Recommend M4600? Has it been good to you?

I get dropouts on the latency checker as well with my m4600.

I also have an annoying issue when using headphones, sometimes when I switch windows or click something, I get a very, very short high pitched buzz. Sounds a bit like static or something.

Other than that I am happy with the m4600.

For comaprison, I have the nvidia 2000m.

 

Do you get audio skips when the dropouts happen?

 

No, not when I'm just listening to mp3s or watching youtube.

But I suspect it might cause problems for "real time" audio applications. I used to DJ with my old laptop and the audio would mess up if I reached the red on the latency checker. I guess the same with the m4600.

I'm wondering if I have a fault in a component somewhere or if its a software issue. I kind of want to get it fixed, but don't really like the idea of spending ages trying to sort it out with Dell or sending the machine off.

 

Did you try all the different power plans provided by Dell?

 

yeah, those power plans are just bandaids, for such an expensive laptop you would think it could handle audio without dropouts..

I have a m4500 and m4400 both of which stay in the green on latency checker and don't have any of the issues my m4600 has..

Dell came out and replaced the motherboard but it still does the same thing.. They've put me in touch with someone in engineering so maybe we'll get to the bottom of it.

 

Thanks for the updates tom_bell07.

Hope they figure out what's wrong with it. I agree, there shouldn't be an excuse for such stutter in a highspec machine.

Keep us updated.

P.S. I still didn't buy yet. The W530 was just released today so I guess I'll keep my eye on it but so far the keyboard deters me...I'm sure the feedback is tactile, but the arranagements of the keys is what gets me, I've been used to the old series for so long that it would bug me, we'll see though..

 

I am getting a few red / yellow spikes @ 2000 us

 

***** My dropout problems are fixed *****

I had been using acronis backup images of my machine so I decided to do a fresh install from the Windows 7 DVD and all the hiccups are gone now.. my DPC latency spikes to 2000uS every so often but it's not enough to cause any audio blips.. I'm so happy again..

I guess acronis isn't as good as I thought.. when in doubt do a real install I guess.

Thanks everyone.