Dell Studio 1555

Will the new graphics card take a lot more power?

 

Yikes,

That is going to scratch like crazy!

 

This is the glossy topographic black lid pattern. There is a matte black pattern if you are so inclined.

 

further interesting stuff: http://www.tejiawang.com/msgdetail_225134.html

Greetz,

K.

 

Nice. 3DMark score close to the Studio XPS 16. The Radeon 4570 seems to be a great mid-range card.

 

Translation


Suitable for:
People who like to watch movie with their laptop.

Pros:
16:9 screen so that when you watch HD movie there will not be black bars;
Backlit keyboard enable you to clearly see the keys when it is dark;
Slot load ROM is very convenience;
T9400 + HD 4570 is a good spec and can satisfy most users.

Cons:
Touchpad's keys are so soft that do not feel good when use.


Benchmark, Studio 1555 (2.53GHz, 2GB DDR2, 160GB 5400rpm, 4570);
PCMark05: 5488
3DMark05: 7568
3DMark06: 4314

FYI, Studio XPS 16 (2.4GHz, 4GB DDR3, 320GB 7200rpm, 3670):
PCMark05: 6303
3DMark06@1200x800: 4855
3DMark06@1920x1080: 3501


Some other points:
Typing on the full sized keyboard which requires medium touch feels good.
Sensitivity of touchpad is good.
Easy to open the case for spec upgrade.
Heat dispel is good, after working for 4 hours, the machine is at around 34"C and 38"C, watch the pic for details. (under unknown load)
Battery life is good, 6 cell works for 4 hours 39 mins. (under unknown load)



Another short review on Whirlpool (Australian tech site)

I really want to get one, it was on 3 days sale with up to 20% off for AUD$1999 up but I was in Hong Kong, now its on $200 off with $100 up upgrade for the last day.

Its cooler than Studio XPS 16.
The GPU seems to have similar power but I guess 4570 uses less battery and produces less heat, 4000 series also sounds and feels better than 3000 series lol.

But 768 vertical pixel is really too low, and no DDR3 RAM.

If I wait for more review, the sale would be again gone lol.

 

Wow! More than twice my 3DMark06 score and 50% more battery life! What an upgrade! But my 1537 serves me very well.

Do they say anything about sound quality?

 

Better!

"is the sound quality clear and crisp?
apart from the bassiness that is"

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1138001&p=18

 

nice finds, bello1! And the Aussie youtuber has posted a followup video that shows the physical changes made to the 1555 from the earlier models, if you're interested in how it looks -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2igtBNph6Gc

 

It's looks nice, but glossy plastic around screen (((( why???

 

How long before it starts shipping in the UK?

 

only if the film has a native aspect ratio of 1.78:1. most films, however, are shot at 1.85:1 or 2.39:1.

 

I got one on order for my wife. We got the free upgrade to 4GB ram and 320GB HDD (in Singapore). Ordered it from a Dell Direct store and the salesperson there said delivery time is about 2 weeks since there have been many orders. They didn't even have a display unit at the store. Just checked my order status and it's being built right now. Hopefully I'll get it in the next 7-10 days.

PS: Great forum! I've been lurking here doing my research before this purchase. The info here has been a huge help.

 

Hi Vistri, do you live in Singapore or are you somehow getting it shipped internationally?

 

I live in Singapore. It's very rare that we get something before the rest of the world. Estimated delivery date according to the dell site is 10 Mar. Fingers crossed.

 

I ordered this model quite sometime back and I was given 11 March as delivery date, but now Dell has pushed back the delivery to 16 March. Is it usual for them to carry out business in this fashion?

 

You must not be in the USA?

 

Called Dell US today the release date for the new Studio 1555 will be March 28th. Forgot to ask if they will be accepting pre-orders.

 

March 28? Hmm.

Is anyone really happy with the new design/ features? The only thing I don't really like is the single USB port under the optical drive. Other than that, the machine looks reliable and a good buy. Comments on this?

 

The single USB port under the optical drive looks like it would be good for one of those new nano-laser logitech mice!

 

Yes you are right, I am in India!

 

Where are they selling these? Best Buy?

And maybe the concern over that USB port is because anything greater than the depth of its port size can risk any disc ejecting improperly. It could hit it, you know?

But maybe the new design makes way for the Radeon 4570 chipset.

 

Did you get that date off the website order status? I don't think it's really updated. The online status showed that I had my delivery date pushed back too (from Mar 10 to Mar 12), but I just got a call from them this morning and they'll be delivering on Mar 10.

I had been checking so many times I've already memorized my Order and Customer numbers.

 

That receiver looks small enough to put under the optical drive for good. I'm planning on getting this machine, so I really hope that's the case.

 

You'd probably be able to just pair the mouse directly to the internal bluetooth at that rate (if you opt for the bluetooth option. Which is ALWAYS a good investment these days. That and the SD slot). I haven't seen any wireless mice that aren't bluetooth based anymore outside of the dollar store cheapies.

 

So it might be earlier than March 28th for a US release?

 

hi guys,

my dad got this laptop, but i wonder the color from the screen is weird, and wonder why dell only put on the Glossy widescreen 15.6 inch LED HD display (1366 x 768) on this laptop

i think the xps 1530 or inspiron or even my own xps 16, all have better screen than it, but still, the studio 1555 it's great design, just the screen problem.

 

3rd video from the chinese aussie guy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUQOV24lwnc

Very good info
Sound volume and quality seems very impressive.
Battery also seems a lot better than what I've heard about the 1537.

I've decided to wait for this 1555. As for concerns about screen resolution, I'm going to be using this which will provide me with ample space: http://www.codeplex.com/vdm.

 

Yeah I was watching his vids.

How often does Dell update their notebook lines, especially the Studios? I want one for college, maybe I should buy one when they release in the USA, wait for eBay's cheaper prices, or Dell's outlet?

Thanks.

 

I just received my 1555 2 hours ago. Like Clement mentioned, this screen display seems a little off to me. Maybe it'll be better after I play around with the ATI settings.

If anyone needs me to measure anything or check for any features, let me know.

 

Hey victri, can u please tell us the 3dMark06 score u get (with max settings), boot up time, fps of few games and 'what u think about the grahics side'. Please mention ur specs too.
Lot of thanks in advance.

 

Hey Victri,
what is the sound card you got...is the sub woofer one enough or is it better to go for the the creative sound blaster..

 

Congrats Victri. My wait is still far from over. Customer service says it is stuck at customs clearance and will be delivered only after that!

 

Sorry guys. I haven't tested anything. Was busy with setting up my programs and home network etc. I'll post more once I've finished installing all my crap and have some time to stress test this baby.

Some initial impressions:
- This laptop connects to my D-link DIR655 flawlessly.

- The sound is alright for a laptop. Don't expect too much from the tiny subwoofer.

- display resolution is a bit low for my liking. Maybe I'm too used to my big pc monitor.

- For now, all I've done is regular surfing, configs and general tasks. The area around where you rest your palms gets slightly warm after a couple hours usage, but nothing alarming. Not as hot as I've felt with other laptops.

- I need to get a mouse to use with this laptop. The touchpad is easy to use, but a mouse would be much faster.

So far, quite a good bang for the buck in my book. I'm satisfied with the specs and performance, my wife loves the looks and the purple Plum color.

 

The 1555 is already available in China. I just ordered one, to be delivered next week. I took the 3-year warranty
They do not mention there is a subwoofer integrated. They refer (in chinese) to "Surround sound audio (delivers superior sound quality)".
http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/pro.../laptop-studio-1555?c=cn&cs=cndhs1&l=zh&s=dhs
No sound card option is available in China so I couldn't order a sound blaster.
I made sure they provide DDR2-800 because it was not explicit and previous Studio 15 were having DDR2-667.

I wanted to install XP in Dual Boot but it looks like a heel of work. So I may only try to install a virtual PC (VMware). However, for those who would like to try dual boot and clean install of XP Pro, I've found all the XP drivers in Dell Support website for 1555. >> Please share your experience ;-)

Will keep you posted once I receive it.

 

haha looks like its quite cheap in china. by the way.. using my limited chinese doesnt '带低音炮' mean a sub woofer?

 

HK still good in Simplified Chinese! Yep, it's subwoofer. I didn't notice it. But in my product description in the order, it was not there. Good news!

 

I have a feeling it may start shipping in the UK after today. They had a 10% off coupon for 2 weeks in a row that end today (which hasnt happened before as far as I can tell in the coupon history) and they've been running great special offers that will end today.

 

I don't see any 带低音炮 at the 技术规格 tab lol.

 

When do you think we could see a higher resolution screen?

I am hesitant to buy one when it releases because of it's low resolution.

 

If you have the details of your order, look for this reference:
BSC-015 Integrated Stereo Sound with Subwoofer

This should put your mind at ease.

Sorry about the poor quality pic.

 

Me too, but I doubt it.

1600x900 is not common (probably because not a movie resolution?) and 1080p is way too much especially for 15".

 

Hi guys, hi Victri,

thanks for sharing your experiences. What about the screen now? Also Victri mentioned that the screen seems to be somehow off. Was this only a remark aiming at the resolution or is the brightness and contrast sucky, too? Because the main argument for me to buy a Studio laptop was the screen really. And if it would suck... that would suck! In Germany I could still get the old model with good discounts and hopefully a great screen.
For me contrast and brightness are important. I don't care that much about a low resolution by the way.

Cheers and thanks!
Alex

 

I should have been clearer with my statement. I did not install the ATI catalyst control center, so adjustments are quite limited for me. I did manage to adjust it to my liking. Resolution is still acceptable though I wish it could be slightly higher. Viewing videos are ok, but of course not as WOW as watching on a HD TV (the HDMI output ROCKS, btw). The thing I don't really like is the viewing angle. Move my head a bit and the blacks all look grey. Other than this slight annoyance, I'm still very happy with the 1555.

 

Just got mine, only a day later than original date of delivery, Victri you were right they can deliver in advance too!

 

Can anyone make a quality review of this laptop?? I can't wait.

 

Hi victri,

thanks a lot for your quick reply! So the amazing brightness and contrast of this screen is still there? If so, I'm gonna get it as soon as it's available in Germany, too ^^! I wonder how long they will make us wait here, though...

Cheers,
Alex

 

too bad. On my (P.R.China) order, it's only a "BRM-028 -Integrated Stereo Sound", no subwoofer

thanks Victri for the RAM close up ;-)

 

You won't regret it by the extra performance "gain" you get from games .

 

The interfaces also block a large part of your screen :/