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

+1
I got one for my first gen ipod touch when it first came out, and its basically as good as new. Keep in mind though that after application, the film is ever so slightly dimply. Its not like a crystal clear protector

 

So I ordered mine on the 18th of July. Original ship date was 7/30/09 (today) but then when I checked on it yesterday it said it was delayed and not shipping until 8/5/09. Checked just now and not only does it say it's shipped but it is scheduled for delivery tomorrow (8/1/09).

Here's my config
Black Chainlink
900P screen
Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 2.4GHz, 1066Mhz, 3M L2 Cache
3GB, DDR3, 1066MHZ, 1 SoDIMM
BACK-LIT KEYBOARD
Dell Wireless 1515 Wireless-N
74 WHR 8-CELL LION PRIM BATT
34mm PROExpress-7 External External 8 in 1 cardreader
365 BLUETOOTH WIRELESS

I plan on getting one of these to put on my case.

 

agreed. The film does dim the screen ever so slightly and it's a little tacky compared to the glass screen. But if you're putting it on the lid of a laptop I don't think any of these things would be issues.

 

Wow. Serious business.

 

Don't know if it's been mentioned but you can get the 14z in the Dell Outlet now

 

hmm...Looks like pretty much everyone's that shipped are supposed to arrive on Saturday. Mine shipped as well but is estimated to arrive on Monday 8/3. Any chance this could be updated to Saturday later or is FedEx always on target with the estimated date and not sooner. I did have next business day with Dell, and it says Standard Overnight shipping through FedEx. I also know for a fact that FedEx delivers on Saturdays in my area....hmmm, the suspense is killing me

 

Can anyone post what their voltages are using RMclock if you have successfully achieved a low undervolt? I currently have the T4200 so if you have undervolted with that, let me know what voltages you have for each multiplier. Other CPUs are welcome to be posted as well.

Notice any difference in temp, fan noise and battery changes?

 

According to tracking, mine hasn't left the dell facility yet. I don't know where it's leaving from, or how they plan on getting it to my house so quickly, but that's not much of a timeframe. That being said, FedEx is usually on time, so i guess they must be doing something about it.

 

Mine will be delivered some time today. Too bad I'm not home for it, but at least someone is there to sign for it.

 

Anybody order theirs in a color other then chainlink black or ruby red? Be great if you'd upload some pictures

 

Ordered it in spring green. Will upload once I get it (around monday?)

 

For those whose shipped early this morning/late last night, is your shipping method through FedEx overnight standard or overnight priority?

 

They've been boxing mine for 13+ hours now...You'd think it would take no more than 5 minutes!

Anybody know how long it usually stays on the boxing stage? And what's the stage after this one? Is it where they ship it?

 

The boxing phase is a little misleading. It includes the time to ship it from Malaysia where it was built to Nashville, so it takes 2-3 days. Usually it will ship within 48 hours once it's in boxing.

 

Thanks!

 

Anyone got a screenshot of the 14z vs the Vaio SR? I just want to see which screen is more glossy.

 

since there's so much discussion of shipping, thought I'd throw in a little update here.

Mine shows as "shipped" as of 7/29, but in one place is says the "shipping method" is FedEx for next business day delivery, but in another place it says the "carrier" is FedEx Ground. A FedEx tracking number finally appeared, but when I click on it, the FedEx page little progress bar has been stuck at "initiated" for 3 days. It hasn't even gotten to "picked up".

I've spent a good deal of time over the past 2 days on the phone with Dell, and they can't seem to tell me anything, except that they're "sure it will arrive before August 1st", despite the fact that the estimated delivery dates are recited in various places as August 8, August 6, August 4 and August 1.

I don't mind if it doesn't arrive until next week (well, I want it sooner, but ...), but I just want to know what to expect.

Very frustrating.

 

Since you have next business day delivery I'd expect yours to get there tomorrow or monday.

I don't have it (just opted for regular 3-5 day) and it's saying it'll come in tomorrow. My status reflects the same as yours, shipped, but just initiated on the fedex page. Then again, I've only been on that since some time last night, so i don't know what to expect. i think they are a little slow with updating the site sometimes, so mine very well may have left, but it's just not reflected at this moment.

 

yep it's pretty good...I have it on my Zune 120 and LG Vu

 

I got the Midnight Blue. I'll upload some pictures when I get it today, hopefully soon.

 

Mine shipped yesterday! Via Purolator, coming from the States to Ontario Canada. Unfortunetly probably won't be here till mid next week sometime.

 

If you're in the GTA you should get it Tuesday. Mine shipped on a Thursday too, arrived on a Monday (but no holiday that week). Later today (after 6 or so) you should see on the Purolator tracking site that it's in the Toronto distribution centre.

 

Anybody know of a company that can create custom skins for the Studio 14z besides GelaSkins and SkinIt? I want to be able to provide my OWN design and have it made specifically for the 14z.

Unless I can find a way to have a small design printed on that military-grade clear protector so create a nice watermark-ish/transparent design and place it on my lid... hmmm.

 

Does anyone know how long the 6-cell battery lasts with everything off and back-light on the lowest setting?

PS - Mine shipped last night! Should be here by the 5th!

 

Just got an email from Dell that didn't really address all my questions/issues, but confirmed that -- notwithstanding the fact that I specifically asked that my shipping address be identified as a business and not a home, and despite the fact that they assured me that I would have expedited delivery due to the 2 delays in production -- it was shipped via FedEx Ground for "home delivery" (to my business address) and that it is due to be delivered tomorrow. Of course, since my office is closed tomorrow and I cannot be here, and because I know from past experience that FedEx Ground "home" only runs Tuesday through Saturday, it looks like I'll be waiting until Tuesday for their second attempt at delivery.

Sorry, I know I'm sounding a little pissy. I've tried to be positive, but this experience has just become really annoying. I guess I should shut up and just be happy that it's on its way and will get here eventually.

I'll just continue to surf this thread and live vicariously through all of you who have received yours.

I feel like a kid who's just been told Christmas is going to be a week later than I thought.

 

Yea, I live in Peterborough, not that far North of Toronto. Purolator just called me actually saying that it would be delivered on Tuesday

I ordered an Adamo external eSata DVD drive to go with it. I'll take pictures of everything when they arrive.

 

Mine shipped yesterday. Does it come to Alberta through Ontario?

 

I don't know - I'm not sure where it's actually coming from before it hits Toronto or where Purolator actually takes it, if someone else handles it in the States or they do. The quickest, most direct route is in their interest as much as yours.

 

I was arguing prices on the phone with Dell just now. They offered me 9 percent off at first, which, in my state, takes off the tax exactly. I ended up saving a deal to my account of 7 percent off with the Dell optical drive included free on a 2.4 ghz processor, 8 cell, 900p, backlit kb option all for $890 after taxes. I have to consider whether or not I want to take it over the MBP...it all depends if i want a 3 year warranty or not. If I do, they end up being the same price.

 

Well I received my 14z today around 12:30 and I've been setting it up/playing it with until now. Overall, I'm really happy with it. The screen is the most impressive feature of this PC, I got the 900p and its really good. Its a lot thinner than I remembered from seeing it at BB and its pretty light for a 14 inch screen. I thought I might not like the chainlink pattern on the inside of the laptop, but it actually looks pretty cool. The fan had been running pretty much since I turned it on, but its doing a good job because it hasnt gotten too hot yet. The hottest it got was when I went on an installing rampage getting all of my programs back. The speakers are nice and loud, though if you turn them up too high they get tinny and vibrate themselves making a slight buzzing noise. I do have one major issue though...they messed up my order! I ordered the backlit keyboard, and when I press the button to make it light up, nothing happens. I'm not going to send it back because I can't wait again, but I'm going to demand I get the money back. If you have any questions let me know!

 

youre either a great haggler or you found a great rep.

 

pics plz (10char)

 

I agree!

And I come from a family of hagglers. People my age don't understand haggling, and my friends are usually surprised by the results. But it was a lucky combination. The rep didn't seem too smart and I kept making her go back to her supervisor until I could hear exhaustion in her voice

 

I'll get some up later today or tomorrow.

 

So how did this go? Did you just demand a lower price? demand that she speak to her supervisor? I'm curious because i'm not as good as i'd like at this.

 

One method is that you'd start by specing up a machine, then make out you are comparing it to another machine you've seen that is cheaper. You could also say you've got your eye on another machine and it costs X, you are happy to spend Y, but what are they going to do to make it worth your while.

Don't be afraid to walk away and try it with another sales rep if you don't feel you are getting anywhere, but don't give up if they simply say no; play with different configurations with the same rep. Take up their time; they'll want the sale.

First and foremost; make sure they know that 1. You have the money, 2. You want to buy today.

There's lots of different ways of haggling, depends quite a lot on the person you are buying from, how they seem. I haggle for everything; got £450 of my last decent suit (mind, it did still cost £940 even after knocking them down £450).

 

If you look up-thread a bit (sorry, can't recall how far), I think you'll find a discussion of it being possible to have Dell send you the backlit keyboard and install it yourself.

I know an I.T. tech just did that to my company laptop and I was amazed how easy it was; literally took him less than 5 minutes.

If that helps at all.

Congrat's on yours.

 

Ordered mine on 7/16, estimated for 7/31 arrival, and received it on 7/30.
Black chainlink
Intel Core 2 Duo P8600
3GB ram
Backlit keyboard
8cell battery

I've barely used it, since I'm holding off until a clean install of Vista, but in terms of aesthetics, I have a few gripes:

I know that it's been pointed out that chainlink black is a finger-print magnet, but this cannot be stressed enough. I am not an anal guy and I never figured a "fingerprint magnet" surface would bother me this much. Anytime after directly washing hands with soap, I can handle my iphone, mouse or anything els finger-proof magnetized and there really woudlnt be any noticeable smudges. But this is not the case with dell's chainlink black. Even after washing hands, the slightest touch or impression leaves such a strong noticeable smudge that I now believe that dell has purposely designed this material to attract finger prints in an attempt to boost skin/color sales. If black iPhones were made from this material, there's a good chance I might have returned it. But since I don't place my laptop against my face every 30 minutes, I guess it's more tolerable. Thank god they decided to use grey on the insides, because that would've just been too cruel to use this chainlink black anywhere we constantly see and touch. All things aside, i do admit that it does look very nice though. Just be warned that even if you are a clean person who's had dry skin their entire lives and never had to deal with pimples (like me), you may still be surprised at how easily this picks up fingerprints.

Another small complaint is with the backlit keyboard. I like the fact that this was an option and I would order it again if I made another purchase, however, do not expect the same quality you might get with a macbook pro keyboard. The lights underneath the keyboard seep through the cracks too easily and gives the keyboard an unevenly lit appearance. It's still worth the $25 to get one, as opposed to not having backlighting at all, but I'm definitely not about to show off this particular feature to any mb-pro owner.

One last thing.. it feels heavier than I expected. When I pick up a 15inch macbook pro (my brother has one) and it sort of feels lighter than it appears to be-- a subtle, but pleasant surprise. The 14z is just the opposite, when I lift it, I feel slightly let down at how heavy is is compared to how heavy my brain assumed it would be. Nothing really to and moan about, but just wanted to give my complete opinion.

I'll try and post more critique after I actually begin using it..

 

Comparing this to a MBP is like comparing crayons to fountain pens. The Inspiron range is never going to be as aesthetically pleasing as an Apple that costs 2-3 times as much.

Agree about the finger print magnet, seen a friends and it is awful. Like the Inspiron 15 is inside

 

I didn't have anything positive to add because it's already been said by others, but I'll just reinforce these points:

- the 900p is EXCELLENT and worth the $
- The speakers are definitely better than average
- keyboard has nice a feel to it when typing

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this laptop. But the 3GB ram ... that just kills me. I do not care if 4gb ram gets cheaper because at that time, I will want 8GB as opposed to 5GB. Damn you dell!!!!!!

 

This is the general progression of my specific conversation :

I clicked the button on Dell's EPP site to have them call me. I told the representative that I was looking at the Studio 14z because my computer science professor and brother recommended it at certain specs (not true). I told her that I was going off to school and my mom and I didn't have a big budget. I wasn't expecting to get a computer, but it turned out that I may need one. I said I couldn't quite afford the price at the specific specs that were recommended for me. She recommended other systems but explained why they weren't for me (the inspiron had the intel graphics, weighed the same as the 15 with the 9 cell battery, and had no financing deal...the studio 15 was to large for me). So at that point the Studio 14 was the focus. I told her the price of the specs and also explained why that wasn't the final cost because I also had to buy an external optical drive. I said that we could only afford something in the mid 800s total. She said she'll look up the current offers and promotions. She came back trying to sell me an $1100 package with just about every upgrade I wanted, plus the wireless n, 3 year warranty, anti virus. I said it was nice but still above the price we could afford.

I asked her to see if she could authorize any discounts or deals, and that if there was a good fit, I would "heavily consider this computer compared to the competition, and at a reasonable fit, it will be my first choice" ... She came back from her supervisor giving me a 9% discount instead of the 7% student/business discount. I said it still wasn't enough because that only takes of state tax (California). I then offered my own deal : Give me the 9 percent discount plus give me the Dell drive ($99) for free, and I would heavily consider it and it will be my top choice. I also said that I didn't want to buy again from Dell originally, but if they offered me the best deal for my student life, I would. She came back saying her supervisor would give me 7% off plus the free optical drive. I said it was not the deal for us..I wasn't trying to hurt Dell's profits here, I was trying to just make it fit for us. I asked her to go back saying that, hoping i would also get the 9% discount. She came back again saying no, and I just said that the current deal is no longer my top choice. She said she didn't want to put me on hold again, I said that I have all day - don't worry about it. We ended up saving the deal with the free optical drive, a total that will come out to $890.

How you discuss these things is just as important as what you actually say. You can't act like a jerk OR a pushover. You have to speak at a normal pace (I also have a quiet, geeky voice that I think helps because it makes me sound like I know what I'm talking about). You should be very very confident and respectful at the same time, saying - please, thank you, not a problem, absolutely!, sure thing, this is what is best for our specfic situation here at home. And if you can kind of outsmart the other person in a non-deliberate way, it gives you some credibility as a confident, knowledgeable person. For example, she offered me word processing software, I said I can use open-source software developed for different platforms for free. She asked me what is so bad about getting an inspiron 14 - I replied that in order to compete with the 14z battery, I would have to get a 9-cell, making it just as heavy as the 15 inch which wasn't an option. Not being mean at all, just confident, kind, and knowledgeable. Obviously I only ended up saving $100 dollars on top of the student discount, but I also passed on their package deal which was great, just above my budget. Besides, paying 890 for the whole thing after taxes is fine for me. I don't have to pay taxes on the 100 dollar drive, and I don't have to hit the $1000 dollar mark at all. ( I didn't proofread this long post, excuse any errors)

 

You're right. I suppose I had very high hopes/expectations for this laptop, because this is a great laptop for the price and I shouldn't be whining about it. But oh well.. here I am !

 

To anyone trying to install Vista (home premium) with a USB drive: the contents will NOT fit inside a 4GB flash drive. I didn't want to tinker with anything so I'm avoiding vLite. But if you're like me and just want to copy the installation disk onto flash, you have to use a 8GB drive.

Unless someone can enlighten me with any other method to reduce the size.

 

That's the muscle you're feeling.

 

Pcn, agreed, it's often how you approach these things.

At the end of the day, however frustrated we might get, the person we are talking to is still a human being, and should be treated as we would like to be treated ourselves. Having worked in a technical help role in a call centre many years ago, I would always be more willing to go that extra mile if somebody was polite and curteous. I couldn't always do what they asked, but if somebody started kicking and screaming, well it would not put me in the frame of mind to help in the first place. The same is true of sales rather than a service role, but you can be a little bit more pushy because you've not yet spent your money - but some people try to over do it.

If somebody came up to you in the street and gruffly said "got any change for the bus", you might just say no, you might say yes. If instead they asked "sorry, I've lost my wallet and wondered if you had any spare change for my bus fare" you still might not help, but you'd probably be more willing to help.

 

well I used rmclock for my T4200 and I was able to set all of the voltages to the base voltage of 1.1000
It wouldnt let me go any lower. The 10x multiplier works fine at 1.1000, so I would assume that the 6x multiplier would work at less of a voltage. Rmclock doesnt let me lower it any further. Is this rmclock's fault or is the limitation from the CPU?
I believe that the normal voltage for the 10x multiplier was 1.1500, meaning that I was able to take off .0500v from the 10x multiplier. I wonder if any other programs would allow me to lower the 6x multiplier? Im running windows 7 ultimate, 64 bit edition.

 

Did you make sure to set RMClock to Mobile mode, and not Desktop or Auto-Detect in the Advanced CPU settings tab? If you didn't, set it to Mobile and restart RMClock.

 

I got the p8600, and I'm stuck at 1v even though the settings are at .875 for all multipliers. The cpu info and cpuz say that I'm at 1v

and yes I'm in mobile

 

Dell shiiped my BLACK 14z with a plain silver palmrest instead of the chainlink one. Has this happened to anyone else, and if so were you able to get the error corrected?
Spent the last 1.5 hours on the phone and no solution.

 

Weird - you got a plain silver palmrest that isn't even offered and someone else got a plain black lid that also isn't even offered. I'm guessing that these are either manufacturing/QC defects (i.e. they didn't intentionally produce these parts - a batch of chainlink-less parts was made and accidently used) or they were intentionally produced but for a different market (it's conceivable that there are markets where a chainlink pattern might be a turn-off) and somehow by accident they got used in yours.