Dell 17r N7720 SE - user review

That's what I saw when I discovered the others, which, apparently, Dell does sell, but doesn't necessarily advertise them as compatible with the 7720. I think they will fit.
I looked at the Latitude 5530 pictures and the battery compartment is designed just like the 7720.

I have one coming. As soon as it arrives, i'll post back my findings.

UPDATE: I purchased the battery on Tuesday morning with expedited shipping, but the seller doesn't quite get the notion of "expedited"...it ships fast only if it gets to the Post Office timely.
He didn't take it to the post office until late Thursday afternoon. Looks like next week now.

 

Hi, thanks for replying.

I knew it would be slow, but I have lots of drops on transfer speed, as seen in the picture. Is that really common?
Does the sector size (512 bytes as default) counts on this?

 

This is what I got from an seagate 1Tb HDD, probably same as yours. Some dips, but definitively less.

One thing to do if you have not already done it; get rid of the pre installed McAfee antivirus, I got serious lag all the time, so bad that playing mp3 lagged! With McAfee gone, lag was gone too!

 

i noticed on the very first day that super crappy Mcafee sabotage my PC, (it gave me really strange CPU over peaks every 10 sec, which resulted in strange buuzzz sounds and some other stuff........so Bad software and so bad written code)

 

McAfee has always been at the BOTTOM of my desired anti-virus list. I *ALWAYS* uninstall anything McAfee as soon as I get a PC from Dell.

 

Ordered a 7720 with the 3D display from the Outlet a couple of weeks ago when they had a 20% off coupon. I have desperately been needing an upgrade to my 6+ year old E1705 (still running XP...ha!), and I'd been eyeing this laptop for quite a while as it seemed to have the best price/performance ratio (especially after the discount) of any brand out there. Love the customization too. I put a 256GB Samsung 840 Pro SSD in the main bay and moved the 1TB WD Blue drive to the secondary bay (warning! the 2nd bay caddy had no drive-mount screws, so I only have 2 in each now). This thing *flies* now. My Windows 8 install boots in 9 seconds. And I actually really like Windows 8 now that I've de-metrofied it (big fan of StartIsBack).

Other notes:

• *Important note on the version with the 3D display*: They disable the integrated HD 4000 graphics, so the 650M is running *all the time*. No Optimus support. Also, when mine shipped from the Outlet, they did not include the 3D glasses in the shipment. I complained that I couldn't use the 3D display that I paid extra for without the glasses, and they eventually caved and shipped a pair to me.
• Fan noise isn't too bad, and doesn't run all the time thankfully. When the fan is off, and the 1TB drive is in sleep mode (which it is most of the time since it just stores music & photos), this thing doesn't make a sound. Pure bliss.
• No keyboard issues so far. I don't notice the flex issue or the troublesome spacebar issue at all. I dislike that it's off-center though (due to fitting the numpad in there...grrrr).
• The screen is beautiful. I calibrated mine with a ColorMunki Display device (using the DispCalGUI software), and it looks gorgeous. It reports just under 100% sRGB coverage, but actually extends beyond the sRGB colorspace in some areas. If you have the 3D display and would like to try my calibration, download the profile below (just rename the extension to ".icm" first).
• Overall I find this laptop to be fairly well built. Definitely noticeably thinner and lighter (and sexier) than my previous E1705, But I do notice dust & fingerprints a lot more on the black surfaces. Oh well.

View attachment Dell_Inspiron_7720_3D_ColorMunki_DispCalGUI.txt

 

thats wrong...................the 3D 120Hz 7720 configuration has Optimus (call it what ever you want, it changes automaticly from 2D=Intel 4000 to 3D=GT650).

...............would be pretty pointless running with GT650 24 hours a day...besides, i have not seen any new Kepler/Intel laptops with no Optimus lately.

image from my PC:

 

Big set of new drivers but can't download since the links are broken. Same thing last time. Don't know why they have to put broken links on their site, it shows incompetence.

 

download from Intel.com instead.........then you get the latest drivers for chip, intel rapid storage/tech, wifi.......and so on faster & better.

http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect?iid=dc_iduu

 

Optimus and 3d doesn't mix
KSMB - that screenshot doesn't prove anything except that PhysX calculations could be done at GFX level (Nvidia) or CPU level - cpu not embedded graphics.

 

After not being able to install the drivers for the integrated HD 4000 graphics, I did some research and found that you can't...Dell basically disables the HD 4000 in the BIOS, so it doesn't even show up as a hardware device in Windows (hence not being able to install the drivers for it). I only have one graphics device listed in my system, and it's the 650M. Haven't tested the battery life yet, but I imagine it won't be as good as with Optimus enabled.

 

Yes this is normal on 3d models, since 3d screen + optimus doesn't go hand in hand unfortunately.

No issues installing the drivers on my non-3d version, HD4000 also shown in my device manager.

 

I really do wish DELL would tell us what they change/fix in the newly released drivers, I hate updating just for the sake of updating... anyone try the new batch, any noticeable changes?

 

Extended Life Battery for 7720 arrived!!!

Findings: Doesn't frickin' fit. Everything about it fits, except the fact it was designed to extend out the back, instead of stacking another set of cells on top, making the battery taller.
It just doesn't fit all the way flush. The contacts and everything else are good. But it just won't push down all the way. To make matters worse, the lid won't open when it is installed.

The battery definitely needs to be designed like this battery for the Studio 1700 series:



Anyone need a long life battery for a Latitude 5530?

 

sorry to hear...............guess i cancel my internet order then

 

Hi everyone!

Please someone enlighten me/give me answers to my questions.

Here are the specs of the notebook I just ordered:

Refurbished Dell Inspiron 17R SE 7720
Processor: Core i5-3220m 2.5ghz up to 3.1ghz
Graphics Card: Nvidia GT650m 2gb 130w
Display: 1600x900 with True Life
RAM: 6gb
HDD: 750gb 5400 rpm
PRICE: £450

Now here are my questions:

1. Can I upgrade/replace the CPU/processor to a quad core i.e. i7-3610qm, i7-3612qm, i7-3630qm, i7-3632qm, i7-3***qm etc.?

2. If yes, are there any tweaks I need to do after upgrading/replacing the processor? If yes, what are those tweaks?

3. Do you guys reckon its a better deal if I just get the one with a quad core processor and 1080p displays rather than upgrading them soon?

Thank you very much.


Regards,

konfyuz

 

Since you bought from the Dell Outlet (I assume and not ebay, etc.), there are a myriad of pricing options, and sometimes just patience and a timely coupon pays off with a killer config for real cheap.
But, since you already chose one of the lesser expensive systems, here are your answers:

1. Yes, but it's usually not cost effective. If you look on ebay for the selling price of those mobile 3rd Gen i7 Quad core CPU's, you'll see they're not a bargain. On the other hand, you probably could have
gotten a i7-equipped from the Outlet for half the price premium of buying one and upgrading it yourself. Plus, you get the warranty from Dell. Personally, I'd have gotten what you wanted direct, instead of
hoping to upgrade later.

2. No tweaks that I know of. Clean everything, apply new paste (some good stuff) and put back together. I do believe it requires you to completely disassemble the 7720. If I remember correctly, the CPU
is on the underside of the system board and requires removal. Count on a few hours to do that.

3. In case it wasn't clear in 1 and 2 above, the answer is YES. Be patient and check the Outlet OFTEN! New inventory gets added throughout the day, but usually early in the morning is when I see new stuff added.
Wait for a coupon code discount. Sort the list of available units from low to high cost, and scan through the low cost ones looking for deals. Sometimes there are "mispriced"units that are worth much more but are sold for way less.
If you're not the patient type, you're still better off getting the 1080p and i7 in the system you want.

But, you said you already ordered. I guess you'd have to wait for it to be delivered then call and return it?

 

This shows only one GPU, despite what is listed in pull-down menu. My nVidia CP looks like this:

 

lancorp,

Thanks much for your response.

Yes I bought it from Dell Outlet UK. I thought I got a very good deal coz I saved £90 with a same spec'd one from DELL. But now they just changed again their CPU lineup. its i5-3230m and i7-3630qm.

So upgrading to a 45W/55W CPU from a 35W CPU is fine.

I guess I'll just keep it coz it will take me a long time again to wait for good refurbs from DELL OUTLET UK.

If I'll spot an i7 within 7 days when my order arrives, there is a chance I'll return it. =D

Thanks again!

 

The i5 version might come with 90Watt PSU, i7 quad version comes with 120Watt PSU. If you get 120Watt with your i5 version you're good to upgrade, if you get 90Watt you might have issues if upgrading to quadcore CPU.

Usually it's way more cost effective to just get the quadcore version of the laptop.

 

Im lucky coz its coming with a 130W power adapter.

Its just that it will take me ages to wait for a refurb i7 to come up at DELL OUTLET UK. This one I got is £450 and budget is limited up to £500 only. Stretching it to £700-£800 for the i7 1080p version is way too much for me. =D

The cheapest quad core i7 I have searched from ebay uk is worth £150 and its the i7-3630qm. I hope it will gets cheaper as years go by =D

 

£450 is a good price for a decent powered laptop. But in the context of 17R SE & outlet, it's a bit much for a dual core, and i5 is not exactly fit for the 17.3 chassis.

To be honest without i7 - the 17R SE hardly worth the premium over 17R - which you could get at about £300 ex.vat on outlet?

Haven't seen many i7 +1080p on outlet, but if you'd persistantly refresh there is a good chance you'd get it.

Btw 17R SE has 2 HDD slots. SSD upgrade is probably gonna be better than swapping in an i7.

 

So you mean I didnt get a good deal at all? Coz Im ready to return it if that is the case.

Why is i5 not exactly fit for the 17.3 chassis?

In my opinion 17r se with i5 + gt650m is better than 17r with i7 + hd4000 or any card that is lower than gt650m. This is just me. I will go with higher graphics card anytime and especially now that I could actually upgrade my cpu to an i7.

Actually I was planning on upgrading to a SSD first then cpu after a year or so. Hoping ivy bridge cpu's will be cheaper by then. =D

 

hi guys! Can you download the drivers updates dated on 8th of February 2013? i have n7720 with windows 8.

and another question...On desktop mode, battery reach 100%? it must be about 50%, isn´t?

Thank you so much.

 

I'm not sure what would bug me more, the 1600x900 display or the i5. When I select laptop - I prefer good base spec (e.g. i7+ 1080p), possibly drop in an SSD as upgrade later.

By my definition, 1600x900 + i5 is a double-whammy, 2 deal-breakers that renders the system far off the mark to be worth buying- let along upgrading. (unless exceptionally cheap) Sure CPU could be upgraded but i7 aren't getting cheaper anytime soon - voiding warranty just seems too much effort. I'm more comfortable paying once to get the right system.

Then again it would be sensible to wait for it to arrive - see if its good enough yourself. If it is - great. If not you could still stick it onto eBay for profit.

 

I gotta agree with what's been said so far, I got my 1080p + i7 version of the 7720 (full specs in my sig) for £630 brand new from DELL.co.uk (was on sale at the time and used a coupon as well, retail was about £899 at that time I think). Compared to the lower res + i5 version, the extra £180 is well worth it to me... I also think it's unrealistic / too expensive to upgrade a laptop, better to save up and extra month or two and get something in the sweet spot of price/performace, which will serve you better in the long term...

 

i have an unopened 17r se 3610m with the anti-glare 1080p(is that the lesser of the two non 3D 1080p displays out there with these?), but haven't opened because I'm concerned the display won't meet my expectations(#1 priority)... My biggest question is whether or not i could replace my screen with the one that is 3D myself? Or with any other screen that would be better than this anti-glare? I may not even care if i can use the actual 3D aspect with the glasses and all, I'm mainly concerned with the display itself.

 

That should be the matte FullHD screen. You don't really know the manufacturer of the screen before you boot the computer, since dell use different sources (LG, samsung and ChiMei at least, maybe more). They should all be good panels, but you might of course find some differences.
I got the ChiMei screen in mine and I am very satisified with it, very minor backlight bleed, good black levels and contrast. But I have seen the exact same panel with a lot of backlight bleed as well.
You should just boot it and see if you like the screen in my opinion.

You should be able to replace the panel with another compatible display (same connector and connector placement etc), but I do not know if the 3d models has some bios changes, since the HD4000 is disabled on 3d models for 3d to work - so fitting an 3d screen might or might not work.

 

Please, anyone can help me? Can you download the drivers? And what about battery?

Thanks.

 

As was mentioned earlier, a lot of times when DELL add new drivers to their website, the links don't work until a couple of days later... a bit sloppy, but you get used to it... so, patience, they should become available.

I run my battery on desktop mode, it still charges to 100%, it just takes longer in my experience, and then it lets the battery drop further before charging up again... but I've never seen it drop to 50%.

 

Thank you so much! it have been very usefull your response for me.

 

first of all.......are you sure its a i5 3220 CPU ???? (Intel do not have any i5 3220...........i3 3220 they have).
you maybe mean i5 3230 or 3320 ????


1. yes you can. (its simple.....you just need to use right model, which is socket: FCPGA988)

2. there is no special tweaks......you can use nearly all Intel FCPGA988 sockets CPUs. (just beware of if you use extreme edition you need way better cooling)

3. i would EASILY go for a better screen (way easier to upgrade CPU later).
this screens can you just buy from DELL (and sometimes on Ebay (there you never know if its good or bad)....CPUs can you buy 24/7 on internet......much easier to find.

here how the CPU looks like (when I replaced my thermal paste). its the i7, but same socket.

 

Oopppsss my bad. I didnt even notice that. Its i5-3210m.

Thanks for the infos btw.

Its just that I cant stretch my budget to get the i7 + 1080p config.

Yups Im planning on upgrading to ssd then i7 then lastly display.

I checked DELL UK a few hours ago and it seems there is something fishy on their prices.

Anyway, if only an i7 + 1080p config will show up in Dell Outlet which is under £550 I will buy it in a heartbeat and then return the one I just ordered. =D

 

Hi,

I was wondering if there was anyway to mod the bios or flash the bios from the non 3d version to enable optimus? I dont mind losing the 3d capability as I just dont use it.

I went for the 3D version solely for the screen and its' more natural colour reproduction, which in my opinion it has compared to the matte version (which was sent back)

 

I have 2x1TB hard drive - looking for a performance boost. What's better:

£38 for a 32GB Crucial M4 msata. (Use this to accelerate HDD - and still have 2TB)

Or

£128 for 250GB Samsung 840. (swap out 1x1TB hard drive and sell it for about £50)

 

Hi' question... did u send it back because of the screen or another reason? What type of deal did you make with dell? Price difference, stocking fee, shipping?

 

I do not like the msata caching option, it doesn't benefit every program since not all files are stored on the cache drive. I very much prefer your second option.
I have 1tb HDD + Crucial m4 SSD in mine. SSD for OS and programs, 1TB for music/video/storage.

 

Does anyone know if my 17rSe 3610 1tb (i17rse-2564BK) anti-glare can have the screen switched to the 3D truelife screen or if dell would be likely to give me a reliable answer? How do I find out what otther great screens would be compatable? Thanks

 

the best way is to cache up your regular hard drives....why ???
first of all you get WAY more space..
second, you already paid for 2 hard drives....
third, a PM830 Msata which cache up the Operative system works as fast as a standard SSD......

if you for example take one of the fastest/best SSD ( Samsung 840 Pro) which is light years better then a standard SSD.........a 512GB cost around $620-675.......holy smoke !

 

@Quicklite if you're looking for a real performance boost then ignore what KSMB is rabmbling - as usual he has no idea what he's talking about - and do what OC-Freak suggested (and others as well) and go for a SSD in bay1 and a HDD in bay2. I have the same setup and I'm perfectly happy

MSATA cache is a compromise and of course the performance is compromised as well. Yes, it is better than a plain hdd, but nothing like a good SSD

 

Gotta agree. If you're after performance first and foremost, then the best option is a dedicated SSD disk in one of the HDD bays, with the OS and all software installed on it. This goes hand in hand with installing a clean copy of the OS direct to the ssd. Windows 7 (and I assume 8 as well) does absolutely everything needed in terms of partition offset, performance tweaks etc during the install. I advise you ignore all of the internet "guides" on setting up Windows for solid state, Microsoft has got this nailed perfectly already (just make sure to partition the disk using the windows installer, and run Windows Experience Index after the install, this does additional tweaks based on detecting the actual speed of the disk).

 

I'm in the uk so I had 7 days to return it under the distance selling regulations, there wasn't any fuss. The 3D laptop I got from ebay for about £800.

 

That's what I didn't like about mSata caching, review sounds great but imo it is a bit half measure.

Since 17R SE doesn't do RAID 0 - decided to get the fastest single drive, and be done with it. Won't have to look for another SSD for 5 years.

Will receive a Samsung 840 Pro 256GB soon in the post.

 

So WOW! I had some time to kill while I am waiting for my 17r 7720 to be made and shipped so I decided to read this entire thread! I just finished it. So, if you take out the typical top 10 questions being asked over and over and over again, this is what I learned from this thread lol.

1. KSMB has a magical 17r.
A. It stays super cool from his globs of thermal paste he added.
B. He also has the only 3D model that apparently has Optimus in it, lol.
C. His Samsung screen is the best thing going for this laptop
D. He was going to buy a Sager but there has been no updates on that (thank goodness) maybe I need to look over in the sager section. And just to point out, if I ordered a sager and matched it with my bluray burner and 3 yr warranty I would be over $2000 for that model. I think I'll stick with just over $1k cost with the 17r instead.

2. There is a modded bios but no one here is talking about it here and the link to the bios here also does not work. After you wait the 60 seconds to download it I get a chrome cannot find....... Etc,

3. Mcafee needs to be destroyed from the hdd when it arrives. That will be easy cause I plan on doing a fresh install.

4. Everyone here pretty much recommends a SSD in this unit except of course KSMB.

5. I have to hope like hell I don't get a chi mei screen. (No Offence to the few here who like it)

6. Order a win 8 disk from support. They won't help me till I have a tag number and my units still in production.

I think that's about it. My 17r is supposed to be delivered on the 22nd so now I got nothing to do but wait lol. Even my Samsung 840 Pro 256GB that I bought from newegg for only $199 has shown up so I'll be putting that in when it shows up.

 

That pretty much sums it up.

But yeah I'm pretty happy with my ChiMei CMN1720 Screen, but as posted earlier I also used another machine with exact same screen which had really terrible backlight bleeding along all 4 edges of the screen. IMO see if you like the screen before you check manufacturer ID If you check manufacturer ID first you might make up your mind about screen quality just based on what others have been writing about that screen model.

 

So what am I missing here? Why does it say gaming graphics 4GB?

 

Ha ha, well done Nigel, had a good laugh!

Yeah, I also got the Chi Mei screen, and I think it's great.. but definitely first check you're happy with it before changing the disk etc.. (apply the icc profile first, changes everything!!) Let us know once you have it and good luck!

 

I have a CMN1720... which is the ChiMei screen... and i like it.

I think also that this is the same exact screen that is installed in the Alienware M17X right?

 

Yup, you are correct, I did see that, thus my apology to the few of you you that liked it.

That is also very good advice, I will determine screen likability before I look at the model no matter how tempting. I think it's going to be a tough sell for either screen considering I'm used to my M18 screen (and I guess the E1705 too. I love that 1920x1200 screen) But man the alienware is just sooooo heavy to be setting up in bed all the time. Its 13 lbs with no power-supply. I want big but light and the 17r looks impressive.

 

Say what?