New Dell Studio 17 announced (Studio 1745/47)

Maybe they're waiting on Intel to release the new wifi cards that should come with the new Calpella platform (here with Clarksfield processor i7):

• Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN mini-PCIe adapter (codenamed Puma Peak 3x3)
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250 AGN mini-PCIe adapter (codenamed Kilmer Peak)
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 AGN mini-PCIe adapter (codenamed Puma Peak 2x2)
• Intel WiFi Link 1000 BGN mini-PCIe adapter (codenamed Condor Peak)

Don't know when they release exactly though. They should in Q3 2009, but that's now already...

 

Guys, tell me if this system is worth it?? The overall total amount (including Tax) that I'll be paying is... $1,049.78 Yeap. Not kidding either!! I've gotten XP Pro (slipstreamed SP3) to work ok on it as well...except for the 1394 issue.

Studio 1737 - Jet Black - 17' High Resolution Glossy screen.
Intel P7350 2.0 GHz, 1066mhz, 3m L2 cache
6gb DDR2, 800mhz, (2 dimm)
Back Lit Keyboard (ewww, i like this feature. )
512 ATI 3650 graphics card
Creative X-FI MB
500 gib 7200rpm hard drive
Intel WiFi 5100 wireless adapter
8x slot load DVD Burner
AND ....2yr accidental droppage plan, Lojack theft, etc.

I just got this about 3 weeks ago, and with all the discounts, and coupons applied ...the final price is above. Would any of you get it, and keep it (at this price), or should I send it back, and get the newer 1747? I also get the Windows 7 upgrade as well. I've talked to tech support several times now, and they reassure me that I'll be shipped a FULL installation disc of Windows 7 when they get them.

So, overall, this is really a damn good deal I got on this laptop. The only reason I'm afraid to send it back and get the newer ones... is because I'm able to get XP to work on this one. If I get a 1747, then XP drivers probably won't be available for it.
So, I think I should keep it at this price. I hate to say it, but I think XP will be finally gone with these 1745/1747 models.

 

I'm not sure if you would want to but I saw a few systems on dell outlet with similar specs, smaller hard drive but faster processors, for around 500 plus you could add the damage protection later. I'd trade up to the new 1747 if I were you and if you can.

 

If I would you, I would swap it for the new studio 1747 for sure!

Why is XP so important for you?
Many companies still use it, but few dare saying XP is safer than Windows 7 or even Vista. XP is known for it's security holes. I can understand from this point of view, you need XP. But companies might change to Windows 7 in the future...

I don't know any other good reason to keep XP and avoid vista or windows 7.

 

So I ordered my Studio 17.

I went with the 720 i7 and really wanted the 820 but it was an extra $400. I am hoping that it will run FSX well enough. FSX depends heavily on the CPU so I hope I am ok. I just couldnt justify the extra dough right now. Comes with the 4650 which I understand isnt top of the line but not a slouch either.
Any comments on the 900p screen? Is it good? There were no other options.

Delivery date is November 6th but my status says "in production". Seems like a long time. Does the delivery date ever get bumped up a bit or am I waiting til November?

 

Well, I don't think returning it is an option now. I went one day passed the return. Customer Care keeps giving the run around about it being passed the returning point. Overall, I'm alright with the purchase. Saved nearly $550. $1,049.78 is a great deal considering everything I got. Windows 7 really offers no promises. I do hear great things about it though, so maybe it will be better than Vista. We'll see. Until I actually use it, I'm not taking anything to the bank. I'll use XP for now.

Once I get the Windows 7 disc from Dell...I'll make and ISO file of it, and give it to those who want it. I do believe the Vista product key will work with it.

Talking about a difference in sound on the your laptop!!! Guys, you gotta try this little program! What a big difference in those tiny speakers.

SRS Audio Sandbox ...purely rocks! http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/8/15/2051089/SRS Audio Sandbox 1.9.0.4.zip

 

I don't see the point why every manufacturer is switching to 16:9 displays nowadays. These are only good for watching movies, but for text based activities (reading web pages, office work, programing, etc), or for gaming a display with larger vertical resolution is much better (I mean 16:10, but for text 4:3 is even better).

Why is every manufacturer being so sheep, and following the crowd (I'm not sure it's the right expression in English)? Netbooks, full HD laptops ... come on! The share of these on the notebook market should be around 10% (together).

 

The answer is simple. Screen manufacturers discovered that they can cut more screens from one plate when using the 16:9 ratio instead of the 16:10 ratio. Just another way for screen manufacturers to lower the production costs.

Pc manufacturers (Hp, Dell, Msi, Acer, Asustek,...) have no choice to follow this decision if they want to keep selling their consumer notebooks at lower prices. Because 16:10 screens aren't produced as much before, their prices went up.
This is different for business notebooks which are more expensive anyway. In this case pc manufacturers can bear the higher cost of 16:10 screens and keep the price almost at the same level.

So if you eagerly want a 16:10 screen, buy a business notebook (or the old studio 1737, now you still can...). But expect a change in the business line in the future, because prices for 16:10 screens will go higher and higher (production lower and lower).

I know my explanation is a bit long, but this question is asked a lot here. Just wanted to be sure you understand the reasons behind the change from 16:10 to 16:9.

 

Because you can place multiple screens next to one another without it feeling too tight. Add to that the ability to have chat strips next to a window, or a VOP window next to to, or a smaller video window, etc. Get use to it. 4:3 just like in TV's is dead...thank god.

 

Dell damn well knows people in the know, are NOT happy with the screens being offered on this system. That is the reason why they are calling the screen 17.3” HD+ (900p) instead of the traditional 17.3" (res here). Its marketing speak pure and simple.

The fact of the matter is on a 17" display 1600 x 900 is an absolute deal killer for me. I don't know if higher res screens are going to other models or if there is just a lack of product in the industry, but as someone who has been eyeballing HP, Dell, and Dell(Alienware) this is the most anemic of all that I've seen. You can get away with the resolution on a 16" screen however on a 17" monster such a low resolution negates the screen realestate you obtained by getting a 17" screen in the first place. Someone should beat Dell with a clue by four.

 

I was looking for a new notebook with a ~17", 1920x1200 resolution screen two months ago. Every shop had notebooks with full HD (1920x1080) screen in 16"-18.3" size, and pink netbooks in any size below 13.3", but I could hardly find one with a 1920x1200 screen. I bought a studio 1737 at the end, and I like it. It's just sad to see that the new studio models have 16:9 full HD screen ... and most of the customers consider it as a cool feature.

c-mattic: thanks for the good explanation.
SiliconAddict: I don't want the return of the 4:3 screens, but further lowering of the vertical resolution makes no sense, I think.

 

Is Dell likely to add a higher resolution screen to the Studio 17 anytime soon? I'd like to get one but would want at least a 1080p if not a WUXGA screen on that big 17" monitor.

 

I would say yes the Studio 17 will get a better display when they release the i7 for it. Can't remember where I read that they were going to do that, but I'd expect the spec to match that of the Studio 15, except of course a 17.3" display.

 

Fragilexx, in North- and South America they have already released the studio 17 with core i7
About the 1920*1080 screen res option, Dell wasn't so clear. Support said to me that the studio 17 with core i7 would come in Europe somewhere mid-october and the high res screen would soon follow. I could'nt get more info. If Dell would just say what they mean with 'soon'... we would be a lot further.

 

Dell sales agents are nearly always kept in the dark. It's really not uncommon for people on these forums to know things before Dell sales reps do

 

For me, 1680x1050 or 1440x900 were always my favorite resolutions on a 17" screen. 1600x900 on a 17.3" LED screen is pretty much perfection IMHO. I'm glad to see the industry moving to this resolution in LED format.

The RGB LED is very nice (I had it on my M6400, and worked with another on my bud's 1737), but now that LED screens are wide spread, it isn't as much a compelling selling point as before, especially because it isn't offered in various resolutions.

The WiFi is not only insanely easy to replace, but like previously mentioned, it makes more sense to snap one up on eBay. I paid $13/ea shipped for a half height dell 5300 mini-pci via eBay. So cheap, I snapped up a few for future projects. You can then sell the 1397 for the same price for those that can only use 2x2 or more and either break even or even make a few $$.

The 4650 is much more powerful than the 3650. When I was setting up a 1737, I took the time to bench and use the 3650 and it was woefully weak IMHO. At least the 4650 outclasses a 9600M GT. Let's say my buddy was severely irritated at the performance of the 3650 @1920x1200 on the RGBLED (That was with a clean install and modded Cat drivers) with World of Warcraft even with a T9900 field upgraded. The cooling on the 1737 even with a T9900 was great though.

3650 = ~3500 / 713 3Dmark06 / Vantage
4650 = ~6291 / 2500 3Dmark06 / Vantage

The Vantage score really tells the tale.

On the flip side, I liked the build, fit and finish of the Studio 17 line and the general look and build of it. the keyboard was very nice.

Show me a laptop with all USB ports used, and I'll show you a mess. One port, USB hub, much easier to manage.

Arrendale is dual core.....no thanks.

I do not like the default 9-cell battery, as it protrudes from the bottom and while it provides a nice rear laptop lift (and in a strange way, a makeshift carrying grip), it is extra weight, and makes sliding it into a standard 17" laptop case annoying unless you remove it. I wonder if you can call Dell and downgrade to a 6-cell and knock a few bucks off.

+$350 for the 820 nets you the CPU with the biggest turbo mode percentage gain (77%) and an overall 260mhz advantage (~9%) increase in core speed and 8mb cache over 6mb for the 720. Is it worth it? Well, with DPA 3% discount and 10% Bing cashback, the net cost is 305.55 + Tax (or $315 with no DPA). The retail price is $399 and $599 for the 720 and 820 respectively. I bet it is +$350 since Dell purchased and received much better volume pricing with the 720 on what equates to the entry level i7 mobile CPU. I wouldn't be surprised if Dell paid ~$250 or less each for the 720's.

Another advantage is the weight. 7.3lbs (~7lbs with 6-cell), is a great weight for an i7 laptop with a 17.3" screen and a decent mid level GPU. Outside of the 280M in the Clevo 870, you would end up paying ~$2339.00 for a similarly spec'd system for a system weighing 9lbs.

The Studio XPS 16 does have the RGB-LED option (1920x1080), but on a 16" screen it enters that too small of resolution range even with DPI increase option in Vista/7. Another plus is the 4670 is basically an OC'd 4650, but in that tight chassis of the Studio 16 and a 45w CPU and some previous reports of heat issues with the Core 2 and 3670, heat has to be a major concern.

And lastly, the price of the Studio 17 is great, especially with Bing 10% and DPA 3%. I spec'd out a system with a 820, Backlit keyboard, Bluetooth. Total cost next day delivered with Bing/DPA is $1421.48. That is a great price IMHO.

 

So you are confirming you stuck a T9900 in a 1737 and it worked???

and whats wrong with Arrandale ??even if its 2 Cores, at 32nm it would smack a 2 Core T9900. Not to mention the additional battery life it would give with a low TDP.

 

Yup, T9900 works 100%, with decent temps too I might add. It just couldn't help overcome the woefully pitiful 3650 for trying to play WoW full RGBLED with details up, shadows to zero. The 4650 has much more potential. A 4650 coupled with a 1600x900 LED panel will allow it to play the bulk of games out there IMHO.

Nothing wrong with Arrandale unless you want quad core. If you're content with dual core, it rocks. I am sure it will also find its way into Apple notebooks too with all those great TDP ratings.

Of course it uses the same 988 interface, so if someone wants to swap in a 32nm Arrandale into their 1745/47, they can.

 

I got my 1737 with a 1440*900 screen. My eyes are horrible. I'd have to strain myself to headaches to use a 1920*1080 17" display.

Heck, my desktop display is only 1680*1050 on a Dell 20.1" lcd.

 

any guides or tutorials on how to put a T9900 in the 1737 I want to do this badly.

 

Any thoughts on if it's worth buying the upgrade to 1333MHz memory with the 720 processor?

 

I don't think it's worth the extra cost.
First Dell is quit expensive when it comes to memory upgrades. So you could better sell the 1066 and buy the 1333 later.
Second, there isn't a big performance difference between 1066 and higher (1333 or 1600).

I quote:

http://www.techspot.com/article/...
Currently a 6GB DDR3-1600 (8-8-8-21) memory kit is going to set you back at least $250, whereas a DDR3-1066 (7-7-7-20) kit can be had for ~$150. Given the small performance difference between these two, we feel you would be mad to pick up the more expensive option. That said, most users will just be fine running a 3GB triple-channel kit, which can be had for less than $100. This could be good news for those "budget" Core i7 920 builds.

http://techreport.com/articles.x/15967/7
In the end, Core i7 processors will certainly achieve higher levels of performance when paired with faster memory, but you don't lose all that much—particularly with games and common desktop applications—by running slower, more affordable DIMMs. That's good to know for folks looking at the relatively high prices of fancy triple-channel DDR3-1600 kits. However, if you're going to overclock, it's worth having the extra headroom that faster modules can provide.

Don't forget: synthetic benchmarks may show a performance difference, but probably you won't notice the difference in real-life!

 

Ice Cold:

The CPU upgrade is very easy to do. One of the easier, straight forward systems out there. the Foxconn Heatsink is very easy to remove. It is literally 3-4 screws (after removing the bottom), and the entire CPU heatsink lifts right up and out (small plastic flap by the exhaust it slides right out). I also confirmed Quad Cores also do not work in the 1737 nor do 44w dual core extremes.

As for Dell upgrades, go with the minimum (unless they are offering them for free or a decent deal like the 256GB SSD), and get your upgrades elsewhere. If I wanted performance memory, I would get some Kingston 5-5-5 1066 or 7-7-7-20 1333 stuff and sell the stock included.

 

What kind of thermal paste did you use??

 

How soon next week do you think you will be order this new notebook with Windows 7 already installed? October 22nd?

 

MX-2 (Since I had a few syringes).

 

Ohh thats good stuff. And cheap.

 

Does it really take over a month for ship date on this new unit?

 

Looks that way. In the pantheon of importance, it would make sense to prioritize the M15x, Studio 16 and then 17's in that order.

I called to check, and they are saying definitely mid November, while M15x's are flying out the door.

 

Thanks. Long wait I guess. On top of it I am waiting until next week to be able to order it with Windows 7 on it. Hopefully get it by X-Mas.

 

Same here. But I'm in Belgium (Europe). So I also hope the new studio 17 will be launched here next week with the launch of windows 7.
They promised us mid-october, but I know Dell and promises aren't the best match. Still Hp and other announced the release date for their core i7 notebooks here: 22nd october. Hope Dell will be the same. Fingers crossed!

 

I noticed my order status changed from pre-production to In Production, so that's a plus.

Dell is usually very conservative with their EDD so as not to disappoint, but many times the systems ship much earlier, so we will see if they can prove the CSR wrong.

I'd, personally, like to get it with Vista and Win7 versus just Win7.

 

I totally agree, but I think non-american residents will have no choice, because the new studio 17 will probably be released the same day as Win7...

Still, as a student, with MSDNAA, I have almost every Windows edition for free anyway!

 

Windows 7 option is available on these now (Dell U.S. site)

Now I have to see if I can find some good coupons/discounts ...

 

The 1080p screen is now listed in the tech specs but is not an option yet. Do we have any idea when that'll show up?

 

They've also added back in the art schemes for the laptop covers.

 

17.3” Full HD (1080p) B+RG LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera option now available for an additional $150 (on U.S. ordering site)

 

Yeah, I saw that today.

My order isn't due in till 11/16.

Tried to change config, "Sorry, can't do that."
Tried to cancel order, "Sorry, it is in production" (lol)

So I tell them, "You do realize I will be returning it, right? I will not open it and it will be immediately returned."

Them, "That is your option sir, but we can't cancel the order or change it."

Me,"So instead of modifying my order or canceling it so I can use Dell Financial for what amounts to giving you MORE of my money, you say I must wait 3 weeks, receive the unit, return it, wait 8-10 days for my account to be credited then re-order which will take another 2-3 weeks? Seriously?"

"Yes sir..."

I escalated it, and the next person said the same thing.

So they basically want me to sit in limbo for over a month for a few minor changes or order with my credit card and have two orders going the same time.

So I wait 3 weeks for it to be delivered just to send it right back.

Nevermind the phone disconnected *4* times.

Funny, but if I re-order it, my EDD is almost a week sooner than my previous order which was submitted on 10/8.

Wow, just wow.....

I like Dell. I really do. I've dealt with them for quite some time on a personal and business level, but situations like this quietly let me know why they are losing market share at an alarming rate and HP is readily gobbling it up amongst others.

 

I love Dell too, but dealing with the stupid voice activated phone tree that leads you to the India based customer service is just maddening. The India people are nice, but having to repeat yourself and get put on hold 6 times for the simplest of non-technical ordering issues is not fun. Then they try to make you feel like they've done you a favor for crediting your card for an obvious screwup by their system.

I have no problem dealing with my Dell American reps on the business side (PowerEdge and Latitudes) but once I get into "consumer" Studio and Inspirons they really can't help me and I have to deal with this whole other level of crap.

BTW, HP isn't much better. All India based. As a "business" HP customer you'll talk to an American on the first connect, but they'll quickly transfer you to India call center hell after that.

 

Its called resolution independent UI. Something that has been implemented since vista, but is much more refined in Win7. Its the core reason why higher resolutions no long are an issue since the UI can scale. This is purely a matter of future proofing the system. And when I say future proofing I'm taking now....
http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2008/09/13/follow-up-on-high-dpi-resolution.aspx

PS- Hot damn! dell finally updated the available screens and you can now get and 1920 x 1080 display!

 

*sighs* I wish people would realize that their system is probably sitting in the middle of a factory floor somewhere with a barcode on it and is being assembled right now. Changing an order in mid production is virtually impossible, be it Dell, gateway, Sony, or HP. They can stop a product as its being built as easily as stopping a bullet after you pull the trigger.

 

guys I hate to break this to you but I'm a Dell tech. For the past year Dell has been introducing a new design into their system wherein the Heatsink is ONLY accessible by removing the system board. (this is the case for the new Latitude line of systems as well.) I've done my training on this model and I can confirm that the 1745/47 has two independent heatsinks on it for the GPU and one for the CPU. Both use one fan to move air. the kicker is to get access to this you need to remove the system board, flip the board over, and remove the heatsinks. Its not the most difficult task in the world, but for those who haven't done it before it can be seriously unnerving since you need to remove the following prior to getting to the systemboard

# Remove the Keyboard Cover
# Remove the Keyboard
# Remove the LCD Assembly
# Remove the Palm Rest Assembly
# Remove the Bluetooth
# Remove the Card Reader Board and Cable
# Remove the Optical Drive
# Remove the USB Board
# Remove the speakers
# Remove the Fan

and you also run the risk of an ESD if you don't have the correct grounding. Never mind the fact that you void your warranty if a tech like me comes out and determines you tried removing the board yourself. We know. Sounds stupid, but when a cable isn't aligned, when its obvious that a screw was not put back in the right location, when a cable is layered in the wrong way. we know.
Just a heads up. Sorry.

 

Still an issue for gaming if you wish to play at native resolution, considering the mildly anemic nature of the 4650.

1600x900 has better longevity than 1920x1080.

And I haven't completely run 7 through the scaling yet, and while I'm sure it is better than Vista (and worlds better than XP's poor excuse), I'm not 100% sold on it yet.
At native resolution, there is no doubt.

 

I'm not worried for myself personally. I usually disassemble laptops down to their base components because, well, I'm curious anyhow. First thing I do is track down a service manual or figure it out myself if possible.

(In the words of my late mother, "Who woulda thought all those motorized toys you learned to take apart as a kid might actually pay dividends later on).

For some it may be an issue, though.

And many Techs do a worst job than their original owners ever would. I can't even recall how many times I've fixed the work of a, "certified tech," on various systems.

(Present company excluded of course)

I'm more concerned with the components being on top (aka the bottom) like the Dell D630 series which makes it a prime candidate for heat via the keyboard and palm rests moreso than
normal.

 

Don't speak to customer service. Call Sales - they'll be more than happy to cancel your current order and make a new one as long as they haven't really started building it.

 

According to their 1-800 order status line, the order is still being processed and isn't even in production yet.

BOOM!



Thanks for the tip Reality.Bites.

 

Bull****. Dell refused to modify my Studio14z order 1/2 hour after it was placed and weeks before it was going to be built. And yet, of their own volition, a MONTH after it was placed they cancelled it and made a new identical order. Sales cancelled it for me right away and placed a new one.

A system may well be sitting in the middle of a factory floor, but that has absolutely no bearing at all on whether or not Dell will modify it. They won't, even if parts are in short supply and the order is a month away from being built.

 

This may not be correct; the telephone & internet databases are not always in sync with each other, and no doubt they are not in sync with the production database. I mean it often takes 24 hours or more before your tracking number even shows up online or over the telephone, which indicates that they update the different databases in some form of batch processing rather than real time.

 

Its not bull. If you happen to get someone on the phone who is willing to have two concurrent orders going at the same time that is one thing. But once it gets into the production stage nothing can stop it.

 

That really doesn't address the issue, now does it?

Reality has a point. The fact they would not modify an order 30 min after it was placed and weeks before it was even due to be shipped clearly shows a problem, and to lack the ability to alter a customer's order (who, btw is spending THEIR money on a Dell product) once it is placed whether 30 minutes or days/weeks after (but well before the item is even due to ship), is just, well, stupid and inept. There is no other explanation and adhering to the, "customer is always right," ideology is there for a reason.

Dell needs to seriously ask themselves why they have lost market share, a pretty steep decline in sales from this time last year to now and why HP is the new king who, in these trying times, actually increased both sales and market share.

HP lead times are much shorter. Their cancellation process is seamless and immediately, and their return process with zero restocking fee no questions asked has obviously paid dividends.

Companies need to make change/cancellations as easy and seamless as they seem to make purchasing something. HP has done this and it is starting to pay off. Do they probably have a much higher return rate? Maybe, but overall it has done wonders. Yes, I know it usually pays to make the return/cancel process difficult to dissuade loss revenue, but at a point you start to bleed marketshare and customer loyalty.