Dell Precision M6700 Owners Thread

Any cloning software that works for you should be fine. (I personally use Acronis True Image as well.)

Make sure that it properly aligns partitions for SSDs or you will take a performance hit. Any reasonably current cloning software should do this automatically but some older versions may not know to do it. You should be able to Google "(insert software here) SSD partition alignment" to find out about this.

 

Some cloning utilities like clonezilla (which is rather basic but robust) don't allow you to clone from a larger partition to a smaller one regardless of whether the space is used.

In the past, I've used clonezilla (bootable disc and USB), Acronis (version for Intel SSDs) and Apricorn EzGig IV (version that came with the Crucial M4 migration kit) without any issues. Intel also provides an align tool in case, I've only used clonezilla to clone from SSD to SSD so alignment wasn't a problem, EzGig IV will check for alignment if you ask it to when cloning. I haven't used Nortron Ghost which is what comes with Samsung SSDs packaged with the migration kit.

I have used Macrium reflect to clone non OS drives (HDD to HDD) without issues either, but I've never tried it for SSDs, I don't think there would be an issue though.

Regarding alignment, you can always use diskpart to align the drive prior to cloning. It's also possible to use something like gparted to align afterwards if something goes wrong, but it's not what I'd call a simple procedure, it's not overly complicated, but it will require you to tell gparted where you want your partitions moved in order to align the SSD. gparted falls into the same family as clonezilla, very basic linux partition editor, but also quite robust, it will do what the Windows partition editor won't allow you to like creating FAT32 partitions over 32 GB in size (which is irrelevant in your case ).

 

Thanks, Aaron. I feel hope!!!

Thanks, Tijo. You've given me a lot of material to digest!! I appreciate it.

 

Here's an interesting bug that I noticed with Optimus. I see this with both m6600 and m6700.

If I boot my PC connected to an external display and thus using the quadro GPU, when I later disconnect the notebook from the power source and the external display optimus will not switch to iGPU. Based on the nvidia activity monitor it shows me that explorer is using the dGPU and thus cannot switch. I have to log off or restart the notebook without it connected to an external display in order to get explorer to use the iGPU. After I do this I can connect and disconnect the external display as many times as I want to and explorer will always use the iGPU.

 

I've noticed this as well, seems to be an Optimus issue. Apps started with the NVIDIA GPU as the only active GPU (as when using an external display without the laptop display) will be stuck on the NVIDIA GPU.

 

So I dropped the hammer on an M6700 today, Covet edition. It's the only version left that comes in the Premier Color IPS RGB screen, and it was the screen that I was mostly interested in. Of course, the robust performance and high quality of a business machine are also major factors in my decision. I'll use it a lot with photos and videos in my business, and the better these look the better my business will be.

It will be equipped with the i7 3740QM, 8 GB 1600 RAM, the M6000 FirePro, and a 750 GB HDD. I will be purchasing separately a Samsung 840 Pro SSD to convert as my primary drive, moving the 750 GB spinner to a data drive role. I do wonder if 8 GB of RAM is enough, or if I should pump it up to 16.

I did have some qualms about this purchase -- the glossy screen, the size, the weight, and the price -- but thought all in all it was the best machine for me. I don't plan on traveling around with it much; just an occasional trip on a plane, maybe some off-site work. In my job (real estate) I can use an iPad-type device on the road.

So now my main concern is how to make the switch over from the HDD to SSD as my main drive. If the Samsung comes with Ghost and it can walk me through, I should be OK.

I'm looking forward with anticipation and excitement!!

Thanks for all the very helpful comments and opinions expressed here about the M6700. Sounds like it will be fun!

Item Number Quantity Item Description Unit Price Extended Price
225-3510
1 Dell Mobile Precision M6700 Covet $2,303.00 $2,303.00
319-1556
1 3rd Gen Intel Core i7-3740QM (2.7GHz, 6M cache, Upgradable to Intel vPro technology), Dell Mobile Precision M6700
319-1240
1 8.0GB, DDR3-1600 SDRAM, 2 DIMM, Dell Mobile Precision MX700
332-0472
1 Documentation (English), Dell Latitude and Precision Workstations
332-1239
1 Internal English Dual Point Backlit Keyboard, Mobile Precision
331-7894
1 Tech Setup Guide, English, Dell Mobile Precision M4700/M6700
320-3724
1 AMD FirePro M6000 Mobility Pro Graphics with 2GB GDDR5, Dell Mobile Precision M6700
342-4760
1 750GB 2.5" 7200rpm Hard Drive, Dell Mobile Precision M4700/M6700
331-8104
1 Internal Swipe Fingerprint Reader, USH and Contactless Smartcard Reader Mobile Precision M6700
320-3756
1 17.3" UltraSharp FHD (1920x1080) PremierColor IPS RGB Anti-Glare, Premium Panel Guarantee,USH,MobilePrecisionM6700,Covet
421-2262
1 Windows 7 XP Mode,Opti/PWS/Lat/Vost
421-8099
1 Windows 7 Professional, 64-bit, No Media, Mobile Precision, English
330-6322
1 Windows 7 Label, Latitude, Vostro and Mobile Precision Notebooks
421-9493
1 Software, DDPA (Dell Data Protection Access), version 2.3, Mobile Precision MX700
430-4642
1 Dell Wireless 380 Bluetooth 4.0 LE Module, Dell Latitude E4/Mobile Precision
331-8106
1 Bluetooth Cable, Dell Mobile Precision M6700
331-8109
1 240W 3P, A/C Adapter, Mobile Precision M6700
330-1838
1 6-Foot, 3-Pin Power Cord,Mobile Precision, US
318-0352
1 Slot Load DVD+/-RW Drive, Dell Mobile Precision
318-2231
1 Thank you for Choosing Dell
331-7942
1 Bracket, Optical Drive, Dell Mobile Precision M4700/M6700
331-9018
1 Integrated HD video webcam and noise reducing array microphones, Covet, Dell Mobile Precision M6700
421-1201
1 Dell Webcam Central Software Dell Latitude/Mobile Precision
430-4871
1 Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 802.11n 3x3 Half Mini-card, Dell Mobile Precision
331-8122
1 No Intel vPro Technology Advanced Management Features, Dell Mobile Precision M6700
331-7944
1 No RAID, Dell Mobile Precision M4700/M6700
312-1348
1 9-cell (97Wh) Primary Lithium Ion Battery, (3.0Ah) ExpressCharge Capable, Dell Mobile Precision P4
421-6186
1 Trend 3.5, Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services, 30 Day, MUI, Dell OptiPlex, Precision and Latitude
331-7911
1 No Energy Star Enabled, Dell Mobile Precision M4700/M6700
410-0702
1 Microsoft Office Trial
937-1177
1 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus Service Extended Year(s)
937-1175
1 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus Service Initial Year
937-1609
1 ProSupport: Next Business Day Limited Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis 2 Year Extended
937-1599
1 ProSupport: Next Business Day Limited Onsite Service After Remote Diagnosis Initial Year
989-3449
1 Thank you choosing Dell ProSupport. For tech support, visit http://support.dell.com/ProSupport or call 1-866-516-3115
937-1810
1 ProSupport: 7x24 Technical Support, 2 Year Extended
937-1807
1 ProSupport: 7x24 Technical Support, Initial
421-5682 1 Media Kit,Win 7 Professional 64bit,MUI,Dell OptiPlex, Precision and Latitude
331-3300 1 Dell Back-up and Recovery Manager for Win7, MUI,Optiplex, Precision, Latitude
331-1640 1 Intel Core i7 Processor
* -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPL
* BUSINESS COMP> DI
* SCOUNT 566.18

Subtotal: $2,303.00
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $0.00
Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00
Total Price w/Discounts: $2,303.00

 

Looks like a great deal at a great price. As for your aforementioned concerns, its like apples and oranges. I liken it too purchasing a work truck over a pleasure transportation vehicle. No on would compare the two since they have totally different uses.

Compare the Precision with HP, Lenovo or perhaps one of the boutiques, but please ladies and gentleman, not a Macbook Pro.

A Precision is bigger and heavier because it is a professional machine that's constructed to do work for professionals. Knowing that is what made it easy for me to decide and live with my purchase. I hope that helps you.

 

I'm willing to bet your HDX is even bigger though.

 

Oh indeed it is, but its size/weight is merely cosmetic. Just try and take it off-road and you'll discover the difference real quick that its underpinning are meant for smooth blacktop only: Its chassis bears the scares of the many minor bumps (While inside the padded pack?) it has sustained over the years. Must be the faux aluminum/plastic?

Then there's the upgrading. Adding another HD are we? You'll need to purchase a caddy, cables and no RAID. mSAT? Well that hadn't been invented yet. Want to replace the keyboard? Good luck with that. This was a simple credit card, 5 minute procedure removing the bezel in the Precision, but took 3 hours of surgery with the HDX. And it bears those pry scares and stress cracks to this day.

Fortunately, they did allow me to easily upgrade the RAM to its whopping maximum of 8GB capacity. If you need anything more, its time for a new laptop. Yes, the 6700 is big/heavy (relatively), but it delivers for how its built.

To HPs credit, it was a gorgeous display (for its kind), and also came with edge-to-edge glass...urmm, I mean plastic.

P.s. Am I not preaching to the choir?

 

Alright so I'm about to pull the trigger on this one :
DELL PRECISION M6700
3 YEARS ON SITE WARRANTY

INTEL CORE I7 3740QM
FULL HD Standard LCD Panel
NVIDIA QUADRO K3000M
8 GB RAM
500GO 7200 TPM

WEBCAM
WIFI INTEL N-6300 ULTIMATE
WWAN 3G DELL 5560
BLUETOOTH 4.0 DELL WIRELESS 380
BACKLIT KEYBOARD
WINDOWS 7 PROFFESSIONAL

COMPLETECARE 3 YEARS Insurance

SECURITY CABLE
FINGERPRINT READER
PORT REPLICATOR E/PLUS DELL
DELL HALF DAY SLEEVE

Total with Shipping :
2320,00 €

I can buy it with a student loan for 2672 € (paying it over 3 years), and I'm hesitating (a really tiny little bit).
Do you think it would still be worth it at this price, knowing new processors just came out? (edit: I realize this may seem like a stupid question, I just need to be reassured )