Few questions regarding new e1505.

Hello all,

I just got my e1505 today and wanted to discuss a few things.

First off, I really like the new e1505, especially the screen - it's so shiny. However, I did notice some sort of "swirl" mark on the screen? Not sure if this is the "shimmer" everyone is talking about, but it's pretty easy to spot, especially if there is alot of glare.

Regarding the clean install of Windows XP. The only two cd's I got from Dell were the America Online free trial, and the WordPerfect cd. So my question is will I have to get a new copy of the Windows XP cd? If so, can I install Win XP Professional without losing any features(such as media center)?

Also, I got the 60GB hard drive. When I go under "system information" it has my total available HD space as 43GB!? Does that sound normal? If so, what the heck is taking so much space.

TIA.

 

As you say you want to perform a 'clean' install [vice a simple restore to 'as-delivered' state], then yes.... Best to get the CD. You will also need to either....

1. Download the drivers from the Dell download site or...
2. Also ask for the Dell Drivers and Utilities disk

I'd recommend you download the files and burn to CD

Yes it should be possible, but you need to place it in the same partition as the original. Don't mess with anything else [in terms of partitions that pre-exist].

Yes... Your "C" drive with XP sits on a primary partition [a 'segment' of the hard drive set aside just for your OS]. The total space on that partition is probably around 50GB or so [just guessing]. Given XP eats up around 7 GB of space that would leave you around the amount you see 43GB.

So, what about the rest of the hard drive since the "C" partition is only approx 50GB in size.... Well you can have more than one partition on a hard drive and with Dell delivered systems, there are two other partitions on the drive which 'consume' close to 5GB [a Dell Diagnostic/Utility partition, and a Dell/Symantec Ghost Restore partition]. There is some unallocated space in there also [i.e. space that is not 'assigned' to a partition]. Last thing is that the numbers wrt capacity get jumbled around because bytes and bits get mixed up in all of that.

All is well....

Mark

 

You can also call dell and request the XP disc if you want. Like Mark said you can use a XP Pro disc as long as it is a retail version and you have the key with it. The key with your laptop only matches the OEM version of MCE.

 

Thank you Mark and SouthernGrl.

Mark - Where can I download all the drives frome the dell website?

Dang, I should've got a bigger HD since I'll only have around 43GB of free space...

 

I think this Link should work and get you started.

Just enter your Service Tag info and it should take you right to where you need to be...

wrt HD space.... You can always get yourself an external HD. Gives you....

1. More space and

2. An ability to 'backup' important files in case of HD failure on your laptop

Just a thought

Mark

 

Thanks again Mark.

Also, what do you think of that "shimmer" with the screen. Sorta looks as if the gloss has waves when there is a lot of glare. Is this "normal?"

 

I have a similar question.. Is it ok to have no partition i.e. C:\only, on my hard drive.

The first things I’ve always done each time I buy a new computer/laptop are format and create 2 partitions. I really don’t know how this changes the performance; I just find it easy to manage my data.
Now that I have a 300GB external is it alright to have no partition. And do I really need that Dell Diagnostic/Utility partition, and the Dell/Symantec Ghost Restore partition.

I’m just scared that if at all XP crashes, I might lose important data.

 

I just got a E1505 with a WSXGA screen and see no "shimmer". It may be becuase I do not like my screen too bright because I get a headache. Anyone else oblivious to the "shimmer"?

 

I do see that when the screen is off [or when the XP screen saver kicks in]. "Shimmer" is about a good as I could describe it.... Has NO impact [to my eye anyway] when using the computer. It is a VERY nice display.

Mark

 

It has no 'direct' impact on performance. More of an organizational 'thing'. I like it to separate my OS from my working files. Then if I want to backup my files I don't have to mess with all the OS bits-n-pieces. Same holds true for OS backups/restore. And if I ever restore the OS I don't 'hose' my data/working files since they are on another partition.

Since you have the external drive and can 'direct' your working files over to that, it kind of limits the need for partitioning your laptop proper.

There are lots of partitioning 'strategies', but it can get a bit complex and you'll need the right applications/utilities to do it without really screwing things up.

You have to decide for yourself....

The Diagnostic partition is nice to have in that the utilities are always a key stroke away and already on the hard drive. For me.... I'll be just as happy digging out the CD when/if I need it.

As I plan to create restore 'copies' of my OS partition using other 'tools' I don't intend to keep the Ghost partition. But I do hope/would like to keep the Dell MediaDirect function 'alive and well' and by having deleted that partition, it no longer functions. There are several posts by folks dealing with 'healing' the MediaDirect app, but I haven't gotten around to messing with it yet...

You don't have to make any decisions or do anything right away... [although I note I didn't take my own advice on that one!!!] Go with what you've got 'out of the box' and see what you think. Delete/uninstall applications that don't suit your fancy and give it a 60-day look see.... By then most of the 'tricks' to get things sorted out may have been well tested and documented.....

fwiw

Mark