Dell Studio 1557

i dont see any ATI 4570 1gb available for this unit

 

i think my subwoffer is working, kind of hard to tell.

my touchpad and keybaord get quite warm on my lap, and it looks like there is a slight bulge in the the middle of my keybaord,

the thing flies after a clean install, not sure what drivers to install as win7 seems to have them

any advice?

 

Just send an email telling that i wanted to return Vista and Works because it's possible since it's in the Microsoft EULA.

 

K thanks,by the way, does anyone notice any heat issue on this unit ? I occasionally gaming so my main usage will be just surfing net,listening to music and ms-word

 

If you click back a few pages and read the rest of this thread, you'll get a good idea as to any heat issues from the current users.

 

can i ask, did anyone get a machine w/ the better screen? is it 1920x1080? and how are the viewing angles? and there were some comments abt the adapter heating up quite a bit when on load, anyone have tat issue?

 

and, i saw the specs differences list on the 1st pg.

The graphics card memory is changed from GDDR3 to DDR3. Is that going to have any impact on the graphics performance?

 

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...bIndex=&scanSupported=False&scanConsent=False

 

yeah i know where the drivers are, just wondering if its best to leave the win7 ones or go with dell

 

Always install the drivers from the hardware manufactures.Windows only installs proprietary drivers.
Ive install Intels chipset and storage drivers.
Ati latest driver.
The rest from Dells website.

 

I just ordered the 1557 - thought I would post a link to this review -

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/laptops/353653/dell-studio-1557

 

ok cheers mate

 

anyone got any advice on battery preserving?

i got the 9 cell and want to take care off it, should i give it a long charge on the first few time and then run it down?

also how can you tell if the battery is fully charged? not many lights on this lappy!

 

Anyone got a nice sleeve for it?

I want to get one but it seems like it's more rectangular and wider than most 15" laptops so wanted to make sure I could get one that fits well.

 

I know on the 6-cell there is a battery charge indicator on the battery itself!!

Take a look, it's probably on the 9-cell too :-D

 

You should not let Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer batteries run down past a certain percentage ideally.

For information on how to look after batteries, try the following links:

NBR Battery Guide
Battery University (for those who are slightly more technically inclined)

Also, earlier in this thread I mentioned to someone about the concept of replacing your optical drive with a HDD; well I came across the thread I read about it in, and here is the link:

NBR DIY SSD/HDD inplace of ODD

Regards

 

I'm back! I stumbled across another issue with my Dell 1557. I did some tests with the wired connection and frankly, they disappoint. Here's the setup: my laptop (dell) and another laptop (other) are directly connected with each other using a cat5e cable. I'm using iperf ( http://www.noc.ucf.edu/Tools/Iperf/) as a measuring tool. The other laptop achieved 900Mbit/s with ease with the same cable and a third laptop (my dell and that laptop achieved 600Mbit/s, but first read the rest).

Now the tests:
Windows 7
other: server / dell: client -> 600Mbit/s
other: client / dell: server -> 600Mbit/s

That's not really gigabit is it?
The Dell has a Realtek RTL8168D, the other laptop a RTL8168C. However the other laptop has the Realtek drivers instead of the ones in Windows, so I decided to install the Realtek drivers as well. Unfortunately, performance stayed the same. So maybe it's a Windows 7 issue. Ok then, let's try an Ubuntu live-cd!

Ubuntu
other: server / dell: client -> 400Mbit/s
dell: server / other: client -> 870Mbit/s!

These are really the actual results I got using iperf, I tested them several times and they stayed the same. Quite confusing . I know 600Mbit/s is more than enough because the HD wouldn't cope anyway but I want to get the most out of every part of my laptop. I'm looking for an SSD anyway so it would become a bottleneck then...

Comments or suggestions?

 

I'm assuming you were using the default option and therefore TCP. Try using UDP instead, and see what outcomes you get. There is a lot of administrative overhead in a TCP connection, potentially. Also note that newer versions of IPerf are available from SourceForge. To use UDP,you just stick a '-u' switch on the end of the command line at each end. When examining your results, remember that (counter-intuitively), IPerf sends data FROM the client TO the server. If you want to test the same link in both directions, one after the other, also add the '-r' switch to the client (only). Finally, you may have different TCP settings on the two machines, particularly when considering Windows vs. Ubuntu. There is a lot of command-line info available for such tests here. Or you can make life slightly easier on the eyes, and use the Java front end to IPerf, called JPerf, available from Google Code.

 

actually let me re-phrase this question..

Anyone obtained a snug fitting sleeve for the 1557 with the 9 cell battery?

 

The Belkin 15.6 is very lose fitting, even with the nine cell. It appears to be doing the job fine though.

 

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but I just ordered this 2 days ago:
1 224-6700 Studio 15 Notebook (Studio 1557)
1 317-2201 Intel Core i7-820QM Quad Core Mobile CPU
1 317-3081 6GB, DDR3, 1066MHz, 2 DIMM
1 330-2938 Back-lit Keyboard
1 320-1181 15.6 Inch Full High Definition (1080p) High Brightness LED Display with TrueLife and Camera
1 421-0161 Facial Recognition Software Application version 2.4 Compact Diskette
1 421-1777 Dell Webcam Software 1.4 Application Kit
1 330-5200 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570
1 341-9700 500G 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 330-5700 DESIGN STUDIO FEATURING 200+ DESIGNS
1 467-5641 Design Studio Image
1 330-5139 DELL RESOURCE DVD,BACK-UP, 1557
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-7938 Dell Connect 2.1
1 420-9100 Dell Dock Consumer
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
1 421-0187 Dell Support Center Software 64 Bit 2.0
1 421-0323 Windows Live Search,Multiple User Interface
1 421-1193 Download Store Links
1 421-1737 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 420-8164 Roxio Creator 10 Premiere Blu-Ray
1 421-1583 Cyberlink Power DVD 8.3 Blu-Ray Disk Playback
1 421-1445 Cyberlink PowerDVD DX 8.3 Kit
1 313-8388 2X Slot Load Bluray (BDRW) Rewritable Drive (BD Read and and Write)
1 313-4783 Integrated High Definition Audio 2.2
1 430-2955 Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGN Half Mini Card
1 410-2185 McAfee Sapphire MUI, 15-Month
1 312-0694 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
1 412-1397 No Productivity Software requested
1 950-3338 2 Year Limited Warranty
1 991-1149 Bund. LoJack Theft Recovery - 2 Year DHS
1 900-3981 CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 2 Year
1 905-2118 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus At-Home Service, Extended Year(s)
1 905-0027 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus At-Home Service, Initial Year
1 467-7772 Thanks for choosing Dell!
1 420-8652 LoJack Theft Recovery Softwarefor Laptops, 2 Year
1 904-1401 Banctec Next Business Day In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis , 1 Year Extended
1 905-1400 Banctec Next Business Day In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis , Initial Year
1 412-0360 Soft Contracts - Banctec
1 412-0358 Soft Contracts - Consumer Complete Care
1 900-8221 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty 7X24 Technical Support, 1 Year Extended
1 960-2780 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty 7X24 Technical Support, Initial Year
1 988-7707 2GB DATASAFE ONLINE 1.1 FOR SDO/DIM/INS/XPS
1 420-9518 DATASAFE ONLINE 1.1 2GB
1 988-0099 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online
1 313-8834 No Mobile Broadband Card selected
1 430-3650 Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Module (2.1)
1 420-9800 Dell Remote Access free basic to access your PCs from outside your home
1 993-1919 Dell Remote Access, free basic service - access your PCs and files from outside your home

Estimated Delivery date is December 18th, but reading this forum, it looks like this could be delayed although i hope not . I paid 2507.02 for it. What do you think of this laptop? Is it worth cancelling or any deal breaking problems for me to return without opening? Thanks!

 

Dell delivery is variable. I ordered and it got cancelled after 10 days. Re-ordered and it arrived within a week. As for the laptop, good unless you want to play games. At that price level you could get something with a much better gpu.

 

Finally ordered a Studio 1557, it took me 19 months to choose a laptop, something is wrong with me..

:: Intel i7 720QM, 1.6Ghz
:: 1080p
:: 4gb DDR3
:: 500gb 7200rpm
:: 9-cell
:: Bluetooth 365
:: Wireless 1397
:: Windows 7 Professional
:: Premium Service - 3 years Next Business Day service + 3 years Accidental Damage Support

Backlit keyboard wasn't available in Sweden, or it was but the delivery date was pushed to 60 workdays so I skipped it.

Expected delivery: December 16.

 

Well done mate. It took me just as long to decide on one myself.
There are loads of backlit keyboards on ebay, can't be hard to fit.

 

Ok guys, this is important. If you had to pick between a 1080p screen (rather then the 720p) or the 3.06GHz i7 Quad Core (rather then the 2.8 GHz one) [all processors are in the "Turbo mode" numbers.

 

Where have you ordered it from ???

 

Looks like mine is with FedEx and should be here tomorrow - I think I ordered it about 10 days ago.

Questions for guys you have this system - does Dell ship a Windows 7 CD/DVD with the system? It would seem like it is best to reinstall the OS to remote all the Dell bloatware? Any tips on that?
Thanks

 

There is no bloatware on it, unless you count the Dell Dock (or forgot to uncheck the Wildtangent Games box when you configured your system). The laptop comes with a Dell Windows disk, but I'm not sure if it's "just" Windows.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply - I did uncheck he Wildtangent Box . I guess I will leave the Windows 7 install alone.

 

I would choose the screen anytime, I think the 1080p/weight/size is studio 15's biggest strength. Allthough for me 1080p is essential so I was so happy this laptop exists since not many other 15" has 1080p.

 

New review of 1557:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Dell-Studio-1557-Notebook.23009.0.html

 

I received my 1557 on Friday and it is unuseable - whenever anything changes on the screen it blanks out, freezes for 5-60 seconds, then comes back to life with a message about the display driver having stopped working. If you try to do something (like move a window on screen or launch an application) you get the same behaviour. I reported this to Dell on Friday, but not having any reply telephoned today. After what sounds like the usual being sent around the houses they have agreed to send me a replacement in 15-20 days. Not a particularly impressive start to my relationship with Dell, particularly as it took some persuading to convince them that a new laptop should work when you take it out of the box. Keeping my fingers crossed...

Meanwhile I'm doing all my work on an Advent 4211 Netbook, which is surprisingly capable with a nice HD monitor plugged in!

 

Interesting. I don't think I've ever read a review.. no not just a review.. anything written with such outrageously flowery and awkward prose. Was that review filtered through 16 different languages in Yahoo! Babelfish or what??!

Have to take issue with the heat, noise and screen contrast comments; they obviously had a bad copy to review.

 

pity any reviews so far havent been for the 1080p screen version

 

I hope you are right

 

You hope I'm right? I am right; I've had mine for over a month now, and the contrast is fine, it's relatively quiet even when pushed hard, and it doesn't get remarkably hot.

 

I also have had one for over a month now and the screen contrast is great however I would have to disagree and say the fan is loud even on idle, put a 3D game on and it goes bloody loud even tho the CPU is only around 20% load.

Saying that it's a damn good machine and the CPU is quick, Photoshop 64 loads in less than 5 seconds! The only thing that lets it down other than the fan noise is the 3D accelerator which is pretty crappy compared to the rest of the components.

 

Erm, you'd get this with pretty much any laptop. The CPU might be pretty quiet, but I am betting top dollar that the GPU is working like crazy. Fans don't come on for the fun of it, so if your CPU is nice and cool, something else is not.

 

Yeah, I am sure the GPU is producing a good amount of heat, even so, the point is this machine is damn loud compared to other laptops that I have used.

I am wondering is there some way of getting a quieter more efficient fan inside it? How feasible would that be??

 

"The Studio 15 even reaches 58.6°C selectively in the center and gets very hot there."

unacceptable hot. reliability would be a big problem.

 

I got my studio 15 with core i7-720 last night! Been playing with it ever since.

- The 1080p resolution is too much for a 15.6" screen - Dell should offer the 900p option.
- The standard chain link high gloss black is a fingerprint magnet - I wish I had chipped in the extra $40 for the midnight blue or something.
- While I was skeptical of Windows 7 - it is a big improvement over Vista - I really like the taskbar and other more subtle improvements. It had the drivers for my network printer and all!
- Dell does not have too much bloat installed on it - and I installed most all of it except for the Dell quickset.
- This thing runs hot! But what do you expect if you want cool - get a netbook.
- The fan is always on like some people reported - particularly when you run VMs - but it is not a high pitched noise and does not bother me.
- There is some flex in the lid and the keyboard makes some more noise than other laptops - but again for the price and performance I can live with this!
- Am running Linux in a VM and the performance is excellent - VMs seem to run faster than my 2 year old Toshiba laptop!!

Overall I think I will be very happy with this purchase!

 

I believe that they do offer 900p in other countries but not in the UK for some strange reason. I won't be buying a Dell 15.6" until they do

Thanks for your impressions.

 

After receiving my second 1557 I set it all back up with Windows 7 hdd image software (worked well too).I did some testing and started heating it up by gaming about 15-20 minutes into the game it did the exact same thing "Hard Shut Down" system just cuts off.
Well im about sick off it so I opened my second 1557 up just to see what kind of cooling their using in this hot thing.Boy was surprised!!

Check out the heatpipe coming from GPU.It doesnt even go to the rear fins!! Its just attached to the side of the fan casing!!
As you can see you dont have a video card really.Its integrated graphics!!Built onto the motherboard it self.
I would expect more from Dell.

Here is the album link from imageshack.

http://img441.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=1203091904.jpg


Sorry need a fast host.

 

It is a dedicated card. It just isn't removable/doesn't use an MXM interface.

Just because it is soldered on the mobo doesn't mean it isn't dedicated

 

Speak for yourself. I love the 1080p screen, I can even read text at the default res settings with my glasses off, and if I can do that, anybody can!

I have to say I do feel sorry for people who bought this machine expecting full-on gaming performance; it quite obviously doesn't have the spec of a gaming machine, and the recent reviews have confirmed that.

@OneCool: Haha! So quick to invalidate your warranty! Lol

 

Maybe the big difference in perception of how hot it gets depends on what battery you have, with the 9 cell you obviously get more airflow?

 

It amazes me that people are afraid to admit they just blew $1000+ on a overheating,poorly designed peice of crap from Dell!!!!!
If its not integrated graphics then why is all on one pcb,and it uses turbo memory (or is it hyper-memory).Why is it not upgradable?

Thats because its built onto the motherboard and its integrated.

Even when you see proof your getting ripped off you still dont care and thats the reason why Dell just keeps spittin this junk out.

 

Hi! I received my Studio 1557 2 weeks ago. The specifications are the following:

- i7 720
- 4Gb
- 320GB
- 720p screen
- 9 cell battery
- Win7 pro

Cost: 1400$

I read in the reviews about the heat problem, however I do not have such problem. Maybe the reason is the 9 cell battery that raises the bottom of the notebook and increases the airflow. A dell latitude 430 I had was much hotter than this one. The performance is amazing, I believe that all agree on this; and the battery life not bad. One can get 5 hours of battery life with what I call "airplane" settings: no WLAN, minimum brightness and Dell extended battery life enabled. Finally, there is one thing I don't like; it is the touchpad. I think it is too sensitive. As far as it concerns the build quality, I find it a little bit "plastic" comparing with IBM. To sum up, I am satisfied with the laptop and I think its Price/Performance ratio is great.

 

Hi,
Is there any way to confirm if the HD4570 is really taking its memory from the system RAM through HyperMemory? If so I'll get dissapointed, I'm going to get the Studio 1557 soon.

Thx for any answer

 

Ha ha OneCool! Just because the GPU is soldered to the MB doesn't mean it's intergrated; plenty of laptops are like that. Maybe you should change your name to OneNotSoCool, lol