Im thinking about picking up this bad boy but I dont want to get caught like I did with my Inspiron 1520 when I bought it 3 years ago (I bought it and then 3 days later they bought out the 1525 which was 20% lighter etc).
Also i've heard lots of things regarding XPS machines running very hot, is it very bad? Or is it one of those things that are just blown out of proportion?
I am looking to get a Studio XPS 16 soon, but can't quite decide on which model to get and had a few questions...
1) What is the battery life of the 1647 (i5) compared to the 1645 (i7) assuming they have the same specs. I've read that i5's should last longer, but I really couldn't find anything comparing the two for these systems.
2) When configuring the 1645 and 1647 side-by-side with the same specs. The 1647 is about the same price as the 1645, if not more (depending on which processor selected). I thought the i5's were supposed to be less expensive than the i7's. Since they are about the same price, would it be better to go with the i7? Any reason to choose the i5 over i7?
Is dell going to refresh the dell studio 17 soon with a 4xxx series ati card?
View 10 Replies View RelatedWhen do you think the Studio 17 it's going to be refreshed?
View 10 Replies View RelatedI've been thinking of getting a Studio XPS 16.
However, before I buy one I want to know if there's been any word on dell refreshing the CPU or chipset on this model? I would rather wait 6 months to buy a new laptop than to buy it and have a newer model come out.
It's been a while since I kept up with the latest mobile processors and chipsets. I found a powerpoint presentation that indicated Intel would release the T9900 in the second half of 2009, but not sure if this would also include new chipset.
I have LED screen, and in Display Settings it is recognised as: "Generic PnP monitor on ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650" , and the only refresh rate possible is 60 Hertz. Question is - isn't it a bit low? Is it normal for that screen?
View 9 Replies View RelatedWell im currently using the Dell XPS M1330 since 2008 let me say it has been awesome! The only problem has been the battery which has been dead since early February I believe so I have been operating using the adapter.
The dead battery is still in the laptop.
However, now my idle temps are over 75 c and often over 80 c, so im thinking about selling this in fact I will be selling this shortly. Especially given the fact that the warranty ran out in February of this year.
Anyhow, im wondering if the XPS line will be refreshed in 2010 and when can we expect some new XPS models.
I only purchase my computers from Best Buy and currently they really do not have anything which really grabs me
I'm getting this next month (or the order says I am), and I have a couple questions reading this forum:
1. I'm getting an i7 Quad Core -720, that's still a 1647 right? I keep reading that the 640 is what that goes up to, but am not sure.
2. What is throttling? I do a search on the internet and all I get is Drag Racing info Is that when the fan starts to spin super hard?
3. I've got a 1640 that I'm selling once I get it....it's new from Dell because of an exchange so no warranty (but can be upgraded by the buyer), what do you think is a fair asking price? It's a P8700 2.53 Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM 320GB HD, 512MB ATI 3670. HD screen, etc.
I've been starting to see more references about Studio XPS 1647 here and on Dell's site, but I couldn't figure out what distinguishes this model from the others (1640 & 1645).
View 10 Replies View Relatedis the alienware m15x experiencing throttling and heat problems like the 1647/1645?
i say this because i could get a m15x i7 4GRAM for $1734 1G Nvidia GTX 260M via dell rep .....
Been lurking the boards over the last 9 months and every month (at least used to be) there was a "Just around the corner Dell is refreshing their XPS line" or "releasing a new Studio with better graphics card" post.
Now they either seem to have died entirely (i.e. people realize why there has been no XPS refresh with Montevino) or I'm missing where those posts have gone.
Before I put some $$$ towards an HP, any news?
I like the Studio line but their graphics cards are quite low and the XPS are about as old as an Apple ][e :/
I currently have the Studio XPS 1645. My uses for the machine are client visits, presentations, and occasionally gaming on the road.
I probably only log 5 hours a week on the laptop 3 weeks a month and 30 or so in the other week (when I am not at home).
I have read about the throttling issue and this is my last day to return. So knowing my usage pattern. Would you keep the quad core or change out for the 1647.
Is the 1647 the new replacement for the 1645?
Can anyone confirm it does NOT have the power problems?
Here's what I'm contemplating - opinions accepted.
Only thing ticking me off is no Blu-ray option available until 4th week of Jan.
224-6716 1 Studio XPS 16 Notebook
317-2361 1 Intel CoreTM i7-720QM (1.6 - 2.8 GHz 6M/8 threads)
317-2364 1 4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 Dimm
320-8330 1 15.6 inch Wide Screen 16:9 1080p Full HD WLED LCD, W/2.0 MP, XPS 1645
421-1010 1 Dell Webcam Central v1.4
421-0188 1 Facial Recognition
320-8350 1 ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4670 1GB
330-5460 1 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP,XPS 1645
341-8989 1 500GB 7200RPM Free Fall SensorSeagate Hard Drive
320-8351 1 Obsidian Black High Gloss Finish
421-1737 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
421-0323 1 Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface
420-6576 1 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
420-9100 1 Dell Dock Consumer
420-6436 1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
421-0187 1 Dell Support Center Software 64 Bit 2.0
420-7938 1 Dell Connect 2.1
421-0092 1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG .....
From what I've heard it seems like the Dell Studio XPS 1647 has good enough specs to play a good number of games. But I want to ask the community who owns a Studio XPS 1647 to give me their opinion on it when gaming on it. Note that I'm well aware that the Dell Studio XPS 1647 isn't made for just gaming. Anyways I'm planning on buying one but I'm not too convince to do so.
I plan on playing games on the Studio XPS 1647 most of the time, but I'm also willing to do other things such as surfing on the internet, homework, etc.. From looking at the specs I believe that it would be a good computer to buy, but having to look at the graphic card (ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 4670 – 1GB) I'm not too sure that I'll be able to play the games I want to play with the graphic details I want to play in. When I say games I mean like Bad Company 2, Starcraft 2 etc..
Just curious if anyone else is having this problem/glitch when I unplug the laptop from AC power and the screen brightness is turned up about more than 1 tick the screen turns really red and dark but then brightens up a second later.
It seems odd that it turns mostly red and then back up to normal in a second
So if you have followed my system you know what I have gone through, if not just know that it's in the UPS system making its way back to Dell.
I'm planning on re-ordering either before or after I receive my refund, but before would only be possible if I can get my system down to ~2500.
My original system is below in my signature for $2453.00 (includes tax + shipping) .....
Got a the beep codes, but apparently they don't mean anything with this model.I have no POST, and it's a black screen. The LCD icons (sounds, mutes, et cetera) are doing nothing out of the ordinary. I did the LCD BIST, and the colors came up fine.
View 6 Replies View RelatedIt looks like Dell will be upgrading to the mobility HD 5730 (which is lame, by the way, since there will amost certainly now be no gddr5 memory but thats for another thread).
But my question is whether they have enabled the switchable graphics or are making us pay for an IGP we will never be able to use.
I'll bet the lazy engineers at Dell wont bother with it and argue that you dont need intergrated graphics if you have discrete graphics and so on ......
today I bricked my new 1645 when I was examing the BIOS for the 1647. The BIOS release 1647_A00.exe released this month automatically begins flashing on an 1645
and does not seem to check compatibility or confirm with the user before it updates.
The BIOS is completely incompatible with the 1645 to say the least, so be very careful if you download it on to a non-1647 system.
Dell is building a new system due to this really sad event. Rip XPS 1645 - December 5th 2009.
Turns out from the Dell Canada website that the new and (supposedly) improved studio xps 1647 will only sport the ATI's mobility 5730 which incidentally does not support gddr5- EVEN AS AN OEM OPTION! Many expected to see the mobility 5770 in the updated SXPS'S or at the very least, a 5750 WITH 1GB OF GDDR5. The 5730 is simply unacceptable! Dell charges TOP DOLLAR for these little puppies and now they are cutting corners on the GPU'S! Dell should be ashamed!This laptop does not even deserve the XPS moniker. The graphics are too weak. It should be a Studio Pro 1647.
AS WE ALL KNOW ALL OF ATI'S NEW MOBILE CARDS USE A RATHER LAME 128 BIT MEMORY INTERFACE AND AS SUCH, RESONABLE PERFORMANCE CAN ANLY BE ACHIEVED WITH THE USE OF GDDR5 ram which runs at about twice the speed of GDDR3.
Yesterday my computer crashed 3 times for no reason so I went to check BIOS and by chance found out that my ram is actually 1066Mhz. The order sheet says I ordered 4GB, DDR3, 1333MHz 2 dimm, and I remembered I did as well. So, did Dell send me the wrong RAM?
Or, as I've googled, is this all a Dell marketing scam such that the 1333MHz ram we ordered only performs at 1066Mhz by default and you'll have to manually overclock it to perform at 1333Mhz (which may not be safe for the system)?
I have been asked to start this thread by a Dell representative so this issue can be cleared up. It will also serve as a thread where future information relating to the 1647 chipsets (and ultimately switchable graphics) can be posted. This has been talked about in the owner's lounge but I'm sure most owners agree that this issue is of enough importance to merit its own thread.
As most 1647 owners are aware, the 1647 is not being shipped with the HM55 chipset, despite Dell's website claiming it would be:
Instead it is being shipped with the slightly older PM55 chipset which was introduced back in September 09' with the quad-core mobile i7's, and is the chipset used on the 1645. This has been confirmed here, here and here.Why would you want the HM55 instead of the PM55? For most, it's one simple reason. The HM55 chipset supports utilisation of the on-die IGP on the new Arrandale range of CPU's. The PM55 unfortunately does not; it cannot transfer the IGP data to the laptop screen, due to the lack of Intel's FDI bus capability (Flexible Display Interface).What does this mean? As the PM55 can't utilise the graphics processor built-in to the new Arrandale CPU's, then switchable graphics is not possible.So if we had the HM55, would we have switchable graphics? At the moment, no. Basically something like NVIDIA's Optimus software is required. Currently ATI do not offer a switchable graphics software solution. BIOS support would also be required from Dell.But, if software and BIOS support is eventually offered, I won't be able to utilise SG anyway, as I have the PM55, right? Correct. This is what we need Dell to clear up. Most owners (not all) purchased the 1647 on the premise that they would receive the HM55.For those interested, some further information on the PM55/HM55 chipsets and switchable graphics can be found here. Chipset information can be found below.
Mobile Intel® PM55 Express Chipset
Mobile Intel® HM55 Express Chipset
There is however one "flaw" that would be present if Dell actually went by the chipset and CPU listings on their website. The flaw is the i7-620M. It's a dual-core 32nm Arrandale CPU with an IGP. In other words, it's far more like the i5-520M and i5-540M than the quad-core 45nm i7 CPU's. So, according to Dell's website listing, the i7-620M (as it's an i7) is to be shipped with the PM55. This issue will hopefully be cleared up by Dell also, so let's wait and see what they say.
Please let me know if I have missed out important information and I will include it here. Similarly, this applies if any of the above information is incorrect, please let me know and I'll correct it.
When I boot up my PC it comes to a screen expressing that the battery is critically low and the AC Adapter cannot charge properly, press F1 twice to continue.
The computer continues to boot up fine, but is running strictly off AC power. It boots up the same with or without the battery locked in. I even bought a used, but guaranteed functional battery and it had the same result.
After researching a lot online I saw a common solution is to update the Bios.   Currently my system has Bios A01, and I have tried updating to A07, A11, and even A00 without luck. When running the executable in Windows 7, just before it flashes the system with a new bios I get fail message saying operation cannot complete because AC Adapter and battery must be present and functional.
So I found a guide online to create an MS-DOS startup boot drive, along with the Bios .exe's which can be run from MS-DOS. The system booted up into MS-DOS mode fine, but I received an error running the .exe, "Cannot run in DOS mode". I also tried to run the .exe with the /forceit command afterwards with no luck.
So at this point I don't know if my laptop simply needs a BIOS update, or if I have a faulty motherboard or battery sensor.Â
Ideally I'd like a solution to upgrade the bios without a battery that works and can resolve my problem. But if we can't find a solution, I need to know what needs to be fixed so I can repair my laptop through Dell's Out of Warranty Repair service.Â
The touch sensitive media buttons above the keyboard on my Studio XPS 1647 stopped working the other day. When I tried to turn my laptop back on the computer beeped a few times and the screen flashed a few solid colors and then went black. I had to turn the laptop off and on again and it booted as normal except the media buttons stopped working. They do not light up or respond to touch.
I have restarted the laptop, updated the Dell QuickSet drivers and the BIOS and nothing has fixed it. According to this post the media buttons need to be replaced. How can I do that and where can I buy the parts needed?
I am one of the many people here who has a defective Studio XPS 1645 (random crashing and throttling issues). I was promissed a replacement system by a tech support supervisor and Studio XPS 1647 was mentioned by him as a replacement for the 1645 system which will fix all outstanding issues (as claimed by him). I don't have a detailed system configuration yet and will post as soon as I recieve one.
I just don't want to be a beta tester for Dell once again if 1647 proves to have design flaws like the 1645.
Does anyone out there have 1647 yet? Is this an upgrade to 1645 (hope its not a downgrade)? Should I accept this offer or demand a full refund?
Studio XPS 1647 laptop can't boot past POST and stuck at Dell splash screen with progress bar at ~80%. After holding down FN and pressing the power button, all three volume LEDS would flash twice, immediately followed by the volume UP and DOWN keys flashing, and then followed by just the Volume Down LED flashing.
Recently my Studio XPS 1647 has had overheat problems, and sometimes they would cause BSOD with broken screen images. The BSOD always came with bcode 116 error: this is apparently video card related. So last weekend I opened the case, removed the heat sink and the fan. The heat sink vent was completely blocked with a thick layer of dirt, so it's no wonder for overheating. I cleaned up the heatsink vent and the fan, cleaned up the top of CPU chip and the top of GPU chip, reapplied thermal paste and put everything back together. After that, the machine couldn't pass the Dell splash screen on boot. I've already checked the discussions here and followed suggestions on holding down the power button to remove static, reseating the memory card etc., but they are of no use.
Finally I followed the instructions on starting up ePSA. I've tried it repeatedly, and every time the boot always stuck at the Dell splash screen with the progress bar at about 80% with or without applying ePSA. The SPA screen never came up if I held down FN+Power button. The difference between a generic boot and a PSA boot is that if I held down FN+Power button, all three volume LEDS would flash twice, immediately followed by the volume UP and DOWN keys flashing, and then followed by just the Volume Down LED flashing.
I've read from a few discussions talking about all three volume LEDS flashing would be a motherboard problem. But in my case it's three LEDs flashing twice, followed by volume UP and DOWN keys flashing once, and then followed by just the Volume Down LED flashing continuously. What this PSA blinking code means?
How exactly often do they happen? I plan on getting an FW very soon, I could buy one early Feb, or wait until middle march will be the best times for me to buy one financially wise. My question is if I wait until middle March sometime, do you think there will be some upgrades on it opposed to the current FW390CTO?
View 3 Replies View RelatedDid a clean install of Win7 Pro the day after I received my 1647 (see specs in signature). Updated the BIOS to A04 and received my replacement 130w adapter via courier yesterday.
Migrated my data from my old daily use machine and started to use the XPS1647 as my new daily use late last week. I immediately noticed that the hard drive tends to "click" (for lack of better terminology) on a regular basis. It almost sounds like the drive head is constantly parking and un-parking.
Note: I am pretty sure it is the hard drive causing the noise. Front left hand side next to the track pad is where the noise seems to be originating.
I have the power settings set to never turn off the hard drive when plugged in (this was my initial suspicion of what was causing the noise).
I am thinking of calling Support and just having a tech come and have a look at it. The problem is the noise seems to come and go as it pleases (ie I can't reproduce the issue at will). Of course if and when the tech comes to have a look at it and the noise isn't being produced they will just tell me I am nuts.
Are any other XPS1647 owners hearing the same thing I am? If this is indeed the Hard Drive I am a little concerned as it seems flaky already...
1.
I got my laptop back in august of 2008. Everything has been good up until a few weeks ago. From the moment I turn my computer on the CPU sit at 50% usage. I have no idea what is causing this. I can restart the laptop and as soon as vista boots up the cpu is sitting at 50% usage. According to the task manger windows explorer (explorer.exe) is using the cpu the most.
This is while at idle.
What could cause this? I thought maybe firefox was causing the problem so I uninstalled it but that only worked for about a day
2.
On a side note, my laptop will not stay in standby. I close the lid it goes into standby and then a few min later comes back on. When it comes back on the fan is also running nonstop. Sometimes after it comes back from standby the mute and volume up buttons will be blinking. the buttons still work but they blink. I have already checked the power setting and they are not preventing standby
how long does it take to to start up your studioxps from pressing the on button to getting a page(google) open on firefox.
takes me about 1min 2-3sec
but only like 49sec to get logged on
for some reason msn and firefox are slow on start up, maybe its because of 64bit?
Also, stat your system specs.