M6600 Owners Thread

Sorry to follow up on my own question before it was answered, but I am going to be out for a while today.

You see interlacing only when moving a window around on the screen - correct? You do not see interlacing when the window is not moving - correct? Are you running Optimus graphic switching?

My guess is that the picture posted shows either one or two things happening.

First, it looks like the refresh rate may be running at 40hz with the machine in extended battery mode. This is the only way I am able to get any jagged scan lines when I am moving windows around rapidly. I am not sure if the ATI version also has that low power, low graphics clock, low refresh rate settings. If this is an Optimus machine, switching to the Nvidia card should make it go away. I will have to play around with the Nvidia low power modes and see if I can make it do this.

Second, the file name shows that the image was captured from a video file. What we may be seeing in the captured still is a great example of "Rolling Shutter" effect caused by the webcam. This is also known as the Jello Video effect. The only way to know would be for you to upload the actual video that you captured. It would also let us see how fast you are having to move the window to make the effect happen.

Since the machine is issued from where you work, it might be helpful to know what OS they have you running and what kind of system management you are having to use (if any). I can see the anytime upgrade, but that could be W7 or Vista.

 

Bokeh, are you still thinking tomorrow for the IPS panel? I can't wait to buy one!!!

 

I have compared the M6600 to a Sager NP8170/Clevo P170HM and have found the Dell to be a better investment (for me) for the following reasons:

1. The Dell has a more robust tri-metal construction compared to the mostly plastic outer structure on the Clevo/Sager. However, the Clevo/Sager is also well built inside.

2. The Dell, in my opinion, offers more "high-end" options/features such as the backlit keyboard (once you have one, you will never go back), a more robust BIOS interface, an internal mSATA slot, an E-series compatible docking port, a flush mount external SD card slot (the Clevo/Sager SD card slot sticks the memory out over 10mm), contact/contactless smart card readers, FIPS certified fingerprint reader option, a superior webcam that produces very sharp/clean video, and a separate internal eDP/HDMI header for future use such as with the upcoming IPS panels. The Dell also offers a devoted internal Bluetooth 3.0 (D375) card compared to the Clevo/Sager which does not offer a BT card port so you must use a combo wireless card like the Intel 6230 to get Bluetooth. There are additional pro's the M6600 offers like software certified hardware/drivers and the stability this offers, but I covered the main items important to me.

3. Although many people have their horror stories, I believe Dell (Business) USA has the best warranty support you will find. I cannot say the same in regards to Sager here in the USA. Dell Europe may not be as "relaxed" as the US side when it comes to warranty support (since some support is licensed out to third parties), but overall they are solid and in the end do answer to Dell Corporate here in the US. They just need to be reminded of this every once in a while.

4. The Clevo/Sager is sexier looking, but the Dell will better survive use and abuse. Plus, Dell the simply looks like you mean serious business - even when playing Angry Birds!

5. The fan noise and control is MUCH better in the Dell as it uses better ball bearing based fans that run at a more consistent yet slower speed. The Sager is more “on-off” with a much louder high speed fan noise level.

6. The default LCD’s in both systems are hit or miss. If you can get the Dell with the AUO B173HW01 v.5 (anti-glare), you will be happy. If you can get the Clevo/Sager with the 120Hz/3D capable LG LP173WF2, you will be happy. If you get the CMO, Hannstar, or similar lower grade LG on either system, you will not be as-happy.

The only thing I wish the Dell would do is support more main stream "consumer" video cards and not just the overpriced business class cards. But this is just a BIOS thing and expected in a system certified for business use. Both the Dell and Clevo/Sager support MXM-III GPU cards. If you can afford it, the 580M is a nice choice for the Clevo/Sager and the business equivalent would be the Quadro 5010M for the Dell. Personally, I found the AMD[ATI] M8900 (same as the Radeon 6970) to be a very powerful card while I await the prices to come down on the nVidia Quadro cards.

I could go on, but in summary, I decided to sell the Clevo/Sager and stick with the M6600. Regardless, it should be stressed that the Clevo/Sager is a consumer focused system and the Dell is a business focused system so in reality it is a little unfair to compare the physical aspects of the systems as they are not considered in the same class. Therefore, take my info with a grain of salt and look more at what will suit your needs and budget best.

Good luck,
Scott-

 

As of last Thursday, yes - still on track for Nov 1.

 

Hi, I'm Italian like you; i have received an offer for swap my poor M6500 (i say only these words: 4 Mobo changed, 3 Video card changed and the only original parts remained after one year and a half are Ram and HD XD) with an M6600 but reading your message i'm coming to have fear of this problems that weren't solved in this new model
Confirm that the m6600 is a much reliable than the m6500 or is it a "terno al Lotto" (for non italians, its mean a win at the lottery) like the older model?
this is The offer for my swap:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us
My current M6500 mount:
i7 720qm
4x2Gb ddr 1066
Quadro FX2800
1920x1200 wled display
320gb HDD
Sorry for my poor English ^^

 

THANKS Scott for your reply. I do agre with you except for the looks bit Whilst I do like the simplicity of the Clevo I personally prefer the M6600 looks. And yes you are right they are addressed to a different customer base. I did go and purchase an M6600 with a 2920XM and a 4000M last night and can't wait for it to arrive. Just hope the 2920XM doesn't get too hot and drains the battery too much.

cheers
Ron

 

Thank you for the responses so far, a bit more information about the system i'm using:
monitor: VCV1F€173WF1 LGD02DA
OS: windows 7 64 bit
graphics card: ATI firepro M8900 (FireGL) mobility pro
1920x1080 pixels 60Hz True color (32 bit)
running plugged in, not low power mode, screen brightness does not make a difference in the effect.
I don't find any optimus graphic switching, i think that might only be for the nvidia cards.

I put the movie i captured here.
Video0021.mp4 video by ditonthouikwel - Photobucket
I do not need to move the window fast for it to happen.
The still picture might be confusing as you can see the vertical line of the border isn't straight, this is not the effect i'm reffering to and indeed probably caused by the webcam. What i'm referring to is the red dots you see every other line next to the border.

 

You will be very happy.
Just remember, the battery usage is only good for a few hours on these powerful systems. If you have Optimus enabled, you may get an extra 20%.

Enjoy the system!

Scott

 

I am happy with the quality of service Dell has given me on the first and second system. I returned the first system do to problems with the LG panels flickering. The 2nd system with touchscreen has no flicker problems but was missing the stylus. They are sending me one tomorrow.

I hope not to need additional support, but is nice to know how good it is if I do need it in the future.

Compared to the support I receive on the XPS system it is worth the extra cost for a precision. It took a week to get a desktop power supply for the XPS 8300 I returned and only a day to get parts shipped and installed on this M6600.

 

Thanks Scott. I will be mainly using it plugged in and most likely get a transformer prime for mobility in a couple weeks