e6400 doubts and followup questions

I recently bought similiarly spec'ed e6400 and T400 through Outlet and am close to finalizing on one. Because of pricing/warranty i am leaning towards keeping the e6400. I have some questions which i am hoping the kind folks here can help with:

1. Mail-In Warranty: Does Dell send a box and pay for shipping to the warranty repair depot for mail-in warranty? I definately don't want to pay the extra dough for next business day onsite.

For basic parts like Keyboard, Harddrive, etc does Dell mail them to you for user replacement?

2. Are these temps normal? All are taken during a moderate day. CPU is p8600(2.4Ghz, 25 watt)
- 43-44 degrees at Idle
- 82-84 degree while running Prime95

The processor is rated to operate till 105 degrees so guess this is kind of okay. But the T400 idles around 38 degrees and tops out at 68 degrees which makes me wonder if i have a hotter running e6400 than usual.

3. Currently my laptop does not throttle. For people who had throttling issues did it happen after certain amount of usage or was it present all throughout? How responsive was Dell in fixing it.

4. Has anyone had any issues with the touchpad or touchpad buttons? Are you happy with your touchpad?

5. How lasting are the laptop looks? Do you still like the laptop after say 9-12 months of usage?

6. How well is the laptop holding up. Common things seems to be scratches on lid and the Intel/Microsoft sticker imprint on the LCD frame. Is this accurate?

Thanks in advance.

 

1) Dell will not pay for a box for you, just keep the original one they sent you. They will pay for shipping. But be warned, it won't be next day all the time if you don't have the NDB service.
2) You haven't told us the specs of your machine.
3) The throttling issue is pretty rare still, and if you get there's a good chance you could get a new machine.
4) The touchpad is decent, a bit small for me but it's okay.
5 and 6) The only issue with my Regal Red E6400 is the bezel scratching. But, I can't say if this affects all E6400s for sure. This is after months of usage and being put into book bags with textbooks and with padding. My keyboard/pointing stick also show some imprints on the screen...

 

Your temperatures are higher than what I get on my E6400, but I have a P8600 CPU. T series CPUs may run hotter because they have higher idle and maximum power ratings. Which BIOS version are you running? Dell may make adjustments to the fan trigger temperatures in the BIOS updates.

Also, does the notebook itself get uncomfortably warm?

My E6400 is holding up well after 13 months of use. There's now some shine on some of the keys.

Throttling is rare. I have seen it once but haven't managed to replicate it.

John

 

I've had my e6400 for 8 months or so. I still love it. I love the looks, especially when it's closed. I really love the metal body. i got a few scratches but I don't really care about it.
your temps seem a bit on the higher side. mine idles lower than that.
I've experienced some throttling but I am on Win 7 and I am not sure if it's due to the hardware but it's been like 2 times and for a short period. it might have been due to some sketchy flash website.

the touchpad sometimes goes crazy but I rarely use it and I know there is some driver that fixes the problem.

what do you like better of the T400? I really don't see many flaws in the e6400, I would like it a bit lighter maybe.

 

I have my Latitude E6400 since November, I LOVE Next Buisness Day on site service.. I really think it's worth every penny, as it ensure that you always have your laptop, and that it's fixed the next business day.

Your temps looks normal, I have the Nvidia solution, but my CPU is the P8400.

Rest of system specs is on my signature. The above screen shot has been taking under Win7 RC 64-bit.
Software used in order from left to right: CPUID, Everest, Nvidia System Monitor (the small green box).

My keyboard is still fine, some keys are getting smooth.. but only visible under strong light.. strangely I use W, A, S, D keys a lot as I game and they are not shinny at all. huh.... Actually the only key that is smoother is the space bar on the right side. I use my laptop A LOT, everyday at school to take notes.

If you have NBD On Site service, Dell send you all the small parts to you for you to replace like the keyboard. But you can ask for one, no problem.


I really like this laptop, I love it's looks. Despite it's down side (possible scratch (small line on each side which turn smooth) on screen frame when you carry in bags due to the too low screen pads), I would still buy is once more, no hesitation. However, this concerns me and only me, I would wait for the Core i7M refresh of this laptop if once is coming... But, that is just me wanting the latest stuff. However, I am perfectly happy with the current performance of this system. I can do my programming just fine.

 

You should pick based on ergonomics as well. Which feels sturdier and more comfortable to type and interact with (touchpad and trackstick)?

 

BTW, the idle temps you are getting are what I get too.

 

I put Arctic Silver and temps dropped to around 40 degrees during idle and high 70's during Prime95 runs.

I currently have BIOS revision A14. Guess will check if this is the latest.

 

Is it hard to access the CPU in the e6400? I'm wanting to replace the stock thermal grease with Arctic cooling MX-2.

 

Huh.. this laptop is and probably will be the easier laptop to access it's internal hardware that you will ever use in your life. I find it just as easy as a desktop computer, if not, easier.