Dell Precision M6700 Owners Thread

1. I think the TN screen is great, top-notch as far as TN panels for notebooks go. Obviously the RGBLED/IPS screen is better yet, but if you're not in graphics or video or someplace where you need the better color, the TN panel is fine. I use it day in and day out. That said, there are a few different TN panels in use and you don't know which one you will get ahead of time so YMMV. (I have the LG one.)

2. I have the backlit keyboard. I can detect some minor flex but it doesn't pop up during normal use for me, only if I really press down. Pretty standard business laptop keyboard. I think the same one is used in some Latitudes so you might be able to find one to test. Keep in mind that the backlit and non-backlit versions have different qualities as far as flex goes.

3. I've installed a number of aftermarket parts (memory, HDD, optical drive, heatsink). The policy is that Dell will service systems with aftermarket parts but they may request that you reinstall the original parts to get warranty service (depending on the particular issue and on the tech you get), and naturally they won't service an issue that was caused by the hardware you added. So, keep your original stuff around if this matters to you.

5. From time to time coupon sites like this one will have something available. (Look for small business coupons, the regular "home" ones won't apply.) Note that coupons typically don't "stack" and applying a coupon will usually remove the "default" discount you see when ordering the system on the web.

Also, sometimes the Dell Business Credit site has promotional financing deals that apply, if credit is something you might consider. I got mine through Dell Business Credit with a great financing deal. But right now it looks like they only have promotions for leasing.

The only other way to go is to call a rep and see what you can get on the phone. You can usually get a little better than what is offered on the web (but don't expect miracles).

 

Prolixious,

I just received my M6700 from the business outlet yesterday! I was under the weather so I did not get to do too many things with it during the day.

I will give you some of my thoughts on this laptop...

1. I do not consider the TN screen grainy whatsoever. Very crisp and vibrant even with the Matte finish/anti glare.....It is a pleasure working on it with daylight and room lighting with no reflections whatsoever.

2. I personally love the keyboard and have seen no flex in my use at all. To me the keys are crisp but are obviously not like a dedicated keyboard. I am typing this on the E1705 that is 8 years old and like the new Precision keyboard a great deal. I have the backlit one with the pointing device.

3. I took off the back cover yesterday and it really seems like upgrading is going to be a breeze. Some folks might be having some issues with some screws as I saw earlier today in the posts but to me it seems straightforward. There are good videos on youtube that can show you how to upgrade.

SolidBox Spotlight: Dell M6700 Reviewed! - YouTube <----- an overview on the M6700 and states that the upgrade path is the same as the 6600

SolidBox How To: Upgrade and Install Hard Drive and RAM in a Dell M6600 Part 1 - YouTube <----- tutorial on upgrading RAM and HDDs (there are a couple more but you can find them when you view this as they show up.

4. I went with the Nvidia card so I cant really comment but I believe that it does not support Enduro but I may be wrong. My research showed that it didn't and that is why I elected to go with the Nvidia card. There are a few posts around that discuss this I think.

5. HECK YES!!!!! I called the Dell Outlet for mine and they were easy to work with and had just what I wanted and it was NOT on the Outlet inventory on the web!!!!

Here is a link to a 30% coupon that Dell Business Outlet sent me yesterday.......I have put a link to the coupon. It is 30% off on all Dell Desktop, Laptop and tablets for business!

Dell Outlet Business and Education | Dell

NOTE: the website scrolls through some pages embedded at the top so look for the one that says 30% off.....the code is T39J2ZV4QG5$D$

Best of luck and hopefully this helps you out a bit

Mike

 

Regarding #4: Yup, no Enduro, I can say this from personal experience, I still get 5 hours of battery if I'm careful and I don't even have to lower the display brightness all the way. YMMV of course, KCETech1 reported 4.5 hours with the IPS and the K5000m (no optimus with the IPS) which is in line with what Bokeh gets.

 

geez, I thought I was responding in the 6600 thread.

I've had both LG and AUO. Maybe just my preference but I prefer the AUO if one can be found.

 

I would have to check which one I have gain, but if I remember correctly, it's a LG. I remember posting the model # when I got my M6700, but that dates back to october 2012 so if I want to find the post, I'll have to do a lot of digging in both M6700 threads.

EDIT:
Here's my DVD testing on battery at 40% brightness, wi-fi on, etc.: http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...ision-m6700-owners-thread-44.html#post8879408

And here's the display model #: LG Philips LP173WF1

 

When I bough my HDX it was top of the consumer line but was beginning to show its age and just couldn't keep up with recent improvement in editing software. Its still early, but I'm hopeful the Precision will take me into 4k territory competitively.

Glad to hear everything's going well so far. It can be a little overwhelming at first with all the new hardware and software too boot. Just take it easy, and don't' forget to breath.

 

Krane,

Oh My God this is a great laptop......I love it thus far!

I am holding off for a few hours but I simply cannot find the damn posts on making Win 7 restore disks/dvds.... I am not installing anything until I get that info...can you help?????


Mike

PS.....i typed up some code earlier to see how the keyboard would work....amazing how the keyboard works.........for ME it is a God Send!

 

Getting the Windows 7 .iso: http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-digitalriver-windows-7-sp1-13-languages.html
rcb's clean install guide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-latitude-vostro-precision/687529-m6600-reimaging-thread.html
Mine: http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...700-windows-7-clean-install-minor-tweaks.html

Do note that the way mine is written, it's for non RAID installs with a few tweaks that you don't have to bother with. Also, the drivers linked aren't the latest.

 

Thanks Tijo!

I have the Reinstallation DVD Windows 7 Pro SP1 64 bit from Dell.....would I need the ISO if I have this?


Krane....yeah I am breathing....LOL....still getting used to the ins/outs of Win 7 thus far

Mike

 

If you have the Reinstallation DVD Windows 7 Pro SP1 64 bit from Dell you have all that is necessary. If you have an OEM Dell SSD you'll need that DVD.

The ISO is just a Generic Standard Windows.

BTW: Glad to hear you love your new machine. They really are well designed, clean and fast. I was in the same predicament as you when I got mine and was astonished at how things had improved through the recent years.