Dell Studio 1555

@Tipoo, Yea my buddy explained it all out for me and I think your right, he said my HD and ram would be more important. Mainly I'm worried about the monitor as I told my friend I got the basic 720 monitor and he asked why I didnt upgrade that, now I wish I did, but your right I'll wait till I get it before I make any decisions.

 

I have the modded driver and it does have power saving on battery so I guess the answer is yes.

 

My friend just got the Studio 14z, so purdy! Quick, someone convince me that i made the better purchase!

 

Do you need more power and bigger size? If so, then you did.

 

Yeah, I'm doing Computer Science so that means i needed a larger screen and faster parts. But the 14z is still really pretty


By the way, for Mobility Modder do you just use the Radeon 4550 desktop driver? There is no 4570.

 

Yes. Spot on.

 

Thanks, I just installed the 9.9 drivers (in the middle of Classic Mythology class, lmao). I don't know about performance since i dont have any games on here yet, but battery life seems to be the same and now at least I know I'm up to date, so its all good.

So how much has changed from 8.5 to 9.9 anyways?

 

hello....i just want to share latest Ati Catalyst driver 9.9 (works perfect with Studio & Inspiron laptops)....this driver is MUCH better for games then older Dell Catalyst 8.X series......better FPS and smoother gaming.

anyway;

Vista (32.bit)
-----------------------
1.
bring home modded package here:
http://www.driverheaven.net/frontpage/modtool/download.php
2.
bring home Ati 9.9 (Vista 32.bit) here:
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx?driver=VideoCard/vista32-suite
3.
start installation of the Ati driver, BUT cancel the installation once the driver is extracted. (the Driver will be extract into C:/Ati/Support)
4.
run Mobility Modder - browse to the driver in C:ATI/SUPPORT/ -
(- hit modify. Wait until driver is modified)

5. restart your computer............done !

|| if you use Vista 64.bit just do the steps but replace the driver with this one||
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx?driver=VideoCard/vista64-suite

=============================================================================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
XP (32.bit);
------------------------
1.
download & install MSXL 6.0 here, (choose x86 for 32.bit system):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...2C-368B-4CE1-9DAB-3E9827B70604&displaylang=en
2.
bring home modded package here:
http://www.driverheaven.net/frontpage/modtool/download.php
3.
bring home Ati 9.9 (XP 32.bit) here:
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx?driver=VideoCard/xp32-suite
4.
start installation of the Ati driver, BUT cancel the installation once the driver is extracted. (the Driver will be extract into C:/Ati/Support)
5.
Run Mobility Modder - browse to the driver in C:ATI/SUPPORT/ -
(- hit modify. Wait until driver is modified)

6. restart your computer............done !

|| if you use XP (64.bit) just do the steps but replace the driver with this one||
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx?driver=VideoCard/xp64-suite

 

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I finished reading all 336 pages of this thread from page 1 to 336. I feel like I summited mount everest.

My Studio 1555 arrived yesterday and I'm very happy with it. It's a scratch and dent but it looks brand new to me with no problems. I previously ordered a refurbed 1535 and I sent it back because I hated the mushy keyboard and the horrible speakers. Both issues have been addressed on my 1555. I was lucky to get the LG 720p screen instead of samsung and it seems very good quality to me. I was also lucky that MPC HC implemented hardware acceleration for the intel 4500 last month! All my 1080p movie files play great with only 20-30% cpu usage. I installed that 13.2.6.1 driver from the other thread and 2 finger scroll, 3 finger flick, rotate all work great

 

edit: double post

 

hey guys. new to the forums!

Just bought a Dell 1555. Is there anything I should do to it to make it run the best with Vista? I hear about bloatware and stuff. is that relevant to this machine?

Any tips of making this thing run sweet would be great!

BTW, I will primarily be using it for Internet and simple Design, like Photoshop.

 

There isnt too much bloatware on the machine if its direct from Dell, if you got it somewhere like Futureshop then there might be.

As for optimization, just simple stuff. Ditch Vista's built in defragmenter, get a third party one. I use Perfectdisk 10 Professional, but many free ones are good as well.

Download Ccleaner, use it regularly. You wouldnt beleve how much crap that program has removed from peoples machines, it got rid of 3gb of useless accumulation on my sister's 2 year old laptop. The registry cleaner feature is also nice.

I also did some minor tweaking on the battery options, you can get a nice boost for free. Basically, set everything to the power saving mode on battery, for compatibility reasons it isnt like that by default in Vista but you should have no problems with it.

 

thanks.
Also, i've never used VISTA before. Does it come running good out of this Dell? or do i have to do stuff to make it work right?

 

You might want to install service pack 2 and update all your drivers. Also some people say setting the wifi card to maximum power savings makes the touchpad less hot

 

can you tell me how to update to SP2 and update drivers?

 

These are the updates I installed for 64 bit vista

Vista 64 bit service pack 2 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...4A-55EC-4972-A0D7-B1A6FEDF51A7&displaylang=en

Intel Sata Drivers x64 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=17882&ProdId=2800&lang=eng
shutdown and reboot takes longer than normal the first time after you install it, don't be alarmed

Intel Video Drivers vista x64 http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=18141&lang=eng

Synaptics Touchpad Drivers with multitouch http://files.laptopvideo2go.com/synaptics/synaptics_v13.2.6.1.exe

I set my wifi card to Medium Power Savings.. I had it on Maximum Power Savings but it was making stuff download really slowly.. I set it up to medium and it's back to normal speeds.. I have the dell 1397 wifi card. You can find the power setting for it in Control Panel/Hardware and Sound/Power Options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/Wireless adapter settings/Power Saving Mode/

 

I was wondering if anyone could give me some info about average temperatures for the Studio 1555.

Basically, I've had mine for about 2 weeks, and after some use, the laptop gets uncomfortably hot. And this is just casual internet browsing. I can't keep the laptop on my lap even when I'm wearing jeans.

Are these temperatures normal, or should I get in touch with Dell about this?

 

i think my computer comes with 32 bit installed but includes 64 bit discs. Should I install 64? not sure if there are problems with it or not? If so, can i always go back to 32??

 

I wud like to know whether Dell is supplying noise isolation ear buds- or the creative EP 630 along with studio 1555
especially in india..

Is it possible to use 4 GB ram fully in 32 bit Vista?
or do i require to to opt for getting 64 bit one instead...?

 

32 bit can only address 3.5-ish gigs of RAM. Go for 64.

 

thanks for the reply
BTW is it possible to do the free upgrade from 32 bit vista to 64 bit windows 7 ?

 

Afraid no

The upgrades work like this:-

Windows Vista 32 bit > Windows 7 32 bit
Windows Vista 64 bit > Windows 7 64 bit

If you wanted to upgrade to 64bit you would need to purchase a 64bit copy of Windows 7

 

oh tht is lil tough
well any got idea when this i 7 processors going to come to India...

 

Hai guys!
Just got my refurbished 1555 today as a replacement for my Inspiron 1420. I gotta say, this thing is nice! I love the screen and I can't wait to put this thing through some tests to see how powerful it is compared to my T7250 2.0 GHz, 3GB, 250GB 5400 RPM 8400M GS Inspiron

One thing that I'm a little concerned about though, and that is the video card. I've always had NVIDIA (I'm not some fanboi though, whatever works works), but after my 8400M GS failing multiple times due to overheating/being a beeyotch, I hope this new ATI doesn't have a horrible history like my 8400.

 

i know thats how it works and my system originally came with vista 32 bit. that being the case, i requested vista 64 bit from dell and got it for free. i signed up for the upgrade program and it shows that ill be getting the 32 bit version of windows 7. does anyone know if the disc comes with both versions on it? im thinking of upgrading my vista to 64 bit just before installing windows 7.

 

No, it only comes with the 32 bit version. I don't think you can call and change your upgrade to 64 bit.. you might be outta luck

 

Dell has no issues sending you the 64-bit version of a copy of Windows you already have. My old Studio 1535 came with Vista Home Premium 32 bit, and I called and asked for a 64-bit disk, and it was at my door the next day, free. I can almost guarantee the same will apply to Windows 7. The same license key will be compatible, as well.

 

I had a few problems with my Studio 1555 and I had to return it. Now I have a new one . The only problem with it is that the keyboard has too much flex and a few keys even rattle a little. The old one had no flex at all. Does the warranty cover this? Also would they agree to replace it with a backlit one (if it has to be replaced) if I pay the difference?
I am also worried about these things:

1. The temperature of the GPU seems to be high. When the system is idle it stays 54 degrees. While (for example) browsing it gets 58 degrees and the fan gets louder. While playing games it gets 96 degrees, which seems to be very high to me. Is this normal? All other temperatures seem to be normal
2. I can hear the hard disk while it is working even if it needs something small.
3. When sound is playing I can feel vibrations on the laptop coming from the subwoofer.

Do you experience these too? They don't annoy me, but I am worried that they may result in some problem.

 

1. The GPU temperatures seem OK to me. It's bound to get a little warmer when web browsing especially with all the Flash-based banner ads used by most websites.
2. There are background tasks going on as well which will cause the hard disk to make more noise than what is expected. Especially under Vista with Superfetch, System Restore etc. constantly working in the background.
3. Some vibrations are expected from any subwoofer, don't worry its normal.

 

I have a question about the hinges on the Studio 1555. When I open it, the hinges make this really creaky sound, and it's impossible to open the lid with one hand. Are the hinges supposed to be this hard, or is there a way of making the lid a little looser?

 

I can't seem to install the latest ATI drivers (9.9) I keep getting 'driver installation failed' in the log. I've used Mobility Modder and I've seen that this problem hasn't been mentioned here. Should I try booting without antivirus and then installing them?

 

Since the Studio 15 does not have a latch or any mechanical device to lock the lid in the closed position, the hinges are made extra sturdy to prevent the lid from opening of its own accord. This is why you can't open it with one hand; the hinges can support the weight of the laptop without giving.

I can give you instructions on how to remove the display panel and access the hinges if you like, but I've never actually tinkered with adjusting them. Perhaps some lubrication would help your cause, a la WD40.

 

Was just wondering if anyone plays WoW and plays it on this laptop. I have the 512MB ATi card, and the P7350 Intel. I don't need blazing frame rates like my XPS gives me, but I want something better than all low settings.

 

I am not handy enough to remove the display, and it does not bother me that much, but you say that it is safe enough to squirt a little WD40 in between?

 

According to Notebookcheck.net, you can get ~55fps on medium settings. Doesn't mention what resolution though.

 

I usually get anywhere from 60-150fps on medium - high I think, I'll verify later today.

 

It's actually not that hard to do; all you really need is a Philips head screwdriver. But yeah, WD40 should be just fine, just try not to get any inside the laptop itself. Tape off everything around the hinges, cover the speaker grilles, vents, etc.

 

I'm getting my 1555 today - in exchange for a recently purchased H-P dv6-1268. It's from the PX system here in Germany and comes with a 9-cell battery. The only thing it is missing (for me) is the backlit keyboard - which I ordered off of Flea-bay this morning. I would like to get a 6-cell battery for it though - the decent-priced ones off of F-B say they're for the 1537 though. Did Dell pull their usual trick of changing batteries mid-stream on the Studio 15 series or will (hopefully) all Studio 15 batteries interchange? TIA ...

 

Alright. Thank you sir! I will try that and report any improvements or declination.

 

I just ordered a Studio 1555 from the Dell Outlet yesterday. This is for my mother-in-law, so I had to get the 720p display to keep things large and clear enough for her

I cannot remember if the description from the Outlet for my computer mentioned a backlit keyboard. Before I go and order one from ebay, would someone be able to tell me if the keyboard listed on the order details on the Dell website is the normal keyboard or the backlit one? Here is the description.

Quantity / Item Number/ Description
1 / C706K / Module,Keyboard,86,US English,Inspiron Lightweight Single,Pointing,HANKS

Also, from reading this thread, I've heard so many bad things about the Samsung 720p display. Is it possible to tell from the order details what 720p display the 1555 has? I don't recall anyone saying so. Regardless, I was wondering if the description below for the 720p display is a generic one or whether it truly is correct in showing an LG display?

Quantity / Item Number / Description
1 / W385J / Module,Liquid Crystal Display 15.6HDF,Light Emitting Diode True Life,Lg Philips Lcd

Thanks for all the help. I truly appreciate it.

 

I noticed something weird this weekend on the Dell.com/outlet site.

Last Thursday I purchased a refurbished 1555 for $479 (includes 160GB HD and 2.1 Core 2 Duo)

On Saturday and Sunday I check the Outlet site again and they were selling Scratch & Dent 1555 for $469 (includes 320GB HD and 2.1 Core 2 Duo)

So 10 dollars cheaper with a bigger hard drive!

Today, Monday i go back and now all those SCratch and Dents are gone! Has anyone else noticed this happen? Is Dell only making some computers available on the weekend?? I feel like i got ripped off if i could have gotten the same comptuer for cheaper and a bigger hard drive.

 

Nothing weird as far as I can tell. A S&D from the Outlet is going to be cheaper than a Certified Refurbished. Also, I saw those S&D models earlier this morning. They can disappear for different reasons -- either they were purchased or they are being held in someone's shopping cart. Often, resellers try to keep the cheapest models in the Outlet in their shopping cart with the hope that a coupon will be released which they can then apply to the cheap systems they already have.

Keep checking back at the Outlet, and I bet from time to time some of those $469 S&Ds will reappear, as they drop out of people's shopping carts due to inactivity. Of course, if a coupon is released, the lowest priced models will be purchased and won't reappear until Dell adds more inventory to the Outlet (which they do regularly).

I should note that prices do drop (and even rise) at the Outlet all the time. So fluctuations in price should be thought of as normal and not something weird. As long as you are happy with the price you got when you bought your laptop, don't worry about how the price of a similar laptop may fluctuate in the future. Best to just stop checking the Outlet, and enjoy your laptop

 

WIll Dell make it right? Will they let me return my studio that is in the mail right now for a better cheaper model?

 

also, how do i know if my studio 1555 comes iwth 720p or 1080p?

 

If it was a backlit keyboard it would say backlight in the description.

It looks like the display is a LG display and not a Samsung.

 

Look for a line on the invoice that talks about the display and post what is says verbatim and then we can tell you what it means.

 

Dell has lately been strictly enforcing a 15% restocking fee for returning models bought in the Outlet (unless the product is defective).

Usually, however, if you call to return your product and tell them the reason is the cost, the rep will offer you a discount/credit to keep the laptop instead of returning it. Not guaranteed, but it's been known to happen in the past.

 

Thanks! That's a relief. Am I correct in assuming that there have been no complaints with the 720p LG display?

Also, is it pretty much the consensus that the backlit keyboard is worth the ~$30 price on ebay? Does anyone think it's not worth the price?

 

I use the command line for my android phone using ADB to send commands to the phone via the android SDK, on my old acer i used to just go the folder that says Tools (under documents>android_sdk_1.>Tools) and then right click and it would bring up an option to open a command prompt here, so that basically when my command line came up it already had me navigated to the the tools folder (C:\justin\documents\android_sdk_1.5\tools) and i would just have to type in ADB Devices or Adb Logcat or whatever command I want to do.

However on the studio 1555 that runs vista (tho my dell is 64 bit) as did my acer and this option is not available when I right click on the file i wish to command prompt from, Is there a way to enable it to do that? or is that function something specific to Acer...

I dunno if I made it clear what I want, kinda hard to explain but if anyone could help me that would be great because now when I want to do android stuff I have to pull up the command prompt and type everything line by line in the there and the when I do 1 command, i have to retype the whole thing to do a second command.

It became alot more important since upgrading from a G1 to a mytouch 3g, the g1 had a physical keyboard and I could do all my command line work from the device its self but with the mytouch 3g I HAVE to use ADB/Command line