OFFICIAL: Inspiron 1720 Owner's Thread

I'm finally a happy owner of the 1720. It's my turn to stop asking questions and start answering them. If anybody has questions, let me know, and I'll try to answer later tonight or tomorrow afternoon. Or whenever.

If you have some questions about it, let me know!

 

here is a difficult one for you. is the cpu a bga or a pga ie is it soldered (bga) or is it socketed (pga)? i'm not sure if you can get info easily, one may have to open it up and look at and even then it could be difficult because the cpu is hidden under the cooling system.

 

Oh, man. I would have to open it up to find out, and I'll do that after the warranty expires. Maybe a more daring/technical person could help. I guess I should say, if you have questions about the general performance, looks, etc., I'm more than willing to answer.

 

Ya shoulda bought it with the accident protection policy... Then ya could drop it off an overpass somewhere and pick up the pieces and find out... send 'em back in a Ziplock bag and get a new one

Just a thought Not that I'd ever do anything like that, because I'd HATE to have to wait for the replacement! (There IS a guy over in the HP area who says he always buys THREE of each model, so he has an extra one as a backup and a third for spare parts -- Now HE might be able to do something like that, but then how many folks can afford to get THREE LAPTOPS at a time?!?)
Jeff

 

What a doofus, the money for three laptops could be spent on ONE super powerful laptop. Or maybe he was kidding...I hope.

I guess I need to read the warranty details to find out if getting inside the laptop voids the warranty.

 

Nope, and he just responded to me talking about that habit in a thread I started over there asking about whether or not the extended warranties with in-home service and the accidental protection warranties are worth it, explaining that he's really not RICH, either, and that he had to save for 3 years to do this, even though these make the third time he's done this... So I guess every three years he gets 3 of the same system.

Oh well. Takes all kinds, huh?
Jeff

 

Yay! It's delivered!

DHL's customer service was actually helpful and I got a half hour window for delivery!

It's a shame I have to go back to work. I'm resisting temptation and not opening the box, else I'll have to call in sick the rest of the day.

 

1 222-8602 Inspiron 1720, Intel Core 2 Duo T7300, 2.0GHz, 800Mhz, 4M L2 Cache $1157.00
1 466-8087 Jet Black Color with Matte Finish $0.00
1 466-8374 2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm for Inspiron 1720 $0.00
1 320-5500 17.0 inch Wide Screen XGA+ LCDInspiron 1720 $0.00
1 320-5464 Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 Inspiron 1720 $0.00
1 466-8379 160G 5400RPM SATA hard drive 5400 RPM $0.00
1 420-6556 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English $0.00
1 313-5195 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,INSP1720 $0.00
1 420-5769 Internet Search and Portal $0.00
1 420-5924 Icon Consolidation Application $0.00
1 420-6436 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp $0.00
1 420-6995 DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP $0.00
1 463-2282 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access $0.00
1 420-7026 Media Direct 3.3 $0.00
1 420-7244 Dell Support Center 1.0 $0.00
1 430-0493 Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron $0.00
1 341-4716 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive $0.00
1 420-6464 Roxio Creator Basic $0.00
1 313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0 $0.00
1 430-2334 Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) Mini Card $0.00
1 320-5683 NO WEBCAM OPTION $0.00
1 420-6591 Network Associates McAfee 8.0 English, 15-Month Subscription $0.00
1 312-0520 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, Inspiron 1720 $0.00
1 412-0148 No Internet Service Provider Requested $0.00
1 412-0915 MS WORKS 8.5 $0.00
1 950-3337 1 Year Limited Warranty $0.00
1 412-0360 Soft Contracts - Banctec $0.00
1 960-2780 Warranty Support,Initial Year $0.00
1 987-8109 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3 $0.00
1 987-5447 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year $0.00
1 983-3100 Type 3- Third Party At HomeService, 24x7 TechnicalSupport, Initial Year $0.00
1 412-0943 Basic digital Music,Photo and Game experience $0.00
1 466-7741 Thank you for choosing Dell $0.00
1 466-3921 No Preinstalled Software $0.00
1 320-5799 Basic Black Matte LCD back color w/o Camera Insp 1720 $0.00
1 310-9348 Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor $0.00
1 310-8628 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System $0.00
1 420-7091 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS $0.00
1 420-7092 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS 1YR-FREE $0.00
1 987-4817 Insp Datasafe 3GB,1YR(Incl in price),DHS $0.00
1 988-0099 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online $0.00

 

Ah, finally I can add myself to the likely owners.

Ordered 8/20 [For the FOURTH and FINAL TIME]


Description

1. Inspiron 1720, Intel Core 2 Duo T7100, 1.8GHz, 800Mhz, 2M L2 Cache
2. Spring Green Color with Microsatin Finish
3. 2GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm for Inspiron 1720
4. 17.0 inch Wide Screen XGA+ LCDInspiron 1720
5. Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 Inspiron 1720
6. 160G 5400RPM SATA hard drive 5400 RPM
7. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
8. Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
9. DELL SUPPORT 3.4,DIM/INSP
10. Media Direct 3.3
11. Integrated 10/100 Network Cardand Modem, for Inspiron
12. 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
13. Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
14. Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini Card
15. Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
16. Creative Earbud EP630
17. 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, Inspiron 1720
18. 1 Year Limited Warranty
19. Soft Contracts - Banctec
20. Warranty Support,Initial Year
21. Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
22. Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Mod
23. You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
24. Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
25. Premium Metallic Green with Soft Touch LCD back color w/ 2.0M pixel Camera Insp 1720
26. Dell Travel ExpressCard RemoteControl, IR

 

By the way, I have waded through this board a bit but I don't believe that there is a clear answer on this. It states to have 7.1 capability but does that mean it has outputs for all cables that come with a regular computer system or will I need a seperate component to provide this?

Thanks!

 

I can't believe how big the thing is. Compared to my old 9400/e1705 even.

One thing I'm gonna miss about the Macbook Pro is the screen. So much brighter and crisper.

 

NewLaptopBuyer, there are no 7.1 outputs on the 1720, so I'm guessing to get 7.1 you will need a SPDIF cable or something like that. Not really sure.

 

Ah, even for a 5.1 system? I'll have to look into hooking up SPDIF.

 

Just ordered my new laptop and was reading through the thread. It looks like it will be really easy to add the second hard drive. Check the placement of the hard drives in the service manual here:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1720/en/sm/hdd.htm#wp1180014

I thought about getting the lower resolution screen but I'm using a 1705 with high resolution and truelife now and this screen is awesome. Before I bought it I used 1024 x 768 on an 18.1 inch monitor!

My husband was next in line for a new laptop but I lucked out and he volunteered to take my 1705 so I can have the new model in Pink. That and more hard drive space. I am completely out of room on my 80 gb drive and am tired of deleting files.

Bukket

Intel Core 2 Duo T7300, 2.0GHz, 800Mhz, 4M L2 Cache
Flamingo Pink
FREE! 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920 x 1200)
256MB NVIDIA(r) GeForce(r) 8600M GT
FREE! 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Windows Vista(r) Home Premium Edition
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-Card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
Save $300 on select Inspiron notebook purchases of $1299 or
- $300.00
Subtotal: $1,354.00
Shipping and Handling: $69.00
Tax Total: $0.00
Total: $1,423.00

 

Ahhhhhhh, SOOOOO REFRESHING!!! A GAL!!! Even if it IS a MARRIED GAL actually POSTING in a computer forum!!!!!

Of course you WOULD have to get the "flamingo pink" model, but then they also offer them in that color just BECAUSE they DO KNOW there ARE some ladies who WANT THEM in "flamingo pink."

And you know your specs (not that I don't think there are any ladies around who know computer specs, just that at least where I live, they're so hard to find -- or at least ones who'll ADMIT TO IT, lol).

More power to ya, Bukket... Hope ya LOVE your new 1720...

By the way, I'm still flippin' and floppin' between the 1720 and one of the HP dv95** models... Might come down to the options on the extended warranty, which I think Dell offers "at-home" service on theirs, and I just realized HP doesn't...

Then again, maybe I'll just get one of the pre-configured systems from Best Buy or Circuit City and buy THEIR extended warranty if that means THEY'LL either come to my home or let me bring it in and work on it locally (both are within a mile or so of my home).

I think I'm the King of Confusion... I'm just NOT SURE!!!
Jeff

 

Woohooo, Just got an email from customer service. They are refunding my shipping charges! Now I don't mind waiting for my system.

We have 3 Dell systems in the house and I have never had anything but excellent service from Dell, customer service and tech support.

Bukket

 

why is the title marked dead?

 

The hard drive needs screws , cage, and power connector to add the second one

 

Don't worry about it... it appears one of the forums bots malfunctioned again, this happens from time to time. The word "title" was remove from the title and it's be good as new now.

 

i have also placed order for DELL Inspiron 1720

now eagerly waiting for it.

 

Do you know if Dell supply these seperately?

 

Congrats!

My estimated delivery date is 08/20/2007.

Bukket

 

Thank you for the info!

I know I'll be adding the other drive so hopefully dell will sell a kit for this by the time I start running out of space.

Bukket

 

I just got my e1720 today. Specs are

Intel T7300 2Ghz
256MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT
2gb 667Mhz RAM
160GB HDD

I haven't done any tweaking to it as of yet, and I really don't want to overclock a laptop I plan to keep a long time. My 3DMark 05 score was a 5334, which is good, but I was expecting something more in the mid-6000's range. Can anyone give me pointers on maxing out my performance without overclocking? Which drivers should I get?

 

August 20, Bukket?!?!?

GEESH, THAT'S A WHOLE MONTH!!!! What's the freakin' holdup??? Are they havin' to make the silicone from from SAND or somethin'??? Two, even three weeks are common, but MAN, that's A LONG wait!!!

I sure hope it's worth it!
Jeff

 

I just called to check on my 1721 and they told me that they are out of the LCD Screens and won't getting any in until 8/6 - five days after I am supposed to get mine.

 

LMAO... yaknow, that kinda reminds me of the time my brother went to KFC and tried to buy some of their fried chicken and they told him they were OUT OF CHICKEN... And at the time, they were still going by the name Kentucky Fried Chicken... Simply INEXCUSABLE.

Out of LCD screens... No more for MORE THAN 2 WEEKS??? Second largest computer manufacturer in THE WORLD (LARGEST until just a year ago, when HP re-took the No. 1 spot)...

NO EXCUSE... When you're THAT BIG, you MAKE SURE you have enough supply and enough supplIERS, and enough manufacturing facilities, and a close enough handle on the market and your marketing to be able to anticipate sales needs -- PARTICULARLY when you roll out an "exciting new line," complete with LOADS of Television ads -- AND THEN TO RUN OUT OF LCD SCREENS!!!

No offense to any of you who are dedicated Dellophytes, and I LOVE the XPS 410 I'm using right now, BUT Dell just made up my mind for me... I'm going with HP on my laptop purchase!
Jeff

 

I got my laptop yesterday. Everything is working great except for the built-in microphone array above the LCD. For some reason it hardly picks up sound on my machine. Is this happening to anyone else?

 

you too mate i will get mine before yours

 

Nice to know what is causing the holdup. I don't recall seeing posts from anyone that has received the 1720. Just one of the 1721.

I'm just glad the order wasn't canceled. Now that would upset me!

Yes, it is worth the wait.

Bukket

 

btw guys. anyone of you getting carry beg with 1720? i have requested so they will provide me free
Extra-Large Nylon Deluxe Carrying Case for Dell Inspiron 9200/ 9300/ 9400/ E1705 Notebooks

 

hey maksa u from india.....???? mee too from india..... BTW i am not sure whether i'll get a bag free....... hope it comes with it.......

 

hi man

yes m from india

so how much does it cost you? hour much discount. mine was 94K got 13K discount and now 81K.

btw how u got 7200 RPM HDD? it's not there in their site?

 

you will not get carry beg. you just ask them to get you. and yes they will charge you 2400 INR but you have to ask them that you need it free.

 

atlast a guy fom india.... how refreshing.... i thought i was the only one he he he ....

anyway
u from rajkot huh.... me from south trivandrum kerala....!!!

mine initially was 97000rs without tax then they gave me 8000 discount (not a big deal anyway!!!!)...... finally it came to abt 92500rs with TAX.......

and abt the HDD i specifically confirmed with the dell rep that i need a 7200rpm one not the 5200rpm....... they promised that they will make that available to me........ hoping it will be the 7200rpm one else they will replace it...... thats for sure.......

regarding the OS i chose vista home premium...... need this for personal use any way...... not a businessman just a student......

i think if its not shipped u can call them and change the hard drive......

 

man o man... yeh i am 2nd indian here who ordered for 1720 btw you got less discount.

mine was 94K including XP Biz - 1 year complete cover - Carry Beg - TV Cable other stuff u can see on my siggy. and finally it came with 81K but no 7200 RPM. but i think that doesn't make much difference in speed. may be for gaming. but i am zero in tat but yes i choose T7300 (2.0 GHZ 4MB L2 - 800MHZ)

i will be getting my system in next 2 weeks and yes don't forget to post pictures as soon as you get yours

 

yeah Expect a full blown out REVIEW of my 1720 ..... with TONS of hot PICS ..... that will quench the thirst for those who crave for more.......

 

i will be waiting for that

 

I will FINALLY be ordering my 1720 this evening or tomorrow. After a lot of research and the pricing of numerous configurations, I just configured this system for only $1,214! Let me know what you think (no, I don't need the 8600 GT Video Card):

SYSTEM COLOR: Jet Black
PROCESSOR: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
OPERATING SYSTEM: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
DISPLAY: High Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920 x 1200)
VIDEO CARD: 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS
MEMORY: 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
HARD DRIVE: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
OPTICAL DRIVE: CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
WIRELESS NETWORK CARDS: Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
BLUETOOTH OPTIONS: Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
INTEGRATED WEBCAM: Integrated 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
BATTERY OPTIONS: 56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
SOUND OPTIONS: High Definition Audio 2.0

Base Price = $1,514 - $300 coupon
Final Price = $1,214

I actually upgraded a few components (Bluetooth & Display), while still yielding the best price I've ever seen yet!

 

Hi All,

I'm new here so hopefully this has't been answered 100 times.
I just ordered my 1720 and it's in the mail! Woot!

I am very dissapointed that it does not have DVI like the older 1705 as I want to use this as a media portal of sorts with my HDTV.

So my question is this, I have found a Targus docking station that utilizes the expresscard slot in this computer that supposedly offers a "Full DVI-D port and SPDIF"

Edit: the docking station is a "Targus Expresscard Docking Station with Digital Audio and Video Model # Model # ACP60US"

NOW! I selected the Geforce 8600m GT 256mb graphics card - will this card still do all the processing of all images BEFORE exporting them or does this docking port bypass that? Also - does anyone know (providing OF COURSE, that the original data is encoded corectly) if this computer even supports 5.1 or 7.1?

Thanks in advance guys - I love the posts about the 1720 keep them coming!

-Sean

 

Another Indian here...got mine last week.. 1.8ghz... 2Gb..1440*900...160gb.. there was no bag listed man...

 

I ordered a 1720 now they are saying the pink flamingo is what they are waiting on.

 

I ordered my system 6/26 cancelled on 7/16 and ordered a better system for less. Processor T7500 2.2 ghz, memory 2gb, dual hard drive 320 gb, 1920 x 1200, webcam, 9 cell battery, dell care plus package, video card 256 mb my total was 1900 after a 100 discount.

 

Can someone please tell me where the speakers are on the 1720 and how bad is the 9 cell battery with sticking out?

 

speakers are up front slightly below the palm rests...

remember where they used to be on the 1705?.. a little below that...

here is the link with the pic for the 9 cell

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=143183

 

Thanks choy for the information. The people who all got there 1720 how do u like it?

 

I see no one has the dual hard drive are they good?

 

How heavy is the 1720? I purchased a 1705 and when i received it the motherboard was bad so they came right out and fixed it and then 1 month later i was having speed problems but dell was nice a enough to give me a full refund and now I am awaiting my 1720 once they get the pink flamingo cover it will get shipped it was supposed to ship tommorrow we will see.

 

@Trisha: I´m LOVING it!
The thing is light enough to lift with one hand, the screen is impressive, the satin finish feels very nice and the build quality is pretty good.
The only problems i had were the load of bloatware on the thing (did a clean install to delete it), the SATA hard drive that makes it a pain in the *** to dual boot and the lack of a temperature sensor.