Dell 17r N7720 SE - user review

TrueLife Screen (standard on the 3D spec, I believe) is excellent; the best TN I've ever seen on a notebook. Deep blacks, vibrant colors, exceptionally bright... i7 3630 on the Acer is only marginally faster than the 3610 (100MHz, I think); though the SSD would be useful in the Inspiron...
If you haven't already, take a look at the Photographer's Review of this machine on this forum - I think that's the perspective you're after. (Note: that reviewer, like me, also didn't like the spacebar )

 

I read that review, this is one of the biggest attraction to the 3d version is the best screen available on the market more or less.

So do you experience any benefits running the nvidia gpu fulltime? this means the laptop actually utilises a better card all the time. I am guessing this means no issues with switching between cards, and may also give more flexibility like displaying to more than two monitors (laptop monitor, HDMI screen and VGA screen at same time). Also should be able to run 3D on the 3d enabled TV via htmi.

Just trying to figure out the advantages versus the previously mentioned disadvantages.

 

The HDMI port is V1.4 spec I believe; so 3D-out should be supported (haven't tested this myself, though). Another benefit of the 3D screen/dedicated card is that 120hz refresh rate is supported when in 2D mode under Windows; yielding smooth on-screen motion; particularly for videos (it's become my primary monitor for watching movies - even 2D - trumping my external 21" FHD Samsung.). And, of course, 2D rendering (Aero, for instance) in general Windows use is really, really snappy.

I think you're right; a dedicated full-time card isn't a particularly large disadvantage (as before, it clocks down and runs cool when not under load); except for it's impact on battery, which I'm guessing is significant...

Though my previous notebook (an HP) had a first-gen i7 CPU that lacked an on-board card (requiring a dedicated one as well), so I've got nothing to compare to

 

well, you can call it whatever you like....it looks like optimus....it works as optimus..........

when i use my 7720 in ordinary 2D work, my Intel 4000 card runs (just to save power, etc).......
...and if i use my 7720 in games, etc...my gt650m card runs.

.....................and it change itself AUTOMATIC. (and i can if i want change Manuel).....thats pretty much whats optimus does.


a nice night image on my brand New Vostro 3750 backlit keyboard...fits like a glow

 

That's very nice indeed, KSMB

 

anyone? Sorry to bug so much but I want to do this right.

 

Thanks for the input everyone-- thinking about getting this laptop and it has been incredibly helpful.

 

Is the mSATA slot bootable (i.e. running windows etc) if a bigger msata card is inserted? I have read on the 15r forum there might be a limitation. Can anyone confirm?

 

It looks like it should be bootable: there's a Bios setting that allows you to change it's mode from "Intel Rapid Storage," to other modes - "AHCI", for example. I believe that should result in it being treated as a 'regular' drive and hence allow booting. Haven't tried this myself though... I think I've seen such drives of up to 128GB in capacity or so which is technically big enough ( Crucial has one)

 

will any recent 90w charger from Dell work with this notebook? I have one in my loft for a 2 year old inspiron and wondered if it will work, rather than buying a new one - which is so expensive.

 

KSMB, in some games, runs automatically the intel hd card, and you have to right click on the game and run it with nvidia.Its not always nvidia in games...

 

I'm interested to know if the new Vostro 3750 keyboard has the same nasty flex as the original 7720 keyboard in the middle of it, around the G and H keys.

Also if the space key registers easier in comparison with the the original 7720 keyboard. On my 7720 a lot of times when I press the space bar it doesn't register properly and I get a lot of typos because of that.

 

@Nikospanorama.................
i have NOT (yet) came across a game who runs with the Intel 4000 card....the games i play use the GT650M.....and it change itself full automatic....and when i use the web, writing, etc...it use the 4000 card.........exactly as optimums technology.

@andrei morar.............the vostro 3750 backlit keyboard is very good........like i said before it more sturdy then the original 7720 non backlit keyboard.

 

But is there any flex around the middle? And how is the space bar key?

 

yes, of course......... but less then the original one.....quite much less in fact.

i have not any issues with the space now or then

 

Thank you for your answers! It would be amazing if you could post a video to show how is typing on the new keyboard. Ițm trying to decide if I should upgrade the current 7720 backlit keyboard.

Where did you buy the keyboard How did you install it?

 

from DELL Sweden............cost 600 Swedish kronor...about £50

its very easy to install........no screws...just 4 clips on the front.....or see 7720 manual on DELL.com......its step by step there

 

The spacebar isn't good if you press it with your left thumb on the left edge.

And the keyboard also flexes on the left side slightly, but it's not that irritating.

That's my experience with 2 different qwertz keyboards

 

well, then you should try vostro 3750 backlit keyboard..........(keys are more firm and precise).............another thing with vostro backlit keyboard, is its have a silver/grey/black nuance....my non backlit ordinary keys was more black...this have lighter black/silver nuance.

very nice

 

I have absolutely no issues with my spacebar (non-backlit) no matter how I press it.

But yes there is quite some flex in the keyboard, but it has not caused any typing issues so far.

 

KSMB,
i totally agree with you.In most of cases that's how it works.When i play Pro Evolution Soccer 2012, it runs with Intel and i have to run it manually with nvidia.

 

Try to put a thin layer of foam or something of similar material under the keyboard in case the space under it is responsible for the flexing.

 

Yes. My 17R SE, i5 equipped, came with a 90w AC Adapter. Under load tho it goes rather hot and "clicks" distinctively. So i went out and got a 130w Dell slim type to use at home and keep the 90w one in the backpack for the occasional travel.

To conclude, if you have the i5 it may work well. If you got the i7, it may work too, but not under load.
Anyway, the bios is able to recognize the AC adapter type (90W-130W) and you will get warned for sure.

 

he he......thats exactly what i did on my older OCed Inspiron.......i had the pa-12 at home and the pa-10 in my bag.

this new pa-12 130w slim are awesome...never gets warm, and weights less.


ps....congrats to your new 7720 by the way....did you get the backlit keyboard ???

 

While we are talking about power......

Maximum wattage I was able to get my 17R SE with i7 quad to pull was 117Watt, that was with max CPU/GPU load and max screen brightness.

In other words - exactly same as Samsung 700Z7C with an 120Watt adapter. The samsung only comes with 90Watt power, to compensate for lacking power adapter it also drains power from the battery when power requirements exceed 90W.

 

Ive decided to get the 3d model, ordered it hopefully get it by the weekend, cant wait.

 

Congrats, Jimmy... Let us know your thoughts once it arrives

 

Thanks for your help. I had to get one without a backlit keyboard, it is preconfigured but available immediately so went with that. I am guessing i can put a new keyboard in later.

 

just do as i did..........the vostro 3750 backlit keyboard....same keyboard as 7720, but nicer nuance on the keys

 

Thank you
And yes, I got the backlit keyboard.

 

New BIOS out, A03, on 17th August. Definitely noticing quieter fans.

Sorry if this has been on here before, been away from thread and can't read back 30 pages

Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United Kingdom]

 

we been using A03 over one week already

 

Should i update my bios to AO3?Will i see any difference?
Thank you.

 

With the new 03 bios, the 650M boosts now up to 980mhz.

 

So I ordered the Inspiron 17R SE this morning. Intel Core i7-3610QM processor, 3D 1080p TrueLife Screen, 8GB RAM, BluRay, 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT650M, two 750 GB 7200RPM SATA HDDs, 32GB mSATA SSD, UK/Irish Qwerty keyboard - not backlit* MS Office Home and Student 2010 (Full), Windows 7 Home Premium Disc, 1 year accidental damage protection etc.

* So a few weeks back I got my quote and made sure to get a backlit keyboard included, which it was. However when I went to order I was told that the backlit keyboard had been withdrawn due to technical problems (I kind of doubt this but whatever). He told me he could include it on the order and that I would be charged for it but according to technical support even if it was included on the spec, the laptop would ship with the standard keyboard. It's not then end of the world if the keyboard is not backlit, but I made it seem as if I wouldn't buy the laptop without it. After a long pause he offered me a lower price - I think around €160-€170 below the online price with the added extras - €1330.

 

this screen will blow your eyes out .........now just waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait (two weeks or so)...........you can order a backlit keyboard later from DELL outlet.....also cheaper

 

terzer,
with the A01,in how much mhz does 650 boost?If it goes to 980, where can i see the difference?

 

use this
Download TechPowerUp GPU-Z v0.6.4 | techPowerUp

ps...i think he means 835Mhz (thats the highest core speed gt650 can run).......memory speed is another story

 

So how high can you overclock gt650m in this model? And would oc cause throttling? I know about the problem with gpu downclocking itself without ac adapter plugged, but I believe it can be fixed by bios update in the future.

 

Hi Guys I just received my 17r SE, it is a beast. Haven't noticed any throttling it always stays at 850 though it came with the new bios A3.
However when I try to play Sleeping Dogs my gt650m wont start it stays with the hd 4000 graphics card :/
Anyone else experience this problem?

 

I have the A01 and it boosts to 835mhz.So its unuseful if i update to a01.

 

there is no need to OC this laptop...........you can play BF3 or crysis 2 in 1080p anyway.

 

For benchmarks you can OC. For real life usage, OC won't work when CPU hits a certain temp and that will happen fast.

 

Why you wanna OC this laptop, haven't found a single game that wont play 40+ fps on high settings.

 

For gaming does everyone use the mouse and keyboard or some type of controller?

 

Keyboard + mouse. Joystick suxs

 

Well, there's one particular mod in Starcraft 2 that I thought this laptop will do fine with it, but it's not. Starcraft 2 custom game - Marine Arena. I was wondering why is this happening.. Tried OCing the GPU, but didn't help that much :/

 

3dmark11 score with GT650M running @ 1016MHz core and 1150MHz memory. Core won't go much higher

 

he he...............1016Mhz on the core..............you crazy.........remember one thing (ive been OCing laptops (mostly Dells) many years...volt mods...bios mode...you name it..........anyway.....remember that its not just the heat who can frie your card.....also weird issues who comes a bit later (comes by the higher current the cards takes during OCing).............happened to me twice.


PS...you right now having a GTX670M....... it scores the same.


the real difference is actually the memory buss between this two cards..... (fermi or kepler doesnt mean any thing here)

 

Thanks for sharing that. What temperatures are you getting from this setting under the heavy load?