Studio 17 with MONTEVINA is up on US Dell Website......

http://dell.synapsegroup.com/ecatalog/

It's all right there. There are several Studio 15 deals.

 

Wow got my BT card today!! - they changed how the cards integrate into the system from my m1530 this is actually a mini-pciE card. To install this will literally take 5 minutes, but that's not the point I guess. Wish I would have paid attention to that holiday guide it would have saved me $87 bucks...

 

That's my least favorite thing about Dell. You could pick each different advertised deal (catalog or their different site configs) and always come up with different prices because of the warranty deals and all the savings crap. I wish they would just have set prices and then figure discounts in if you select the items associated with them.

The code didn't actually work the day I got the book. I figured it was a misprint and the deal was too good to be true. Then on a whim, I used it on Black Friday and voila, it worked!

 

I just got the November book a few days before Black Friday :/

 

This stinks i received no such gift guide in the mail. They hate me lol

 

yep... got my bluetooth card today. Ridiculous.

I mean, it's an easy install, but I can see a lot of people with no knowledge about computer hardware being pissed. I'm definitely going to complain, maybe get something out of their screwup.

 

Just checked my order status again. It was "Changed" but no modified order was placed. Apparently, they cancelled it without notifying me. They dropped my credit line, sent me the bluetooth module (because it and the mini 9 were within the new credit line they gave me) and cancelled the laptop order without so much as an email of explanation (or an actual person to tell me my line had been decreased.) Ridiculous considering I have an account in good standing with twice that line, and a credit score in the high 700's. Never buying from Dell again. Did get their mini 9 with a 32gb SSD, 1GB ram for $200 though. Sweet.

So I went on newegg, and found a barebones kit and the essential parts... and it trounces the 1737 for less than the price I had (with the exception of the LED screen :-() Oh well.

 

That's unbelievable. I just rushed to check my order status again.

What are you supposed to do with an loose internal bluetooth module that you've apparently unwillingly paid for?

I've had several bad experiences with Dell before, you'd think I'd have learned my lesson already.

 

I finally got my 1737. I got the bluetooth module a couple of weeks ago, and when I called to asky why, they cancelled my order and placed a new one, with the bluetooth already installed. So now I've got a computer with bluetooth, and an extra card. My salesman told me I could return it, so I guess I've got $20 coming back to me due to their mistake.

PS - Does anyone else HATE the media buttons as much as I do? I find them very hard to find and to press in exactly the right spot. Anyone know of a keyboard shortcut to control the volume? (like Fn-something?)

 

haha. Hmm. I guess I'd better wait to make sure they're not going to put a new order through before I buy something else. If I hadn't gotten this mini 9 I'd be a lot more upset... it's really the only reason I went through with the order anyway (a fanless, silent, and durable 2lb laptop with ubuntu..... can't argue with that.)

I might just go desktop now that I got the cheap mini 9.. I wasn't planning on lugging that 17in monster around much anyway :-D

I'm still very pissed that I don't even get a notification, though. I bought a lot of this week to use with the notebook, that I'm now not going to be able to use for awhile. :-(


Edit: Upon logging in to the Dell Preferred Account, it still has my credit line at the original value and the price of the 1737 on my balance. They need to get their **** together.

 

I know there are many people waiting like me so i figure I'd post that my order status changed. My 1737 is now in testing phase

Timeline thus far:
Ordered - 11/28
Kitting - 12/2
Testing - 12/5 (early this morning)

Looks like it'll ship by its Dec 9th date unless something goes wrong... hopefully that doesn't occur. This is my first new PC in over 6 years. I can't stand the wait!!! My id is out of control!

 

Update: My order shipped yesterday! It will be here on tuesday via FedEx. I wish DHL was still delivering for dell, they're so much better IMHO. Anywho, everything else appears to be ok, they finally came through and got it done. Hopefully it works right and everything is as stated on the order. I really don't want to order another one. Unit was originally supposed to ship out on the 9th.

 

I am cry.

My box must have missed that plane LOLZ, I'm currently in boxing stage now! I am so fricken excited for its arrival!

 

An update too my issue-Dell has issued a credit for the bluetooth module, without requiring me to return it. I am slightly appeased .

 

Wanna give me an xmas present wise?

lol

God I am so impatient... I wanna fly to china or malaysia and pick it up lol.

 

How did you achieve this outcome?

Mine was scheduled to ship today, but I just got the email saying it's being delayed until the 12/12 (I ordered 11/24). The email says I can cancel, but doesn't make reference to the bluetooth module that's supposedly already on its way to me. I want to cancel, but I'm not willing to pay for their $15 bluetooth mistake/scam. Help!

I really, really wanted this computer, I was in love with the Studio series, but after reading some of the experiences here, I've lost too much confidence. Dell has burned me too many times before.

 

Also, how long and how much unpleasantness did it require?

 

For those of you who keep getting delays, does Dell tell you what the wait is for? Or do those of you with delays have a common denominator that is affecting your orders? As impatient as I am with an order going normal, I'd be going nuts if mine got delayed. I can only imagine how some of you must feel.

Hopefully, when you finally get your Studio, you'll find it was worth the wait!

I can't wait until it says shipping for me, I think the nearest Dell Distribution center to me is in Kentucky. Probably 3 days (standard shipping) til it gets to my home in SE Wisconsin!

It's so close I can taste it...

 

I called and cancelled mine early yesturday - I got to looking more close at that flyer deal - I saved $87 bucks, it had a larger hard drive, a better warranty, and more memory and still saved the money. Plus you get your color choice for free, and I popped for the RGB LED screen as well, so we'll see what happens. When I called she asked if I wanted to cancel the BT order as well (since the system created two different order numbers) I just said no and when I built the new system I didn't add BT since I already have it... so no worries here. My ship date backed up a bit, but that's ok.

 

No specific reason was given for my delay, just they are experiencing an ambiguous "unexpected delay." Unlike some others that have experienced delays, I did not order the RGB LED display, just the regular WUXGA one, so it's anyone's guess what the hold up is.

After thinking about it, that e-value code in the December catalog isn't really a better deal for me; I would have spent less money out of pocket that way for the configuration I intended to get, but there were some pretty good deals on upgrades that I went for that I wouldn't have paid for otherwise ($20 for a 3-year McAfee subscription and the $99 Inspiron 9).

If I cancel, I'll probably pick up the HP HDX 18t, which has a pretty good promotion going on right now...except I was just reading some horror stories about their customer service in the HP forum, so I'm a little leary of that option now, too (if you couldn't tell, I'm a paranoid malcontent).

So, I dunno...I'm really hoping someone, anyone who's received their 1737 can tell me about their experience so far. My last Dell (Inspiron 6000) cooked itself to death, an experience I'd rather not relive. If the fan calls attention to itself regardless of the system's level of activity, I want nothing to do with it.

I configured with the P8400 this time, hoping less power demand would translate to an overall cooler, quieter, and more efficient system, but I don't know what to expect from anything else. I'm reading about problems with sound processing, staccato fan noise, missing drivers, etc., and I'm not optimistic.

 

I've owned a Vostro 1500, an m1330, an m1530, and I also have a mini 9. All are fantastic computers, and I wouldn't own any other product. Service, quality, and value are all great reasons... while I haven't had a studio yet, I cannot expect it to be any different. I did have a problem with the mini 9, but service turn around time was great. We'll see what happens, I can tell you the single biggest factor in battery time is the screen. I have missed the LED backlit screen ever since I got rid of the m1330. The LED backlights are VERY bright! ... and they consume very little battery.

 

I have to say I'm starting to kind of regret not ordering the the RGB LED display (though I don't recall if it was available with the order code I used...)

Is a $100 premium really worth it? The resolution is equivalent. This is a desktop replacement for me, and I'm even getting the backlit keyboard because I expect to be using it in the dark more often than the sun, so brightness isn't an issue...I actually usually keep the brightness pretty low for better power consumption, since I don't need it that bright. If I saw one of these in action, would I be instantly converted?

 

My order jumped back and forth through the phase hierarchy like its feet were on fire. It started out in the production stage, went to the boxing stage for a few days, then back to the testing phase for a few days, then more boxing...and depending on whether I provided the purchase ID or the order number, the status and ship date were always different. Even now, having received the delay notice, the order status page still says it's scheduled to ship today. Basically, I don't believe a word it says. It seems like other people are having better luck, so I hope you don't have the same problem.

 

After reading this, I called the Order Status number and tried both ways. Both gave me the same result - Order currently in boxing stage. Additionall, just a couple minutes ago I got an email from Dell concerning my Dell Remote Access Account Setup.

Still seems like everything is going smoothly.

I wonder if maybe the got a batch of bad parts at one of their facilities. We should compare where all of our Studio 17's were built. Dell has production plants in China, Malaysia, India and other places I believe. Maybe that has something to do with it. I think they have a plant in North Carolina too.

 

The one I just received is made in Malaysia.

 

It is a $250 premium for the RGB LED display.

 

It is only $100 more than the equivalent resolution 1920x1200 without RGB LED.

They sent this to you before they shipped your unit? Do they typically do that? I haven't received that yet. What's that about?

 

Oh I see what you mean. Yes that is true.

 

Okay, not that I remember anyone asking... But, here are my various and sundry comments and opinions (and experiences).

1st - BestUserNameEver (aka, B.U.N.E.), excellent imagery in your recent posts. You've made reading this thread entertaining!

2nd - Unfortunately, my S17 sounds like it's in the exact same eternal staging Heck that B.U.N.E.'s is in. I'm currently (according to the latest Dell email) supposed to get mine next Thursday (originally yesterday). Dell gave No Reason for the delay other than what was already stated by B.U.N.E.

3rd - Dell definitely sends out the Remote Access Account Setup email WAY before you get your system. In fact, they'll still send the email out even after you may have cancelled your order. Oops.

4th - Not to put down any Company or Product - but, I tried HP a month or so ago, their HDX 16 specifically. And while the screen was excellent, nothing else really was and it was returned.

Even though I've had epic issues with Dell this year - IMHO only - I'd recommend sticking with Dell as long as you can stand it. Sadly, I can assure you that Dell is immaculate at graciously accepting returns from unhappy Customers.

5th - (My hope is) The benefit of the RGB LED LCD over the CCFL LCD isn't (necessarily) brightness, it's correct color reproduction (that's where the RGB part comes into play).

IF (and it's certainly not a certainty) I actually get my currently-ordered S17, it will be my second S17. I returned the first (back in July) because its LCD (1920x1200) was horrible at color reproduction. Note: I'm just a programmer and am in no way a graphic artist. But still, it drove me crazy.

The best way I can describe it, other than just saying it had a horrible gamut (I hope I used that term correctly) is that it totally messed up any subtle gradients and made some well-known excellent BluRay transfers (ie. "The 5ifth Element") look like a cartoon.

The other good-bad example was the QuickTime trailer for "Ember" - the reds looked like they were jumping off the screen compared to any other color. And that was after calibration attempts.

Anyway - in summary - I'm not sure why, but, I'm choosing to remain optimistic. WHEN I get this S17, it'll be perfect (well, after I install the already received BT Module - which I've already groaned about). Its RGB LED screen will be stunning. And I will, once again, be a Happy Dell Customer. <Repeat until blood pressure returns to normal>

Sorry for the long post!

 

Yeah, about that Dell Bluetooth Module.... Why in the world is Dell shipping it seperatly from the system??? If you have for example a 70 year old man or woman and doesn't know anything about installing components, why would Dell do this?

Has anyone received theirs with Bluetooth installed, but the card was sent in addition by mistake? How hard is it for the Dell factory workers to install it?

Also, I just recently ordered my Studio 1737 and I only got 1 e-mail about my order from Dell for confirmation. Do you get a second e-mail if they ship a Bluetooth module?

 

Mark, as long as you're going to be so complimentary, feel free to give as opinions as you like

And thanks for the perspective on the RGB LED and the HP business. I do work with graphics and video, so I could appreciate better color...I feel like I made a mistake. Maybe I'll try out the configuration I ordered (assuming I receive it) and trade up if I'm dissatisfied (assuming I receive it within 21 days of invoice :/ ) As far as HP goes, thank you for substantiating what I already wanted to believe. I'd never forgive myself for passing up on the Studio; I've been holding out for one since at least June. They're just about the loveliest laptops I've ever seen.

I thought I noticed someone mentioning somewhere in this thread that they received one with it installed and one separately (or maybe I'm getting mixed up). As far as the order confirmation goes, I only received one, too, and it provided separate order numbers for both the system and the bluetooth card.

If Dell sends the remote access account emails before they ship systems, why haven't they sent me mine? Does that mean they're not going to ship my system? Don't they like me?

 

Just wanted to post alittle review on the Studio 17 that I received yesterday with the P8400 and the RGB LED display. Everything works great and I have no issues with it. The colors are beautiful and really dont need much adjustment. Very vibrant and solid. I did do a color calibration using the Spyder 2 Express but found that I liked it better without so removed those settings. I can look down under the bezel on the bottom left side and see a red light which I guess is part of the RGB lighting. It is a very bright screen.
There is alittle backlight bleed at the bottom of the screen but very little. Nothing to be concerned about.

The display is made by LG which makes sense since they recently announced that they would be making these for notebook manufacturers. I had both the LG and Samsung version of the XPS 1730 (non-LED) and this one has more of a soft look like the Samsung. I did not like the LG on the XPS 1730 the colors were terrible inaccurate and couldnt be adjusted. Regardless the screen looks better than the XPS 1730. It also looks a lot better than the MacBook Pro 17 (non-LED) which I had for awhile too.

I have been comparing this side by side with my Sony Xbrite-HiColor notebook which uses the dual CCFL. The picture quality between the two is very similiar. As far as brightness the Studio 17 is alittle brighter but the picture quality is about the same from what I can see on both of them. They both have excellent pictures.

I was surprised that they already have the screen on the Dell Precision also but it costs a lot more not only for this screen but also the notebook.

Anyway if anyone has any questions feel free to ask. I didnt order the Bluetooth so I cant help you with that.

 

Someone asked a bit back how I got a credit for the bluetooth module.. I just filled out a return request (which was rather scathing and threatening) about sending me a piece of equipment from a pre-build machine, demanding my money back. It must've been a common error with these orders, because they authorized the credit without any further hassle, and told me a return wouldn't be necessary (maybe they're overstocked?). The credit I ended up getting was only something like $17, I think (so definitely not for shipping). I'm not terribly worried about it because I'm so impressed with the Mini 9... hehe. I still haven't gotten any update on what has actually happened to my order, however.

Edit: I got only one order notification (the Studio, Mini 9, and BT module are coutned as one order). They do ship separately, though. I don't remember getting shipping notifications at all, but I may have. I did get an ordered delay message for the 1737 about a week before it was "changed," though.

Idk. I hope they at least tell me what's going on before Monday. If they haven't, I'm saving copies of their order status checker and all the correspondence and buying elsewhere.

 

If brightness is ignored, would you say the RGB LCD is enough of an improvement to justify the price?

Thanks for posting your thoughts!

 

Yeah, that was me...did you do that just because they shipped it uninstalled, or because you wanted to cancel and refund? I'm not impressed at all that I'm expected to do their installation work for them (that's kind of part of what I thought I was paying them to do), but I'm not sure I want to jeopardize my entire order in pursuit of rectification...I don't know what to do. Thanks for the info!

 

That is a very good question. If the Studio 17 with the regular 1920x1200 LCD is using the same Samsung panel used in the XPS1730 then I would say if brightness is ignored the picture qualities will be the same and the RGB LED might not justify the price. Depends which non-LED display they are using in the Studio 17. I would be interested in finding out when you get yours.

Keep in mind that you pay a premium for the Sony Xbrite-HiColor display also which explains the excellent PQ.

 

WOOTERS! My Studio 17 shipped today. It should be here by the end of the week. I'm super excited!

Ordered 11/28
Shipped 12/07 (2 days ahead of schedule)

 

They shipped on a Sunday?

They won't even ship mine M-F :laugh:

 

Well, had my Studio 1737 order not mysteriously disappeared, I wouldn't have returned it. But I'm pretty sure they'll give you the credit anyway. My take on the situation is that the module is shipping installed now, and someone just screwed up initially with the form and made it add a bluetooth module separately. It's a pretty simple install with the miniPCIe interface though, if they don't. I'd complain and get my refund (which I looked again and it was only $13, not $17... doesn't seem like enough, but it's something.) regardless. Like I said, they were very eager to give me the credit, so it's not a big hassle' Just go to the order status of the Bluetooth Module after it ships, and there's a link to Request a Return. Explain the situation on that. A pre-built system is supposed to be just that, pre-built.

Glad to hear everone's loving theirs so far :-D

 

Interesting, I've never done this. So you didn't actually have to speak to anyone? No being transferred, no waiting on hold?

 

jet757f - Thanks for taking the time to write that review! Good news is always appreciated on this thread

I'm very happy to hear the positive comments on the RGB LED. Screens have been my sorest point with Dell this year and finishing the year with a perfect, bright, color-correct screen would be such a great ending.

That said, B.U.N.E. - Man, it doesn't matter how many times I edit and review my posts, I always wind up either over (or under) stating things I didn't intend to. My bad.

Honestly, I don't think you should feel any regret about not getting the RGB LED. I really think I just got a bad screen before. Most people I've seen posts from, are happy with their non-RGB displays. In fact, other than me, I haven't heard of any bad press concerning displays on the Studio 17. In other words, there's an excellent chance that I'm just flat out too picky.

WatchRandy - I'm happy that your system shipped on a Sunday... But, again, I've gotta admit that my experience is more in-line with B.U.N.E.'s - they won't even ship mine on a week-day. Dangit.

 

Who knows, from all of our input there certainly doesn't seem to be a "Standard Operating Procedure". I just hope we all get ours sooner than later, then we can talk about how much we love/hate our Studios as opposed to how much we hate waiting for them.

 

Yes I am very picky about picture quality not only on notebook computer screens but also my lcd monitors (which are IPS) on my home systems. So I am very spoiled. Unfortunately they dont make IPS or even PVA type screens for notebook computers anymore so finding the best TN type notebook display is a real challenge. Im not sure how they do it on the Studio 17 series but I know on the XPS 1730 there were 3 different manufacturers supplying displays LG.......Samsung and Sharp. I had experience with the LG and Samsung. On the XPS1730 it is a non-LED 1920x1200 display. I liked the Samsung but thought the LG was terrible.

I would be very curious to see who is making the display for the Studio 17 1920x1200 non-LED display. If anyone has one of these I would be very interested in finding out who the manufacturer is. Im fairly certain that for right now the RGB-LED type screen will be made by LG.

 

Ha, don't worry about it, Mark. I think I'm more concerned about not being picky enough than about being happy with the screen, since I've never had a spectacular screen to compare it to. I just want to know what I'm missing

 

Just a question to those of you getting the super ultra high res screens...

What is the main reason that you got the highest res screen? Personally, I plan on gaming so I got a 1440x900 res screen because 1) I know gaming works best at a monitors native rez and that 2) the 3650 wasn't going to cut it at a 1920 res @ high quality for gaming.

Don't get me wrong, I know the Studio isn't really a gamers laptop, but I play WoW and would like to play a few newer games, even if the graphics have to be lowered - my current desktop won't play some of the newer games AT ALL. The Studio just offered way more bang for my buck than an XPS would.

I'm curious then, if many of you plan on gaming at that resolution or if many of you got Blu Ray drives in your Studios or what your main use of the Studio will be?

 

1920x1200 is a good resolution when you want to use your screen as efficient as possible. I can imagine this being important for webdesigners, programmers, graphic designers, etc.

I'm also using my 1737 for gaming (nothing new, just a long backlog of games that I never played in the past), so I chose the 1440x900 resolution as well. But if you have the higher resolution screen it's also possible to connect a separate LCD screen that you can use for gaming in it's native resolution (eg a 19" LCD @ 1280x1024).

 

My laptop actually shipped on the 4th, when my last order was supposed to ship before they cancelled it for no reason. It's on the truck now on it's way here. I ordered the 1440x900 LED Screen and had the non-LED screen before i'll try my best to let you know any differences, also my bluetooth module is coming pre-installed.

 

I would think you'd want to maximize your screen resolution for any application that doesn't involve massive amounts of rendering at high frame rates (unless you need greater resolution for this and your machine has the power), or if you're visually impaired. In other words, if you're using your screen as a workspace, it's beneficial to have as much of it as you can.

 

Great news!

I just got a second order delay notice, this time for the Inspiron 9 I bought with the Studio 17.

Assuming they ship it by that date, and assuming the date of 12/2 on the invoice for bluetooth card represents the beginning of my 21-day return period, I should have 2 days to spend with my systems to determine if one is a lemon and wrangle an RMA out of a Dell representative!

 

Nope. A representative sent me an email a few hours later, reading:



"Thank you for contacting Dell.

I understand that you wish to return the Bluetooth Module placed on the order number 538108071. I apologize for the inconvenience caused. I will assist you further.

Please be advised that a credit request has been issued.

Your reference number is [number].

Please allow at least thirty days for the credit to be issued back to your original form of payment.

Please note that it will not be necessary for this item to be returned to Dell. "

I got a second email the next day saying the credit had been authorized (for $13 or so).

Haven't actually seen it applied to the Dell Preferred account balance (and my studio 1737's cost is still on there even though the order's disappeared.) No word yet from the support staff I emailed asking about my order status :-(.

Edit: So far, an excellent experience with Dell customer service. It took them a bit to get in contact with me, but the representative gave me a $60 gift certificate for the inconvenience to use when I re-place my order (after I receive the gift code). I'm thinking that was meant to upgrade my shipping, but I'm not positive. I might call back before I finalize the order, since he left me his extension.