver doesn't make any difference.

Afaik, any "express card" is hot swap/pluggable correct? Meaning I can take cards in/out anytime and the laptop will handle it.

The other 14z works great with the Express Card Reader. I even put it a SDHC card and copied some files, no problem. This 14z was running Win7 x86 (32bit). Otherwise the config is very similar to the other 14z (where it hangs).

PDS

 

Afaik, there is no hard fast rule here. It simply comes down to using money to buy "peace of mind". Dell is no different than any other store offering extended warranties. Rest assured, even if you don't buy extra warranty, Dell will send you "offers" to purchase more warranty for pretty much the same price.

If you're interested in extra warranty, some of the "deals" for the 14z package in an extra year at a reduced rate (along with other upgrades), that might save you a few bucks as long as you want all the extra's. For "Complete Care", I've seen this discounted on the Dell EPP site. Dell offers warranty discounts from time to time but usually on 3+ year plan.

I've purchased thousands of dollars worth of Dell stuff and (knock on wood) never seen the extra warranty or Complete Care payoff. It's usually money wasted, but each situation is different.

I think Dell would sell more if they lowered the price. $79 per year is too much on a $500 purchase.

PDS

 

Good question. I have explored (nearly) every avenue to purchase a 14z and found no appreciable discounts. The system I want always comes to around $1000. But it's simply a matter of time before a deal pops up.

There's always more deals, especially for those who can afford to wait. Know what features you want and how much they normally cost so you'll know a good deal when it comes.

PDS

 

Anyone interested in a new (color) cover?

I found out how to buy them (from Dell for $44) and have received a blue and a purple. I hope to do my first install today and will post the results.

As far as the colors, both blue and purple are much darker than what is pictured on Dell's website. The purple is reddish, almost a "wine" color, kinda metallic looking. Both have the rubbery feel (primary reason for upgrading).

PDS

 

Comparing the "Studio 14z/1440" to the "Insprion 14/1440"...

For anyone trying to decide between these 2 laptops, I have them both side by side. A few thoughts...

- These 2 models are confusing, they are both model "1440", but one is "Studio 1440" and the other "Inspiron 1440". Critical to know when looking up resources on Dell's website (a friendly reminder).
- The Inspiron 14 is both thicker and longer (just slightly wider), but certainly not a "beast", still smaller than the typical 15" notebook.
- The Inspiron 14 is a joy to work on, as most components are easily accessible from the outside (like typical 15"+ laptops).
- They both have glossy covers that are easily scratched but perhaps the Inspiron is even more fragile.
- The Inspiron has a pop out tray DVD/CD drive. The typical flimsy type (would prefer slot load).
- The Inspiron has a different, non-backlit, hard plastic keyboard.
- The Inspiron battery also wiggles a tad but the 9-cell does protrude from the bottom.
- The Inspiron screen has terrible viewing angles. Fwiw, it's a 720p "AUO" display and the 14z 900p screen I'm comparing with is "LGD".
- Overall, the 720p Inspiron screen has slightly better contrast/color, but reduced brightness (and terrible viewing angles). The 14z lcd is significantly better.
- The difference between 720p and 900p is noticeable, but (IMHO) not significant. The 720p requires a little more scrolling.
- Sound was good on both, but for some reason the Inspiron IDT audio driver does NOT include the "SRS Premium" feature (to improve sound).
- Inspiron seems to run cooler (no surprise there).
- The Inspiron uses Intel chipset (which I like) but has significantly LOWER graphics power, but this is really only affect gamers (3D games).
- I have a feeling that coupling the Inspiron 14 with the Intel 5300 wireless card would get better wireless performance (and use less power).
- Overall I think Dell did a good job differentiating these 2 and they are good values considering the price. Obviously for the same money, the 14z is the way to go, but you can get the Inspiron 14 almost loaded for $400ish (Outlet). Expect to spend $100-200 more for a comparable 14z.

 

Thanks for the insight, never bought from an online retailer where warranty issues cannot be dealt with in-person; I guess most software problems would become apparent within the first year anyhow. I do wish their coverage prices were more reasonable, I would imagine more ppl would jump on board and buy them, netting Dell a bigger profit overall?

Cannot wait to see pics if you have them-- these are indeed the two colors I was considering for my build. I find it actually quite ridiculous that Dell cannot even post accurate color pictures on their website, esp. considering there is no "store" where we might check them out in person! Good luck with the cover swapping.

 

Hey, is anyone having trouble using WinFlash with Win7 64-bit? I keep getting this.

And yes, I right click and hit Run as Admin

 

Yes, I would be very interested in the details of your cover replacement. I have a significant scratch on the red cover of my "scratched & dented" 14z and would love to get a new cover for it

In case the cover replacement isn't practical, could anyone recommend a cover decal or skin that would adhere to the rubbery-feel cover of the 14z? Thanks.

KC

 

dell links the 32bit version by accident
make sure you download a bios with 64 in the name

 

Hello I just bought a brand new Studio 14z off of a Dell co on craigslist. I am unable to determine if it has bluetooth built in. Perhaps one of you could assist me in finding out? if not, is there a way to add it on? specs as follows

Model Studio 14z - 1440
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6500 (2.1 GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Optical Drive n/a
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Hard Drive 320 GB SATA II Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
Memory 3 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (1 DIMM + Integrated)
Video Card NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G
Screen 14.0 inch High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife
Color Ruby Red
Network Dell Wireless 1515 802.11a/g/n WLAN half Mini Card
Devices 8 Cell Battery
Integrated 1.3 Mega Pixel Webcam
Software Operating System CD/DVD
Facial Recognition Version 2.3
Microsoft Works 9.0
Ports (2) USB 2.0 compliant ports
(1) USB 2.0 compliant / e-SATA port with Power share
IEEE compliant 1394a port
Integrated network connector 10/100/1000 LAN (RJ45)
34mm Express Card slot
Display Port
HDMI Port
AC adapter connector
Audio jacks (2 line-out, 1 Mic-in)
Dimensions 13.23 in. (w) x 0.79 in. front / 1.22 in. back (h) x 9.02 in. (d)
Weight 4.30 lbs (and up based on configuration)


thank you

 

I was wondering where I can order a backlit keyboard for my studio 14z? I figured out the webcam problem I was having. ALso, if I dont have bluetooth where can I order it for the internal? thank you

 

Based on your parts list it does not appear you have the internal bluetooth 365 card installed.

Just email the service tag of your system, along with your address and phone number, to [email protected] and he will give you an updated quote for the back-lit keyboard (approximately $45 USD) and bluetooth card (approximately $20 USD), along with any other parts you may need for your 14z. Excellent resource!

KC

 

Does anyone know if the Studio 1550 backlit keyboard will fit the 14z?