Dell Studio 15 1558 Thread

Anyone know what that is under the heat sink? That is definatly what is heating up the trackpad, I really don't think it's the Intel 6200 card beside it.

 

Simkins ... have you opened yours up by chance? You mention you have the 6200. I am wondering if Dell includes 2 or 3 antenna leads ...

 

I have opened mine it looks like the picture posted with the heatsink

 

6200 has 2 antennas and 6300 has 3 It's in the specification of these cards.

 

3 leads although only 2 are hooked up to the 6200 (I guess they run 3 to support the 6300). The 3rd has a plastic cover on it.

 

I cracked mine open the other day, found two sets of leads - one with two leads, both covered and unconnected (WWAN), the other with 3 leads, two connected, one covered and unconnected (WLAN). I have a 6200N.

Documentation

That should give you an idea of what it looks like. I think that Intel chip in the pic halfway down the page is what that heatsink is connected to, but exactly what it is, I don't know. Was working on the ExpressCard board on the side, so I didn't look too closely at anything else. A real pain in the to take apart, even with a scribe.

 

Sweet!

I have a G in my other laptop ... I may swap it out with the 6200 in my Studio 15 and then get a 6300 accordingly. That fact that there are 3 antenna leads means that I could pop in a 6300 and potentially get 450 Gb ... once the routers become available ...

This is awesome news!

Thanks all ...

Edit:

What monitors do you guys have?

 

I have had somewhere around 5 blue screens in the last week. I thought it might be the ATI 10.4 drivers so I went back to the Dell drivers but the blue screens still happen. Two of the most recent blue screens have been while on battery power and using Firefox.
I may just wipe out and restart, but it must be a driver of some kind and I am afraid I might just reinstall the same driver. I've had the system send the problem to Microsoft, but I've had no notification back from them. Ideas?

 

Where were the leads hidden for the WWAN? I opened mine up and there was nothing to be seen apart from the connected leads to my 6300 (I posted a pic recently). I even sent back the 5530 WWAN card I bought as it would have been too much work to fit an antenna whilst retaining warranty, so if the leads were hidden, I'm a tad cheesed off!

 

Hi,

I would appreciate if you let me know where I could download firmware for HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GA31N ATA Device, please?

 

Hi Valerima, is there any reason you want firmware for your drive? Is not working?

 

hello people !
I've got a little question.
How much does this 1558 weight exactly?
Intel i7 , 4GBs of RAM , ATI 5470 , 500GB HDD , 9 cell batt


because i've been seeing various numbers (2.5 to 2.8 !!) in different websites.
thx a bunch
and sry 4 poor english

 

Hey Guys, i just wanted to ask how is the High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife™ and Camera, resolution and clarity. i used to have a dell m1330 and now bought a dell studio 15 and it came with high definition 720p. thanks for the info.

 

To find out what is causing the problems, you need to check out your event viewer: Control Panel -->Administrative Tools-->Event Viewer. Then maximize the window to make it more useful. I suspect messing around with the video drivers may be an issue. I don't know about Windows 7, but back in the day, removing video drivers before installing new ones was recommended. You remove them, reboot and let Windows add the default drivers, check Event Viewer, and see if it's causing the same problem.

 

With 9 cell:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6158938-post387.html

 

They ran right next to the WLAN leads. If you remove the ram/hdd cover on the bottom, there should be a bit of empty space mark WWAN next to the mini-card. Above that, two sets of leads, artfully tucked away. If you remove the kb/palmrest plastics, you have to pull them through the system board. Incidentally, I think both ran up into and around the monitor.

 

I just received a 1558 to replace my 1557, I want to know if i can put the 1080 screen from the 1557 into the 1558, cause Dell sent it with a 720 screen

 

No - You ordered it with 720 screen and yes you can swap those screens easily.

 

Thanks, im about to do that now. And the 1558 is a dell replacement for the 1557, when i originally order the 1557 it came with a 1080 screen, but had so many problems with 3 different 1557's Dell finally sent a 1558, wrong screen tho

 

Sorry to hear this, if you suspect hardware issue then I suggest run the boot up diagnostics. It aktes about 2-3 hours for full but you can skip components that you do not suspect.

When you boot up you hold the power button and one of the function button toghether to go to diagnostic mode. I do not remember what button but hopefully someone here can confirm it.

 

hiiii everyone

I've ordered my studio and it's gonna be delivered later this afternoon. *excited* notice this tread of discussion dedicated to studio so decided to join the big studio family =)

cant wait unboxing it!

 

Congrats, just don't put a video on youtube though,ok.

So far I love my studio laptop. I have watched several bluray movies and the picture is amazing.

 

Cheers for this info. I might have a poke around the next time I'm feeling brave!

 

Would just like to add that that picture was taken with a clean format. If you still have the Dell bloatware loaded, it may be heavier.

 

My Studio 1558 arrived two days ago and I'm really enjoying it. Still haven't tooled around as much as I'd like yet, but I must say the picture and sound are great. I haven't installed many programs yet as I wanted to make sure the system didn't have major problems that would require returning it. I did notice that a little time-waster game I like on Facebook (farm town) that constantly knocked me offline on my old lappy now moves like the wind and doesn't disconnect, so the half-wireless b/g card I got is a gem in that respect.

One little quibble is that the fan makes a static-sounding, very low little noise frequently, like it's either trying to start or is starting in short, little bursts. It does this frequently. This is not the very loud noise others have described, it's fairly minor and only a bit annoying. I hope it won't grow to be more annoying or indicate a problem, but I think it's OK? The laptop feels hotter than I thought it would on the bottom, but it's not burning hot -- more like very warm.

Also, the system came with DataSafe Online. I've never cared to use anything like that before, but I think I set it up when I started the system. Now each time I turn on the laptop I get a string of questions from my security software asking to allow DataSafe functions. I'm not sure how much I need or want my data backed-up online. Is this a good program, or should I just delete or cancel it?

 

skibbie, congrats on your new Studio 1558. What are your specs? DataSafe sounds annoying.

"After the initial 3-step setup, the software will automatically scan the PC for new and changed files to be backed up.
Get 2GB backup space free for one year! Upgrade storage options include 10GB, 30GB, 50GB and 100GB".
https://www.delldatasafe.com/

I wouldn't want to deal with the hassle (or open ports). My flash drives are bigger than 2GB! I have Acronis True Image which works great and have plenty of DVDs and an external hard drive in addition to my flash drives. I have critical data backed up to DVDs and stored at my sister's house in case of catastrophe.

I understand the theory of having certain critical files available from anywhere in case of an emergency, but it sounds like a PITA for 2GB for one year! Perhaps the free trial offers more storage space. I don't know because right away I did a clean install. It may be need to be configured to not scan so much.

 

Ah crap, just found a problem!

I can load a disk, but it won't play or eject (if I restart and hit eject during startup, then it ejects). When I go to "computer", it only lists the C drive, not the cd/dvd drive. I went into Device Manager and this is what it says for the dvd player:

"Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)"

When I tried to update the drivers, it says the laptop has the current driver for that device installed. What to do?!? I called Dell, but got a message saying it was after hours even though they are supposed to be open until 6pm and it's not 5 yet.

Any ideas? I've got a new Studio 1558.

 

There are several causes of Code 39 errors:
A required device driver is missing.
A required binary file is corrupted.
There is a problem with the file I/O process.
A driver that is referencing an entry point in another binary file is unable to load.
Recommended resolution

Reinstall the drivers for this device.

Uninstall and reinstall the driver

Uninstall the driver from Device Manager, and then scan for new hardware to install the driver again.

More here: Explanation of error codes generated by Device Manager in Windows XP Professional

I realize the links says XP, but give it a try. Also, do you have any restore points in System Restore? Before changing a bunch of stuff, you may want to create a couple of before and after restore points. But check to see if there is a good restore point. Sometimes removing the device and rebooting helps. There is a registry fix if you feel comfortable backing up your registry first and trying it. You can Google it.

Step-by-step.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/code-39-error.htm

 

Thanks, I tried to uninstall and reinstall the device twice, but no good. I reinstalled the drivers, but it says they failed to install properly. I don't really know anything about system restore or restore points, never used either. This is rather frustrating. <sigh>

BTW, my system includes: i5-540, 4GB DDR3 1066, 1gb graphics card, 500 gb hd - all in Pink

 

Go to Device Manager, and try "roll back driver".

Go to Device Manager and remove DVD. Reboot and Windows will re-scan it.

Sending you a PM.

 

We just ordered this laptop last night for my nephew for when he starts up with our company. It was between this Studio 15, the Sony Vaio E, or the HP Probook or Envy. We decided together that the 1558 was the way to go. He picked the color and I think he chose a good one

I'm assuming most of the i3 & i5 overheating issues I've been reading about on the internet have been resolved with the A04 BIOS.

Should arrive first week of June.

Ben

 

Skibble,

If you have not done so yet and since it is a fairly new system, I'd recommend simply formatting the HDD and reinstalling the OS. Download the drivers before hand from Dells website and save them to a flash drive. Then after you've reinstalled the OS just go through your list of drivers, installing them one by one. There is a page on dells support website that lists the order in which to install the drivers.

That's what I do after I get a new laptop. Sometimes, for whatever reason, the preinstalled OS, drivers and programs sometimes just don't work straight out of the box from dell. Reinstalling also means no more bloatware. But with todays big HDD capacitys that is not a major problem... but still I don't like junk running in the background.

 

Thanks for all the help, everything seems to be working now! You're a star!

 

Thanks for the help, I just saw this, but it's fixed now. On MoINSTL's advice, I did a system restore back to a point before I installed a program called DVD Slideshow (I hadn't used it yet and didn't think it was the problem). And wham! the dvd drive works again. I didn't really understand system restores, but now I won't be so afraid of them and will make restore points when it seems a good idea. DVD Slideshow is an older program, but it installed fine and seemed to work for the two minutes I started it up to check after installation. I'm not sure if it was a conflict with the 64-bit laptop or something else, but I'd best leave that program off, lol.

 

So my fan still does that minor hissing/static noise, start and stop, it's very low, almost sounding like little puffs of air every other second. Thing is, I like silence. This noise is a little annoying. Anyone else have this? I don't know if I should live with it or call Dell, as I'm not sure if/what Dell could do about it or if they sent a replacement whether that would have the same problem or worse. I'm holding off uploading all my software, pics etc and getting going with this machine until I know what, if anything, I should do about that noise. I just got the laptop on Thursday.

 

If it's that annoying, give Dell a call. It could be a bad fan, fan connector. If they replace it, make sure it's not a higher decibel fan.

You could boot into safe mode and see if it still makes the noise. Use the F8 key right after the Dell BIOS screen. If not, it's probably a software problem, if yes, then you know it may be a hardware issue. Are you sure it's not coming from the speakers? You could try disabling your sound card to rule that out. If you call Dell you can tell them what troubleshooting you have done so they may not waste more of your time.

If it's not the fan, it could also be interference from something in a neighboring apartment.

Have you tried it without AC power just on battery?

 

I will give those a go, I just now saw these suggestions. If no one else has this same problem, maybe it is something specific to my laptop.

 

I've been playing around with my new studio for the last 2 days, only 2 words for it...AWESOME MACHINE! :smile:

Despite some minor *known issues* :rolleyes2:
-the need of +Fn to get to other f1,2,3 keys...
-no cap lock, bluetooth etc indicator...but i'll live with that
-mouse pad does get a bit hot *acceptable* but i'm using a bluetooth mouse so who cares!
-a bit bulky but still acceptable
-webcam detection inconsistency (skype) *need to disable Facial Recognition first?*
-the lid picks up fingerprint!!....oh well everyone seems to be facing the same thing so...it's cool ^^
-some noise on the fan (but did not bother me...yet...cause my 5 years old latitude made worse)

Unexpected dissatisfactory :confused2: *major concern!*
-did not come with the OS disc(but came with a yellow note *Your computer does not ship with an OS disc....suggestion from Dell...create recovery disk now)%&#*$!@#&% how the heck am i gona do clean installation??? *duhh everyones preferred!!!*...i need partitioning too!! am i the only one who did not get the OS CD?...should I call Dell and request for it? I paid for a genuine window 7 and not entitled for the CD...this is sad

The PROS!! :smile:
-AWESOME overall design! *despite the fingerprint issue*
-AWESOME speakers *thumbs up for SRS*! so much better than what I've expected. din't get Creative X-Fi...will it make any significant different?
-AWESOME crystal clear webcam even in low lighting condition *unexpected*
-AWESOME backlit keyboard!!!! *if only there's backlit for the Dell logo* will be so so much cooler (Apple will be smack! lols)
-AWESOME response, speed! *expected* (will run benchmark test soon when free)
-AWESOME Window 7 navigation *almost effortless* =)
-AWESOME multi-touch touchpad! *haven get use to the gesture, yet*
-AWESOME delivery, got my studio in just 11 days (including non busness day)
-AWESOME Facial Recognition software, not perfect but it's COOL! *If only Dell din't withdrew the biometric fingerprint scanner*
-*Not bad* 6 cell that lasted at least 2 hours with web browsing, I think *will run more accurate test soon*

My specs:
Studio 1558 | A04 BIOS | Chainlink Black with Black U-Trim | IMR Chain Link Palm rest | 15.6 " 720p WLED (1366x768) Display with TrueLife(TM) | 500GB 7200RPM | Backlit Keyboard | 4GB Dual-channel 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM | Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit | Slot Load 8X DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability | 6-cell | 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 | Dell(TM) Wireless 1520 802.11n Mini-Card | Intel(R)Core(TM)i5-430M

Some questions *hope someone could clarify for me* appreciate it :smile:
-If battery is fully charge and AC is plug in, does studio has the intelligent to switch off the battery or something like that? or should I just take off the battery and use AC? *safe battery life spam*
-Anyone purchase the Dell Dell Bluetooth Travel Mouse? I encounter some serious lagging response but somehow it's ok already *not sure what's the cause* did you face the same issue?
-*Repeat question* am I the only one without the OS CD? did anyone manage to request the OEM Window 7 CD from Dell for FREE??*technically we already pay for it!!*
-Regards to Dell brilliant solution *sarcasm* for countering no OS CD by creating recovery disk, anyone have experience doing this? After creating the disc does it all the third party softwares/window OS/all settings are complied to the recovery disk? can we use the recovery disk as a 'reinstallation' of window and partition the storage??

Overall very happy with this lappy notwithstanding the CONS. :wink:

p/s:Sorry for the lengthy post in this already giant thread & tons of smilies .

 

Sorry I can't answer your questions at the bottom, Im glad you like it overall though. As for the cap lock key indicator. Something does show up in your task bar showing when the cap lock is on.

Also heat by the touchpad. Sure there is a tiny amount of heat there but nothing much really. most of my laptop is cool to the touch.

 

Did all of the above accept disable speakers because it's definitely not that. I didn't hear the noise in safe mode, but I only had it on a couple of minutes like that; I DID hear the noise using battery power.

It occurred to me that the noise I'm hearing may be the HARD DRIVE and not the fan, as the fan comes on and the noise is still there underneath the fan sound. This is a 5400 rpm harddrive. So, is it normal in the 1558 to have that very frequent noise from the harddrive?

 

Hi, In fact it is working and I am on Dell XPS studio 16 - I just would like to check and save for future reference. Also every new version has some errors corrected or updated on new information.
Where the original site is located, please?

 

I have the 7200 hard drive, but when I put my ear close to it I hear more of a clicking sound. Mine is a Seagate ST9500420AS so I can't answer your question. At least you were able to isolate the cause.

 

Hi All-

I ordered a 1558 last week on 5/11. I've been told the ship date will be 5/24. Does anyone know if the current estimates are accurate? It went into the production stage within a few hours.

Dell Studio 15 Midnight Blue* i5-520M * 4GB DDR3 1066 * ATI 4570 512MB * Backlit Keyboard * Centrino Advanced-N 6200 * 9 Cell battery * Bluetooth* SoundBlaster X-Fi HD * Windows 7 Pro 64-bit * 500GB 7200

Thanks,
Elie.

 

That stinks! I ordered mine on Friday so I don't have mine yet. I didn't consider that there might not be an OS disk. I went back through the online customization screens and didn't see anything there. Sometimes they offer the OS media for free or at most for an additional 10-20 bucks.

If I dont' get the OS disk then I'll call customer support and ask them to send it. Otherwise I'm going to have to BUY an OEM copy... which doesn't seem right.

 

Hi,

I ordered almost the same system as you, on May 6, and it arrived one week later, on May 13. The estimated delivery was three weeks, at May 27; two weeks early is pretty fast.

The Fedex tracking number they gave me was "recycled," and for the first few hours that I checked it, Fedex said my package was delivered on May 22, 2009. Eventually the tracking number started to track my package. The package arrived ONE DAY after my status at Dell changed to "Shipped." (I only paid for 3-5 day delivery, but it came NBD.)

thomas

 

Mmm so I'm considering getting this configuration

i7 1.6Ghz quad core
radeon 5470
4GB DDR3
1080p
500GB 7200rpm
9 cell battery 85Whr
bluetooth and backlit keyboard

What is the approximate battery life with the above configuration, assuming no intense video games and the like when unplugged? Also what is the weight of the studio 15?



Mmm one more thing, is the 5470 enough to run Starcraft II on high at native resolution?

 

yes it stinks! I just sent Dell an email through the support website and will call them soon *stress them*

ygohome don't go buy cause by right we had already paid for one!! they should give us the disc. *so confuse why they din't* =_=|||

 

Hey Everyone,

I purchased a Studio Desktop 540 about a month ago, which came with an OS cd (Windows 7 Home) at no extra charge...



I also just ordered a Studio 1558 i5 and I was wondering if the new studios still come with the multimedia remote found in the original Studio 15?

Thanks.

 

I have a 1458, which is similar is style to the 1558, and was wondering if your power plugs wiggle when they are connected to the laptop. I posed this question in the 1458 thread, but that doesn't get much traffic. My power cord seems very loose (wiggles at least 1/4"), especially when compared to my XPS. Thanks in advance!