Looking at M1710s, a few questions?

Hey, all. I had an earlier post a while back, and have decided to upgrade from my XPS Gen 1 and get an M1710. Unfortunately I can't really justify shelling out the dough for the SLI-equipped M1730s(the one I priced just now ran shy of $3250), but I can justify dropping $1300-1600 on an M1710(with the Go M7950 GTX, obviously) and a few extra towards some mods. Here's what I need to know.

Firstly, I understand the issues with 32-bit Windows versions having trouble recognizing a full 4GB RAM layout. The system's BIOS and chipset has something to do with the max recognizable RAM as well, but I believe the M1710 doesn't have this issue(please correct me if I'm wrong). Now, I've also heard about some driver stability issues with using a 64-bit version of Windows, and I know that notebooks are pretty ehm, notorious with driver issues at times. Has anyone used a 64-bit Windows version with a 1710 and experienced either success or failure? Right now I'm undecided between XP Pro or Vista; I know I'll have to buy a new OS but I still have some research to do on that end, in any case.

Also, I know I'm going to be needing a new laptop case because the one I have with the Gen 1 will be sold with it(also, the G1's case is probably way too small). I'm going to need something(preferably a backpack) that will hold one of these bad boys securely with a lot of extra hardware(power adapter, plenty of CD/DVDs, an external optical drive(I'm going with a second HDD bay using a 5400RPM 320GB drive and stuffing a 200GB 7200RPM in the computer itself; I don't normally use an optical all that much and need the space), mouse, and other goodies. Weight is not an issue; space to carry stuff is. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Are there any serious bugs/glitches that the M1710s have that I need to be aware of? I know that several have had video card failures, but is this extremely common or just a once in a blue moon occurance?

And finally, I noticed that some models have a BIOS that supports overclocking. Which ones do? Is it just the 2.33Ghz Core Duos that have that option, or are there others?

Any additional advice would be helpful, too. Thanks in advance!

 

You wont have to buy a new OS, if it comes with the one you want.
The M1710 does support 4gb RAM, so no worries there. As with the rest of your questions, I don't know for sure. Maybe someone else can chime in and answer them for you.

 

It supports 4GB RAM, but the OS cannot use all 4GB.

 

Exactly. 32-bit versions of Windows recognize 4GB of memory total... this means system RAM as well as video RAM and other 'memory' the OS deals with. 64-bit versions of Windows have much higher memory caps. However, as I mentioned previously... I'm unsure whether there would be driver stability issues with using a 64-bit version of Windows with the M1710 rather than keeping to a 32-bit and dealing with the cap. Heh. I might be crazy enough to get a 64-bit copy and just try it out.

 

To answer your other questions: I had an M1710 and it easily fitted into the original Dell XPS rucksack - this one here
with loads of room left for other accessories. I think Dell have replaced this rucksack with a newer version that might fit the bill as well.
I'm pretty sure the 2.33Ghz chip is the only one that can be overclocked through the BIOS - mine was a T7200 (2.16Ghz) but no luck with overclocking.

 

The only overclockable cpu is the T7600G mind the G.
The XPS backpack for m1710 is the way to go.
I'd personaly go with vista 32 and 4 gig yeah i know it wont use all that ram if you're sure all your programs will run under vista 64 go for it if not stick with the 32 bit.

 

Thanks! I'm not totally sure if I need to hold out for a T7600G; I'm actually reading that while the unlocked CPUs are pretty stable whilst overclocked, the performance difference isn't massive. The T7600 itself would be uber-nice, though. Considering my computer useage is mostly a fair bit of gaming and web browsing, my assumption is that the possible issues with using the 64-bit OS isn't worth the hassle?

And, unfortunately my XPS carrying case is different... it's meant for the old 15.4" original XPS and won't fit a 17". However, I've found a few of the 1710 ones on Ebay, so I'll end up going for that once I get one(if it doesn't come with the case already).

 

I really like those 1710's. You can't go wrong with a good one!

It's also my favorite wallpaper!

 

Would the M1710 be able to see 4GB of memory if you used a 64-bit OS with it? Or would it be limited by the motherboard as to how much it could see?

 

where are you buying it from? this dell usa or europe

the T7600 itself is pretty swift it more than enough for day to day use you would be surprised how quick it is.

the backpack does not come with it but it is realy worth it go for it

i share the same opinion about vista 64

 

I'm thinking about picking one up from Ebay, although after checking the Dell outlet, they're offering very, very competitive prices than the Ebay sellers do... plus ones with the 7950 are always in stock. However, I'm having trouble finding ones with the T6700, so it really depends on who has the processor/video card combo I'm looking for. I can do my customized drive and RAM layout at my leisure, in any case. I did find a few M1730s in my price range... a couple with the 512MB SLI layout, actually. Would I be better off getting one of these versus the M1710?

I'm also seeing the backpack available for the M1730 for around $150; this looks like a pretty good deal. My main hangups with the Gen 1's backpack was lack of space; it held a few CDs in a built-in sleeve as well as enough room for the laptop itself and the power adapter. It did, however, have a space for a CD/MP3 player in the back pocket with a headphone pass-through, so I thought that was pretty cool.

I did find this review for the M1730 case, and it looks like it's pretty much what I'm looking for: http://www.moviedemo.com/mdd/link/Dell-XPS-M1730-Backpack-Carry-Case-Review.html

Now I just need to sell my Gen 1 to start getting the funds together for the 1710.