Dell Precision M6700 Owner's Review

Not sure I understand what is going on. The tray loader UJ-262 that shipped from Dell in my M6700 reads and burns. I confirmed the read/write speeds with Dell Mano before I placed my order. I have already burned many discs with the tray loading UJ-262 in my M6700. I have not yet tried burning a Blu-ray disc yet. Is that what people are talking about? What is the apparent miscommunication here?

 

Dell's current U.S. site does not currently offer a tray-load DVD burner. The UJ-262 is a Blu-ray burner which costs more to buy from Dell than to go aftermarket. If Steve-Oh wants to price out the different options both via Dell and aftermarket then he might be able to save some money while still getting a slot-load optical drive.

I deliberately bought the tray-load DVD reader for the bezel and picked up an aftermarket blu-ray burner and saved myself a boat-load of cash.

 

Now you tell me. I already found that out the hard way and now have to send my non OEM model back. When I ordered it, I was careful to make sure it said "slim"; however, much to my chagrin, it should have said "ultra" thin.

 

Hey everyone, thanks for the clarification on the optical drives. I really appreciate knowing what options are available.

For me the O drive isn't going to be a deal breaker, but it's just kind of pisser not being able to get exactly what you want (right out of the box) considering the overall price of these babies.

 

I have a question regarding the battery slice. If I go to build a system in the Dell Store, the slice appears as an optional component for $169 and with part number 312-1154, but if I look directly for the slice, the only thing I find costs $276 and lists part number 312-1242 (Dell 97 Whr 9-Cell Lithium Battery Slice for Select Dell Latitude Laptops / Precision Mobile Workstations : Laptop/Notebook Accessories | Dell).

Is there a difference? I want the cheaper one! =)

Thanks,
Pablo

 

The Dell Part Number on the one I have is 0UJ499. On the order invoice it was 312-1154.

 

Actually price variations are not that unusual, even for the same product, and from the same retailer. Although in your instance this seem to be backwards:

Retailers have been selling for different prices forever. But as of recent, have claimed the lesser price online was due to the reduced cost of opening and operating a brick and mortar store. They also can spot lower the price for other reasons such as if they want to get rid of inventory.

All that aside, I'd be interested in knowing the exact answer as well, since I do use my machine off the grid and rely heavily on backup power.

I'm sure we're all in agreement there. That Slice does weigh heavily on your pocketbook, doesn't it?

 

Hi Bokeh,

I am going to purchase a bag for my M6700.

Is the Dakine Network 31L still the best choice?

Thanks,

Antonio

 

I haven't used that dakine bag, but if you're looking for other options as well, you can take a look at the everki titan. It's rather expensive though. I have the older model, the beacon and it does the job well, lacks compartmentalization, but it's still pretty sturdy.

 

Funny you should mention bags: Choosing an appropriate bags have long been the scourge of the average laptop user as of late, and certainly the case for me. After extensive searching I found what I thought was some of the most attractive and versatile carriers around from SLAPPA.

Unfortunately, that assumption was only skin deep. Even though these are among the best looking carriers I've have seen, they are not the most sturdy. For example, the backpack and briefcase from Slappa both have shown signs of wear and/or failure just in the short few weeks I've owned them.

The Slappa backpack is certainly voluminous (it can hold my 18" HDX), and has loads of storage pockets all around. However, its shoulder straps do not support its size and capacity. Even after less than two months, the straps are already beginning to tear at the seams. How disappointing especially considering it cost more than twice that of my previous backpack from Targus.

In addition, the hard-shell briefcase I also purchased (for more formal venues) also failed completely at the shoulder strap. I was just a stroke of luck that my laptop was not inside at the time the strap broke (a fear I always have). The only things inside were a few discs and a notebook.

The strange thing is, these appear to be industrial size/type hardware latches? Instead, the metal snapped like hard plastic. I fear this may be some clever technique for disguising weak metal. I certainly couldn't tell.

I am preparing to return both these item to Slappa for warranty replacement and/or refund due to defects in material and workmanship. Its a pity because they took great care in their unique design and look great. Too bad the materials are so cheap.

Be sure you get a bag that can support your laptop, and that it has sturdy (real metal) latches and a strong strap. If the straps fail, it would be catastrophic.