Dell Laptop User Thread

[Diavonex]

Does changing the ram on dell laptops void the warrenty ?

Don't worry, they even show you how to add/remove RAM, HDD, CD-ROM, internal battery etc.

 

[tomatian]

yup ok thanks for answering my qns...
but what abt the XP drivers for inspiron 1525?
I am aware that Dell does not provide any Xp drivers for this model.
Really hope some one have compile a list of working drivers.
Thanks !!!

 

[Pathfinder]

Correction.
Dell's HSDPA modules are firmware locked to US Telcos like Cingular, Vodafone and EVDO.

That does not mean local telcos are not ready, in fact it has been in use for more than a year by M1 and Fujitsu

Dell's HSDPA modules are not locked. I'm using this with my XPS M1330 now with M1 Broadband.

 

[Isham]

Hi I've been using my Vostro 1500 for almost a week now. I just noticed that 2dae, the cooling fan is not running. Can anybody tell me whether the cooling fan should be running all the time or only at certain temperatures will the fan activate. Any reply would be much appreciated. Thanx.

 

[Pathfinder]

Hi I've been using my Vostro 1500 for almost a week now. I just noticed that 2dae, the cooling fan is not running. Can anybody tell me whether the cooling fan should be running all the time or only at certain temperatures will the fan activate. Any reply would be much appreciated. Thanx.

try running some intensive applications, see if your fan kicks in?

 

[Diavonex]

Hi I've been using my Vostro 1500 for almost a week now. I just noticed that 2dae, the cooling fan is not running. Can anybody tell me whether the cooling fan should be running all the time or only at certain temperatures will the fan activate. Any reply would be much appreciated. Thanx.

Just run the Dell Diagnostic program.

There's a test to check the fan and many other things.

 

[leslie11]

My XPS 1210 screen has cracked. Anyone with similar experience can adivse how long it'll take to fix it or how much it'll cost? Thanks in advance!

 

[PC_Dreams]

Dell's HSDPA modules are not locked. I'm using this with my XPS M1330 now with M1 Broadband.

You are using unlocked aftermarket parts from Dell, the laptops configured at Dell Singapore's website and even Courts do not have the HSDPA module option when purchasing a new Dell.

 

[cyberian]

You are using unlocked aftermarket parts from Dell, the laptops configured at Dell Singapore's website and even Courts do not have the HSDPA module option when purchasing a new Dell.

Got the same card as Pathfinder and I bought mine from Dell USA and it comes with Cingular sim card which I do not use. The module was not firmware lock to any US telcos, I'm using it on Sintel now and it's easy to configure.

 

[Shu]

If anyone wishes to have their Dell TrueLife glossy screen replaced with a standard matte one because its too glossy, you can. Just give the customer service hotline (press 2, then 4) a call and lodge your complaint. If it's within 30 days of your purchase, you shouldn't encounter any problem. If it's after, they'll tell you as much, and might also say no one else has the problem, implying you're a unique case, so you should live with it. Otherwise, you'll have to pay for a replacement screen.

Don't go down without a fight. They asked me to email pics of my screen, and said they'll try their best to get my complaint resolved. I did not take photos of my screen. Instead, I used those from the site below, plus parts of the write-ups. I couldn't have said it better than these guys!

Faced with this evidence, Dell eventually agreed to replace the screen FOC.


I'm not sure if this has already been discussed (the thread's too long!) but for a better idea of why you would want to seek a downgrade, please refer to these websites:

http://www.matbennett.com/tech/dell-truelife-screen.php
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/76189/Make_TrueLife_optional_again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTKRS15VoXc

In my case, the glossy screen strained my eyes and was headache inducing in the school library, where I use my notebook the most.

I do not wish to debate the pros and cons of TrueLife. Yes, I know the images are sharper. Yes, I know the colours are brighter. But I really couldn't tahan the reflection. So for the sake of my eyesight and sanity, I have to replace the screen with a normal matte one.

For everyone's info!

 

[Softcore]

Yes that's true regarding the reflection. No matter what word-gimmicks each brand uses to show that their glossy screen is as non-reflective as possible, it will still relfect like a mirror.

 

[Pathfinder]

Yes, I'm definitely using unlocked after market parts from Dell, and my point is, these modules are not locked to US Telcos like Cingular, Vodafone and EVDO. If they are locked, how can i use it with my M1 Broadband? Cyberian is also using the same module with Singtel Mobile.

You are using unlocked aftermarket parts from Dell, the laptops configured at Dell Singapore's website and even Courts do not have the HSDPA module option when purchasing a new Dell.

Correction.
Dell's HSDPA modules are firmware locked to US Telcos like Cingular, Vodafone and EVDO.

That does not mean local telcos are not ready, in fact it has been in use for more than a year by M1 and Fujitsu

 

[hwzbee]

I'm getting either a Vostro 1500 or XPS M1330 this march. I read about the CPU whine problem with Dell laptops. Anyone encounter this in Singapore? Did anyone return-exchange cos of this and was it solved? Thanks

Vid that shows the M1330 whine while it is turned off and charging
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Pmqy4T8JM

 

[Pathfinder]

I'm getting either a Vostro 1500 or XPS M1330 this march. I read about the CPU whine problem with Dell laptops. Anyone encounter this in Singapore? Did anyone return-exchange cos of this and was it solved? Thanks

Vid that shows the M1330 whine while it is turned off and charging
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Pmqy4T8JM

mine got that whinning sound, but an bios upgrade sort of eliminate it or soften it.

 

[hwzbee]

mine got that whinning sound, but an bios upgrade sort of eliminate it or soften it.

Which bios? Is it this one?
BIOS: Dell XPS M1330 System BIOS, English, XPS M1330, A07
Release Date: 1/16/2008

Anyone else had the problem and managed to exchange for one that didnt have the whine?

 

[Pathfinder]

Which bios? Is it this one?
BIOS: Dell XPS M1330 System BIOS, English, XPS M1330, A07
Release Date: 1/16/2008

Anyone else had the problem and managed to exchange for one that didnt have the whine?

No, Not A07, it's A09 now.

BIOS: Dell XPS M1330 System BIOS, English, XPS Desktop M1330, A09

 

[Softcore]

Can the mods create a Dell subforum? Or is there a need for sponsor? =s

 

[alex76]

Anybody use 1420 with Logitech v470 bluetooth mouse? mine always suddenly got disconnected, sometimes it auto reconnect after a few minutes, sometimes I have to add new bluetooth device manually... dunno what's problem

 

[Softcore]

Bluetooth is very crappy on whichever system. There's a lot of problems with the bluetooth drivers. Even sometimes I can send files from my handphone. Sometimes cannot.

 

[Pathfinder]

Anybody use 1420 with Logitech v470 bluetooth mouse? mine always suddenly got disconnected, sometimes it auto reconnect after a few minutes, sometimes I have to add new bluetooth device manually... dunno what's problem

your problem is not new for bluetooth mouse... i'm using this. Highly Recommended.