Can anyone confirm please? - 700m

I have read a few, quite convincing complaints regarding the 700m and the mic-in jack, in that when one tries to record their voice or have a mic conversation, there is a lot of background static noise drowning the actual recording. The noise is so bad, that the recording feature is a 'defect on ALL 700m notebooks' supposibly.

Can anyone tell me, from your experience or from someone whom you know, anything regarding the above? This is a serious defect, if infact still floating around on all notebooks and is the deciding factor in my notebook hunt.

Thanks in Advance

- Mo

 

I just bought one anyway despite reading all the same stuff, mostly because there was at least one user that used a USB microphone and it was fine. If that in fact is the only problem, there were at least several workarounds, and I got a whole lot more of what I wanted for $1200 then I could anywhere else. If I do get around to trying it, I'll let you know.

-Michael

 

Alright thanks, let me know. Yes sure there are workarounds but for $2000CDN (no coupons available for me) I should not expect defects in my electronics. How is the laptop right now? Specs? Worth $1600USD ?

 

There are a number of posts on the issue by myself and others...please do a search on the subject.

Furthermore, check recall700m.com
There is a link to a dell support forums post there where the issue is detailed at length.

The defect apparently still exists in new units as of Aug 29.

Dell lost my business over this issue.
You are absolutely right...if you spend that sort of money on a unit (more in Canada, than in the US with discounts...) then it should function properly.

 

Hi,

I bought my Dell 700m on Aug 10th, and it arrived on Aug 23rd. I've tested everything and it sounds just fine. I used the mic jack in the front of the unit and nothing is wrong with it. I ordered it from Dell Canada for $1,700 Canadian.

Specs:

1.7Ghz Pentium M
512MB DDR, 2 Dimm
8X CD/DVD Burner
Intel Pro Wireless 2915
80GB Hard Drive

 

mokv, sounds like there is some hope for us after all. And yes Stimpy, I completely agree with you; it is enough of an issue to look elsewhere. Did you purchase the machine and return it or? Can this problem be absolutely (well maybe not absolutely but speculation) be a flaw IN ALL 700m notebooks?

mokv: Did you use a standard mic (not an Apple workaround) in your mic jack at the front of the machine? Which mic was it (manufacturer) if you don't mind me asking. $1700 with Tax? Because that WOULD be a bargain on this side of the boarder. Perhaps you don't have extended warranty though. The best I see right now is 1024GB RAM, 1.7 Pentium M, DVD Burner for just over $2000CDN. If I would have ordered last week, I could have saved $150.

I am still deciding and this mic issue is stopping me from making my purchase at Dell or going elsewhere and picking up a laptop from a electronics store and having piece of mind that if there is a problem, I can drive down to the store, show them the problem, and not deal with the most recently rated worst service personel in the industry (Dell ahem).

 

Yes $1,700 WITH Tax... and no I don't have extended warranty. I used a regular mic, i don't even remember when i got this mic, it's old and it's working. Doesn't have a brand or anything... I don't even know what an Apple workaround is?

P.S I bought it from Dell Canada's Small Business section, I've noticed that their prices on the Small Business area is usually lower than Home & Home Office.

 

Hey. I checked out the 'Small Business Section' and I found the Latitude line to be more advertised. I will check it out again however. Thanks for the tip. So you went to the small business section and then chose 'Choose Inspiron' ? I assumed that link would take me back to the Home and Home Office pages.

Right now, configured with the same specs as yours, from Home section, the 700m works out to $1750 CDN. But that is with the extended 3-year warranty which I think would be a good investment. Is that price good for this machine? Does it run very smoothly for applications such as PowerPoint, Word, Excel and other office oriented apps?

 

Yea, I went into the Small Business Section and I choose inspiron. At the time when i purchased it, the prices were different.

Everything works great on this machine! PowerPoint, Word, Excel, OneNote, they all work fine, starts fast and runs smooth. Photoshop CS worked fine on this machine as well. Do a few adjustments with windows here and there I got the 700m connected to wireless and fully booted in less than 45 seconds with everything ready to go. $1750 isn't bad for this machine. I think I just got lucky with 1,700 including tax.

As for the Small Business Link, I've ordered my Dell desktop from Small Business as well, and it always came out a lil cheaper.

 

you can get an inspiron 6000 or 9300 for the same price basically, much better built and better performing machines than the 700m

 

Except when it comes to mobility, i don't think i want to carry something that's 6.5lbs around with a 15.4 inch screen. I agree that 6000 or 9300 performs better, but mobility is rather important.

 

Yes I was considoring the 6000 but after seeing and holding it, there is no comparison for mobility. The 700m would be more appropiate for my use. Do you recommend getting it with 1GB or is the 512MB sufficient? I know I can upgrade later but with 2 dimms (2x256), there will not be any empty slot.

 

I would got for 1 X 512MB just so you have space to upgrade. I regret not getting 1 X 512 instead of 2 Dimms. Don't get 1GB from dell coz you can probably find it else where for a cheaper price.

 

Ya I see what you mean. Upgrading the 2 Dimms to 1 Dimm adds another $50 to the cost of the machine. $50 which could be spent elsewhere. There was a deal on last week, and one which I should have taken advantage of if I want this laptop. I think it was about $1800 or so, with Complete Care for 1-year mind you, and it came with 1024MB (1GB) 2 Dimm ram. But again, that is another $100 over the $1700 mark and if I wanted to upgrade battery to 8-cell (most definately necessary) it would have added $40 to the equation. I assume you have 8-cell battery?

 

no I got the regular 4 cell battery, there really isn't a "need" for me to be away from the outlet for more than 3 hrs. I'd rather have a lighter and smaller laptop.

 

For my needs, the extended battery will probably be better and it only adds about .5 lb and 3/4 inch to the back of the notebook.

If I were to recieve a machine which has a defect, will I be able to return it hastle free within the return policy timeframe? Or will Dell refuse and say they will try to fix the problem first by changing/replacing this and that (ie. a lot of time wasted and wear-and-tear on the machine itself)?

 

I don't know how Dell will respond since I never had problems with dell. Everything I ever got from dell came perfectly fine. Sorry, can't help you on that.

 

I think you can return the unit -hassle free, no questions asked- for the first (?) 21 days...

The only catch is that you have to pay shipping back, and then wait for them to refund your CC. After that time period though, it's all warranty/repair work.

If you're interested, there's really no risk to you, other than losing some coin on shipping. Many people here have returned Dell laptops.

Cheers,
-M.

 

Many have returned Dell laptops? Any model in specific? I just do not want to make a purchase knowing that there is great chance I may have to return it.

 

So do you think that the 700m is a worthy investment? Will I be plagued by some defect and then have to deal with Dell's infamous tech. support (I use that word in a negative sense)?

Portibility, sure it's #1. But realiability is more important obviously. I don't want a lightweight paperweight on my hands.

 

With regard to the sound issue. I read the review for the 700m, and the reviewer stated that he changed the Sigmatel Audio drivers to the Intel ones and that totally fixed the problem. Has anyone else done this, and if so, how does one get their hands on the driver, and how do you change to that driver.

 

dell still issue sigmatel audio into their 700m. i have it and the audio for the microphone is flawless.

 

thecollegekid, how long have you had your 700m for? Was the Fujitsu hdd aftermarket? You changed it yourself?

And regarding wifi, i'm not too sure how that works but I don't need to pay any additional $ to have it right? So if there are wireless points around school/work then it will pick them up itself? Is this card also known as an 'air card' ? Would I pick up signals while on the road even? OR do I need to plug the computer into a internet line...

 

the fujitsu is not an aftermarket product. it was installed by dell. i have been using my dell for 3 weeks. there are different types of wifi cards. but if you do buy a dell, its standard to have a wifi a/b card. your school and work should have wifi connection available. i'm not sure if it's called air card.

you will not be able to pick up signal on the raod. you need to pay for a monthly rate from verizon or another company to be able to go online anywhere with wifi.

 

...but there will be 'wifi points' located in public places such as school/work where I WILL_NOT need to connect via an actual wire right?

Is the fujitsu hdd standard from Dell? Is that what they use? And what is the speed?

 

depends on your school. check with your school and see where the wifi points are located. wifi = no wires needed.

they use a few brands for the harddrive. people have gotten hitachi ones and mine, the fujitsu. the speed is 5400.

 

I always thought they used Hitachi 4200s in their machines. I've never heard of a Dell 700m comming with a 5400rpm hdd standard. Did you customize it? Because hdd speed/make isn't an option (atleast on the Canadian site)

 

i got no clue. i guess they heard too many complaints from their consumers about the heat caused by the hd and changed another brand? and the mic jack, maybe they fixed it too. and i'm from the u.s, not sure how things work in canada. but goodluck on purchasing your new dell.

btw, the fujitsu 80 gb HD model is MHV2080AH..

http://www.fel.fujitsu.com/home/v3__product.asp?pid=449&inf=fsp&wg=15

here's the link to the hd that dell installed into my 700m

 

Do you mind if I ask you how much you paid for your 700m with those specs? I can't find any decently priced 700m with 1GB Ram...maybe I should continue to wait it out and see what the next 'Dell Deal' has in store...