Precision M4400 Owner's Lounge

I'm in the same boat. It's unfortunate the RGB-LED screen wasn't made available until just after the last round of coupons expired. I haven't seen a single coupon (that can be used on the M4400) since that last group expired (on 11/5). Any idea on how long the coupon cycle takes before it cycles back to the Precisions?

 

I've got to believe that they will do something before Christmas... At least I hope!

 

I may have to consider that option...

 

Does anybody know if there is ANY possible way I could get the the WUXGA RGBLED screen in glossy rather than matte? (Ill be watching moves and editing videos, and the main reason I would even buy the M4400 is for the screen)...unless the matte on this is very clear (compared to, for example the XPS M1530 WUXGA glossy screen). Thanks

 

yes they do have the rgbled wuxga in truelife

 

YAY! ....... so how do you get it lol

 

call dell don't order online and ask 'em to give you a good price....always worth a try and works quite often

 

Sorry I didn't reply sooner... does this forum not have e-mail notification for thread activity? [nevermind: just saw the option at the bottom of the page as I was getting ready to post this response]

@I<3RAM: again, methinks the sound issue is pretty unresolvable. And to be fair: it's not that the sound is completely intolerable (especially for normal, everyday use), it's just that it's not very good (it's thin and harsh). I'm an Audio Engineer, so I'm fairly confident that I'm looking for solutions in all the right places.

That said, I purchased the Tritton TRI-UA211 USB speaker pod based on a MacWorld.com review (link here: macworld_com/article/44081/2005/04/usbspeakers_html --the forum wouldn't allow me to make an inline link as I haven't made 15 posts yet), and it's an incredible little hockey puck! There's still some distortion and the sonic range isn't stellar, but for $30 I'd say it's unbeatable to boost volume and thicken sound. And it's incredibly portable (about the size of the black plastic base of a two liter bottle).

@covariant: yowch, 18pounds?! I revisited my Acer and realized it's actually 17 pounds, but you've still got me beat. That thing must be a beast!

@madengineer: (regarding price) I called up Dell and gave the exact specs of the computer I wanted to the person on the other end. I gave her the price I'd be paying for a MBP (with an educational discount) and then gave her the price I wanted to pay (a realistic number, not a fantasy). She spoke to her supervisor and came back pretty close to the number I gave her. I didn't mention it in my original specs, but yeah I got the 3 year accident/theft protection.

Dell is kind of annoying with the way they play numbers. Depending upon where you look ("normal people" site, small business site, etc...) the numbers can be completely different.

In regard to the Display Port adapter: I ordered the Display Port to DVI adapter (for my 24" Dell monitor), not the Display Port to HDMI, so I'm not sure about the answer to "does the display port output audio" question. I would tend to think "no," but I don't have a definitive for you.

@boss428man: regarding Blu-Ray... the M4400 utilizes an interchangeable component-type bay for the DVD drive. I'd go ahead and purchase your machine with the cheapest option (CD burner), and then upgrade later when the Blu-Ray drive becomes available. You literally just pull the thing out and swap in a different unit.

@soulfry: thanks for the sound offerings. Sounds like you were having some pretty serious issues with the audio. I didn't have any stuttering or drop-outs, just sub-par quality.

@DougOz: sorry to hear about the loud fan issues. So far I've been pleased with the ambient audio levels of my M4400. Pretty much on par with a MBP. I'm hoping that loud fans are not something on the way as I start running my external monitor (literally just opened my Display Port to DVI adapter).

@mfr: an external sound card should bypass the problems with onboard sound

As to the discussion regarding "the mysterious and constantly changing Dell website..." the rep I spoke with told me to always call (and I don't think she was just trying to get commission), as the website is generally garbage: incorrect information, erroneous prices, several different prices listed for identical items in different places, things appearing and disappearing all the time, etc.

And I want to reiterate: to those weighing the 9-cell battery option... DO IT. I can't believe how long this battery lasts. I often watch two or three DVDs while doing some mild internet browsing on a single charge! The "bump out" form factor is a little annoying, especially when stashing the computer in a bag, but the added up-time is sooooooo worth it!

 

Regarding fan noise with an external monitor... I've been running Hulu full screen on the 24" monitor, and while the fan is running (not silent) it hasn't kicked into full-speed mode at all during that past hour or so.

 

@kidjedi: Thank you for the info. You have helped me in my selection tremendously - especially regarding the 6 cell vs. 9 cell quandry.

Still waiting on Dell for the coupons...