Inspiron 14z.

Going to buy a DTR next year (Alienware) and need something on the go.

I have a Crucial M4 collecting dust so is it possible to place that SSD in the Inspiron 14z or is it a no go?!

 

I see no reason the SSD wouldn't work in the 14z, though which 14z are you referring to? There's a new one and an older one.

 

The new one. And is a aftermarket blu ray player possible?

 

I mean it's just a standard tray loaded optical drive, I see no reason why an aftermarket blu ray ODD wouldn't be possible, you would just need the software.

 

Thanks for all your info. Going to order one today. Just needed something light on the go, this looks like the perfect thing for me.

 

The bad thing is the backlit keyboard is not available in the Netherlands.

I see no reasson to buy one of ebay then.

 

Ordered!!

One more Q: is it possible to fit a i7 in there, like the 2630QM? Cheap on ebay.

 

If there's no backlit keyboard, I doubt it would work as Dell uses an separate ZIF connector for the backlight (unless US has the option and Netherlands just doesn't get that option).

With such a slim chassis, I would highly not recommend a quad core i7, though theoretically it should work.

 

The option was there but the rep. could not select it. Only way to know is to open her up and look for that connector which I will do then.

 

Last Q and its about a 15R I ordered last week and came in today. How can I backup the win 7 install? Did not order the recovery disk with it.

 

You need to make the recovery discs through Dell's DataSafe Local Backup or if they can't be made you need to order them through Dell (1st set are free under warranty).

 

Does it fit on multiple cd's or do I need a DVD for that?

 

2-3 DVD's IIRC. Does not accept CD's.

 

Ok DVD's it is. Can I use double layer DVD's?

 

My Dell Inspiron 14r had a recovery partition. I think you pressed F8 before boot, then selected system repair. It should give you the option to do a full restore.

 

You can use dual layer, DataSafe should recognize it is a DL and burn appropriately.

 

The 15R is a present. If they mess up the HDD somehow then with the discs they should be able to do a win 7 install. Going to get me some DVD's today and burn those discs.

 

The factory recovery media will automatically reinstall the recovery partition as well as ALL original content.

The generic Dell discs only install the OS, requiring you to hunt down drivers and the original software. It also does not reinstall the recovery partition.

 

Burned the discs today, took 3 DVD's.

 

Back to the 14z. Got it today installed the SSD and 4GB extra RAM in the slot underneath.

Where can I find the other slot?

 

Never mind its under the keyboard.

There is a connector there for a backlit keyboard.

 

Got the boot time down to 12 sec. Still on old firmware. In my previous m17x r3 18 sec was the best it could do.

I'm impressed. Really liking this notebook so far.

 

The day has come, had it almost a week and today called Dell to return it.

Why you ask, well the following:
-card reader doesnt hold the SD card in place, it clicks but it it still lose.
-the trim around the keyboard doesnt fit tight to the chasis, 1mm gap at the bottom of the keyboard.
-the extended battery make's it thick.
-there are small "waves" over the entire screen, you can see it when the laptop is off and you reflect light on the screen.
-all the ports are behind a little flap, hate to remove it everytime. Wont last long till one breake's.
-right touchpad button is mounted crooked.
-no backlit keyboard available in my country.

On the other hand:
-the screen Q is very good for such a low res screen.
-battery life is very good.
-acces to HD and RAM is very easy.
-the keyboard is great to type on.
-with a SSD and some extra RAM is really fast.

On the hunt for something new again.