---> OFFICIAL: Dell STUDIO 14z Owner's Lounge <---

Hahaha.. Dvorak....

Yeah, it seems as if the backlit keyboard is available on the US site again. Interestingly enough, it's now on the main configuration page and not the 'My Essential' page. In fact the my essential page no longer exists on the US site. So I'm hoping that the canadian site is being updated to match the US site (which seems likely) and this is the reason this option does not exists. Either way, shoddy performance by dell.

Anyway, I am hoping the order the laptop soon, but I'll wait until I can get the backlit keyboard...

Unrelated rambling:
I was going to get the T9550, but I don't think I'd appreciate the increased battery drain for the performance increase (I had mistakingly thought the 9550 was a P series). Plus its expensive. I think I'll stick with the 25W P8600 with the smaller cache. After playing with an inspiron @ 2.1GHz, I know that the P8600 will do what I need.

Unrelated question:
I'm going to be installing Ubuntu linux on the 14z. Anyhow, has anyone here installed it on their systems? If so, what works, and what doesnt? What is the battery life like (8-cell preferably).


YARR!
}:^)~
CC 40 proof

 

This is what I don't like. How everyone thinks TDP is their power consumption. It is the rated measure of peak power consumption unless i'm forgetting completely. the realistic peak and mins are different from 2.1ghz to 2.2ghz same everything else.

In general, if your not doing much with P series or T series, power consumption is going to be around the same. Your going to get a little bit less heatout at "max" with the P series. However, this isn't the whole story either. Unless i remember incorrectly, a process shrink doesn't always change the TDP rating by a lot but the real world measurements show major benefits.

my memory is a little faint from not being in the compworld for too long.

 

TDP is NOT the power consumption, but it affects both the battery life and the generated heat amount. For a laptop, the lower TDP the better. So, in this case the P-series is definitely better.

 

I ordered the external optical drive with mine and I received it on the 22nd, four days after I ordered it. I tested it today and it runs just like an internal drive, no slower in terms of watching a DVD. Its a pretty cool little drive. Retractable USB cord and an adapter to plug it in 2 USB ports for added performance. (I watched the DVD with only 1 plugged in.) Just a side note, I ordered my laptop on the 18th and its estimated delivery is the 31st. No delay so far...

Black Chainlink
2.4 ghz processor p8600
3gb RAM
320gb 5400rpm HDD
900p
8 cell battery
backlit keyboard
card reader
bluetooth 2.1

 

OOH OOH OOH!! Update!! I just checked my order status and my delivery got bumped FORWARD to the 29th instead of the 31st!! YAY! I got switched to next business day shipping for free?? Is this maybe because I live close to where its shipping from?

 

Thanks for the info!

Forgive me, I'm an electronics noob, so I know no better.

Additionally, I seem to recall the argument that all things equal, faster processors are generally more power efficient than slower processors, as they complete tasks quicker and can 'race' to an idle state faster. Of course, this is again only one factor.

Anyway, I'm sure there are many factors to consider, but I feel comfortable purchasing the P-Series due to its price, TDP, and performance.

YARR!
}:^)~
CapBackBacon

 

There's a $50 price drop on the Canadian site, the base config is now $749, instead of $799. Anybody knows if Dell would do a price adjustment for an ordered (but still in production) laptop?

 

Configurations are rarely/never exactly the same between the US and Canadian sites.

One example is that the Design Studio options (on the 15 and 17) are far more limited in Canada. Another is that they charge $40 extra for colour in the US, but $30 in Canada, while the 900p display is $60 in Canada and $50 in the US.

 

Finally bit the bullet! Can't wait!

Chainlink
3GB Ram
2.4 Ghz P8600
320GB 5400rpm
900p
Bluetooth
Wireless N
back-lit keyboard
8-cell battery
2Years Complete Care

$1008

 

I just received my 14z...but while it was doing its initial setup, it suddenly stopped and said:

DO NOT REBOOT THIS SYSTEM. FAIL THIS SYSTEM TO EMR

what does this mean???

 

I think it is trash now, if you want I can properly dispose of it .

 

It seems that the installation on the boot partition and the image on the recovery partition maybe both corrupt. If that's the case, you would need to reinstall from a recovery disk through an optical drive. But you need to check with Dell support first.

 

This is assuming that you have tried to press some key, after it tells you to "press any key to continue"; and then nothing happens. If it didn't ask you to press key to continue, then it may not be the problem I'm thinking of.

 

It's a good idea to re-install the OS (for example, Windows 7 RC1 from a USB flash drive). I always re-install it myself, I never keep the factory installed one. But anyways, let us know what's the issue there.

 

Well my 14z was to be delayed until july 31st, but I called a few days ago and talked with someone who mentioned it was probably going to be shipped soon. I then got an email on the 23rd stating that it was shipped. I then get another email from fedex stating that delivery would be the 24th! (I opted for the free 3-5 day shipping). I was out of town today, the 24th, and tomorrow will be the second delivery attempt... I will be here to sign for it! Yay!

If you have any questions about the laptop, let me know. I opted for the spring green case. I will take pics.

I also have another laptop which I will compare the 14z with. I will do resolution tests with a similar picture on both computers to show size difference. I'll take pics of the green case as well.

My specs:
spring green color / standard silver palm rest
2.1 ghz T4200 (I will upgrade later)
8 cell battery
backlit keyboard
900p screen
wireless G NIC (really no need for N since I dont transfer files over a private network. I do have a N router though. I will upgrade later if needed)
250GB hard drive 5400rpm
3GB ram (upgrade much later, even use readyboost with thumb drive if needed)
1 year mail in warranty
NO bluetooth

 

Would someone please be kind enough to tell me how to re-install vista once I receive my laptop? I don't have an external disc drive.

 

You'll need to get one, then, or at least temporary access to one.

You can use the recovery partition, but that will just restore it to the factory Vista installation, complete with all the original bloatware, unlike installing from the disk.

 

Laptop Mag review

 

If you have access to a DVD drive on another computer, and a USB flash drive, it can be installed that way. (More detailed instructions are needed though, as the drive needs to be made bootable)

 

ok thanks..

i did check with Dell support (which actually wasn't too bad) ..and will have to get/access an external dvd drive to use my vista install disk and my options will be:

1. access some system restore thing (i'm not sure it was called "system restore", but it was some type of restore)

2. if that doesn't work, try to reinstall OS

3. then if that fails, send in for system replacement (within 21 days)

 

i've been waiting for a review for like 2 months, then one comes out like an hour after i order.

 

Yeah I can use the disk drive from the laptop I'm currently on.

 

Can you some of you folks who receive their 14z give some short reviews when you have the time. Some of you have already, and it's helping me out a lot (I'm looking to buy a laptop for school).

 

I'll definitely do it when mine comes in. 8/10 is the estimated ship date so it'll be a while.

 

A few thoughts on the 14z

Screen -

I got the 1600x900 and it's fantastic. Extremely bright, crisp, and easy to read. The large resolution makes things a little small, but unless you have bad eyes there's no real strain for everyday web browsing. I would recommend this feature as a must-get and a huge selling point of the 14z

Weight -

Mine comes in just as others have suggested at just under 5 lbs, which is pretty good for a 14" machine, especially with an 8 cell. It's definitely on the lighter end, but it's also not the lightest laptop on the market

Appearance -

Related to the weight, this thing is very trim, very nice to hold and look at. It definitely commands respect. I got the black chainlink and the backlit keyboard. The latter is definitely one of the sexiest features of this machine, and the former is so-so. The highly glossy finish you get with the chainlink definitely attracts fingerprints, but if you take care of your machine it never seems to look messy. The chainlink pattern itself is rarely noticeable in many lighting conditions.

Performance -

I got the T6400, 5400rpm HDD and 3GB RAM, and I've never once experienced lag. The boot time is good, but not the best, but once you're in things fly. I've run a dozen tabs in Chrome with multiple office windows, uTorrent, Outlook, and other assorted programs and never felt a slowdown. I can run Sims 3, the only game I've tried to date, on medium settings at native resolution with a solid fps. Definitely delivers everything I need here.

Battery life -

I run my machine on RMClock battery management after successfully undervolting all multipliers to the minimum. I got the 8 cell, and I'm pulling about 4-4.5 hours of battery life with full brightness. Very solid. If I reduce brightness, bluetooth, etc. I can easily stretch that out. I love the 8 cell, especially with it being flush, and unless you really want to save the extra 0.4lbs or so, go for it.

Heat and fan -

I'm running my CPU at about a mean temperature of 38 celsius, and there's not a lot of heat to be felt. I get a bit of heat off the battery after long use, and the fan vent on the left can get hot, but it's never uncomfortable and I never feel much heat from my hands resting on top. The fan shifts through a few different speed levels, and even at its highest (which I experienced while stressing the machine for an undervolt) it's pretty quiet. Sitting in a classroom with low usage, you won't notice a thing.

Typing, speakers, etc -

The speakers are great. Low bass, of course, but they're one of the better laptop speakers out there. The next best I've had is an HP Pavilion "entertainment" machine and these are way better . The keyboard has a nice feel to it. I find myself typing a little harder than normal, but it's very comfortable, and only has a small amount of flex. I haven't had any issues with my bluetooth, and I'm getting a 100% reading on my Wireless N signal from anywhere in my house.

Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase. Great value for the price if you're looking for a light but powerful machine.

 

check out this 12 page review!

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptop/dell-studio-14z.aspx

 

@pachaim
That was the best review of the 14z I've read on the net so far (and this includes the recent laptop mag review). Kudos!

Now if only Dell Canada would return the 'backlit keybaord' option, i could buy this machine!!! Aside from the 900p resolution, this is my most requested feature!

Idle chit-chat:
I was in the store today looking at lappies to get a feel for the sizes. Although the 14z wasn't there, I saw a 14" by HP (HPdv4 or some such). The size is perfect. As an owner of a netbook, the only advantage of a tiny sized computer (for me) is potentially battery life as you still need a bag to haul it around and the tradeoff in usability (performance and screen) is not worth it. I think 14" is the perfect balance of portability and usability, namely the 14z due to its thinness, weight and excellent battery life.

YARR!
}:^)~
Captastic!

 

Here's a shorter summary from the same web site. It also compares the 14z to MacBook and says that 14z is better both price- and performance-wise. Yaaay! :tongue:

http://blog.laptopmag.com/dell-studio-14z-review-verdict-no-optical-drive-no-problem

 

alright..I re-installed vista (using a friend's xbox 360 hd-dvd drive ) and everything seems to be going fine so far..whew

 

See! Great!

 

Is anybody experiencing mouse problems in games?

I'm currently using a Logitech LX7 wireless USB mouse. Everything is fine when I'm on the desktop, but whenever I play games the cursor jumps around frantically. This is strange because I'm not skipping frames or anything.. I get a constant 40+ FPS in FEAR and the mouse still lags and jumps around.

Does anybody know a solution to this problem? It's a little annoying.

 

@nilosays
Perhaps you should try a new mouse. It could be a problem with the mouse, or some funky combination of that particular mouse and your system. Dunno, just a suggestion!

On a different note:
For those that are interested: here is some information on UBUNTU LINUX and the 14z:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1194751

Apparently it runs well save for some problems with WiFi connecting (takes a few tries) and some strange keyboard/mouse problems on the login screen. Here's to hoping that these kinks get worked out, as this will be my OS of choice with the 14z.... as soon as Dell Canada returns the backlit keyboard... it's killing me! Arrgh!

Does anybody care to try the playtstation 2 emulator PCSX2 on their system and relate their experiences? This is most likely how I'll game from Linux as the emulator is available for Linux and Windows.

YARR!
}:^)~
SitCapt'nSit...

 

Well Ive been messing around with my new 14z laptop and I would have to say it is the most amazing laptop in the world (for me anyways). I am in audio heaven. the speakers are soooo amazing!!!! Top quality! (Without the software enabled soundblaster stuff either!)
Ive taken a few photos to show the 900p resolution. I downsized a picture that I took and made it 800 x 600 and another version at 1024 x 768.
There are some comparison pictures for you the check out.
I would highly recommend you get the 900p screen! I would say that it should be mandatory! The fonts are not small at all and everything is great.

The other computer that I have in the pictures is a 15.4 inch 6850fx laptop with a screen resolution of 1280 x 800. the 14z blows my old computer away!

BTW, I reformatted the HDD immediately when I got it. Im running windows 7, 64 bit edition. All of the drivers that came with the laptop work fine with it.

Here are the pics:



Poor lighting, but this is the green color of my laptop. Its not the best green, but oh well, its ok.



Two laptops next to eachother. The 15.4 inch laptop looks huge compared to the 14z! This shows the MSN page without a scrollbar along the bottom (in both laptops). Also, iTunes is up, showing the iTunes store, again without the scrollbar on the bottom.






This is a 800 x 600 image, fitted to the window, full size, without scroll bars.



This is the same image at 1024 x 768. It fits in the 14z with space to spare but it doesnt even fit on my 15.4 inch laptop lcd. Notice the white boarder on the 14z.

Again, I cant stress enough how awesome the resolution and the speakers are! Have fun when you get yours!

 

I tried a wired mouse and that didn't work either. I also tried using the touch pad to play and the cursor still kept jumping! Anybody else have any idea what's wrong? It's impossible to play!

 

Thanks for the comments/reviews of the product so far!

 

Apparently this is a common problem among laptops. Does this happen to you just while playing? or does it also occur while typing, or something else that's fairly keyboard intensive. If so, some websites recommend rolling back drivers, though i dunno how possible that it is with a brand new laptop. A quick google search brought me to this:

http://www.fixya.com/support/t922661-cursor_jumps_around

 

Looks nice, congrats! And thanks for posting the comparison pics.

 

The comparison shots are really interesting! Look at the difference in overall laptop size despite the modest reduction in screen size. It's quite impressive how much more 'portable' the 14z is without a huge compromise of screen size.

I can't wait! Did I mention that dell should put the backlit keyboard option back for canadian orders?

YARR!
}:^)~
Capleton

 

HI, everyone,

I am planning to buy a 14z through dell.com, so I went to bestbuy today and see how it is

It's a very nice laptop and I think the keyboard typing experience is the best of all. (bestbuy's notebooks)

But it weight like a tank, much heavier than macbook pro.

So I was very confusing because I asked dell, the rep told me a 14z with 8cell is about 4.7lbs

Then I asked bestbuy rep, he told me bestbuy.com indicates its weight 5.3lbs

So,

my question is, the bestbuy model is different from the dell model?

does anyone use scale to measure their 14z?

if this possible, please tell me . thanks

 

I believe it's a different configuration? If you configured a 500 GB hard drive, it would weigh more than best buy's 320 GB hard drive... But in any case, the dell rep probably just told you the weight of the laptop (4.3 lbs) combined with the 8 cell battery (.4 lbs-.5lbs?). The more you configure into it, the more it will weigh so that's why it came out to be 5.3 lbs. By the way, I felt the laptop in best buy was lighter than the other laptops there w/ 14.1" screens. Not sure what you mean by the "tank" feeling. It's definitely portable.

 

Dont forget the BB laptop has no bluetooth. I think you can buy from Dell and put it in yourself.

I am trying to decide this vs the Sony SR. Both have the same weight.

 

I purchased my 14z from Best Buy and it was 4.6-4.7lbs when I measured it on my scale. I don't know what you mean about it being like a tank; it's extremely portable and comparable to the new Macbook Pro weight (13": 4.5lbs, 15": 5.5lbs, and 17": 6.6lbs. However, the Macbook Pro is a bit smaller dimension-wise.

Best Buy just made a mistake with their specs. I would highly recommend the 14z as its a very good deal for the money.

 

Hm. I was reading reviews that put it at around 5.1 with the 8 cell, 900p config, and larger HD.

 

What!? MacBooks don't even come in 14" screen sizes, so what are you comparing it to? Let's not compare apples to oranges.

Definitely it is on a lighter side, not heavy at all.

 

He was comparing it to the 13" MBP, which weighs 4.5 pounds, which is almost identical to the Studio 14z's 4.6 or 4.7 as he measured it, despite being an inch smaller.

 

Hey guys. I am thinking of buying a 14z and I have some questions if you have time to answer them.

1. What is the build quality like? Is it durable? Does it run hot?

2. How long does the 8-cell battery last on balanced performance while just surfing the internet and using Word?

3. Is the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G graphics card good enough to play middle-of-the-pack/older games (say CoD4 on low settings)?

 

1. It has amazing build quality. Everything feels sturdy despite the slight flex in the keyboard and palm rests. So yeah, it's pretty durable. Regarding heat... The fan constantly blows out cool air (it's not loud) and warmer air when doing heavier tasks like playing games or watching movies.

2. The 8-cell battery lasts anywhere from 4.5-5.5 hours when doing basic tasks.

3. The 9400M G is perfect for light gaming. I can pretty much max out Source games, get 30ish FPS on The Sims 3 on medium, and 50+ FPS on FEAR on low. If you get the 900p screen, performance will decrease a little bit though.

You could lower the heat and stretch out the battery life even more by undervolting the processor. There's a nice guide here on the forums that shows you how to do so. I haven't tried it yet, but people that have reported that it runs 40-50F cooler and has around 6+ hours battery life.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

No problem. If you have any more questions, ask away! It's finals week and I have nothing to do.

 

Shouldn't you theoretically be studying for your finals?

(Same here. I can't wait for this week to be over)