Studio 15 Owner's Thread

Yeah I don't really understand why 15 steps is neccesary. I am either using max or the lowest (or 1 or 2 steps ahead).

 

Hi joanrod – Thank you kindly for the great suggestion, as I did in fact kick up the DPI to 120 and yes I totally agree with you that taking the display out of its native resolution is definitely not a very good idea and I really have no intentions to as well.
I’m really getting very used to it this way and I contacted Dell today about the dented unit I received and you can read what they’re doing for me a little further into the forum.
SD

 

Hi lancorp – Thanks again.
This evening I contacted Dell as I had some free time and enlightened them on my recent damaged & dented studio 15 delivery, yet before I go on let me ask you or any Dell customers and not being partial or prejudice at all, yet does anyone of their customer service reps speak English?
I regretfully had to hang up on not one, nor two but three individual ones before I finally got someone that was a least understandable.
At any rate here’s what he said & did; First he apologized for me receiving a scratch & dent when he seen I specifically ordered a Certified Refurbish unit and he said he was immediately sending me out a replacement with the exact same specs and features including the LG display, yet he said I may have to choose a different color if they’re unable to find another unit graphite gray w/black trim, so I told him that I would take black as an alternate choice, so now we’ll see.
What I found impressive was that they are sending me out a replacement now, so I can continue to use and get use to the unit and that my 21 day return & exchange policy Stops and begins as new as soon as they email me of the replacement unit being shipped.
On a different subject; I don’t know about you or the other studio 15 owners, yet I find that the left side of the palm rest does get a bit warm and sometimes somewhat uncomfortable for me to continuing typing?
SD

 

I gets warm but not uncomfortably so. My friends HP is MUCH hotter, you can't leave it on you lap at all and I cant rest my wrists on it while typing once it's been on a while.

 

Hey purplegreendave - really, what HP model does he have if you don't mind me asking.
I sold my HP 17" laptop prior to buying the studio 15 and it had the same T9300 processor and it was a pleasure to type on, except for the very cheaply designed keyboard, as it never got hot on me once, yet maybe that's because it was a 17" and the heat had more realestate to escape.
Tell me is the hard drive on the left side because every once in a while i hear what sounds like the hard drive doing something on the right side of the wrist-pad?
Also; do you know how to program the lighted keyboard to stay on for more then 1 minute as I looked and I just can't seem to find it anywhere?
Thanks,
SD

 

Hey everyone & anyone - This may possibly be another thread, yet I would really appreciate your expertise on this frustrating dilemma, which I can’t believe no one else has encountered.
When I open up a default IE7 browser it opens up full screen with no problem, yet when there is a link inside of the page that opens up in a separate window it always opens up small and better then ½ the size and no matter what I do be it manually resize it by dragging the sides, top and bottom to full screen or pressing the center expand button on the browser, when I close it and then reopen it it’s back to the same small size, which is so frustrating as XP used to remember where you sized it and then reopened up like it every time.
Does anyone know how to get it to stay full size or kindly show me what I’m possibly doing wrong?
Thanks everyone as always,
SD

 

^ Just set it to open in a new tab instead, and if you'll take my advice use Firefox instead of IE; it's safer, faster and nicer.

The HP I dunno, it's a 14" dv series. I won't see him till the weekend so I can't find out though.

 

Hey guys please tell me if I’m wrong here OK.
Last night I went over a buddies place who has a Dell Latitude with a matte display and I asked him to bring up one of my photos I saved in an attachment just to see it and the difference between the studio 15’s display and unless I went completely blind altogether and although the Dell was overall much brighter, in my opinion the photo on the latitude was much crisper, truer & cleaner and showed more detail and honestly must tell you that I left completely baffled and very confused to say the least.
My main want & need was to look at photo’s and see them crisp, clear, true and as detailed to the original as possible and I’m really starting to doubt what was told to me that the glossy display does that.
Another good friend of mine told me to buy a Asus for what I want, as he’s into photography as well and he says nothing comes close to them, yet I know that’s a whole new thread, which I will check out as well, especially before my 21 day return policy expires.
I told him that everyone semms to just want a gaming laptop and I don’t have the slightest interest in games, yet he claims regardless Asus has by far the Best True Display hands down and Dell’s business line laptops displays are far superior to any of their home units and he swears that a matte display is far truer and superior then a glossy one especially when viewing still photo’s, yet I must tell you that I’m just completely Lost & confused now and even more then I ever was.
Thanks everyone,
SD

 

sdep,

What LCD panel do you have in your Studio 15???

 

Hi lancorp – 1400x900 WXGA+ LED (LG)

 

Hey Guys - You know I have just a few questions for all you great people @ notebook review, which I’m so glad I found, but I’m also really not sure others are yet seriously; I think that I’m really starting to see my problem as I continue to struggle with trying to view photo’s at a comfortable size for me ”without” zooming in too much so it can stay at its original state and at its best sharpness and clarity, yet first kindly answer another probably stupid question for me OK.

The Studio 15 comes in a few different display resolutions and with one being 1280x800, well I myself have the 1400x900 WXGA display with LED, which I just absolutely love the brightness and vivid colors on, yet tell me if I kicked down my display to 1280x800, which I know it’s really not recommended changing a native resolution, yet would that be the same as having a Studio 15 with a native display of 1280x800 and minus the LED backlighting of course, as if so then wouldn’t that in fact give the best of both worlds?

Ok here’s what I believe my problem is; I have always been real use to using a 14” laptop, as it’s all I ever owned in a laptop prior to the 17” HP and now the 15” Studio and with the 14” units I was always able to clearly & comfortably see all icons & text, but most importantly for me; I could open up a photo and it would almost all the time be at the correct size for my viewing with no if maybe 1 level up zooming necessary and that in turn kept the photo at it’s original quality & state, with its sharpness, clarity & detail.
On the now flip side; I found & find with the HP & Studio that when I open up the same exact photo’s that I must zoom in on them at least 3 levels up to bring it to the “same” comfortable viewing size and that in turn takes it much more out of its original quality & state, with losing sharpness & detail and that “I know is my BIG dilemma”

So correct me if I’m wrong yet with my eyes and vision, I believe that going up in screen & display sizes where now everything is looking smaller to me in its Bigger surroundings & real-estate (15” & 17”) is a definite No No for me and I should just get a good quality 14” laptop to see things comfortably and the way I was use to and please say I’m right?

So I think I may have finally lucked out and found the laptop I need. as I just looked at Best Buy’s flyer and seen that they now have 2 new Blue Label laptops Toshiba (14.1) & HP (13.3) with the lighted keyboard and LED displays, which I just so love and which have pretty decent specs as well and I think I owe it to myself & you great guys to go there and see them, yet I’m just disappointed and for me only that the HP is only 13.3 instead of 14.1, because it really seems to have everything else I want & need (lighted keyboard, LED display and even a 9300M GS video card, yet that’s just the story of my life, as Nothing ever comes easy for me.

Thanks Guys so much,
SD

 

sdep,

I'm pretty confused as to why you are having a problem. The Studio 15 LED backlit screen is "middle of the road" resolution, so I cannot fathom why you are having issues.

I'm not really clear, to be honest, as to what the exact problem is. I know it's hard to explain problems like you're having in writing...seeing is probably much easier, but unless you are in San Diego, I can't help you!

Personally, bigger and higher res displays will be clearer and require less zooming as you can fit more pixels on the display at once. Smaller, low-res screen will not look as sharp and will require more scrolling around or zooming OUT to see your whole photo on the screen.

Changing your Studio 15 to 1280x800 is not recommended because everything will lose sharpness and detail.

Unfortunately, I cannot say, for sure, that going to a smaller screen will fix things for you, unless the smaller screens are higher resolution.

What program are you using to work with your photos that is causing you issues?

 

Hey lancorp – Thanks as always, yet I just don’t understand either why everyone is having such a difficult time understanding me.
OK; yes I most definitely know that going up in display resolutions will be clearer and you can fit more pixels on the display, yet I don’t zoom in for clarity I zoom in for size comfort and when the display resolution goes up then everything just gets smaller & smaller for me and impossible to see.
Look; take a photo any photo and put it on a 13”, 14”, 15”, 17”, 19” and etc. the photo on the 13” will look the biggest in size and in screen ratio and it will gradually decrease in size as you go up and into the bigger screens, well when I had the 17” HP it had a 1680x1050 WSXGA display and although a photo in it’s original size was crystal clear, it was just way too small & far away for my eyes so I needed to zoom in many levels to bring it to a good viewing size for me and that in turn took all the quality & detail from it.
Now I move to the Studio 15 with the 1400x900 WXGA display and I really see no difference from the HP regardless of its “middle of the road resolution” as the photo’s are still too small & far away and I must zoom in many levels as well in order to see it at my comfortable viewing size.
Now I take the same photo and put it on 14” screen size and the photo is perfect in size and I don’t have to zoom at all, which in turn keeps its clarity and detail.
No I unfortunately don’t live in CA, as I would just love to demo my dilemma in person.
I totally agree with you with changing the native display as I did try it and it was definitely horrendous, yet my question was/is; would the Studio 15 look the same way if I only bought the 1280x800 display?
I think I definitely need a education on screens & displays, as I definitely lost the concept between screen sizes and display resolutions, as it’s like you said’ a 17” with a 1680x1050 display is the exact same as a 15” with a 1400x900 display, yet correct me if I’m wrong, yet keeping the resolution the exact same at lets say 1280x800 for both a 14” and 15” laptop, wouldn’t the exact same picture on them look bigger on the 14” one?
Yes I know that a WUXGA (1920x1200) will look much sharper then a WXGA (1440x900) and you can fit more on the screen as well, yet the icons & text and photos will be smaller in comparison to the 1440x900 and that’s where I have the problem as I just don’t have the eyes for the best display that you believe will fix my problem.
Quite frankly I think that 1280x800 is just fine for me I would just love to get a real good quality 1280x800 ones, as I think that’s what I really need for my eyes.
Thanks,
Sal

 

^the problem is the size of pictures u have taken, if u take pictures on 640x480, they gonna be small on any screen.
1440x900 on 15.4, and 1920x1200 on 16 or 17 is the best resolution for hd pix.

 

sdep,

Now I am clear on your problem! But your statement about identical resolutions at 14" and 15" is wrong. Same number of pixels on a 15" as a 14", the 15" will be bigger. Just like a 20" vs. 22" at 1680x1050...the 22" will look bigger since the display is physically 2" bigger and nothing else is changed.

But, your problem is certainly unique to you and I think only you will be able to figure it out. No digital picture is going to be able to be shown native resolution at 1280x800 (unless you have a 10 year old digital camera!), so whatever you use to view them is doing a "Fit to page" anyways. That may or may not look good, depending on lots of factors such as the pictures resolution and the resolution of the display. Maybe a widescreen display is not the right choice. I think you definitely need to see, firsthand, the display on the notebook and then buy (like from a local BestBuy or Circuit City..)

 

@sdep
It's nothing wrong with your screen. What hapens is normal.
A picture is / will be best displayed when it's resolution (number of pixels for width and height) will be higher or at least same with resolution of screen used.
When image (photo) resolution it's lower then your screen, application that you are using to display photo will try to fill the gap between number of pixels from photo and higher number used to display the image.
I'll giive an example :
a) photo is displayed and matches pixel / pixel screen resolution (A are white pixels and B are black pixels)
AAAABBBB
AAAABBBB
AAAABBBB
AAAABBBB
AAAABBBB


b) photo is zoomed 200% - this means only half of displayed photo matches screen pixels:

AXAXBXBX
XXXXXXXX
AXAXBXBX
XXXXXXXX
AXAXBXBX

The A and B are the original pixels values from image/photo displayed on screen. But there are some the new "x" values needed to displayed.
These new "x" values are computed based on "neighbors" values. The algorithm used to get these new values depends by software, drivers.

---------
Anyway, in all cases we'll get this:

AAAXBBBB
AAXXXBBB
AAAXBBBB
AAXXXBBB
AAAXBBBB
---------

Pixels values will be computed and will give different GREY tones. So, displayed picture will not be an "crisp and clear" black & white photo anymore.

In your case I may suggest:
a) try another application to display pictures;
b) resize pictures to an higher resolution using a dedicated software;
c) use a CRT display attached to laptop (I personally use this option ).

 

I need to connect my 15 to a TV, which as far as I know only has:
SCART
Ariel (A/V)
Red/Yellow/White

(How) can I do this????

 

Good morning, afternoon or evening TeodorX – Wow what a very gracious and very informative explanation and I truly Thank you for it, as it definitely put great light on my dilemma and made me understand it so much better as well.

Can you kindly recommend a good viewing software where maybe the photo’s I’m viewing wont lose so much sharpness & detail when I zoom in on them?

Once again this morning I booted up both laptops that I have with one being a older Dell Latitude C510, which is my buddies and which I must soon return and of course my Studio 15 and I placed them in front of me side by side with opening up the same exact photo on each and although I’m definitely not Mr. Technical by any means here’s my layman’s analogy and the very best I can tell it:
First and without a shadow of a doubt when I opened up the folder on each there was absolutely no comparison on the brightness and true colors, as comparing just the background color white on both, the C510 looked like it had jaundice as it was just washed-out yellow and I just could not believe just how much brighter and real the Studio 15 looked next to it and I only have the 15 up 7 levels in brightness.
Now I opened up a particular portrait photo on both and yes in its default size the photo on the 15 again and without a doubt was much cleaner and truer in color and detail, yet it was much smaller in overall viewing size and further away from my eyes if you can hopefully understand that.
Now in order to get the photo to the correct size for my viewing and detailed editing on the C510 I needed to zoom in 5-levels and when I did the image to me never became out of focus or had any jagged edges and blurry outline lines around the image.
Now I opened up the exact photo on the 15 and I needed to zoom in 6-levels to bring the image to the same exact viewing and editing preference, yet when I did that the image on the 15 definitely had jagged edges and blurry outline lines around the image and it lost allot of detail as well and that’s my BIG Dilemma.

Tell me honestly anyone & everyone I hear & have heard since I started this unbelievable quest about so many different brands and models of laptops with Core 2 duo, Dual core, Centrino 2 and so on processors and ATI, Nivida, dedicated and non dedicated and so on video cards, yet I also know that many have a passion for gamming as well, which I definitely don’t have the slightest interest at all, yet even though this is a Dell Studio 15 forum, which you know I well own as well, in your best honest & humblest opinion and for what you now know I use it for; How is it in overall performance and screen display quality compared to any particular HP, Acer, Toshiba, Gateway, Asus, Lenovo or etc. is there any Great hands down 15” Ultimate screen display out there that is the absolute Best for viewing and editing photo’s and yes I know the Mac users need there fair say so as well?
Thanks as always everyone,
SD

 

Hi lancorp – Thank you and yes your suggestion of seeing them in person is definitely a very good and smart one, yet I called up BestBuy yesterday evening and they unbelievably told me that they’re not on display and it may be around 1 week before they even get them on display.
Absolutely unbelievable, here I told them let me just get this straight OK;
You advertise something for $1,100 and I’m supposed to buy it from a mere picture and if I stupidly do and then decide that I don’t like it and return it then I need to pay a restocking fee?
I said to them; I have a great picture of a car do you want to buy it?
Unbelievable what has happened to this sad money driven world we live in?
I can sadly see that it’s gotten to this very disgraceful point without everything and especially the medical profession, as they would much prefer to leave the patient at home at just forward their insurance info.
Geez what a Stinking Shame.
Thanks,
SD

 

Let’s try this again as I make many typo’s when my blood boils.
”I can sadly see that it’s gotten to this very disgraceful point “with” everything and especially the medical profession, as they would much prefer to leave the patient at home and just have you forward their/your insurance info.
Geez what a Real Stinking Shame.”
Thanks,
SD

 

I just received and email from Dell in regards to my replacement Studio 15 (see below) that has a arrival day of 10/30/08 and I must tell you that I’m a bit confused as I didn’t think they made a T9400 for it and I thought the Studio 15 was called a 1535 what’s a 1537 did I do better or worse and what am I getting?
SD

Quantity Item Number Description

1 224-2816 Studio 1537, Intel Core 2 Duo T9400, 2.53GHz, 1066Mhz, 6M L2Cache
1 310-0173 Airborne Documentation, System Exchanges,Factory Install
1 310-8319 Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
1 310-8628 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
1 311-9389 Integrated Finger Print Reader
1 311-9397 3GB, DDR2, 800MHz 2 Dimm
1 312-0695 85 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
1 313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
1 313-6229 8X Slot Load CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
1 313-6230 External 56K USB Modem
1 320-6653 Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
1 320-7216 Graphite Grey with Black Trim
1 320-7239 Hi Resolution/Bright, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch WLED display (1440x900) w/ camera
1 320-7247 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450
1 330-0171 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
1 330-0496 MEDIA DIRECT 4.0 For DVD RW
1 330-0498 Back-lit Keyboard
1 330-1752 DELL RESOURCE DVD (32-bit) BACK-UP,1537
1 341-7817 320G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 410-1163 McAfee Security 9.0, 3-Year Subscription, for Dell Inspiron / Dimension
1 410-1883 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
1 412-0359 Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
1 420-5769 Internet Search and Portal
1 420-6436 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-7622 DELL SUPPORT CENTER 2.0
1 420-8051 Microsoft Works 9.0, English For Inspiron
1 420-8159 Roxio Creator 10 Dell Edition,Factory Installed
1 420-8223 Dell Video Chat
1 420-8310 Creative Camera SW
1 420-8312 Finger Print Software
1 420-8566 Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium Edition, English
1 420-9100 Dell Dock Consumer
1 430-2931 Dell Wireless 1510 802.11n Half Mini Card
1 430-3206 Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
1 463-2282 Dell Owners Manual installed

 

You did way better! The 1537 is the Studio version with the new Centrino 2 processors so you're getting a new laptop with the latest mobile platform in it.

 

Hi alexnor – Are you trying to tell me that something good is happening to/for me?
That’s really great and am I getting anything else that you can see that’s better?
I never knew that they made the Studio 15 with a new platform, how does anyone keep up with such rapid change, as when I was at the Outlet last and ordered my Studio 15 there was no choice for a T9400 not that I’ll probably ever need it with what I do, as I’m just hoping that I just get the better LG display like I have now.
I also got a great wireless mouse and the remote with my Studio now, yet it’s not in the new description, so I wonder if I could possibly keep them when I return this damaged unit.
Also I was wondering if I could just swap out hard drives, as this has everything I need on it and how easy is it to do, or do I have to put this one back to factory install like I got it?
The shipping label says 320G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive, which I believe I now have, yet are do they use different manufactures in the same size hard drive and if so is one much better then another and how can I tell what I have or it has?
Thanks,
SD

 

Yeah lucky you. Probably the only one who's had this good of a studio 15 experience. I'm still trying to get them to give me something for all their mistakes with me. Anyway...

Everything else looks pretty standard except the LED screen, 9-cell battery and bluetooth but I'm not sure what you had to begin with (probably missed that post).

The mouse and remote were extras you ordered with your original, so you won't have to return them when you send your old laptop back.

Hard drive swapping might work, but I wouldn't reccommend it. The hard drive knows what system it was in before and will probably lock down if it detects new specs. It might have worked if you'd gotten a machine with the same specs, but everything in the Centrino 2 one from the processor to the chipset is different so it will likely lock you out. There's a way in windows to basically ghost your system over to the new one but I don't remember how exactly...maybe someone else has some input or check on Google.

 

Hi alexnor – Thanks so much for the gracious information and suggestions.
What issues are you having with your Studio 15 if you don’t mind me asking?
I’m glad I can keep the mouse and remote, yet I was hoping I could swap out the hard drive, yet if I can’t then I guess I must when the time comes, put the restore Disk back on this unit and re-install everything on the unit that’s coming.
Like I said; I really don’t know what the difference is between the T9300 Core 2 duo processor on this current one and the T9400 Centrino processor on the one their sending me as the replacement and I’m not sure I would or will ever see the difference as well.
Do you find the display in the Studio 15 to be a real good display and if you wanted to buy the best display and laptop on the market today what would be your choice?
I have people who been encouraging me greatly to buy a Asus M70VM-C1 claiming that I wont find a better computer or display around, yet I just don’t know if that’s in fact true or not?
Thanks,
SD

 

Hey alexnor - Forget that Asus question as I just did a google search on it and it’s unbelievably a 17” laptop.
I really don’t know what the heck is the matter with people in general, as I specifically told them that I want to know the best “15” laptop and display available not 17”…Geez.
SD

 

Most of the issues were just with build quality...loose case around the front and edges, loose keyboard tray and tons of flex. It's improved on my replacement, but the jeyboard area is still pretty bad flex and fit-wise.

Difference between them will be the faster bus speed on the T9400..1066 MHz vs. 800 MHz on the T9300. Like you said, you probably won't see much of a difference but there will me minor increases in all likelihood.

The display is fine. I don't really have much else to compare it to except my friends' HP dv6000s and from what I've seen the S15s is better. The only complaints I really have is the bleed around the bottom, but it's not noticeable while I'm using the computer except when the screen shows black. The resolution is the other thing, but I think the only reason I'm not so good with it is because I'm coming from the desktop with a resolution of 1680x1050.

 

Hi alexnor – Thanks.
You know I’m right with you on the cheapness of this Studio 15 and I already have some issues (see below) with this one as well and I just sure hope they wont be joining the replacement unit or else they will be getting it back for a full refund and I will move on to another manufacturer, as I already have some very disgusted issues with it.

So far other then the great bright screen and the lighted keyboard, which I definitely like and the overall keyboard feel in my opinion and even though it was in fact a 17” the HP is made better in quality.

If anyone has any suggestion out there on a laptop that has a bright clear display and a good lighted keyboard made of good made to last quality please speak up as I’m right now all ears.
Thanks again,
SD

1. I have the unit on a laptop stand and when I go to type I have to subconsciously remember to keep my left palm off the rest area as in my opinion and feel it’s just too warm to stay on it for any great length of time.

2. The slot drive CD/DVD drive is definitely loud and annoying and I have already had 2 separate instances where the DVD would not eject at all.

3. For a so-called multimedia unit the speakers & audio are absolutely terrible and I’d like to know what they were thinking when they made the Studio line, as the HP sound was so much better then this GARBAGE.

 

Sorry to hear that you're having issues with your Studio 15!

Prior to ordering my Studio 15, I ordered an HP dv5t and only kept it four days. I had several issues with the HP, the most worrisome problem was how hot the left wrist rest became during normal use. The surface to the left of the touch pad was uncomfortable to the touch at most times. This was despite a very loud fan that ran at high speed constantly! In addition to being annoying and uncomfortable, the long-term effects of heat on system reliability really worried me!

I've had no noticeable heat issues with my Studio 15, thankfully. FYI, my system has the 2.5GHz T9300 and 256mb ATI Radeon Mobility HD 3450 discrete graphics card.

I agree, the slot drive creates quite a bit of mechanical noise when loading or ejecting. But I've had no issues with ejecting, thankfully. Overall, I like the slot-loading drive much better than the traditional tray-type optical drive.

I don't set my expectations very high for any laptop when it comes to sound quality/performance. HP's Altec Lansing speakers and Toshiba's harmon/kardon speakers both sound a bit better than average, compared to other laptops I've heard. The Studio 15 doesn't sound as good as either of those. Regardless, I always use high-quality earbuds/earphones on any laptop. In my experience, they'll always outperform any integrated speaker system!

Dell should beef up the sound, though! I'm not one to watch movies on my laptop, but a lot of folks do and they might not want to use earbuds...or maybe they're not viewing alone and everyone wants both video AND audio!

Not a deal-breaker by any stretch, but it's one of my very few little niggles!

I can certainly cope with the poor sound quality if it means I don't have to keep a polishing cloth on hand at all times. After spending a few days with the glossy black and chrome HP dv5t, the matte Midnight Blue exterior of my Studio 15 couldn't look better!!! The same goes for my LED display compared to the HP's Infinity display- it only doubled the glare!

 

Hey all. I ordered my Studio 15 and am awaiting its arrival. One of the options I selected was the ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi Laptop Sound Card. I know this wirelessly connects to speakers and dell sells a pair that are about $150... does anyone know of a cheaper pair that would connect to my sound card? Ive tried searching around a bit and cant really find anything. Thanks for the help

 

Hi allfiredup – Thanks and how are you doing?
As we speak I have yet another DVD in the slot drive and no matter what I do it just wont come out and this is truly discouraging to say the least.
Yes I agree with you that laptops in general have not so great audio and I as well don’t want movies on them, yet today I put in a job educational DVD and the sound was just terrible & very tinny.
I believe I need to shout-own or reboot in order to for it to eject the DVD and that’s just plain ridiculous from my standpoint.
Like I said; If I could find a laptop with the great bright display as this Studio 15 along with the backlit keyboard I think I would definitely buy it, because the warmth on the left side wrist rest and the constant loud noise and DVD issues with the optic drive is greatly disheartening & turning me off as well.
Thanks,
SD

 

This may seem like an odd question, but humor me for a moment- in the Express Card slot on the left, front corner, is the slot left open or is either the plastic insert (blank placeholder) or travel remote stored in there?

I pulled the blank placeholder out of the slot shortly after I received my Studio 15 and have left the slot open. Removing the remote control on the aforementioned HP dv5t helped dissipate some heat, so I automatically did the same on this notebook....even though mine hasn't had any noticeable heat buildup.

Anyway, it might be worth a shot if you haven't tried it!

 

Hi allfiredup – Thanks I really don’t mind humoring anyone and yes the card was in fact in the slot so I since removed to see if it in fact does bring down the warmth to the left side palm rest.
I also in order to remove a DVD from the slot drive have to reboot the computer and this is really getting real old real fast.
I would definitely agree with you on the better display in the Dell Studio then the HP as I had a WSXGA 1650x1080 display in my previous HP DV9700t and in my opinion the Dell has it beat for overall brightness & clarity.
Like I said; I love the LED display and the backlit keyboard and those are really the 2 features that has me hanging in with the Studio 15, as the defective slot drive is definitely a big turnoff.
SD

 

hello all! i am a soon to be owner of a studio 15! i ordered my system on friday, but there some verification issues so they had to cancel and reorder my system. it seems to be a great system, but i really hope nothing goes wrong, as dell's customer support is complete garbage :-/. i have an xps 420, and when i had issues with it, i had to call 3 times to speak with an american. it truly is awful. besides that, it looks nice, has plenty of ports, and has great specs. im excited to recieve it! by the way, if i order it on sunday, when will it most likely ship out? thanks

 

Not to cast dispersions on the Studio 15, but it's pretty obvious that you've ended up with a lemon (actually your second one, right?). I love my Studio 15 but only an a**hole would refuse to accept the fact that one or more BAD Studio 15s have been made! It reminds of a few years back, I had a BMW 3-series on a 3-year lease and it was a LEMON if one ever existed! Every time I took it to back to the dealer they refused to believe the car was having problems....until the transmission went out at 11k miles, the A/C stopped working during the first heat wave after I got it and one of the rear windows fell right off the track and down into the door!!! As I told the service manager at the dealership- Ultimate Driving Machine, My A**!!! I get mad thinking about it.....thank God it was a lease and it's over!

But I digress....it really stinks that you've had those problems with your Studio. Since you like the LED display so well, have you considered getting a DELL Latitude E6400 (14.1") or E6500 (15.4")? They're both offered with the option of a WXGA+ (1440x900) LED display. Both models also have a standard three year warranty, which might make the higher price tag easier to stomach. It also has a standard backlit keyboard and available fingerprint reader like the Studio 15.

I just thought I'd toss the idea out there. I didn't know if you were even aware of the Latitude E6400/E6500 models. Here's a link if you'd like to take a look- http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop_latitude_e6500?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsdhttp://

 

So, you haven't re-ordered the system yet? What color and what specifications did you select?

I also have an XPS 420 desktop that I bought last December from the Dell Outlet. I've been very fortunate that I've had no technial problems at all, so I haven't had to deal with tech support or customer service! I love Dell products, especially my Studio 15, but when I bought it I just gritted my teeth and prayed that it would be as reliable as my past Dells and save me the agony of interacting with any and all Dell employees!

I use the Dell Small Busienss Outlet quite often to make purchases for work. Several times I've dealt with their customer service and tech support.....it's almost a PLEASURE to deal with them because they're so knowledgeable and, God forbid, helpful.....and they can even formulate complete, intelligble phrases and sometimes sentences!!! Unlike some of the HEAVILY-accented technical support drones who read repeatedly from their prepared script!

 

Hey allfiredup – Thanks so much.
NO I didn’t know about the Latitude E6400 and now that I Thankfully do I’m definitely going to check it out later this evening, as it has everything I want with the LED display and backlit keyboard.
Is it a current model with new processors, well I’ll definitely check it as I said, I have always been used to business line units going back to the Compaq Armada which was my first and which was a workhorse and which is as a matter of unbelievable fact now mounted in a Fire truck used for incidence descriptions at it never gave me a whole lot problems, just the basic software/hardware conflicts that’s it.
This Studio is pretty decent, yet I’m definitely going to check out their Latitude E6400 especially with the too premature slot drive issue I have since experienced, it’s just not a very good sign in my book of things to come.
Yes maybe I definitely did get the proverbial Lemon, yet you mean to tell me nobody is having or had any trouble with their slot drive, as I have constantly reboot the computer in order for the eject to work and it’s very disheartening to say the least?
Thanks,
SD

 

Hey allfiredup – That reference link took me to the E6500, yet when I have real time this evening I’ll do a search for the E6400 that you wanted to reference.
Thanks,
SD

 

Sorry I only linked the E6500, here's the 14.1" E6400- http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop_latitude_e6400?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

The Latitude E6400/E6500 are based on the newest Intel platform (Montevina/Centrino2). The base processor is the 2.26GHz Intel P8400 and the 2.4GHz P8600, 2.53GHz T9400, 2.53GHz P9500* and 2.8GHz T9600 are all options! *not a typo, the T9400 and P9500 are both 2.53GHz, have a 1066MHz FSB and 6mb of L2 cache. The P9500 uses significantly less power than the T9400, so it's a better choice for the longest battery life.....it also costs $60 more than the T9400, too.

The Latitude models have an exterior called Brush Metal Black. There are also special versions of each available in Regal Red or Regatta Blue.

You'll also notice that Vista Home Premium isn't an option on the Latitude. The default O/S is Windows Vista Home Basic. Windows Vista Business is a $99 option or Windows Vista Ultimate for $149. Vista Business or Vista Ultimate are also availaable with an XP Downgrade for the same price ($99 or $149). The XP Downgrade gives you licenses for two different Operating Systems- either Vista Business AND XP, or Vista Ultimate AND XP. The laptop would ship to you with XP Professional pre-installed as the O/S, but you would received an upgrade DVD with License for Vista Business to use if and when you ever decided to upgrade from XP! It's an awesome deal, in my opinion!

The E6400, with P8400 processor, Vista Business/XP Downgrade, 14.1" WXGA+ (1440x900) LED, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, DVD RW, Intel GMA X4500 graphics, Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN, Backlit Keyboard, Integrated Fingerprint Reader and standard 3-YEAR WARRANTY COVERAGE would be $1379, just to give an example.

Feel free to Private Message me later after you've had more time to check them out. Let me know what you think about them.

Here are two reviews of the E6400 that you might want to read, too...

LAPTOP Magazine- http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/dell-latitude-e6400.aspx

Cnet.com- http://notebookreview-cnet.com.com/laptops/dell-latitude-e6400/4505-3121_7-33200149.html?tag=pdtl-list

 

Dell's support is not complete garbage or awful. It's all about how you get it. I've purchased (for my company) hundreds of thousands of dollars of Dell equipment over the years and I do my fair share of calling customer support and tech support. Granted, the call may take some time, but I always accomplish what I set out to get. The secret? If you can't understand the phone people, don't keep calling back like a mindless robot...use Dell Chat, online. The chat folks type in English (or as you stated, "American"). They are polite, and are usually more than ready to help. Plus, you get a nice transcript of what was "said" so that afterwards, if you need it as proof of what was promised, you have it in your email.

From what I hear, HP support is worse, and they don't have Chat. Average call time to HP for a minor problem can be two hours. So, let's put things into perspective and not be so hard on Dell.

Given your username, I can't imagine what happened to the verification process in your order...was your Visa BLACK card declined?

 

Hello everyone, I am looking for a little help. Just got my studio 15 yesterday and right out of the box I have a problem. Has anyone had a problem with there computer ejecting even when there is no disk in the drive. This will happen every 20 seconds or so. Is this normal and if so why.

 

hahaha, im actually 17 and my dad ordered a system for me and a system for himself. his identity got cloned so they had to verify everything. it was a pain since the indians who said they would call our house to verify everything never called. it took another indian to do so. but i did in fact reorder it. i apologize for my poor typing; im on my phone right now. my specs are (not copying and pasting)

1737

montevina t9400

wled 1440 x 900 display

320gb hdd 5400 rpm

3450 graphics 256mb

5100 wifi

4gb ram 800mhz

backlit keyboard

dvd drive

integrated fingerprint reader


some other stuff i cant remember. it seems a nice system, but i hope there arent any problems. im very excited, this laptop is for school. i have an old dimension 4600 at home, and thats all. this will be my first laptop and im psyched. how long will it take to ship? ive seen it ship within a few days and arrive within 7 days, and as one of the guys on the forums here says it took his a month to ship (as stated on his sig). can u guys give a rough estimate if i ordered on sunday? thanks

 

With Customized To Order systems, you really never know. Sometimes, I'll have a system configured, built, tested, and shipped in 2-3 days. Usually, it's longer, especially notebooks. And, it depends on availability of the particular parts you choose. When you order, you get an estimated build date, which is the date it should ship.

I generally buy from the Outlet. The systems you order today, ship today (90% of the time), you get the same warranty, the same 21-day return policy, a much cheaper price (sometimes 50% cheaper than new), and usually a system that looks brand new. It's all stacked in your favor. If you get something you don't like, return it! I like it because there is no waiting.

In any case, your system looks real nice. I have a Studio 15 and I love it. Got a great deal at the Outlet on it ($625, just like yours except mine is T5850), and with the LED backlit display, it's my favorite portable!

 

If you haven't seen me preaching the virtues of Dell Outlet already, I'll give you an AMEN! on your comments about the Outlet. I haven't configured a system from DELL in at least three years! But I've bought close to a dozen systems from the Home Outlet and Small Business Outlet. Most have been notebooks, but a few desktop systems, too...including my XPS 420 that I bought back in 12/07 for $639 as a Scratch & Dent (a small black scuff on the back corner...polished right off)! I suggest the Outlet to a lot of users here on NBR and it amazes me how many people still don't know about it!

It doesn't help that the inventory search and organization of the data in the Outlet are so clunky and not so user-friendly. But it pays off for persistent tightwads like myself when we find exactly the specs we're looking for!

My Studio 15 was priced at $959 as a Previously Ordered New model. It has the 2.5GHz T9300, 3GB RAM, 250GB Hard Drive, WXGA+ 1440x900 LED display, ATI Radeon HD 3450, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, Intel 1510-N wireless, Bluetooth adapter AND a 36-month McAfee Security subscription! The new price would have been $1417 at the time I bought it, had I configured it on the regular Dell site. I paid $5 for a 20% Coupon Code that I found on Ebay and ended up paying $767.20 plus TAX plus $19.99 shipping! What a deal!

 

Yep, agreed. Sometimes, things don't arrive as expected (such as a scratch or dent on a non-Scratch&Dent system), but overall, the advantages by far outweight the few negatives.

My Studio 15 is exactly like yours except a T5850. Everything else is the same (except 320GB HDD in mine) and mine was also a Previously Ordered New. Same 20% off coupon (which, btw, I just got another 20% off coupon in my email this morning, if anyone needs it), for $625. Sometimes, the deals I find are unbelievable.
I found a PowerEdge Server that retails for almost $4000...Scratch and Dent for $1050. WHen I got it, there wasn't a scratch or dent on it. 8-core XEON, 8GB RAM, SAS drives with PERC 6/I RAID card. Unbelievable savings there.

 

Hi, I'm planning to get this laptop.
I've never had a Dell before and I'm very comfortable with HP (but there's this Studio15 deal I can't resist). Just one question, does Dell notebooks (specifically this one) have something like HP's System Restore/Recovery?

 

Yes. Better than HP. Not only does Dell give you the OS DVD (which HP doesn't), but you can revert to a factory fresh image via a keypress at startup. Like HP, there is a recovery partition on the hard drive (at least there is as long as you don't repartition/reformat the drive when you get it!).

 

Thank you for the response. I just bought one Previously New with Intel Core2Duo 2.5GHz, 3GB RAM, ATI HD 3450 for overall $765. This is such a great price.. Can't wait for it

 

http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/1537_A04.EXE

New 1537 BIOS...wouldn't recommend trying to flash on the 1535

 

Hi All!!
Am planning to buy a Studio 15..Need it for home n office use + voice over recording + some gaming + n a lil' bit of graphic designing eg. photoshop n stuff..Am I making a good choice?
Also..have done some research n found tht Studio 15 does not have great sound...is this true? Will I face problems when using it for Sound Recording?

Awaiting your responses!
Thanx