Dell Precision M3800 Owner's Review

Two quick updates that may be useful/informative to people in this thread:

First, as somebody mentioned here earlier, I too have had intermittent DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION BSoDs, but they didn't happen frequently or consistently enough for me to bother troubleshooting. Turns out that it's because they seem to happen most frequently when resuming from sleep, which I seldom do because my laptop is often parked at my desk and powered on 24/7. In any case, I rolled back to version 12.8.7 of the Intel Rapid Storage driver from Dell's site, and it's still early to confirm a total fix, but I haven't had that problem since. I was previously running version 12.9 off of Intel's site since I like to run the latest drivers whenever possible.

Second, for those with QHD+ panels who noticed that Remote Desktop does not support scaling the remote host's UI, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that it DOES support scaling the remote UI. The bad news is that it only works if the remote host is running Windows 8.1 or Server 2012 R2, which in turn means that Microsoft is fairly unlikely to retrofit that support to previous versions of Windows.

 

RDCMAN is a pretty good workaround (as mentioned up-thread); it's local scaling/doubling everything on the client side, but it's not bad.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21101

 

I tried it when it was mentioned up-thread and just didn't like it for reasons I can't remember anymore; I seem to remember weird glitches and just an odd UI overall, and I think some functions like certain device redirection features were missing. Anyway, fortunately I'm seldom using the built-in panel when I need RDP, and when I do I'm ok just dropping to 1600x900. Thanks though!

 

New "issue": Smudgy keyboard marks on the display after closing the lid.

I've noticed that when the computer is closed and in my backpack, the screen will touch the keyboard and it leaves marks on the display, mostly located in the bottom left corner of the screen. They're obviously some kind of oily marks from what get stuck on the keys from my fingers. It's very visible also, even with a white full brightness screen.

I'm going to take a picture after turn the computer off and add it after I get back from the gym. Anyone else experienced this or have any idea if it's "fixable"?



The red squares contains what's left of the marks after I tried to get them off with my finger and a microfiber cloth. It should be clear that they're the outlines of the keys. The smaller ones in the bottom square are the function keys.

 

Clean your keyboard and/or your screen every now and then? Using some mild cleaning agent you should be able to get both the keyboard and the screen back to a pristine state. Rubbing alcohol works fine if you're really paranoid about chemical damage, but most mild general-purpose household cleaners should be safe and effective.

 

Hello
Im looking to buy a good solid laptop, in 15 inch. I have a DELL inspiron desktop for many years never had a problem.

I'll be using the laptop it for doing computational works, spreadsheets, so I don't need a gaming graphics card, Hopefully I can use it outside somewhat, so what type of screen is best I don't know. I recall the Dell has a bright screen so that may be very good for outside work.

I like the Dell m3800 workstation, looks great and portable but I have read that it operates on a high temperature and overheats. Is this still a problem or was it on earlier m3800's only.

My other alternative is the HP ZBook 15, great quality it seems , even easier to upgrade and access, but you upgrade it once and it done.. problem with it is that its 50% thicker than the dell and I understand the fans always operate..always!

My preference is the dell m3800 but what about this overheating issue?. The HPZbook operates at a lower temperature I understand.. or am I mistaken.
Advice is appreciated

Best regards
Peter

 

I don't recall reading about M3800's over heating. They seem to get to a peak but not over the line
Dell Precision M3800 review | 2 | IT PRO

 

Not heard of the overheating problems you describe. Never had that issue with my machine (XPS 15, which is pretty much identical). The screen is quite bright, as you say, but it's also very glossy, which makes it difficult to use outside in the sun. However, you can add a matt screen protector, which is what I've done, to reduce the reflections.

 

It does not overheat. I am one of the longest-term users of the system on this forum with a very early M3800 and mine has never overheated. I use it every day and have had no major issues. The only maintenance that I have had to do was adding in fresh Loctite Blue threadlocker to the screws on the bottom of the unit after removing and replacing them 20+ times.

 

There is no overheating issue with the M3800. It's a Dell Precision, not an Apple...