OFFICIAL: Studio 17 Owner's Thread

Am I reading this correctly - the 9-cell battery from Dell costs $299???! Is there anywhere that I can purchase a good 9-cell lithium ion battery for less? I mean, a lot less? Thanks.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=312-0712

(I've included the link to verify if what I am reading is the right thing.)

 

My Dell arrived yesterday (a week ahead of schedule). I ordered 7/7, as noted in a previous post.

 

I noticed that the fan was running all the time after a few days of using my new Studio 1735 and called Dell. The Tech got control of my machine and upgraded the bios. The fan no longer runs until its' needed and the sticky keys problem that I was also having went away. You might want to look into upgrading your bios...hope that helps...Heideana

 

I was impressed that a Dell BIOS can be upgraded by a simple executable downloaded to the desktop. I can't say I've ever seen that before.

 

Hey guys,

I just got my Studio 17 yesterday! I love it! Below are my specs. My fingerprint reader works great so far! I did not get a remote though, kind of dissapointed. I ordered straight from Dell too. I also have a few questions!

1. I've seen posts about how to add a second HDD on Inspiron models, but does anyone know how to add a second HDD to our Studio 17? And what kind of HDD does it accept? I have a 20 GB 2.5" SATA from my PS3 laying around, that I would like to put to use if possible.

2. Is the 1920 x 1200 screen really a WLED? At the bottom of my order it says it is but nowhere else does it say it is a WLED. I hope it is, though

3. I noticed that I had a 10GB partition for backup, has anyone removed that?

4. Do your speakers crackle a little? I read other forums that said theirs do too. Kind of dissapointing as my Inspiron 1535 didnt crackle and had more bass than this does.

5. For the people who for the T9300, does it boot up pretty fast? I was expecting my T8100 to boot up a little faster than it does atm.

Thanks guys, I hope my first post wasnt too long!

Studio 17 - Intel® Core蒂 2 Duo T8100 (2.1GHz/800Mhz FSB/3MB cache), Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate Edition SP1
-- Studio 17 --
-- Intel® Core蒂 2 Duo T8100 (2.1GHz/800Mhz FSB/3MB cache)
-----------------------
-- System Color Option --
-- Jet Black
-----------------------
-- Memory --
-- 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2
-----------------------
-- Built-in Keyboard Options --
-- Back-lit Keyboard
-----------------------
-- LCD Panel --
-- Hi Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920x1200)
-----------------------
-- Video Card --
-- 256MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON HD 3650
-----------------------
-- Hard Drive --
-- Size: 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
-----------------------
-- Operation System --
-- Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate Edition SP1
-----------------------
-- Adobe Software --
-- Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
-----------------------
-- Combo or DVD+RW Drive --
-- 8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
-----------------------
-- Sound Card --
-- Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy蒂 Advanced HD Software Edition
-----------------------
-- Wireless Networking Cards --
-- Dell 1510 Wireless-N Card
-----------------------
-- Camera Module --
-- Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
-----------------------
-- Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) --
-- Microsoft Works
-----------------------
-- Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) --
-- Norton Internet Security 2008, 15-Month
-----------------------
-- Battery Options --
-- 56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
-----------------------
-- Service --
-- 1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor,24x7 Phone Support

-----------------------
-- Dial-Up Internet Access --
-- No ISP requested
-----------------------
-- Finger Print Reader Module --
-- Integrated Finger Print Reader
-----------------------
-- LCD and Camera (non-displayed / transparent to cus --
-- Hi-Res. TL widescreen 17.0 inch WLED display (1920x1200) w/ 2.0M Pixel Came
-----------------------
-- Processor Branding (non-displayed / transparent to --
-- Intel® Core蒂 2 Duo Processor
-----------------------
-- Labels (non-displayed / transparent to customer) --
-- Windows Vista蒂 Premium
-----------------------
-- DataSafe --
-- Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr

 

Bueller? Bueller?

 

I would like to hear from someone who has gotten the Studio 17 with the 1440 x 900 LED type screen how the picture quality is?


Im torn between the Studio 15 and 17..........

 

Well I've been watching the forums again for a few weeks and took the plunge just a few mins ago from the Member Purchase Program. Check out the deal! What do you think?(this is my third 17" from dell within 2 and half years!)
Estimated Ship Date: 08/11/2008
Item Number Quantity Item Description Total Price
223-9880 1 Studio 1735, Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 2.1GHz, 800Mhz, 3M L2 Cache
313-6677 1 Jet Black
311-8660 1 4GB, DDR2, 2 Dimm
330-0560 1 Back-lit Keyboard
320-6898 1 Hi Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch WLED display (1440x900)
341-6739 1 ATI MOBILITY RADEON HD 3650
341-6742 1 250G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
420-8566 1 Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium Edition, English
313-6256 1 8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
313-4783 1 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
430-2931 1 Dell Wireless 1510 802.11n Half Mini Card
320-6653 1 Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
461-8389 1 No Virus Protection Requested
312-0707 1 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
412-0148 1 No Internet Service Provider Requested
412-1397 1 No Productivity Software requested
950-3339 1 3 Year Limited Warranty
990-8047 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
990-8048 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year(s)
412-0359 1 Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
950-5442 1 Warranty Support,2 Year Extended
960-2780 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
430-2933 1 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.0)
313-6279 1 Integrated Finger Print Reader
420-8312 1 Finger Print Software
320-6910 1 Hi-Res. TL widescreen 17.0 inch WLED display (1440x900) w/ 2.0M Pixel Camera
420-8310 1 Creative Camera SW
310-8628 1 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
330-0254 1 Intel Core 2 Duo Label
Subtotal: $1,058.60
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Sales Tax: $63.52
Total: $1,122.12

 

For some reason I cant get the same options and price you have with your setup. Im using my Member Purchase Program but it doesnt come out the same. Which configuration did you start with?

 

I used this link. It was an banner-ad type display on the MPP main page but for some reason it wasn't showing when I just found this for you it was there but was all white. Try this and click Studio 17 on the right. I also got $50 off for using a DPA and he threw in NBD for FREE!

 

I cant thank you enough. This was the link I was looking for. I used it to order my system and saved a couple hundred. My total was $1033 only because I didnt use the same processor or memory you did.
Thanks again!!!

 

You can call as well and get them to knock more off if you need so you can get more memory or better processor. You're very welcome!!

 

Will there be an overheating problem if you put TWO Seagate 7200rpm 320gb hard drives into a Studio 17?
I just want to make sure because the Studio 17 doesn't give any 7200rpm options let alone putting 2 of them in there.

......and how hard would it to be to set them up in Raid 0 if I only get it with 1 hard drive from Dell?

Will everything I need to attach the hard drive to the laptop already be inside (except the cable of course) And would it be hard to figure out where to plug the cable for the 2nd hard drive?

http://www.nowdirect.com/exec/partInfo/part_detail.tsb?prcpart=SGNST9320421AS

Seagate Momentus 7200.3 ST9320421AS - hard drive - 320 GB - SATA-300

 

I am a little confused with Dells web site.
Do any of the Studio 17 come with a blu ray read/writer or is the only option a reader?

TIA

 

On the US page there is only the option of a reader - on the UK page there is no blu-ray option.

 

You have to specify the "256MB ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3650" in the Graphics card section, then the option of a "Fixed Internal Blu-ray Disc (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM) Slot Drive including SW" appears.

 

WOOHOO ordered mine exactly 48 hours ago and it is now in boxing stage I love my luck with Dell orders!!

 

Same here, ordered mine Saturday afternoon and in less than 24 hours it was already in boxing too!!!

 

Hi,

I am seriously considering the Studio 17. Specs similar to below

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/ 800 FSB/ 3MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate (32Bit)
3GB Dual-channel 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
2 X 250GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
17.0" Widescreen WUXGA+ (1920x1200) TFT Display with TrueLife™
256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650

I was wondering how people are finding gaming performance?

Any real world examples with the 3650? Would love to know how it goes with games like HL2, Titan Quest, The Witcher, Sins of a Solar Empire. Anything really!

 

I really wish I could answer leebaldock's question, because, that's very close to the configuration that I finally went ahead and ordered on Friday. So, here's hoping for the best!

I do have a question though... I noticed on my order confirmation, that the 1920x1200 screen is itemized as:

"WLED display (1920x1200) w/ 2.0 M Pixel Camera"​

Someone (on a Screen Quality thread) also mentioned seeing "WLED" on the confirmation of their yet-to-be-received Studio 17.

Does anyone know if Dell is really using WLED displays for the 1920x1200 Studios?

Unless I'm misunderstanding what "WLED" means in this context - It'd be a very nice and completely unexpected "bonus". But, as I mentioned in that other thread, I just usually don't get that lucky.

Thanks!

 

I would try and cheat the system if they send it to you without WLED after it said it was in there, then call them and complain and get a partial refund because you thought it was WLED and wouldn't have upgraded to it if it had not been.

 

What is a WLED display?

 

It's never wise (or even good Karma) to cheat any Company

Every time I've ever seen the term "WLED" used (especially on Dell's site) it's referred to an LED illuminated LCD display. Using a very broad generalization, LED-LCDs are "better" than (the more common) CCFL LCDs.

Dell offers a "WLED" option on the Studio 17, but only at 1440x900 resolution. I ordered the 1920x1200 resolution screen. Which, according to the configurator is CCFL, but according to my "confirmation invoice" is a "WLED".

I'm not gonna be upset if it's a CCFL, but, I'll definitely be happily surprised if it's a WLED.

 

I understand and don't really mean cheat the system but if thats what the confirmation invoice says thats what you should get! Now if mine would only ship....boxing stage sucks!

 

Good News and Bad News...

Good - My Studio 17 has shipped. Should get it Friday. VERY excited!

Bad - I actually chatted with Dell this afternoon. The lady was nice and mostly to-the-point. While she has no idea why the invoices are saying "WLED" screens. The 1920x1200 resolution screens are plain old CCFL. However, the people who've already received them, seem to be quite happen with them, and I'm sure I will be too.

Most importantly, NOW I'm gonna have a new toy to play with BEFORE the weekend. Woo Hoo

 

Mine is in transit to carrier meaning it should ship today and be here tomorrow as well WOOHOO!!!!

 

When you get it can you PLEASE go to

http://www.systemrequirementslab.com

and test the following games with your ATI 3650 card.

Games I currently play that I feel will give me an overall idea.

HL2, Ep1, Ep2
Bioshock
The Witcher
Sins of a Solar Empire
C&C3:Kanes Wrath
UT3
Crysis
Titan Quest
Supreme Commander and the expansion.

Games I will be buying to play:

Starcraft2
Diablo3
FarCry2
Red Alert 3
Space Siege
Sacred 2
Fallout3
Half Life 2: Ep3

I'd REALLY appreciate a good guide as to what this card (3650) can do with these games. I know the ones that aren't out yet will be a best guess but I would still really appreciate knowing how playable these games will be with this card. Basically this will decide for me whether to get this notebook or go for the next level up with a 9800M - more money so I would prefer to know that the Studio 17 or equivalent specced notebook will be OK for my gaming needs.

 

When I get home from work I'll give http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/ a try. The only game I have tried so far is City of Heroes, I have it maxxed out but it is a 4 year old game.

 

I would really appreciate it if you could give us the results from syslab for these games

HL2, Ep1, Ep2
Bioshock
The Witcher
Sins of a Solar Empire
C&C3:Kanes Wrath
UT3
Crysis
Titan Quest
Supreme Commander

Thankyou in advance!!!!!!!!

 

It's HERE!!!! I never got a tracking number but DHL pulled up today and I rushed to the door to meet the delivery man. I only played in the OS for a few mins as I am now trying to install 64-bit but a few things I noticed. Pros: fingerprint reader is sweet, screen is brilliant, power button is in neat hiding spot, multimedia buttons are sleek, and of course full size keyboard is great. There are very few Cons thus far, the biggest is the screen feels flimsy compared to my vostro...off course it is a lot thinner so that would be a big part of the difference, also the slot load drive is unimpressive, typically you would push the disc about halfway in and the drive would pull it in but this you have to push 4/5's of the way in for it to suck it in. I will hopefully get 64-bit installed and will let everyone know how she works!

 

Just wondering how that LED screen looks.....is it worth it?

Mine is supposed to be delivered on Wed but I notice that it is coming from Nashville, TN instead of Texas like I expected. Is Dell not doing final installations in TX anymore on the notebooks?

 

I think the LED screen is absolutely brilliant, esp compared to my Vostro 1700 matte screen, I would def do it again. The laptops get shipped from malaysia and get sent to nashville and then to the courier. they have been doing this for at least the last three years as all three of my laptops had the same voyage. Good luck on getting yours quick...I do believe you'll like it!

 

Well Im very picky about display quality. In fact Im selling an Apple Macbook Pro with LED type display because I thought it was terrible.

Im surprised about the notebook coming directly from Asia now. I realize that someone else has always made notebooks for Dell but they still used to do the final assembly in Texas. Now it sounds like Dell has completely outsourced this.......should be interesting my last Dell notebook was an Inspiron 7000.

 

From what I understand all of the components are made by somebody else and then Dell owns an assembly plant in Malaysia where they assemble them. They are still getting their components from the same companies but have simply moved their assembly facilities.


Also wanted to include that installing Vista 64 is a pain in my ass! I am slowly finding drivers and am stealing a lot from the precision line.

 

I asked my dealer if I could get the Studio 17 with Vista 64 bit. He said no - only set up with 32 bit. I really wanted to try out 64 bit Vista with my next notebook purchase but I defintely don't want to go through any hassles with the OS on the notebook. Just can't be assed. I've checked out all of my devices - printers etc and they all have 64 bit drivers so that's good. I went through hassles with my ld ASUS F3Jm going to Vista 32 bit on it - when I first did that most stuff/drivers were only XP Pro so it was a bit of a pain eg wireless issues and sound issues and stuff. All got sorted eventually. Anyway I guess I am saying I am really interested in how you go getting Vista 64 bit on the Studio 17. Please keep us posted on your issues...eg fingerprint reader, wifi, bluetooth, keyboard backlight etc etc

 

I've gotten most things to work. Im having a little troubles with the DVD and fingerprint readers but I think there may be a loose connection inside the laptop...I will open it to see later if they continue to cause trouble. The Dell quickset software will not install properly so I am continuing to dig for a solution to that. Bluetooth, wifi, keyboard backlight it all works...the only other real problem I'm having is the broadcomm ethernet driver, cannot get it to install and haven't found a good 64 bit driver for it. It is running very smooth though even with a missing driver and such. Some of the drivers were taken from the Precision line etc. so it takes a little searching around, I will try and figure out which ones actually worked and create a list for everyone to see.

 

Thanks bigmo, I am looking forward to what you find out. I too will be putting vista 64bit on my studio.

 

Was there trouble with the DVD and fingerprint reader before you installed the 64 bit? If so that is a bad sign for quality control............

 

That's the problem, I booted into Vista one time before I wiped it clean and started over....I did enroll fingerprints the first time just for fun to try it and had no problems and the DVD drive installed Vista 64 so I'm just really not sure...the last 2 times I had issues a simple reboot fixed it so I'm going to watch it and if it happens again will open it up and find the connection.

 

I ordered mine last Friday after it appeared on Dell's weekend sale page. The config I ordered:
Studio 1735, Intel C2D T5850, 2.16GHz, 2M L2
Ruby Red
3GB, DDR2,
Back-lit Keyboard
Hi Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch WLED display (1440x900)
ATI MOBILITY RADEON HD 3650
320G HDD
Vista SP1 Home Premium
8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner
High Definition Audio 2.0
802.11g Half Mini Card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition
Inspire T10 Ruby Red Speakers - Designed for Dell
V220 Ruby Red Cordless Optical USB Mouse - Designed for Dell

Estimated ship date 09/02/2008 (backlit keyboard delay) : (


I liked the Midnight Blue color for the notebook the best, but the matching blue speakers were too dark. The ruby red speakers just looked great.

I am really excited about the Studio line. The Inspiron didn't have a nice enough video card and the XPS line was a little more then I wanted to pay. So, a next to full size backlit keyboard, HDMI out and the video card made this about perfect for me.

 

Ordered mine last thursday - specs in my sig.

Pretty dissapointed tho, just checked the Dell site and my Estimated Shipping Date is the 25th August. That's over 3 weeks away!

Any hope I'll recieve it earlier?

 

I ordered mine July 17 with an original ship date of July 28. Then the ship date was pushed back until Aug. 4.

Now I just received word that the ship date has been pushed back until Sept. 1. What's worse it they actually pushed back my order date! The status page claims that I ordered 2 weeks after! Does Dell really think this is fooling anyone?

Oh well, so much for my anniversary gift.

 

They pushed it back a whole month? wow. I ordered my Studio 15 about 2 weeks ago and it's supposed to ship tommorow..but it won't. It is still in the build stage. If mine is pushed back a whole month I am giving up on the Studio and I am ordering an Inspiron 1420. It's the 2nd Studio I ordered which is having problems just getting built.

 

I know this may be a "dumb question", but if the price of my "In production" S17 significantly decreases during my month+ long wait, can I get my price reduced by a phone call or cancel and re-order (not best option)?

Has anyone been through this scenerio?

Thanks

Buzz

 

Well I cancelled and re-ordered because I chose the 9-cell battery before the huge 9-cell battery decrease, but in the middle of my order I got a 2 week delay. When I re-ordered with the recent 15 inch deal I upgraded literally everything but downgraded to the 6-cell battery for the same price as the first order and had the same ship date even though I ordered 2 weeks later. Now my 2nd order is still in the build stage and it was supposed to ship tomorrow. I'll post updates to see how long my delay MIGHT be tomorrow when I get an email saying it was delayed.

 

I ordered mine on July 29th, and here it is August 4th and it says it was shipped yesterday. I got an e-mail today with the tracking from Purolator, stating it is due for shipment tomorrow. I don't entirely believe it will be tomorrow, I will assume thursday (but hope for tomorrow lol).

Anyway, my original estimated ship date was august 22nd! So yes, your orders can come earlier than that (it has for me twice). Also, don't believe the order status site, mine says it is still in production!

 

My order date was July 25th late at night, order was in boxing stage within 24 hours and I had it the week after I ordered it. It def can go fast. And also want to let everyone know 64-bit is a definite possibility using 1535 drivers and the new 1735 bios A04(once download link is active.) All of the devices now work properly!

 

I got discouraged about the potential wait for the backlit screen so I re-ordered. So instead of a ship date of Sep 2 its now Aug14th. My new config:
Ruby Red
2.1 T8100 (was T5850)
WLED 1440x900 Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
ATI 256mb
4 Gig Ram (was 3)
320 SATA HD
8X Slot Load CD/DVD Burner
High Definition Audio 2.0
Dell 1510 Wireless-N Card (Was wireless G)
MS Office Home and Student 2007
56 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)

According to the phone system it's in build already.

 

Hi Guys, I am considering the Dell S17: for my first notebook purchase.

1) I'm wondering if someone can tell me the Maximum resolution using HDMI Out? Can i output 1080P (1900x1080)

2) Does the fingerprint reader work for Vista logon.

3) Are the multimedia controls illuminated?

4) Does HDMI output carry audio and video?

Here is the current config, that i will need to order in the next 48hours from Dell Australia. And does anyone have a Photo of my chosen color Graphite Grey with any color trim?

CPU: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.1Ghz, 3Mb, 800Mhz)
OS: Windows Vista® Home Premium 32bit SP1 Edition (English) (DVD Media)
Screen: 17.0 " Widescreen LED WXGA (1440x900) 2.0 Mega Pixel Web Cam
Memory: 2GB (2x1024 667Mhz)
HDD: 320GB SATA 5400rpm
Optical: Internal 8X DVD + /-RW Combination Drive
Videocard: 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650
Battery: 6-cell 56WHr Li-Ion Battery
Network: Integrated Fast Ethernet 10/100/1000
Wireless 1510 802.11n Half Mini-Card
Bluetooth: Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
Keyboard Backlit Keyboard with Touchpad + Palmrest with Fingerprint Reader
I/O Ports: 5x USB 2, 1xHDMI, 1xVGA,1xRJ45,1x1394 port,2 headphone, 1 Mic,54 mm ExpressCard slot, Consumer IR,
Weight: 3.6kg (heavy)
Warranty: 1 Year Limited with Next Business Day Onsite Service
Options: Graphite Grey with Blue U-Trim, Dell™ Travel Remote Control, Noise Isolation Ear Buds, 8-in-1 media card reader, 90W AC Adapter, External USB modem.

Anyone have any bad comments or things they are not happy with on the S17?

 

1. ATI's blurb on the 3600 series says it does: http://ati.amd.com/products/mobilityradeonhd3600/index.html
2. No idea, ask Dell I guess.
3. Yes : http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4471&review=Dell+Studio+17
4. Yes. ATI's HD 3650 takes the audio through the pci bus and sends it out with the video through the HDMI port. That is probably why Dell chose it as the video card.