Dell Studio XPS 1640 & Windows XP x64 Problem

Guys I am almost ready to buy the Studio XPS 1640 but I have a major problem that I really want some help in solving. First off here is the configuration that I am pretty set on buying (copied straight from Dell website):

SYSTEM COLOR
Obsidian Black with Leather Accent

PROCESSOR
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T9550 (6MB cache/2.66GHz/1066Mhz FSB)

OPERATING SYSTEM
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-bit

OFFICE SOFTWARE
No Microsoft Office

WARRANTY AND SERVICE
2Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis

HD DISPLAY
Edge-to-Edge FullHD Widescreen 16.0 inch RGBLED LCD (1920x1080) W/2.0 MP

MEMORY
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1067MHz (2 Dimms)

HARD DRIVE
320GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive

INTERNAL OPTICAL DRIVE
8X DVD+/- RW(DVD/CD read/write) Slot Load Drive

VIDEO CARD
ATI Mobility RADEON™ HD 4670 – 1GB

WIRELESS CARDS
Intel 5150 Wimax, Wireless-N combo card

SOUND OPTIONS
High Definition Audio 2.0

BLUETOOTH
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module (2.1+EDR)

BLUETOOTH
ExpressCard Media Remote for Bluetooth ​

The problem is that I really dislike Windows Vista and want to install WIndows XP Pro x64 SP3 as soon as I get the laptop. I just really, really want to make sure that I have all the drivers for it, all ready to go, that will work with the devices I have selected and will function in Windows XP Pro x64. I am especially concerned about the Video Card driver as I do not see the (ATI Mobility RADEON™ HD 4670 – 1GB) card listed as supported on the DriverHeaven Mobility Modder page.

Please post your solutions. Anything is welcome as I really need to buy this laptop ASAP for college and cannot put it off anymore. Thanks guys.

 

Bump........

 

Someone help. Please.

 

Is there really any sound reason you dont want to use vista?

 

Well I just flat out don't like its performance, effects, and compatibility issues. Plus it takes me double the time to do anything on it.

 

Id say if you have to, just use the 32bit version if you can. That not being an option really you wont have much choice if you cant find video drivers. I dont know how tht driver situation is with xp64 right now, but I know it used to be utterly horrible.

As for compatibility issues i think you will have more issues with xp64 than you will with vista64.

 

Yes but still...... I would like to find a way to make the ATI Mobility RADEON™ HD 4670 – 1GB work in Windows XP x64. The only issue is with the card not being in the mobility modder's compatibility list. Once I know for sure I can make it work in Windows XP x64 then I'll go ahead and buy it.

 

Vista64 >> XP 64 since Vista was designed based on a 64-bit platform, while XP was designed on a 32-bit one. Right now, Vista64 SP2 is a lot better than XP 64 SP3 in terms of performance and compatibility. If you don't like Aero, just turn it off and choose the XP style look.

 

Seriously, I have similar specs to the laptop you're ordering and I run 64 bit Vista without any problems. Boots up in a little over a minute, comes back from sleep in 15 seconds or so... and all my applications are snappy.

Also, no compatibility issues at all so far.

 

But still guys, I just want to know where I can find a driver that will work for the video card i want inside Windows XP x64. Please.

 

Well, obviously, if any of us knew that we would have told you.

We aren't sadistic a$$holes who would toy with you and withhold such knowledge.

We are only offering alternative ways to address your issue, out of the kindness of our hearts.

You might want to be prepared to be disappointed, because the drivers for that card might simply not exist for that OS. It happens all the time with Macs and such, it happens with old Windows OS's as well.

 

I see what you mean now. i guess I'll just have to adjust with Windows Vista x64 but I still have some question in my head about the laptop in general that i really need to ask cause its killing me now. First off,I have heard that the laptop exhaust is blocked when the laptop screen is open and that it ends up pushing hot exhaust air straight onto the laptop RGBLED screen and that maycause color problems or warping issues later on. Second, I have heard that the laptop has this glossy glass cover on top of the actual screen which causes a hell of glares and stuff and is not good for the clarity of thelaptop screen though it may, in the end, actually protect it.

Thanks again for replying to my questions

 

I wouldnt fret about Vista 64. It really does work fine, and if you disable the Aero interface it runs even better. Windows 7 will be out soon, so you won't have to deal with it for long.

The laptop exhaust on the back is partially blocked, but it's not a major factor in heat buildup. Nor does it push any hot air up to the screen (maybe if it was opened to its full 140 degree angle it might divert some upwards, mine doesnt have this problem). Most of the heat dissipation for this notebook occurs on the bottom where there are vents- keeping it raised off a flat surface does wonders for keeping it cool. Putting it on top of a cooler blowing air into the bottom vents does an even better job.

The screen is a glossy type screen, but it is no more reflective than any other glossy laptop screen I have used. Really, I never get a reflection or glare unless the screen is totally black, the color and brightness are very good and on white/color backgrounds I barely notice any reflection.

Hope that helps.

 

This helps me out a lot. i am in relief that the the exhaust doesnt blow straight on the screen when its open. Also I have heard great things about Windows 7 so will wait for that one. Also, concerning the SSD option for the laptop. Did you buy it from Dell or did you just get the laptop with the standard type HD and then buy your SSD aftermarket? If it was after market then where did you buy it from and was it extremely easy to install Vista and everything onto the aftermarket SSD and get running on it?

 

I got the stock HDD on mine when I bought it and am replacing it with a SSD.

The current offering of a 256GB Samsung SSD is a really good option. Its a great SSD and its an awesome price for that much space on one. If you can afford it, it's worth the money.

However, if you choose to upgrade later then theres no worries. Its only a matter of making a copy of your current system on a disc (lots of software can do this), unscrewing the back and removing the hard drive, plug in the new one, insert your disc, and voila you have your exact same system on your new drive. This will only work if you have enough space on the new SSD though, so I would advise doing it before you put all of your large files on it. Keep them on an external if you can.

 

Thanks! This helps me out in my decision a lot

 

I also went with a stock HDD though I will be waiting a while to do a SSD.

 

Yeah I think I will go with the stock HDD first, for now then buy an aftermarket SSD when they get bit more cheaper

 

No. This isn't February 2007 anymore, Vista is better than XP in almost every possible way. You've been watching too many Apple ads

 

Vista 64 SP2 keeps up with XP. I use it on a daily basis and don't have a single compatibility issue with it. Why subject yourself to driver headaches but choosing XP?

 

And maybe you should consider the complete-care option to go along with your warranty?