Dell Precision M3800 Owner's Review

Thanks for the detailed information as usual! I would just be looking to do a clean install of (most likely) 8.1 Pro without trying to modify the Edition (e.g. install Core or Enterprise). As long as that can be done with a "stock" Microsoft Windows 8.1 copy and without the Dell Windows media, I will be a happy camper.

Thanks again!

 

What is this recovery USB that everyone seems to have gotten with their m3800. I didn't get one with my purchase. What's on it and how can I create my own?

 

The accessories package seems to vary by market region. In the US, M3800s ship with the recovery drive, a dongle to allow use of Dell AC adapters with the regular-size tip, and USB 2.0 to Gigabit Ethernet adapter that supports PXE (to allow imaging these systems over the network). The recovery drive from what I've read here is just a vanilla Windows 8.1 Pro installation, i.e. not a full factory restore image. If you can get your hands on a Windows 8.1 ISO, you can use this tool to create your own: Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way.

 

+1 for monoprice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I asked Dell support for one and got it and a disk for free. It seem to be an executable (not an iso) that does a restore to the factory settings. I am running W7. It does not appear to be a way to do a dual boot.

I wanted to try W8 and did a Vbox version to try. I am sticking with W7.

 

Ok cool thanks.

New question: Is there a FN or other hot key present for enabling/disabling the touch pad? I've yet to find one.

Precision Mobile Workstation M3800 Keyboard Guide | Dell Australia this page claims that it's FN + F5, however for me that's the Play/Pause hot key. I have a Swedish layout though, perhaps that's why it's not the same.

However while typing this I realized that I could just as well use the touch screen to do it if it's off with no mouse present. Derp moment lol. Not used to have a touch screen on a laptop.

 

As a longtime Dell user (workstations for business, laptops for personal) I flirted with the M3800 to replace my 6 year old XPS 1530. In the end though, after the sticker shock lessened (somewhat), I pulled the trigger and ordered a HP ZBook 15.

Here is the configuration:
Win 7 Pro
Intel Core i7-4800MQ Quad Core
15.6 inch LED DreamColor FHD UWVA Anti-Glare enabled for Webcam
NVIDIA Quadro K2100M with 2 GB dedicated GDDR5 video memory, 16GB 1600MHz DDR3L 4DM
256GB SATA-3 Self Encrypted Drive Solid State Drive
Blu-ray R/RE DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL
Intel 7260 ac 2x2 +Bluetooth 4.0 LE WW
HP lt4111 LTE/EV-DO/HSPA+ Mobile Broadband
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
200 Watt Smart AC Adapter US
8 Cell 83 WHr
3/3/3 Warranty US

Price as configured, $3400 before sales tax.

In the end it cost more than the Dell but with all the problems the M3800 (and XPS) are having I felt it was the best choice. This site has been an excellent resource and I look forward to sharing the good and bad in the ZBook section in the months and years to come ... Best Regards to all.

 

I had the same issue. Dell sent me a new drive and cable but I suspect the cable, not the drive was the issue. With the replacement parts the problem has never returned.

Now has anyone figured out how to keep the touch screen from deactivating after about 20 minutes?

 

Interesting. I didn't get the power supply adapter, I bought it separately for something like $20. Not a great price given Dell was asking only $40 for the AC adapter. The last one really surprised me given that in the past OEM adapters were more like $80-100. Anyway, it is worth noting that the computer protested when I used the dongle with a 90W supply but was OK with the 120W from my M4400. Interestingly the M4400 never protested the 90W supplies.

 

The AC adapter dongle is listed as an accessory during the checkout phase and Dell sells it for $12.99 in the US. Yes, I was surprised that the proper AC adapter for this unit was only $40 especially given that it's both 130W and smaller than the regular 130W adapter, but last I checked I believe that's been corrected -- by raising it to something like $80 to match the other 130W adapters, not by bringing the others down to $40, of course.