Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge

Hello,

I'm thinking of buying serveral M4400s for software development as below. Any reccomendations for improving the configuration? Are people happy with the UltraSharp™ WUXGA (1920x1200) CCFL Display? Is the LED display worth the extra money? Why is there no x86-64 Vista available? Do people need to install their own, or will Dell install it with a phone call?

Is a backlite keyboard worth an extra $40?

I'm also wondering about the chassis stability of this box. This it really better than Latitude? Can anyone compare it to Lenovo T60p chassis?

I apologize if these topics have been covered. I appreciate any comments.




Dell Precision Workstation M4400 Qty 2
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9550 (2.66GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB), Genuine Windows Vista® Business Bonus-Windows XP Professional downgrade Unit Price $2,015.00

Save 18% on select Dell Precision™ M4400 through Dell Small Business
Special offer
- $362.70

Catalog Number: 4 BWDWQAP
Module Description Show Details
Precision Mobile M4400 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9550 (2.66GHz, 6M L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Operating Systems Genuine Windows Vista® Business Bonus-Windows XP Professional downgrade
Memory 2.0GB, DDR2-800 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS
Internal Keyboard Internal English Keyboard
External Monitor FREE! Dell 19 inch UltraSharp™ 1908FP Black Flat Panel, Adj Stand, VGA/DVI
Graphics NVIDIA Quadro FX 770M, 512MB
Primary Storage 160GB Hard Drive, 7200RPM with Free Fall Sensor
Fingerprint Reader Options No Fingerprint Reader
LCDs 15.4" UltraSharp™ WUXGA (1920x1200) CCFL Display
Bluetooth Dell Wireless® 370 Bluetooth Module
Modem Internal 56K Modem
AC Adapter 130W 3P, A/C Adapter
Primary Optical Device 8X DVD with Cyberlink Power DVD™
Camera / Microphone No webcam with microphone
Wireless LAN (802.11) Intel® WiFi Link 5300 802.11a/g/n Draft Mini Card
Batteries 9 Cell Battery
Hardware Support Services 3 Year Basic Limited Warranty and 3 Year NBD On-site

 

Hi, I can't comment on the current CCFL display, but I'm extremely happy with the LED display - a definite step up from the previous models' CCFL screens.

x64 is available if you select it as part of your congiguration from the left hand pane of your browser; of course, you can also ask Dell to send you an x64 install disc after you receive your systems at no additional cost.

The backlit keyboard is definitely worth it - I'd give up 5% speed before I'd let go of the backlit keyboard, once you use it for a couple days yo'll wonder how you got along without it.

Chassis stability is practically identical to the E6500 - the added wavy Mg lid cover may or may not do anything for structural stabilty.

I got my M4400 over an E6500 for the QX9300 & the Quadro 770M; also, the dedicated Precision Tech Support is very, very good.

Otherwise, an E6500 will serve you just as well

Hope that helps in your decision.

 

I don't see 64-bit anywhere. Am I missing something? Here is the paste from the configuration page:


Operating System

By selecting a Windows Vista® Bonus offering, you accept the terms and conditions of the Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate License and grant Dell permission to install Windows XP® Professional on your behalf. See Details

Genuine Windows Vista® Business Bonus-Windows XP Professional downgrade



Help Me Choose


Genuine Windows Vista® Business Downgrade,XP Professional SP3 Install,E add $0

Genuine Windows Vista® Business Bonus-Windows XP Professional downgrade [Included in Price]

Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate Downgrade,XP Professional SP3 Install,E [add $41]

Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate Bonus-Windows XP Professional downgrade [add $41]

Genuine Windows Vista® Business SP1, With media add $0
Dell Recommended - Includes Windows Vista Business Assurance

Genuine Windows Vista® Ultimate SP1, With media [add $41]

 

http://www.dell.com/business/laptops?~ck=mn

 

OK, I found how to configure 64-bit. One needs to back all the way out of the system configurator and select 64-bit for a new system on the main Precision page.

Is there a review of the WUXGA RGB-LED screen somewhere? An extra $123 sounds expensive.

 

Any comments on 2GB versus 4 GB?

 

Yes...4gb is twice as much as 2gb and will be faster.

The 2CCFL is pretty decent after calibration but if you particularly value a good screen i'd go for the RGB LED...best laptop screen out there at the moment

 

Yep 4 is twice 2, yep. But is it worth another $115?

I've been reading about coupons. Are there coupons available for M4400?

 

Always call Dell when you want to order, i got a great discount from the rep i talked to. I don't know of any coupons but you could check the outlet for a refurb in the config you'd like. There's also the option to upgrade it yourself later on ofcourse.

I know i definetly make use of all the RAM i put in my lappy when doing large render tasks etc with lots of large textures loading. On my old lappy with "only" 2gb RAM it would just max out and stop the render.

 

@GreenMountainBoy:

As a coder, I bought the M4400 with an RGB LED WUXGA screen primarily for software development. Here's my take:

• The RGB LED is possibly the most beautiful display I've seen in a notebook, but only under Windows 7. In Windows XP and Vista, text was small and fuzzy, even with DPI scaling and Cleartype.
• The wide color gamut requires proper calibration, or colors will appear oversaturated. While browsing the web, this was noticeable to the point of being distracting. Unlike XP and Vista, Windows 7 makes colors look great with the default settings.
• Discrete graphics are only necessary for CAD and gaming. It will make your notebook run hotter and shorten the potential battery life.
• In Windows 7, 2 GB RAM is plenty (it's not as much of a resource hog as Vista). Try getting the one-stick option.
• The backlit keyboard sucks at low viewing angles, if you are working in a dim environment from a reclining position (like on a couch or bed). The backlight shines out from underneath the keys, which can be very distracting.
• I wasn't a fan of the keyboard or touchpad ergonomics/tactile response. Also, I had problems with the touchpad skipping. A few others have reported similar issues.

I ended up sending mine back, due mostly to the touchpad issues. I suppose I've been spoiled by the quality of Thinkpad keyboards and touchpads. Even though the RGB LED screen was beautiful, I couldn't abide the unreliable touchpad and comparatively poor tactile response of it and the keyboard.