Dell Studio 1555

Hmm well I'm afraid I don't know then. I'm having enough trouble with Windows 7. Have you tried doing the mod thing yourself? I think that's only what those downloads were. Pre-done ones.

 

Yeah, I ll try it out nd let u kno if it works.

 

Alright...mini-review time. First one I've made so bear with me.

I had a Studio 1535, and after many long months of dealing with Dell, I've ended up with a system exchange for a Studio 1555. Pics are of a comparison just since it's twice as useful...you can see the 1555 and see how it stacks up against its predecessor. The replacement unit specs are below with the old 1535 specs in brackets.

Screen: 15.6" 900p LED Screen (15.4" 1280 x 768)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 (T5750)
Memory: 4GB DDR2-800 (3GB DDR2-667)
Hard Drive: 250GB 5400rpm (Same)
Optical Drive: Slot-Load DVD-RW (Same)
Wireless: Intel WiFi 5100 (Dell Mini Wireless N)
Graphics: Intel X4500 (Intel X3100)
Battery: 6-cell 56WHr

Ports comparison (1535 is top, 1555 bottom):




As you can see from the pics, the 1555 is wider (due to the 16:9), but also a little shallower. Thickness looks to be about the same, and the 1555 feels a little lighter but I haven't weighed so I don't have any kind of evidence to back that up.

Build Quality:
Compared to the 1535, it looks like Dell worked out a lot of the issues (not just the touch controls). Keyboard feels much sturdier, and there is much less flex everywhere (palm rest, over the slot-load drive too). Keyboard feels just as good to type on. The new layout with the media controls works for me, and seems like a decent solution to the touch controls.

The only way I could see it being a problem is if you religiously use the F-keys. There is a setting in the BIOS and QuickSet for either multimedia-first of function-first. Which one you pick determines what you hold the Fn-key down to accomplish. eg. if you have multimedia first (the default) holding Fn-F5 in Firefox refreshed the page, but without the Fn-key it turns up the backlight.

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Screen:
I knew the screen on the 1555 was nicer when I got it this morning, but when I sat it next to the 1535 it's really obvious. The LED backlight makes an amazing difference in viewing angles, brightness settings (25% LED ~ 100% CCFL). I don't know how obvious it is in the pictures, but it's incredible. The 900p thing is just nice for extra real estate and viewing videos (which I haven't had a chance to do much of yet). It came as an upgrade on the system but I'm happy to have it. It doesn't really come across well either but the 1535 had a greeny tinge to it, whereas the colours on the 1555 were very blue, and much more crisp.

100% Brightness Comparison


Lowest Brightness Comparison


A few last things
-The new Synaptics touch pad is great. Works just as well as the old one, but the multi-touch is interesting with the new gestures. I don't know how useful they all are, but the chiral scrolling is one I'm absolutely loving and would miss if I had to go back.
-The speakers are great for a laptop. Not tinny and decent bass. I still won't be throwing away my X-530's, but it's not such a bad thing to go without sometimes now.
-I don't know if you can see it in the pics, but the speaker grill at the top is a matte black, while the bezel and keyboard surrounding-thingy (I have no idea what to call it ) are very glossy. Not a huge deal it just looks out of place.
-Facial recognition is an interesting feature, but I miss my fingerprint reader. It worked in low-light, and it was less picky. It also worked with Firefox (I haven't gotten the FastAccess to work yet). Kind of wish Dell would be less "ahead of the curve" and just stick with something tried and true. Just my 2 cents.
-Runs VERY cool. The fan has barely turned on, and when it did it was because I left it with the CPU air vent not getting good flow. The fan was actually OFF the rest of the time, which I had never seen before. The palm rest does get much warmer, but it's nothing totally uncomfortable.
-Battery life seems much better. I haven't given it a full runthrough yet, but with screen around 50% (which is still very bright), WiFi on and Power Saver, I was getting between 4.5 and 5 hours.

Overall I'm enjoying it a lot. Dell seems to be learning from some of the earlier blunders in the Studio line and improving the product a lot.

If you have more questions or want a specific photo/screenshot just let me know and I'll try and get what you need.

 

Well I see the backlight leaking wasn't fixed or improved.

 

Nice pictures! Hopefully, you will be able to post more comments after using it for a few days.

I do wish you have the ATI graphic cards, I want to see how that affects the battery life compared to Intel graphics.

 

Me too...i've ordered mine with the 256mb ati...
If it's too bad...maybe i will change the order :-s

 

Well if you can get 4.5-5h with a 6 cell and Intel, maybe getting the larger battery may help balance out the ATI GPU.

 

That is a fantastic review, alexnor. Rep for you!

 

Simply awesome review/pic's you put together..I really enjoyed reading this.

Thank you for sharing with all of us!


Cin

 

so the ati will kill the battery life? for example...Mastershroom, how much do you get wit your ati?

 

On the 6-cell, it's between 2 and 3 hours with the screen at 50% brightness, and Power Saver mode. With my Chinese knockoff 9-cell, it's close to 5 hours with those same settings, sometimes a few minutes over 5 hours depending on what I'm doing. The ATi card has an effect, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it kills the battery life.

Also, if you have P-series processor, you will have longer life since it only draws 25 Watts, compared to the T-series' 35W.

 

Um oops. Forgive me for being rude. I forgot to mention how great this guide was. Rep for you.

Is it me or are the feet shorter on the 1555? Picture angle I guess?

 

It certainly looks that way. Not that the 1535's feet were anything to write home about unless you had the 9 cell battery anyway.

Before I bought my 9-cell, I used to prop up the back edge of my 1535 with rubber erasers and thick coupon booklets.

 

Haha, sounds familiar. I used books and CDs. Currently I am using a train wreck of a cooling pad. I had to duct tape soft fabric on the front because it scratches the plastic finish.

 

I'll check it out tomorrow. Seems to me they are, but I haven't compared that yet. I'll post that and a few other things tomorrow...most of today was getting files and programs transferred over so I'll probably have some better observations after a solid day of use.

 

Lol, that's just plain ghetto.

I ended up buying a Targus Chill Mat cooling pad when I got the laptop, but now I never end up using it since it doesn't really overheat. Joke's on me.

 

LOL. You have no idea how hard I laughed at that.

 

Thanks for the pics
I'd say I would rather have height than width.
Boo 16:9

 

Took a while for me to get used to 16:9 that's for sure, but the screen is extremely crisp and clear. Those pictures don't really do it justice.

 

Thoughts?

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/dell-stays-vivacious-with-studio-14z-gets-going-at-649/

New 14 inch Studio with pretty much the same specs as the 15 except for the integrated 9400m graphics and lack of an optical drive. It does, however, sport DDR3 1067 MHz. Seems to be about $100 less than the 15, but starts at a paltry weight of 4.3 lbs.

 

Well it's nice but if you only have one main computer I'd (and did) go with the Studio 15 as a nice desktop replacement and portable.

The 14 seems more for a portable take it everywhere kind of thing.

 

Hi,
not so sure we have better monitors...

I have got a 1535 with a 1440x900 Led monitor SEC5442 (+ ATi HD 3450 256MB) and it's much better than the new one 1366X768 used in the 1555 SEC5441 (+ ATi HD4570 512 MB), as you can see; much brighter, better viewing angles and vivider colours:











By the way, what's your 1555 led monitor code?
Maybe they are using, as usual, different producers and yours is better than mine...

 

definitely better on the older one
but maybe it's a pro for privacy concerns..

 

Well, anyway I prefer watching 720/1080p movies on my old 1535... the image is sharper and much more natural and I don't have any bluish outline.

 

not too good the screen... can someone put some pictures with the 900p screen?

 

I am so upset, just looked on my order page and the estimated delivery date has changed to JUNE 25!!!!!!!!!

It was originally June 4. What the hell is going on with my order?!? Definitely time to complain to Dell. Any input would be appreciated on my issue here...

 

I've just ordered the Studio 1555 with the following specs, What do you think guys, is it a better deal or not?. Are there any extra parts/upgrades am I paying unnecessarily?.

Estimated Delivery Date: 12-June-2009

Studio 1555 : Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600(2.40GHz,1066MHz,3MB)

Display : 15.6in Widescreen High Definition (1366X768) WLED with TrueLife

Palmrest : Standard

Camera : Integrated 2.0 Mega Pixel Camera

LCD Back Cover : Jet Black Matte Finish

Ship Accessory : English Docs

Resource DVD : Studio 1555 Diagnostics and Drivers

Memory : 4096MB (2x2048) 800MHz DDR2 Dual Channel

Hard Drive 320GB SATA (5400rpm)
Optical Drive : 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including software

Power Supply : Inspiron 90W AC Adapter

Power Cord : UK 1M

Battery : Primary 6 cell 56W/HR LI-ION

Carry Case : Not Included

Graphics : 512 MB ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4570

Wireless : Europe Dell Bluetooth 370 Card

Wireless : Intel Wireless Card Label - Core 2 Duo

Wireless : Intel WiFi Link 5300 (802.11 a/g/n) Half Mini Card European

Keyboard : Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Backlit Keyboard

Operating System : English Genuine Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium (64 BIT) including Media

Software : English Microsoft Works 9.0 with Home and Student Trial

Dell Video Chat

Dell Dock 1.0

English McAfee Security Centre 10 - 30 Day Trial Version

No Warranty Upgrade

1Yr Limited Warranty - Collect & Return

No Accidental Damage Support

DataSafe Online Backup 2GB

DataSafe Online size - 2GB Trial


Studio NB - System Only


Subtotal : £558.70

Freight : £0.00

Total Net : £558.70

VAT( 15%) : £83.81

Total : £642.51

 

My screen was a 900p....pics are back on page 66 I think?

My monitor is LGD020C. The pictures really didn't show the difference, but its huge between this and my old Studio 1535, which has an SEC5441.

Also for those who were asking, the feet on the bottom of the 1555 are slightly less high than the 1535.

EDIT: Quick question. Dell installed 32-bit Vista and it's turning out to be quite a hassle to get them to send me the 64-bit disk (I have 4GB of RAM in the laptop). I'm waiting on their response after quoting some Dell Global Policy that said they had to send one. Can I just install with any Vista Home Premium 64-Bit disk? I seem to remember trying that once and it wouldn't accept my product key.

 

So the 720p screen is not as bright as the 900p screen?

Does anyone have a 1080p screen they can also take pictures off? I'm interested in the comparison.

 

hey guys new to this forum! I'm thinking about getting this laptop but have a few questions:
1. How good is this for casual gaming? I am looking forward to playing Team Fortress 2 and some older games like Battlefield 2 and Counter Strike, will this system be able to handle them with good frame rate, I would be gettin 512MB 4750 card.
2. How is the cooling system? does it get too hot or is it cool enough?
3. is the backlit keyboard too good to miss? I want it but sadly it is not available in UK. I would be ordering the system next week, hope it is available by then.
4. Is £30 extra worth it for 320GB 7,200rpm HDD? or should I stick to 320GB 5,400rpm
thx

 

1. For casual gaming, the 4570 would be able to play any of those games on max at 1600x900. I'm working on some videos to show off gameplay. So I hope I can get those up soon.

2. System gets warm towards the middle of the system around the top edge of the touchpad. It should never reach past very warm or get too warm to use on your lap. If your system is burning, something is definitely wrong.

3. The backlit keyboard is really, really cool. Have you asked kindly (complained) to Dell UK representatives?

4. Go for the 7200rpm only because of the fall sensor. Or you can get the smaller 250GB 7200rpm and upgrade later for probably cheaper.

 

I'm from Europe and we can order just 720 or 1080p monitors...
I don't think we can ask a different one calling them...

 

The product key should work as long as it's the same version, i.e. a 32-bit Home Premium key will work to install 64-bit Home Premium.

Don't let up on Dell, though. If the rep you talk to refuses to send it, call back or get on the online chat and talk to another one. That's what I ended up having to do. I ordered my 1535 with 3GB RAM and Vista Home Premium 32-bit, but I later installed 4GB, and had a bit of a headache getting Dell to ship me the 64-bit installation disk. Eventually they agreed, on the condition that they would not be able to provide software support since it's a non-standard operating system. Whatever.

The 4570 with 512MB will be way more than enough for those games. I play them all quite comfortably on my Studio 1535 with the older weaker ATi 3450 256MB.

The backlit keyboard is one of the best things about the Studio series. If you can't order one for whatever reason, you can buy one separately from a third party reseller and install it yourself. It's an extremely easy process, and it will not void your warranty. You can find the backlit keyboard at places like parts-people.com or resaleremarketing.net for around $50, and I assume they ship to the UK. I think they only have the US keyboard layout, though, which is supposedly slightly different than the UK. If it has to be the UK layout, check out eBay; get one from a reliable power seller with good ratings.

 

I want to do a 3DMark 06 Benchmark with my new 1555

I run Vista 64bit on it an at installation he asks me to install DX9 ??

I didn't do it and now 3DMark won't run. Can I install DX9 parallel to DX10 without problems or should I not try it for avoiding problems.. ?

 

I just love the F7 key on my 1555. On Spotify when an advert comes on, just hit F7 (speaker with a cross through it) and the advert gets muted until the music starts playing again. GENIUS!

 

I ran it myself with the DX9 installation. Nothing bad happened. Everything runs well. Crysis will also install DX9 components.

 

thx for the reply manofest and Mastershroom, I did ask them for the backlit keyboard and they said they have no information about it . I just dont want to install the keyboard myself coz ill probably mess it uplol. I guess its worth waiting for couple of weeks for the backlit keyboard.

 

Don't feel bad I am in the same boat. It has to do with the 1080p led. It's new and I think there supplier is behind. I dont care if it takes awile I think the 1080p will be wroth the wait with the Blueray player!

Maybe there are making the 1080p better!

 

You order this with backlit keyboard from the UK???

 

Just got my Studio 1555 this morning and wow. I don't want to jinx anything, but I think I got a solid unit. No dead/stuck pixels! This keyboard is a joy to type on. The laptop is definitely quite light for a 15.6 incher. It feels as heavy as my sister's white plastic MacBook. As others have noted the backlit keyboard is simply beautiful. I think I'm obsessed with the keyboard, it's really nice having full sized arrow keys for flash games and such

There have been no heat issues, it runs very cool and silent. I just finished wiping out all the extra partitions and am currently slapping the Windows 7 RC 1 64 bit edition on it right now -- I can't stand Dell bloatware or any other manufacturer's for that matter. I've had it for only about an hour now so I can't go into too much detail, but will post more later on. So far, I'm in love.

 

I don't get it.. you order May 7th and it got delayed until June 25th? Was there something about your order that may have delayed production like a 1080p screen? special color?
I wonder what this means for my order I placed a couple days ago. It says it's in production with a delivery estimate of june 11

 

Hey Guys,
a favour please...
Could you please upload your X-Fi CD on megaupload?

I have downloaded the X-FI MB from Asus website but when installation finishes it doesn't work on my 1555.
I need the Dell CD-Rom.

 

I've started to upload some gameplay videos of those curious about how the 4570 runs:

EDIT: Make sure to watch in HD.

Half Life 2 Episode 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GnQ2vIavZ0
Unreal Tournament 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcNLy7ktvqA

Note that FRAPS causes a dramatic drop in framerate. For Half Life 2, FRAPS effectively halved it. The second clip for Half Life 2, I forgot I was installing Unreal 3 in the background hence the sudden hiccup mid-chase.

I'll be uploading Crysis gameplay and Sins of a Solar Empire gameplay later.

 

Jeez that's horrible. I would be tearing them a new one on the phone if I were you.

Although that jump is ridiculous, at least you're not the only one getting delayed. I'm waiting for my replacement 1555 (order placed May 21), and it just got bumped to June 12th from June 5th. They even called me with an automated message saying it's been delayed.

Man, the replacement had better be freakin perfect when it arrives.

Thanks for the vids, repped you.

 

It's an extremely simple procedure, to the point that it's hard to mess anything up. The whole process only involves three screws, and two cables.

Dell's official instructions:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio1555/en/SM/keyboard.htm#wp1180346

Start by shutting down, unplugging the system and removing the battery. Inside the battery bay, there is one screw to remove. Once that's out, put it somewhere safe, and remove the hinge cover. It should just snap off with a tiny bit of force. Then, you can remove the two screws at the top of the keyboard, and then slide the keyboard up and out of the securing tabs at the bottom and sides of the keyboard. When you have the keyboard loose, lift it up to see the data cable that connects it to the motherboard. Lift the flap on the motherboard connector that holds the cable in place, and it should slide right out.

Now, on to installing the new keyboard. Connect the cables first. Note that the backlit keyboard has one extra, much smaller cable in addition to the wide data cable. This smaller cable is used to provide power to the keyboard's LED backlights. It has its own slot on the motherboard, with a similar flap to lock it in place. Secure the data cable the same way, then slide the keyboard into the securing tabs, and replace the two screws at the top edge of the keyboard. Snap the hinge cover back into place, and fasten it with the single screw from inside the battery bay. Pop the battery back in, and everything should be set.

The key backlights are controlled by a keyboard shortcut, Fn+Right arrow key. It has bright and dim settings, as well as completely off. By default, the lights are set to turn off after 30 seconds of keyboard inactivity. You can disable this or adjust this time-out period with the Dell QuickSet software. Personally, I just leave them on until I turn them off myself.

I hope you work up the courage to try it yourself. It's one of the easier user-performable modifications, and it's a great learning experience for anyone just starting to learn about laptop modification and repair.

 

I am thinking about cancelling my 1555 order. Dell quotes 7-10 days delivery times on the product page but after you place the order the estimated delivery date is well over a month - 25 June at this point.

 

Well the order is now delayed to June 11, not as bad, but still crazy long.

I called Dell today and they were apologetic about the delay. They couldn't do much over the phone, but said it's unusual and they are trying their best. I couldn't get any more information from them, as they were clueless about the reason behind the delay.

On a side note, I was polite over the phone. I'll call once more if the delay has been pushed again. If so, I will take action to get a compensation.

 

Yes, I did ordered the Backlit-Keyboard from UK thru their Sales channnel

 

I've got a question regarding the charging of the battery:

To remain the full capacity of the battery and extend its lifetime, I've heard that you should discharge the battery completely and only then start charging it again.
Also charging it completely to 100% before using it again and not disrupting the charge by pulling the powersupply...

Now here's the question:

If my battery is empty and I plug in the powersupp to continue working and for charging, but I have to leave before the battery is charged fully, so I have to shut down the lap and disconnect the powersupply. Or if you are charging and the power supply cord accidentally slips out, but you plug it in immediately again.

Do you think that will hurt the battery?

 

Thanks this has pretty much confirmed i am getting this laptop. Cant wait to get it