M170 lid

I'm making my next notebook purchase and am on two extremes of the spectrum...

One one extreme is the high performance, desktop replacement, XPS M170 (I know about the awesome Sager 5720 but will pass on that as an option for various reasons) I'm drawn to the ability to upgrade components on it and yes I actually like the silver/black scheme. But I saw it in person the other day and it looks like the lid on it would scratch easily --ipod nano easily. As if the simple motion of pulling it in and out of a lappy bag would scratch it.

For that price, I want it to be looking new for a long while. I've heard you can purchase style/replacement covers for it but I don't see it anywhere on Dell's site. Also do the covers actually replace the silver panel or just go over it? Has anyone actually replaced theirs?

So far I've just heard "you can" but as far as I know, no one has actually done it. Anyone know for sure?

 

when you customize the M170, on the last page (Accessories), they do sell color kits for the LCD. Basically you print out a photo or use one of the templates, then it goes behind a plastic cover (I think - not 100% sure). It doesn't cover the whole lid, just the middle silver part.

That is the only thing I know of for the M170. They do have color plastic plates called Quicksnaps, but that is for the 9300/6000.

 

I have color kit for i9400 - carbon fiber (included in price)
It covers the silver area of the notebook (not white area) and I can replace it with other color kits (leather, cherrywood, Mediterranean blue) if I want. I tried removing the carbon fiber color kit and it is easy to remove.
You can see how it cover the lid:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/l...=premier&~id=colors_inspn&~series=all&ref=CFG

SG is right Dell sell it when you purchased a system or you can purchase a color kit only (under notebook covers). Try to look if your notebook is listed. If not, you can call Dell to add it in your order :
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productlisting.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&category_id=5969&first=true

Some sites are selling too but you need to search color kits or quicksnap for your notebook.
Example: http://www.nextag.com/Dell-Mediterranean-Blue-QuickSnap--zz68723693zB2z2--COMPARE-PRICES-html

 

Unfortunately, those won't work on the M170 because of the XPS designed. Those color snaps are specific to the 9300/E1705/6000/E1505, so it won't work on the M170 because of the XPS lights area. You have to get a special cut out for that.

What i was talking about was the personalized shield w/inserts. http://www1.us.dell.com/content/lea...ine=notebooks&~lt=popup&~series=inspn&ref=CFG

I looked on dell's accesories website and didn't find them. Unless you can find them online somewhere, you might have to order them with your laptop. I'm sure Dell Spare Parts sells them also.

 

Thanks for the responses and the links. I have seen that customization shield before but that actually snaps on top of the silver panel. I can't seem to find where the actual silver panel can be ordered online however.

From what I've been reading though, Dell is very good about sending out parts you may need (SouthernGirl I beleive I read a thread where you replaced your original LCD with a TrueLife screen?) So this may not be an issue.

Still it would be nice to know for sure... as it may influence my decision between this and the 'other' machine I'm looking at (the thin and light, Asus V6Va)

SouthernGirl and DonnaB, how do you like owning a 17 inch lappy? Do you mainly leave it at home or take it with you much? This is the first 17 I've ever considered purchasing. I plan to use it without a desk often --on my lap, or in bed and will probably take it to work and the occasional Starbucks, Panera bread a few times a month (Panera Bread, perfect for when you need good food and free wireless on the road in a relaxing environment )

I don't think it'll be an issue for me but it's nice to know your experiences.

 

Are you talking about the orginial top part of the lid? Dell Spare Parts will have that, but you have to call them. They don't have an online store though. LOL, yes that is correct - I just upgraded to truelife, but thru the Spare parts since it wasn't a warranty issue. Their spare parts section is pretty good, but you have to make sure that they understand what part you want.

I take mine everywhere. It goes to school/work everyday, and if i'm at home, I'm always laying in bed or sitting in my chair with it. My only complaint about it (besides being a pain to carry everyday) is that it does get very hot on the bottom.

 

Hey SG, what do you haul it around in....do you have a carrying case for it or do you thhrow it in a backpack?

 

I have Booq Powersleeve XXL and SFbags.com sleeve. I tried a backpack, but found that they were too bulky and heavy. Same with a messenger type bag (like the Cargo bag from sfbags.com). I love them, but by the time i add my books and gear in it with the laptop, it weighs a ton.

 

that Book Powersleeve XXL is nice...$108 .....but it looks a bit pricey.....although u might be able to find it somewhere cheaper

 

yeah it is, but its a nice bag. I like the sfbags.com bag better though. It is more padded and protected.

 

i was looking at that site also and i like the Racer-x, it's picey too...but i like the way it looks!!

 

Also check out sjdesign (and higherground on the same site) for pricey but very nice lappy bags. The backoffice and laptrap transforming bags are amazing.

 

So it's settled, I can replace the lid should I need to. One point in favor of getting the Dell. But the "being a pain to carry everyday" comment raises the eyebrows (Rock style) hmmm...

I'm giving myself two weeks to think about it. Thanks for your help. It's going to be a difficult decision. Elegance and style in a capable package. Or a flat-out flashy desktop replacement that I just happen to be drawn to...

 

your right that backpack is hot!!

 

lol, I guess i should have elaborated on that.

If you are taking your laptop with nothing else, it is easy. For me, my problem is because I'm a senior in college and take a backpack with me in addition to my laptop. In my case, I needed a lightweight and thin laptop bag because i do have to carry my backpack also with 3 books.

Most of the time, I don't have a problem especially if i'm just taking my laptop with no backpack. It is when i'm taking my backpack and laptop that it takes a couple of minutes to get everything arranged right.

 

Ah that does clear things up a bit. Well it's your last year so that shouldn't be too much longer. (Freedom! Congrats on that)

OK, interview time: How did you decide on the desktop replacement you have now considering you knew what probably fit your needs more? Was it the allure of "a desktop in your bag", the large screen or something else?

 

i like to have a big screen.....alot of gamers complain about such a screen when it comes to resolution but i like to see it all....i do like to take comp with me on trips and having that screen is nice..

 

I wanted a large screen (though i'm not a gamer). I do alot of multitasking and spend countless hours on computers, and use it for dvds. When I ordered mine, the 9300 had just been released so it was like the new hottest thing on the block.

 

yea, I'm not much of a gamer either, but I do like a nice, large screen. The v6va, (my other choice) while not a 17" screen is considered by many to be the best screen ever made for a notebook.

It's funny, the XPS' flashy design isn't what usually appeals to me. But for some reason, I'm drawn to it like a moth to a (multicolored LED) flame.

 

I can say this much, DEFINITELY get a cover. Ipod Nano style sums it up well. Wish I had known that before I bought mine It always annoys me how scratched up my lid is

 

Hmm.. That's good to know. If it gets really bad, there's some peace of mind knowing you can always purchase a replacement lid (not cheap I bet)

Something tells me I'm going to need to find a pda screen type overlay for the lid if I do decide on the m170..

 

i agree with u about the m170...it does appeal to me although alot of people dont have a feel for it.

 

@sublime:
This may help. I found this in another forum full credit goes to shawn808, the original finder. He mentions using this product to remove fine scratches from his xps lid:

http://www.meguiars.com/?auto-paint-cleaners/ScratchX

I also know from ipod users that brasso works great (brass polish) A lot of ipod owners use that before selling their ipods... Whether or not the XPS lid will react the same, I wouldn't don't know.

This might be a show stopper for me, I really hate spending $$$ on something and then having it scratch easily (an Ipod is bad but the lid area on the XPS is huge) If I can't find a film protector for it, I may pass on the XPS...


@dave0holla:
yeah something about the silver with black trim just draws me in . I can see how it wouldn't appeal to a lot of ppl. Heck, I'm surprised I like it, I'm usually drawn to clean lines ala Macs and Vaios... But now I hear it scratches ipod nano style... so who knows if I'll end up with one.

 

if you dont get the xps, what will u get?......i personally dont know if i'm gonna wait.....i'm leaning toward the e1705

 

My other choice would be an Asus V6Va or W3j (a *lot* of ppl are waiting for the W3j)... It's extreme ends of the spectrum, XPS is large, garish looking and almost the highest performance available and on the other hand the Asus offerings are more portable sized (15" & 14") more elegant looking ala Vaios and have great performance (although not XPS level)

My guess is I will never use the XPS to its full potential but it's nice to have the power should I need it. I may not even use the Asus/es to their full potential either...

The XPS' large screen is a nice draw though. I'm just not crazy about the scratch factor...

 

well good luck with ur decision zero.....i have made the decision to wait till the end of the week and see if dell drops any news...otherwise i'll be making my purchase

 

This is the first time I own a 17" notebook. I'm used to smaller ones. Last month, I purchased i630m which is 14" then I returned it before the satisfaction policy finish and didn't ask for refund so I can get i9400. Must say.. I'm satisfied with the 17" of this i9400. Heavy especially with the 9-cell on it but no problem in carrying it. I have swissarmy backpack and laptop case (webrecruit plus) that help me in moving this 17" beast around. Got another small notebook (Aspire 3603WXMi) by acer though and I'm using it if I'm carrying other stuff. In short, bring aspire with me if I'll be carrying other heavy items and then bring i9400 if it not much to carry. I sync a lot so I don't miss any data.
Like SG, I'm not a gamer. I'm more on documents. The main reason I jumped to i9400 is it's duo core and has NVIDIA graphics card that should work with windows vista (I beta test vista).

Good luck in selecting your notebook. When you got it, just make sure to run the diagnostic utility (extensive test) as soon as you receive the notebook. See if there's any hardware/device issue (take note of the error codes if any).
Take advantage of the Total Satisfaction Policy (21-days) if you aren't satisfy with your notebook. Don't keep the notebook if something you don't like about it.
I usually don't finalized anything in the notebook until I'm sure all is OK by testing all the functions, ports, modules, card readers etc. The i9400 is so far good but I'll never know until I find one. If ever I'll find issue, I hope not on the day that the satisfaction policy is "done".

 

thanks for the advise...i know everyone has been helpful on this forum....SG, DonnaB, Meta, Brn...u guys know ur stuff..

 

Mine got scratched when I was going thru the airport security. I am not sure if the TSA roughed it up or it was just normal handling but it had some pretty bad scratches on it.

They just replaced the cover on my laptop so I will see how it lasts this time around. It does look nice so I hope it stays that way.

 

Gschocker: did you have to pay for the replacement cover or was it covered under warranty?

My plan *if* I get one: Use STP son-of-a-gun as a protectant (knew of a guy who swore this protected his pda's touchscreen before screen protectors became readily available)

And buy a bag with a soft laptop compartment or cover the lid before slipping it in and out of the bag... which is gonna be a hassle..

 

The lid was not warranty. I had sent it in for a wifi issue and they replaced the lid for some reason. I think the only way you could get the scratches taken care of under warranty would be if you had the complete care options. My friend has had case parts replaced with that for no apparent reason.

Will let you know how the new one survives every day use.