Dell Precision M3800 Owner's Review

Yeah, I already checked for both of those issues, and those doesn't seem to be the problem. I was actually just about to update my previous post. I am still doing some testing, but it may actually have been a driver issue. I figured out how to install the very latest generic Synaptics drivers (17.0.19) and I noticed that I was getting the jumping cursor and (even though I had it disabled) I was still getting two-finger click actions as well. When I just went back to the older generic Synaptics driver (16.2.21), the cursor jumping issue seems to be better, and disabling two-finger click actions is actually working now.

I'm still going to play with a few more settings, but it definitely looks like the latest Synaptics generic drivers don't function as well with the Precision m3800 as the older ones do.

 

No. The only problem I have is the tap to click results in accidental clicks. I've been using the tap to click since, I think, my 2005 Precision M20. This is the only computer I've used that can't seem to tell the difference between moving the pointer and tapping to click. An obvious solution is to require a physical click of the click pad. However, I've never liked the force required to click through a click pad. Seriously, it is the ONLY issue I have with the click pad on this machine. I can't figure out why it's the only laptop I've used with this issue given that tap to click is nothing new and not limited to click pads.

 

Yeah I seem to have sorted out my issues for the most part. The touchpad is definitely more usable than I thought it would be at first, and now I am just trying to minimize a quirk or two that I am still seeing. Again, I know it won't be perfect, but I want to deal with as few irritations as possible while I am trying to get stuff done.

I have also experienced the tap-to-click issue as well, but it seems fairly rare for me so far. As I said in my previous post, as weird as it sounds, the older generic Synaptics drivers are actually functioning much better than the newer generic drivers did. I don't understand that one at all, but I've done a bit of back-and-forth installing/uninstalling of drivers and I can definitely tell the difference for sure.

 

As a warning to others I have been trying to get one of the new 2015 models of this laptop and have had Dell cancelling orders and forcing out delivery dates. I believe that they might have pushed this out prematurely.

 

I wonder why. I got mine a week ago and so far so good on my end other than touchpad tweaking. Have you heard any news on any issues with the system?

I just noticed that it isn't even available for purchase online anymore. I'm getting a little bit worried now. I hope there aren't any major issues with the system.

 

I think it was something around the panel. When the re-order was done that was the one thing that changed. Even with the reorder however there has been no movement.

 

Lovely, I'm worried as well. Mine was originally scheduled to arrive tomorrow but they canceled the order without cause. I spent three hours talking to different "support" agents who hung up, redirected, and finally told me it was a "configuration" error. The next day I got an email saying my order was being processed and now slated for next Monday. I don't believe you can cancel once it's "in production" but apparently they can: http://www.dell.com/support/contents/us/en/04/article/eSupport-Order-Support/order-change-returns.

I ordered an Ubuntu-only version so I'll be sure to post my experiences (and likely, my necessary code snippets for fixing it...) ... assuming it arrives.

 

I will keep an eye on mine and see if I notice any issues with the panel. These are some very strange actions on Dell's part for sure.

 

I have the exact SAME thing happen to me, word for word.

The exact same experience as myself, even the dates and down to the mysterious configuration error. It looks like they mass cancelled every order.

 

There's likely a shortage of the panel, IMO. The panel listing changing on the order could just be tied to the new 'batch' of panels being ordered from the manufacturer.

I would venture a guess that there are some units left that they're still finishing up and sending out to the most valuable and/or vocal customers.

I've seen them do the canceled and then re-placed order with little to no explanation before too - here my guess is that it's a BS workaround/technicality to avoid crossing some threshold of maximum delay between order and shipment, whether it's a legal or internally set maximum.