New Dell Studio 15z Core i5 Model 1569 at Best Buy $999.99!

Went to BestBuy last night with my esata hardrive and was able to boot it from esata with linux. The esata HD just shows up in the bios under boot section.

One Questions: If one connects this to a HD TV using HDMI cable and not the push2tv will it output 1080P?

 

For those of you that want discrete graphics, Dell has another Studio with the Core i5, and a Radeon Mobility 4670, also for the $999 price

Link

The model is X1647-533OBK.

 

What exactly do you mean by saying that the performance was a little lacking? Gaming, regular usage...?

 

It wasn't powerful enough to run Crysis at maximum specs.

 

Saw that. It's kind of hard to tell, but that looks like an XPS 16, which is almost a pound heavier than the 15z.

 

Sorry to burst your assumption bubble, but I am not looking for a gaming rig. I don't have a desktop computer, so I want the laptop I buy to be a desktop replacement without the weight associated with typical desktop replacement notebooks. I want the full HD display for movies and photo editing.

I do a fair amount of travel for work, so weight is important to me. Up until a couple of weeks ago, the only laptop that fit the specs I wanted was the Envy, but like I said, I found the ergonomics unacceptable. I work most of the time with the notebook on my lap, so I like the idea of switchable graphics on the lower-temperature i5 processors.

 

I wanted to order that one but was told buy best buy that it in fact was a studio laptop not a xps but it does look like an xps.

 

I think you will find the Dell Studio 1569 from Best Buy to be a good choice as your only PC. The bright and sharp 15.6" widescreen display is very impressive compared to notebooks with 13 and 14" screens. Still it is small and light enough to carry around. It has a 500GB hard drive that spins at 7200RPM (not 5400RPM like some of the other notebooks); and it is so quiet you almost never hear it. The keyboard and touch pad feel as comfortable as any full sized keyboard; and in a dimly lit room or airplane cabin you'll love the backlit keys. Lastly, it is powerful enough that I believe you will be happy with the performance. Let me explain why.

I'm not a gamer but I ordered my last notebook with maximum performance in mind; and I paid a pretty price for it. It is a Dell Precision M6400 mobile workstation, my "dream machine." It is customized with the highest options: fastest quad processor, 16GB RAM (yes, 16GB), 17+ inch display, Solid State drive, etc, etc. It really flies. But it is a pain to carry when I travel.

I decided to buy a netbook to use when I go out of town--but I did not find one with adequate performance. That lead me to looking at a thin and light notebooks. After a month of research, I purchased the Studio 1569 and could not be happier. The performance is nearly as good as on my mobile workstation.

I encourage others to try this computer. And don't worry about the performance.

 

Does the area around the trackpad show fingerprints easily?

 

Thanks for trying to help, but I still prefer a higher resolution screen than what is available on the 1569 at Best Buy. I don't really understand your comparison with 13" and 14" laptops, either. A low resolution 15" screen is not necessarily any better, and I'm not cross-shopping the smaller screen sizes.

You mention that your M6400 is a pain to carry when traveling. That is no surprise: it weighs 8.5 lbs. and has a 17" screen. All of the models I am looking at, including the 1569, have 15.6" screens.

The sweet spot for me is 15", under 6 lbs., and 1920 x 1080 resolution.

 

My girlfriend and I just bought these today.

I will take some pics and let you know what I think.

 

Am I the only one with a touchpad issue? The cursor wouldn't respond or would become erratic in just a few minutes. I updated all of the drivers from the dell site and had a dell customer service rep remote in. After reinstalling the drivers (again) they said it was an OS issue and had me restore to factory settings. Of course that didn't help.

I returned it because the display at BB had the exact same issue. Anyone else have the same problem? Even better, anyone else solve it?

 

Can't help you, but can confirm that the model I played with at BB also had the problem. I was trying to check the Device Manager and ended up having to tab my way through because I couldn't get the trackpad to work.

Your best option if you want to buy this model now is to go get a Logitech Bluetooth mouse. Otherwise I would suggest waiting for them to update the drivers.

 

The one I played with at Best Buy had the same problem

 

I had to go check this thing out in best buy. It is beautiful. Not only is the cappuccino/brown color on the outside lid, it has it on the inside around the keyboard and trackpad as well. The only problem I have with the lid is that it feels...grimey? Not like solid plastic or metal.

This laptop would look even sexier with Ubuntu running on it. I think the only problems I might come across is with the Intel wireless(Intel 6200 b/g/n) and graphics(Intel HD whatever) and then of course there's the Wireless Display tech, I know that won't work for sure but I'm not worried about it. And just maybe the slot loading optical drive might give me trouble in Ubuntu.

I remember having trouble with the touchpad but I usually have trouble with all touchpads at some point when they randomly glitch up so I thought nothing of it.

 

(this is a bit more than I intended to write but I guarantee it's worth the read)

Reading through these posts a lot of people seem to be confused about the partitioning setup that comes setup on the laptop. There are a number of advantages to having separate partitions setup for your files.

First, keeping the OS separated from your documents, media, and other personal files makes it easy to reinstall the OS without worrying about losing them in case the OS won't boot for some reason (virus, corrupt files, etc).

Second, it is harder for viruses to infect your personal files if you keep them separate from the OS partition.

Third, much easier to keep everything neat when you can have all your files in one place.

Lastly, the inner section of your hard drive has faster read speeds because of the circular nature of a hard disk drive, and having your OS and programs at the 'beginning' of the disk makes your programs and OS run faster. Having the OS partition first and smaller guarantees that it is closer to the center of the discs.


This is how my partitions are setup:

-100MB recovery partition (sometimes installed by Windows 7, sometimes not, don't worry if you don't have one, it's setup automatically by Windows upon installation)

-40GB partition for Win7 (leaves about 10-15GB free for any files I might need to temporarily have in that partition)

-And then the rest of the space is one big partition that I place all my documents, musics, pictures, movies, etc.
--This is an extended partition with one logical drive taking up the whole partition. It's important that it's an extended partition and not primary, because a primary partition, like your OS one, cannot read another primary partition. Therefore you must have a logical drive in an extended partition. The logical drive thing is just so that you can allocate the space in the extended partition and give it a drive letter, such as D:\, so that an OS can access it.


As for the keeping your files all neat, what you want to do is move your 'My Documents', 'My Music', etc. location over to the other partition, so when you open them from the file browser it just redirects your there. Easiest way to do this is make a new folder on your Everything Else partition that will turn into your new, for example, My Music folder. Name it my_music or something so you can tell when Windows has changed it over (you'll see what I mean in a minute). Now go to your C:\Users\Your_User_Name_Here\ folder and just right click, for example, My Music, pick Properties, then the Location tab, and then the Move... button, and locate the folder you just created, and tell it to move all your stuff. This might take a minute, just let it do its thing. Now your My Music folder is on the other partition.

If you're using Windows 7, once you've done the above for all your "My" folders, you'll want to add them to your appropriate Library for easy viewing. There should be Documents, Music, Videos, and Pictures. I also added (and moved the folder of to my other partition) a library called Desktop, so that I will have my desktop contents on the other drive since I tend to keep things I'm working on there (and all the other above good reasons for separating from the OS). Now just click the Library and then you'll see 'Includes: # location(s). Usually 2 locations are default. Remove the 2 in there and add the appropriate "My" folder from your Everythign Else partition. Do this for all of the libraries, and it makes it much faster to get to everything.

Everything is organized and moved over to the Everythign else partition now, and you have your Libraries pointing to them. Congrats.

 

I've had mine for a week now, and I really haven't had any issues with the touch pad not repsonding. A few times it has increased/decrease the zoom level when I did something (not sure what), but that is it. I'm loving it so far. When I was copying music and pictures to it, it zoomed through the process. The only thing subpar so far to me is the sound/speakers. I love the mocha brown textured lid. My brother got a Toshiba the day after I got this one, and he's already complaining about all of the fingerprints on the glossy black. The inside is also pretty finger resistent on the touch and keyboard area. The thing I like the best, which I didn't think was a big deal, is the backlit keyboard. I won't ever be able to have a laptop without this in the future. I hooked up the push2tv and tried it out, which was cool, but haven't sat down and used it for a long period of time. I have a ROKU for Netflix in the living room, so I'm going to use the push2tv in the bedroom so I can stream movies in there too. Overall, great laptop for my needs.

 

If you look at the Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200 - Product Brief (pdf file), you will see that it lists Ubuntu Linux under the supported Operating Systems: http://download.intel.com/network/connectivity/products/prodbrf/323016.pdf

But the few problems that I've heard about are more from the onboard Intel GMA HD when using the older xf86-video-intel 2.9 X.Org driver: http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NzkwOA

I also saw a few threads in the Ubuntu forums that had issues with the GMA HD, but I hope all of that should be fixed now with the new xf86-video-intel 2.10.0 X.Org driver since the release page says that it, "Improved support for Intel® HD Graphics (in Intel® 2010 Core i7/i5/i3 Processor Series)."

http://intellinuxgraphics.org/2009Q4.html


And I agree that the cappuccino color would look nice with Ubuntu wallpapers and the dust gtk themes.

 

I have the same issue. It is infuriating. Here's the only thing that has solved this problem for me: I went to the Synaptics site and downloaded their most recent driver. It is not Dell specific, so you will lose the gesture, zooming, and scroll features. That's fine with me. I never really liked those bells and whistles anyway. The new driver does what it does very well. The pad simply works.

Here's the link. You will want the Windows 7 64 bit driver:

http://www.synaptics.com/support/drivers

Hope this helps!

-- Bruce Jones

 

There is a work around with Windows 7. Just create a (Music, photos, whatever) folder on your D: drive. Then, when you open up your libraries folder, you can add those folders. And . . . if you want, remove the data folders on C: drive from those libraries. That way, your system will, by default, look for data on D:

If you have itunes, the procedure is a little different. But you can reassign your media library to any drive on your system. The procedure documented here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1364

There is a real advantage (as one other poster has already pointed out) to keeping your data and your system files on different partitions.

Hope this helps!

-- Bruce Jones

 

Silly question and probably quite obvious but just to confirm, the backlight on the keyboard, it can be turned on/off via key combo like ctrl+Z or Fn+Z, ect., yes? Has anyone ran any linux distros on it to confirm everything(mostly) works?

Also.. can anyone else that has it or played with it confirm the top of the lid feels..odd? Like the texture of it seemed grimey to me when I touched it at Best Buy. I didn't know if it was just because it was a display model or from plastic that may have covered the lid.

 

Yes, the keyboard can be turned off for with Fn+Right Arrow Key. It can also be dimmed.

The lid has an unusual feel to it. I think they were shooting for a feel akin to suede. It's very certainly unique. Though it doesn't show finger prints, like suede, it does get a little mottled when handled. It's a matter of taste, but I like it. I don't buy gear for stylistic reasons, but this is -- I think -- a nice looking object.

 

I don't think it feels grimey at all. I actually like the way it feels. It is not tacky but smooth and is very fingerprint resistant. There was no plastic cover on mine when I got it.

 

I played with the new Studio 15z and I agree about the color choice, overall style (keyboard and hinge) and the material for the lid. It's very stylistic and looks well in a coffee shop.

 

Does anyone know if the studio 15z has e-sata?

 

Yes, it does. It's a port on the left side next to the HDMI and USB port.

 

How's the sound from the speakers.. loud/clear? Anyone want to try running Ubuntu or a LiveCD for me and tell me how it works?

 

The Motorola V300 has the same texture as the lid.

 

I haven't had time to take any pictures like I said, but a few thoughts on it:

I had the same issues with the touch pad that others had. It seems fine now after resetting the drivers a few times, but it would at times become completely unresponsive or erratic. I originally was using the driver from Synaptics but am now using the Dell one. Clicking the "Default" settings seems to fix the issue when it did happen.

The wifi driver is a bit finicky at first. I used the driver from Intel. Mine (and my girlfriends) had issues with confirming a connection. The Intel wifi tools utility said that the association wasn't right. This issue eventually disappeared.

I have to hold the power button down longer on mine to get it to sleep than my girlfriends. I take this to be a hardware difference?

My Intel Active Management Technology (SOL) driver had a lot of issues on mine only. The driver would not start the device. It eventually fixed itself somehow after many uninstall and re-installs.

I found it annoying that the function keys were set to brightness/volume/etc controls initially and then to the normal F keys. I changed this with a bios option.

 

You guy do know that Best Buy has today a Gateway 15.6 Laptop with

-4GB DDR3 RAM
-Bluray drive
-Core i5 430M CPU
and more for $499 half the price and better specs of the Dell Studio15z

Its not online but heres a forum of people discussing it the box says Core i3 but Gateway messe dup and they all have Core i5

http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1832293

Its in stock as of Today. Its on the last pag eof the Sunday flyer

Gateway NV5927U SKU 9721671

Not sure why anyone would spend double $999.99 on a Studio 15z 1569 which has worse specs. For half the price you can get a better Laptop.

I already bought 2 of them with a 10% off coupon. Playing 2 1080p sources via HDMI playing Transformer 2 1080p and the huge 1080p AVTAR Trailer at the same time no skipping smooth as silk via HDMI out to a 23" Samsung LED LCD desktop diplay.

 

Maybe because Gateways are pretty t looking PCs

 

Not a bad deal but the screen resolution is only 1366X768 and the video card is only the IGP Intel one.

Still, good price for a low end laptop.

 

Best Buy now has the Studio 15z with discrete video card. here's the link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+...cino/9718931.p?id=1218158732672&skuId=9718931

according to specs, it's a 512 MB ATI Radeon HD 4570. not a bad laptop for the price. unless Dell refreshes the Studio 14z with a Core i5 CPU, this may be the laptop i get.

now i just wish it had a resolution of at least 1600 x 900 instead of the 1366 x 768.

the specs also list a 9-cell prismatic battery. never heard of a prismatic battery, but apparently it's used for slim designs and retains more cells in same amount of space. so does anyone know if the 9-cell battery is flush with laptop or does it stick out?

 

Almost there...

 

It has a flush battery on the bottom of the laptop. It's not on the back of the laptop.

 

I'd buy it but the screen resolution is what would be keeping me from it. I can sacrifice other things like blu-ray or always-on USB for charging devices.

C'mon Dell, offer it up on your website!

 

question, do your cd slots do the same horrible noise mine does when inserting/ejecting a cd? it seems as if gets stuck inside. Plastic noise.

 

It is from the slot load drive.

 

for a moment i thought they had it on their site. i was browsing through Dell's EPP site and saw a link labeled Studio 15z.

but sadly, once i clicked on the link, it just directed me to a page listing the Inspiron 14, 11z, 14z, and 15z.

may be a sign of things to come? i'm guessing they're prepping since the Studio 15z label was there, but the link to the page is not ready for public viewing yet.


below is a screenshot of what i'm seeing:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/9503/dellstudio15z.jpg

 

I saw the same link and even spoke to an EPP person on the phone. She says it is no longer being manufactured but I'm certain she is misinformed and the 15z is all but ready to start rolling. If that's the case, my Studio 15 will be going back for this model.

 

may be Best Buy has some exclusive deal with Dell for some period of time?

with the discrete card option now available, if Best Buy offered a resolution of at least 1600 x 900, i would've bought one already.

 

The Studio 15z is a bestbuy exclusive...it is part of the Blue Label....

 

The Blue Label model is the one with integrated graphics. The discrete graphics version is not listed as being Blue Label, so there is hope.

 

You are right. And because the Dell Studio 1569 is Blue Label you get the extras like 2 year warranty (instead of 1 year), the $99 Netgear Push2TV box and Internet Security Software (if you want it). And, while I'm not a gamer, I am finding the integrated graphic capabilities of this machine to be very impressive.

 

I believe this is the link your looking for. I'd be happy with the find however the color choices are limited to red and black and you can only configure them with the same video as the 999 from BB. I am really leaning towards the online only 1049 exclusive from BB. The discrete video is worth the extra 50 bucks. I've been to two BB's and they both say that wireless is not included. I'll assume that is not the case. Also can someone confirm does the in store one have 1394? I didnt check in the store and BB isnt listing it on the online specs. This is for the wife and even though the resolution is low. She typically does not use the high resolution when it's available.. I'll post impressions late this coming week. I still wish the resolution was higher and I'm hoping later to fit in a blu ray player... With the discrete video this may be a possibility.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/inspiron-15z/pd.aspx?refid=inspiron-15z&cs=19&s=dhs

 

that link takes me to Dell's Inspiron 15z. We're looking/waiting for the Studio 15z.

 

Hi
I was looking for 15z on Dell site - and got the same answers from Dell chat - only BB has it. But I saw 1569 in a drop down on the support page-it led me to a pdf of a technical manual for 15z. Just curious, (because Dell support didn't really answer...) what is the difference between the 15z from BB and the 1558 from Dell? (if you configure the insides of 1558 like the 15z in BB)? The starting weight of 1558 is about the same as the finished 15z at BB, but i'm not sure what makes it heavier as you build? Is the 1558 case thicker? I know BB only offers the coffee color, and it from your posts, I see that there isn't an option for a better res screen, but other than that, what is the difference?
Thanks.
M

 

The Studio 15 (1558) is a different design. Besides the different ports, the case is very different. Whereas the Studio 15 thinness/thickness goes from 1 inch up front to 1.5 inches in the back, the Studio 15z maintains a uniform 1 inch thinness all around like a MacBook Pro.

I believe any "z" series that Dell makes is tailored to thin and lightness.

must resist urge to buy a Studio 15z...

 

You are correct in that the link I put up was going to the Inspiron flavor. These are the same notebooks except looks like they amped it up for it to be a BB exclusive and moved it into the Studio line. The changes they made is they went to the iclass processor, backlit keyboard, skin on the display(Dell Inspiron Z is glossy in red and black), and the prismatic battery(which accounts for the non 1" uniform of the BB Studio 15Z). Also looks like they definately changed from a standard Inspiron bottom to the sleeker look of the studio line. With that change also looks that they took it from the standard tray optical to the slot loaded that is standard on the Studio line. There are bios in the dell support site for both the 1558 and the BB 1569 and they differ so very likely different mother board. So yes definately different machines. I'd go for it at BB since the wife definately favors its looks to the Inspiron 15Z.

 

Thanks, much appreciated!
Are you resisting the BB 15z because of the screen resolution only? I'll search for warranty thread and do a separate post, but just curious about preferences for buying from BB vs Dell online? In terms of IT support, service, and warranty. I like the idea taking the computer right into BB GSquad if something goes wrong - but maybe that sounds better than it is in reality. The z at BB has two yr manuf warranty, but I'm not sure if that gives me same Dell support I'd get if i ordered a machine from Dell. And I'd have to buy Geek Squad on top of the manuf warranty to get any support from BB. If I had to pull the trigger, I'd go for the z because of the slim-and I'm ok, for my needs, with the screen res BUT support is key for me and I'd go for 1558 if support from Dell is superior, faster, etc. than BB (I know neither are perfect).
THANKS.
M