Studio 15 Owner's Thread

Hey purplegreendave - Thanks again.
What about photos will they default to a bigger size on the 1280x800 display opposed to the 1400x900 display?

I take it you mean Boston Acoustics and I had no idea that they make computer speakers, as I owned a long time ago their A400 floor standing home speakers and they were just outstanding.

Thanks,
SD

 

If you just view photos with windows picture viewer they most likely zoom to fit the screen, regardless of what resolution you have. 1440 x 900 is the sweet spot though, you get a little bit more screen space for windows at the expense of tinier text.

 

Anyone knows what's Dell System Properties? It was just released for Studio 15 laptops. Just curious.

How about Dell Notebook System Software? Thanks.

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=7&fileid=282739

 

Good morning richierich – Thank you.
So let me ask you this, as I believe I may be understanding it and the higher the resolution then the more real-estate you get, yet take this scenario:
A photo opened up in Windows picture viewer on the 1280x800 display and the same exact photo opened up on the 1400x900 display, am I correct in assuming that the photo on the 1280x800 display will fill the entire screen more then the 1400x900?
The reason why I need this kindly answered is; The 1280x800 display now comes with LED, which I just love and Dell just re-contacted me and is having a difficult time replacing my unit with all my specs and if the 1280x800 display will in fact give me bigger icons, text and bigger default photo’s then the 1400x900 one then I think I will opt for a RMA and search for a Studio 15 with it.
Thanks,
SD

 

Hey guys – I know this may be a different thread yet I’m just having fits going to any website and then clicking on a link inside the site, which then opens up another window in a much more smaller size and no matter what I do either drag all sides to full screen and then close it, or click full screen size and then close it, it just keeps defaulting to the smaller window and I would really appreciate it if anyone had this issue to please tell me how to default it to full size?
Thanks as always,
SD

 

just wanted to post saying my laptop shipped today - 6 days before its scheduled ship date

 

I debated between the HP dv7t and Studio 17 a few months back and I decided on the HP dv7t. I ordered it, used it for four days and returned it for a refund.....I hated it! I decided to go with a Studio 15 instead of the 17 and after two months, I couldn't be happier!

Dell offers some very cool features like the backlit keyboard and LED display option that you won't find on HP or any other popular 15.4" mainstream notebook.

No matter how good any product is, there are always going to be people who don't like it or don't have the same great experience with it that most do. There are a lot of NBR members who love their new HPs and think I must be insane for disliking mine so much.....to each his own!

Just remember- always buy from vendors with good return policies and who don't have a re-stocking fee! I will extend a genuine compliment to HP- their Returns process is very efficient and largely hassle free! They even pay to ship it back to them!

 

You have to make sure that ALL other windows are closed (IE AND Windows Explorer). Then, if you resize your small windows it should be the LAST window you close. After that whenever you open it, it should be the last size you saw it. Also, make sure that you properly shut down/restart at some point b/c if Windows shuts down improperly b/c of a fatal error or dead battery, Windows will not retain the setting. So for good measure (although you don't have to) reboot.
So remember, the window you want to change in size MUST be the last window you close.

 

has anybody tried to overclock there ati radeon hd 3450 gpu?plz help me to overclock it as i have tried many softwares but was not able to overclock it.

 

Set it up to open links in a new tab rather than a new window, and they'll be the same size as the on you're currently using

 

Hey guys – Thanks so much.

I tried all your kind suggestions yet nothing seems to works as the second window inside of the website always reverts back to the smaller size.
I know that there are a few free programs to resize the window to full screen, yet I was hoping that I wouldn’t have to install anything.

What about my last post with the Display and photo question (see below) any gracious answers?

Thanks as always,
SD

A photo opened up in Windows picture viewer on the 1280x800 display and the same exact photo opened up on the 1400x900 display, am I correct in assuming that the photo on the 1280x800 display will fill the entire screen more then the 1400x900?
The reason why I need this kindly answered is; The 1280x800 display now comes with LED, which I just love and Dell just re-contacted me and is having a difficult time replacing my unit with all my specs and if the 1280x800 display will in fact give me bigger icons, text and bigger default photo’s then the 1400x900 one then I think I will opt for a RMA and search for a Studio 15 with it.
Thanks,
SD

 

Does anyone have the problem where the setting for the touchpad speed always revert to default after restarting the laptop? It's quite annoying as I always have to set it.

 

Which setting?
Try the newer drivers from the dell website

 

Sorry if I don't understand your question therefore my answer might not make sense:

It depends on the resolution of the photo that you're opening. For example, a 3 megapixel photo's resolution is around 2048 x 1536 = larger than obviously either of the 2 resolutions you're looking at. Therefore, when you open a 3MP photo it will be larger than your screen and windows will fit it into your viewing area by shrinking it down a bit. But now you have to take into account whether these photos you speak of are widescreen or not.
Also, yes @ 1280x800 everything will look larger on your screen + you'll have less space for icons, windows, etc. All my previous widescreen notebooks have been 1280x800 except for my current Studio 15 which is 1920x1200. All I can say is I don't see myself ever going back to 1280x800. 1440x900 **MAYBE** - 1680x1050 is probably the smallest I'd be statisfied with.

In any case, there's many scenarios I can write up regarding resolution and photos AND how much real estate you want on your desktop...

 

The one highlighted in red. Yeah, I'm using the latest drivers now.

Anyway, about the Wi-Fi Catcher. Is it functioning for you guys? I tried pressing the catcher when my laptop is off. All it does is that it blinks for 3 times and that's it. I tried it in my university where there are unsecured wireless networks but to no avail. I installed Quickset and configured it properly but it still isn't working. Thanks.

 

Mine's perfect, but it's a different config screen...
Have you a factory or clean install on it?

 

I ordered my Studio 15 from dell on the 7th Sept & received it last week. Does anyone know what can be done to get the touch sensitive multimedia buttons to work above the keyboard as they don't light up or do anything.

I would appreciate any help on this.

Thank You.

 

I did a clean install not too long ago. Installed all the necessary drivers and software only. The version I'm using is 7.2.101.104, A01. Maybe I'll just have to wait for an updated driver to fix this.

 

Hey typeadam – Thank you so much for the great & thorough display & photo size explanation as it’s definitely very much appreciated.
If the 1280x800 + LED will be as sharp as this 1400x900 which I now have and bring in icons, text and photo’s up in a bigger default size and all I’ll lose/sacrifice is screen real-estate then that’s the one I’ll definitely need, as my 50year eyes struggle greatly these days and it really must be nice to have eyes that will you a 1680x1050 minimum.
Well we all can’t have everything right.
At any rate I’ve been looking daily at Dell’s Outlet for a Studio 15 with a 1280x800 + LED display, yet seeing that they’ve just come out there’s none to be had at the moment.
Dell still hasn’t sent me any further information on my replacement unit, so I just sit patiently and continue to use my “leased”, which I bought outright computer.
Like I’ve said & said repeatedly; My main need & want is to view photo’s at the largest comfortable size for me without sacrificing sharpness, detail & quality and I’m very impressed with Dell’s Studio 15 LG (Phillips) display with LED and their back lit keyboard which I use constantly, so I truly believe that a 1280x800 + LED will suit me just fine, unless someone could lend me $3,000 dollars for the new lens-restore eye surgery.
Thanks as always,
SD

 

If they dont respond at all, you should talk with Dell about it.

 

Hello everybody,
so I just want to know, if it is worth buying Studio 15 laptop or not? And when I read this forum, I became really concerned if it is the right choice or not...as there are some problems for some of your studio laptops, so how I can be sure that it won't happen to mine? Btw, what do you think of these ones:
1. computer.lt/product.php?pid=686711&product_price=3887.5454&special_price=
2. gerakaina.lt/new/product_info.php?products_id=10306091

Thank you in advance

 

Thought I'd chime in to the owners of studio 15's
Orange t9400, 4gb ram, 250gb @ 7200rpm, WUXGA 1920x1200 display (assuming 15 steps of brightness control is normal for CCFL backlit on this size?), backlit keyboard, agn wifi, and buyers remorse for an RGB LED 1920x1200 Studio 17 T_T

And now an actual question re: slightly different keyboard BS than I've seen in the forums.
I've got a variation on the keyboard sticking stuff people seem to be getting a lot, but my Ctrl key keeps locking down, without actually being touched, and it's gone from maybe 1-2 times per hour to like... 1-5 times a minute now. Freaking frustrating and haven't seen anything on any of the support forums or google about it. numlock being on or off has had no effect, nor has killing the ATIcvxx or whatever the exact name of the catalyst process is >.< Any ideas? Going to try the power off -> battery out -> hold down power button reset thing. All the media keys light and function properly.

Gotta figure out how to make it wake up from sleep too, it goes into standby/sleep just fine but won't turn back on afterwards.

 

img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=studio15blackvr7.png <--Studio 15 In black on Dell.se
I can not find the Studio 15 in black :S

How do I get the ALL Black?

 

Well, if you're really concerned about not having a very clear and crisp display than perhaps the 1280x800+LED is the way to go... I've never used 1440x900 but I can't imagine it is that much different than 1280x800. At any rate, no matter what resolution you get, you can always change the DPI so that everything "appears" larger but you still retain the space that a larger resolution provides. Either way, good luck with your purchase. But I will say that if you have the opportunity to get a monitor w/ LED go for it! Just my .02!

 

Just wanted to say hi and glad I found this thread, has answered some questions for me but most of my complaints with the laptop have been with regarding Vista. I was a beta tester and was so turned off I didnt get it till now with now choice Any Vista tricks to make it run better? For a loaded laptop it can chug doing simple tasks.

I am impressed with the feel of the unit, looks and functions and my concerns of the weight was calmed once I held it. Its very balanced and distributed nicely even though it was a little more then my last laptop. At the moment I am satisfied with my studio 15 at least at the moment!

Any other good readings for this unit?

 

Do a clean install and the experience will be vastly improved, try Les' Clean Install Guide, in the Dell mother forum.
That'll ditch McAfee, Google Desktop and a host of other stuff you don't need. After that have a look at the Vista Tips 'n' Tweaks guide in the Windows OS and Software forum (also by Les, what a guy ).
Also, the guides here are quite good:
http://www.tweakguides.com/TGTC.html
http://www.tweakguides.com/VA_1.html

 

I received mine November 8 (yes, a Saturday!) and I LOVE IT!

I am, however, still investigating an issue where the machine errors at boot after I've shut it down (not sleep, not hibernate, and not restart). I might have found the issue though.

I *think* it was only doing that when I had my USB wireless mouse adapter plugged in before the machine booted up. Since I stopped doing that, it's been fine.

 

I just got my Studio 15 a few days ago.

It has the P8400 Montevino/1066 MHz FSB, 15.4" WLED display, 2 MP camera, Bluetooth, LED backlit keyboard, WiFi, 4GB DDR2 800 MHz RAM, 320GB hard drive, Radeon HD 3450, and Vista SP-1.

Vista seems to run a tad sluggish and I can see sync lines while using Vista's desktop! I managed to turn off almost all of Vista's visual interface so it runs 99% like XP. There's still a lot of bloatware in the system, so I plan to partition and do a clean install of Vista.

Overall, I'd say the Studio 15 is worth it. None of HP's laptops impressed me, and the Inspiron is too old of a model IMHO.

The S15 also uses LEDs everywhere. There are white LEDs on the battery SOC indicator and even a blue LED fiber ring for the AC adapter.

 

Hi Guys – I’m sorry for the big delay in not responding to all the very kind & gracious replies, yet I just now finished a new relocation (move) and I also just now got my computer up and going again and take a listen to unbelievably this:
During my move with the unit all packed up and just no access to the Internet, Dell unbelievably sent me a email with a CRA attached, which apparently is a return authorization stating that they can not find a replacement unit for my damaged one so they’re issuing me a CRA now get this; with a 5 day limit for a complete return.
Well as you might guess because of my move I’m now over the 5 day limit, so guess what? Yes I now eat the damaged Studio 15 and you just don’t know how Truly Disgusted I am with Dell and how sorry I am that I ever tried them as well, as they just treated me like Total GARBAGE.
I truly think that it is Outrageously Unbelievable how someone can honestly & genuinely engage in a purchase and get treated the way I ultimately and sadly did and although you people feel good about their Studio 15 I utterly Despise Dell and I’m now going to forward all their promised emails to my attorney as well as seek the lost wages for remaining all day to not receive the promised delivery as well.
They completely & very sadly turned me off with their very shameful & disgraceful so-called customer service.
SD

 

I hope you can get it worked out. That's ridiculous.

 

Hey sdep, let me give you some direction here, and save you your attorney fees. First, make sure you have a case number for your issue. If you don't have a case number, call them and get it, as it was assigned the day you first contacted them.

Second, get in touch with the Dell via their web site using the UNRESOLVED ISSUES link on their support page. Here is the link:

Dell Unresolved Issues Link

This does work. I have used it many times before when the India-based support people wouldn't budge. The people in the unresolved issues department are very responsive to your problems, and so far, I have gotten my way every single time I've used it. They are very fair there. And, you will hear back from them very quickly. It's the equivalent of upper management, I believe.

But, like I said, you do need a CASE NUMBER or REFERENCE NUMBER to initiate an unresolved issuses claim.

When responding, keep your cool. I know you're fuming on the inside, but be polite and calm and explain what happened. I'm sure they will take care of you.

Let us know how it worked out, and please send me half of what your attorney would have cost!

 

BTW, sdep, I haven't been following this thread for quite a while...what happened to your Studio 15 that it is damaged? Did you order the one with the 1280x800 display?

 

Where is the blue LED fiber ring for the AC adapter? You mean the ring around the power button? Looking at mine, I just see a little rectangle LED above the DC jack.

 

The white rectangle LED is on the laptop itself. The blue LED fiber ring is on the adapter plug. When there's power to the adapter, this blue ring lights up! That's pretty much the only blue LED on the Studio 15. Everything else is white, including the Bluetooth indicator on the capacitive key panel.

I wonder if Dell made running changes? I have a Centrino 2 Studio 15 FWIW.

I also noticed my Mini 9 also came with 2 built-in speakers. I recall someone saying they only had 1 speaker.

 

Ahhh...to be honest, by AC adapter is still in the box. I use either Kensington Universal thin and light adapters, or I have some Dell adapters that I keep at my desk (since Dell pretty much uses the same adapter plug for all models, I keep a 120W adapter handy most places to plug in).

Thanks.

 

New driver for the integrated webcam is out!

Changelog:
Improved compatibility with video conference application and Vista 64 stability.

Download link: http://support.ap.dell.com/support/...1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=17&fileid=284793

 

Well, I bought my Studio 15. To be honest with you all........I love it. Considering the fact that I came from a Lat C840(on the laptop end) its a major change. A change in which I love and welcome. So, I read the stories, the horror stories, and all the good reviews. But, in the end its that Dell HAS ALWAYS given me a solid machine. My oldest boy(13) has a 1525. My youngest(11) a vostro 1000(I know, but he picked it out and was what he wanted). The wife and myself both have Dell desktops. So, it would only make sense to go again with Dell. My C840 has been a workhorse. It has been dropped, stepped on, had pop spilled on it, and much more. Its now the bedroom email machine....LOL.

So I look forward to more interaction on this forum and thanks for the good reads.


Rob

 

Hi lancorp – Thank you so much, you’re truly one great guy and I certainly appreciate all your great advice, as well as the other great & kind forum members.
I’m presently battling the flu right now, yet I will definitely use your kind and very gracious advice and follow-up with the gracious provided links.
To add greater insult to injury they just recently sent me a Unbelievable email stating that they can no longer send me a replacement unit as I’m past my 21 day return period and I just stood there totally speechless & mortified.
It seems there running a sad scam with their Outlet Store, especially when it comes to my situation, as I specifically stressed to them what about my 21 days and they told me “Don’t worry” your 21 days doesn’t matter any longer as we’re sending you a replacement unit and once we ship it out then the 21 days starts.
Well they never shipped anything out and they took the 21 days off the original defective shipment so I strongly warn all potential buyers to watch out because I certainly don’t know how to sue India.
In regards to your question of what was wrong with the unit; It came with the black top speaker grill all bent down (pushed-in) in the middle and the web-camera area all scratched up, which I don’t believe falls under their category of Certified Refurbished.
Thanks as always,
SD

 

Hi richierich – Thank you and Yes it is truly ridiculous and a real shame, as I really do like the Studio 15 all in all yet their customer service has very little to be desired, especially after they wrongly treated me.
When I went to their recommended Outlet Store I thoroughly checked out their definitions of “Previously Owned, Certified Refurbish, Scratch & Dent and Off Lease” and nowhere does it say under Certified Refurbish, which I ordered that I would receive a Scratched up & Dented unit and although they strongly apologized for it and stressed that they would send me a replacement unit, they shamefully never did and Unbelievably took away the 21 days in the interim.
SD

 

Hi Alexnor - I have the exact same problem. Everytime I open the lid or restart vista the eject button for the DVD drive stays lit, and repeatedly makes a 2-note sound 5 or 6 times.. but then the sound doesn't come back. (unless i shut down the lid and open it again). Do you have any idea why this is happening? I called dell before and they said this is a rare case..

 

hey guys, I have Studio 15 and planning to downgrade it.
I currently have Intel Core2Duo 2.5GHz T9300 Processor, 3GB RAM
How much would a difference would it be in terms of speed if I downgrade the processor to to 2.16GHz T5850?

 

Add me to the list of Studio 1535 owners...

Had a water accident on my i1520 and Dell gave me an awesome upgrade (although in some minor areas it is a downgrade, but with the added parts it is well worth the tradeoffs!).

So far, I love this machine! And 1920x1200 is just the resolution that should be on a 15" screen!

 

i had an issue with Dell and my order but they came though with great pleasure.

i had a 1535 w.T8100 and backlit keyboard w.fingerprint. it was PON from their outlet. to my dismay when it came there was a big scratch on the screen. i called and a replacement was sent immediately from, what must be, their batch of crap. i ordered the system 10/24 and it came in 5 days. the replacement came 8 days afterwards only to be shipped back in less then 24.

ff to this monday after a mess load of calls to india then back to the US then back to india then to a dial tone. i got fed up and just emailed them what happened.

what came to my door was a serious upgrade:
P8400, backlit, eSATA, and WLED screen... and it was brand new 1537!

been hacking at it for the last 24 and so far i love it. it's not too heavy to be carried around nyc and wtih the P processor v. the T, the battery life went from (what the meter claims) 2.5 hours to 3 which is more then enough for me to go though class w.o a charger... all on a 6 cell.

the kicker.... i paid $660 shipped to my door and almost a month of headaches but it was worth it.

 

dee540: I'm glad that worked out for you!

Has anyone had intermittent problems with the media buttons (the things that light up when you touch them, then slowly dim)?

I have run into 2 instances where the buttons ceased to function in Vista. I discovered the buttons are designed to be functional right from the start of a cold boot, so something doesn't seem right.

I have a Studio 1537.

 

What, exactly, is a 1537? I know the 1535 is a Studio 15, and a 1536 is a Studio 15 with an AMD, but what is a 1537???

 

it's their latest greatest Studio 15 line.

 

are 1535 and 1537 still different when they have the exactly same specs... but the different model names? that's what I found on dell.com... some 1537 are on sale for only $650 but the specs are exactly the same with the previous 1535 with the same price...

 

So they don't sell 1535's when you order a Studio 15, you get a 1537?

What's the biggest differences?

 

i bought the 1535 but with all the issues i've had, they ended up giving me the 1537.

"the difference between the 1535 and the 1537 is that they have completely different processors. the 1537 can be speced to have a T9400 processor when the 1535 can't." - youtube comment

not sure how true this is but...

and the interface in the 1537 is much nicer and the media buttons seems to work better (might be bios related since the boot-up on the 1537 is different; not the crappy bell box letter but a pretty circle and more updated look).

 

the 1537 has the ability to take advantage of new Centrino2 technology (better processors [P8400 or better] and Intel Wireless-N cards)...

aside from that, i think the design should be pretty similar, right...? I'm wondering what dee540 meant by "1537 is much nicer" ?

I just bought a refurbished studio1535 yesterday...