Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge

I'm debating between the M4400 and the M6400. I like the portability of the 4400, and I definitely like the price a lot more. For me the determining factor will be the RGB LED. "If" it comes out soon for the 4400, I'll be going that route - but if Dell comes out with another series of SB coupons then I'll have to consider pulling the trigger on the 6400. Got to get it done before the end of the year for the tax write-off!!

 

Oh! haha....

 

hhmm the brochure states that we can have option of Intel's 5300 wireless card, however upon using the configuration tool, there is only option of dell's cards.

Previously dells wireless cards were criticized for poor performance, i am not sure if that has changed.

Also what premium price do we expect for the RGB LED screen over the WXGA+ LED currently $70 upgrade from WXGA

 

They had the Intel cards up there before, I'm sure it will come back shortly. You can always call if you need to order ASAP. RGB LED will probably be costly, for reference you can look at how much it costs for the M6400.

 

Yeah i'd ALWAYS advise to make the final order on the phone with dell. I just pieced together a list of the components i wanted, some of them weren't available in the configuration tool in europe but were on the US site and so on. I got everything i wanted and an extra 150euro off the price Always call!

 

I'm considering the Precision M4400 as a replacement for an ASUS C90S. One review on the Dell site reported problems at startup with USB devices. Have any of you experienced this? If so, do you have Vista or XP? Also, what are the temperatures like on the top of the unit where you rest your hands?

 

Hey Lapdog,

What kind of problems?....curious because somehow my xp is bluescreening after startup with the message it's because of a device driver. Problem is i can't see how i can go into safe-mode to uninstall stuff I can only choose safe mode for Vista in POST.

Temps on the palmrest etc. are good, they get warm but not hot....rendering with the laptop on my lap as i'm typing this

 

LPTP-LVR,
Here's a quote from the review on the Dell site: "The laptop is very picky (at least in my case) of having anything plugged into it when it boots; tends to not start when a cd is in it or a usb is plugged in." The reviewer did not identify the operating system. I'm running Vista Ultimate on my ASUS, and when I attach it to a Canon multifunction printer, the computer freezes. I'd seen similar complaints from users running Vista on other laptops. I still don't know if it is an ASUS or a Vista problem. Sounds very different from your issue.

Happy to hear about about reasonable palmrest temps...my hands are roasting on this dangblasted heap (oops...I'm going to have sell this...maybe somebody in the Arctic Circle is looking for a combo lappie/handwarmer?)

 

Well I just spent considerable time on the phone with Dell, spec-ing a M4400.

I am a photographer and of paramount importance was/is the RGB LED screen. So my conversation with the rep centered around this component and have been assured more than once and have an email stating that the display is the RGB LED - featuring 100% Adobe Color Gamut.

As many know it shows on the Tech Specs the four screen options, but then in the customize it process only offers 3 screen options with the RGB LED option not being specifically defined. I told the rep more than a few times my concern regarding the screen and this is the single, only one reason I am purchasing this laptop. After being placed on hold several times while she talked to supervisors to be able to assure me that the,

15.4” Wide WXGA (1280x800) Display [Included in Price]
15.4” UltraSharp™ Wide WXGA+ (1440x900) LED Display [add $70]
15.4" UltraSharp™ Widescreen WUXGA (1920x1200) Display [add $149]

last option in the customize process (above) is the RGB LED that is specified in the tech specs (below),

15.4" WUXGA TrueLife RGB LED display (1920x1200) featuring 100% Adobe® Color Gamut
15.4" WUXGA AG day light viewing (1920x1200)
15.4" WXGA+ AG WLED Back-lit display (1440x900)
15.4" WXGA AG display (1280x800)

But I wasn't born yesterday and I still have my doubts and will not believe it until I can confirm it that it is the "real deal" display, I went ahead and ordered it as I do have an email from the rep stating that it is that particular display, how will I be able to for sure know and tell?

I am hoping that it will be soooooo, sooooo dazzling, drop dead gorgeous that I will not even care if it truly is the very rare RGB LED and that once I profile it, everyone and anyone who catches a glimpse of this display will immediately salivate uncontrollably, yet call me a doubting Thomas.....

Anyone know what the specs/model numbers would be under 'devise manager'?

I am really hoping this is the display. I have my doubts.

Thanks,
Thomas

 

Lol, a lot of us are hoping you're right However i ordered that third option that IS available and that hasn't been the RGB LED 'till now. But hey, if you got it in writing just send it back if it's not the right screen, easy as that.

the hardware id for the normal 2CCFL is SEC5443 and the reference number on my order list was 230-10194....hope that helps

And yes...the RGB LED should be just as awe-inspiring as we all expect!!