Precision M4500 Owner's Lounge

Hi,

Yes I do have a SSD drive ... I Uninstalled the security dell aplication and it stoped doing those freezes, I saw the post earlier but i thought that since i do not have an fingerprint reader or stuff like that on my dell than that may not be the problem, all sorted now.

Thx ... and I recommend the SSD it has a very good write/read speed.

 

One of the best things you can do with a new Dell system is format the Windows partition (don't delete the Diagnostics partition) and install a fresh copy of Windows without all the added junk that comes preinstalled.

SSD: I read up on the Samsung SDDs - and they are medocre at best. Much better than a mechanical drive, but way behind Intel and the Sandforce controller SSDs like the OZC Vertex 2.

 

I found it. Look for post #585 in this thread (link http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...ision-m4500-owners-lounge-59.html#post6344362 ).

It looks like something in the security software causes these glitches. Thus, I have installed:

Dell ControlPoint Security Device Driver Pack
Dell ControlPoint System Manager

BUT NOT

Dell ControlPoint Security Manager Application

However, I don't have a fingerprint reader (and don't want one) so I think I can get by without the security manager software.

 

My M4500 power supply seems to randomly turn off. That is, I plug in it, the blue light goes on at the end, and the laptop charges. Some time after the laptop is fully charged, the blue light goes out and the battery starts to discharge. The battery will discharge all the way if I let it. I have to unplug the power supply, wait many seconds, then plug it back in for it to turn back on.

Has anyone else seen anything like this?

 

Nope, I have not. I would expect a bad ac adapter for sure.

 

Get a replacement already.

 

I've noticed more and more that I can hear an electronic high pitched whine coming from the left and right side of my M4500. I really wish I knew what it was. Before I had to get really close to the unit to hear it, now I can't get it to go away. I hear it just using the laptop.

Anyone else have this?

 

So I have some bad news about the M4500 I ordered. I never got any communication or email from Dell since I placed an order at the outlet. After calling Dell and being forwarded for what seemed like hours, I was finally told that my order was cancelled on Saturday, due to information not matching with my debit card (I had to make this order over the phone).

I received no call on either Friday or Saturday, or this morning about the cancellation, nor was I sent an email about it. I would have waited all week to receive it in the mail, and only checked with Dell out of curiosity. After spending hours on the phone, I was finally able to clear the discrepancy with the information on my debit card, hoping that I will be able to just take the hold off my order and let it continue to ship to me.

Apparently, when my order was cancelled, the notebook was just put back into inventory and most likely sold, as I couldn't find the system, and none of the two M4500's in inventory right now comes close to matching the one I ordered on Friday. From what I understand, is the inventory of M4500's replenished every month? If so, it will be too late for me to order another one in time for classes to begin, because I will be too busy having to deal with Dell sales.

Right now, I'm just really bummed out, not because of the notebook, but due to the lack of communication from Dell about this issue. they could have at least sent an email about cancelling the order, instead of having me believe that I'm going to receive a new system before the week ends. I even bought the WD 500GB HDD, a Performance Mouse MX, and a Swissgear backpack for it, and I'll probably have to cancel those orders too. I don't think I can hover around the outlet like I did before, looking for that perfect system, because my studies are getting more intense.

I'm sorry if this feels like a rant, but I really feel the need to vent my frustration with Dell. I spent a LOT of time calling them and setting everything up with my account, verifying and re-verifying, only for them to mess up my order info, for nothing. I am not even sure if I want to deal with Dell in the future, for fear of them messing up again. Has anyone here been in a similar situation? What can I do at this point? Should I look into other options, such as HP or Lenovo?

 

Don't fret. I had two notebooks cancel. I ended up paying 130 bucks more and I landed an FX 1800M.

Just got my laptop right now and it's SWEET!

i7 620M
4 gigs/ram
320 hd
DVD Player
Full HD Screen
Bluetooht
Intel 6200N

What's funny is that on dell's website and my order summary, there was no sign of a web-cam or a fingerprint reader. I personally could care less but lo and behold, it came with those parts. Pleasant surprise.

In any event, I got 7414 3dmark2006 out of the box. Just bumped it up 10% across the board at just cracked 8000. Haven't even begun to really test this bad boy yet.

Be patient. Something good will show up. I got my order placed at 6AM PST a week ago. I'd HIGHLY recommend sticking with an M4500 because you can't touch it at this price (for refurbs of course).

 

Thanks for the advice. I think I will stick around the M4500. Like you said, with patience, something much better will come along (Come on, 820QM/FX1800, ). I probably won't cancel the wireless mouse , the 500GB HDD, or the backpack order though. When I find that perfect config, I will have those devices ready for the M4500's homecoming.

I made another call to Dell and spoke to another sales rep who was a lot more understanding and sympathetic about my situation, and he told me that they will actually update the inventory on tuesday and thursday. I will probably be up looking for another machine. Wish me luck, guys.